Complete guide to obtaining your social work license in Virginia, featuring a comprehensive three-tier system and interstate compact participation.
Virginia offers a traditional three-tier licensing system accommodating bachelor's through clinical practice levels, with recent improvements to supervision requirements.
Entry-level license for BSW graduates. Allows supervised generalist social work practice including casework management, client assessment, and service coordination.
Application: $100 • Supervisor Registration: $50 • Renewal: Annual by June 30 • 30 CE hours/2 years
Advanced generalist license for MSW graduates. Allows independent non-clinical practice, supervision of other social workers, and management roles.
Annual renewal • 30 CE hours every 2 years • 10 hours max individual activities
Highest level license allowing autonomous clinical practice, including diagnosis, treatment, and preventive services for psychological and social health issues.
Independent diagnosis & treatment • Clinical supervision • 30 CE hours + 6 ethics hours
Traditional pathway with recent improvements to make testing more accessible
Graduate from CSWE-accredited BSW or MSW program with required field placements. MSW requires clinical coursework and 600-hour practicum for LCSW.
2-4 YearsMSW graduates can immediately apply for LMSW. BSW graduates can now take the exam before completing supervised experience hours.
4-6 WeeksLBSW requires 3,000 hours supervised experience. LCSW candidates must register supervisor and complete clinical experience requirements.
2-4 YearsAfter meeting experience requirements, apply for LCSW to gain independent clinical practice authority and supervision capabilities.
6-8 WeeksVirginia is a member of the interstate Social Work Licensure Compact, planning to begin issuing multistate social work licenses in fall 2025. This will allow Virginia social workers to practice across participating states.
BSW candidates can now take the ASWB Basic level examination before completing their 3,000 hours of supervised experience. Previously, the exam was only available after supervision completion.
LCSW supervisors now need only 3 years of post-licensure experience (reduced from 5 years). BSW supervision can now be provided by LSW with bachelor's degree + 3 years experience, expanding supervisor availability.
All applicants must submit a current report from the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) verifying no serious ethical or legal violations. This is required for all license levels.
All Virginia social work licenses must be renewed annually by June 30 of each even-numbered year. The Board sends renewal notices 45-60 days before expiration.
LCSW requires 600-hour clinical practicum during MSW studies. If your program's practicum was deficient, hours can be completed during your post-master's supervised experience period.
(804) 367-4441
socialwork@dhp.virginia.gov
Jaime Hoyle
Teresa Reynolds, MSW, LCSW