Virginia Social Work Licensure: Complete Guide 2025
Virginia licenses three levels of social workers: LBSW (Bachelor's level), LMSW (Master's level), and LCSW (Clinical level). LBSW requires a BSW and passing the ASWB Bachelor's exam. LMSW requires an MSW and passing the ASWB Master's exam. LCSW requires an MSW, 3,000 clinical hours over 2-4 years, and passing the ASWB Clinical exam. Mental health social workers in Virginia earn a median salary of $63,530.
Virginia Social Work Licensing Requirements
Social workers provide care and services at many levels in our society. At their highest level, they function as fully trained and expert mental health professionals. They can also be found running social services programs, acting as vocational counselors, and helping vulnerable populations. If you're interested in pursuing a career in social work, understanding Virginia's licensure requirements is the critical first step toward professional practice.
In Virginia, the Virginia Board of Social Work regulates three levels of social work licensure: Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Master's Social Worker (LMSW), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). This comprehensive guide explains each credential level, the specific requirements for each license, salary expectations, and the timeline you can expect from education through full licensure.
Table of Contents
- Three Levels of Virginia Social Work Licensure
- Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) Requirements
- Licensed Master's Social Worker (LMSW) Requirements
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Requirements
- The Importance of CSWE Accreditation
- Timeline to Licensure in Virginia
- Virginia Social Work Salaries
- Continuing Education Requirements
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Key Takeaways
Three Levels of Virginia Social Work Licensure
Virginia recognizes three distinct levels of social work licensure, each building on the previous level and requiring additional education, examinations, and supervised experience. Understanding these levels helps you plan your educational and professional path.
| License Level | Education Requirement | Supervised Experience | Examination Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) | Bachelor's in Social Work (CSWE-accredited) | None required | ASWB Bachelor's Level |
| Licensed Master's Social Worker (LMSW) | Master's in Social Work (CSWE-accredited) | None required | ASWB Master's Level |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) | Master's in Social Work with clinical focus (CSWE-accredited) | 3,000 clinical hours (2-4 years) | ASWB Clinical Level |
Each license level expands your scope of practice. LBSWs practice generalist social work under supervision. LMSWs can practice independently and supervise others. LCSWs provide clinical mental health services, including diagnosis, psychotherapy, and treatment.
Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) Requirements in Virginia
The LBSW is the entry-level license for social workers in Virginia. It allows you to practice generalist social work under the supervision of an LMSW or LCSW. LBSW holders typically work in case management, community organizing, advocacy, and support services.
Education Requirements for LBSW
You must hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Your BSW program must include approximately 120 semester credits and at least 400 hours of field education practicum. Virginia accepts BSW degrees from any regionally accredited institution, provided the social work program is CSWE-accredited.
Examination Requirements for LBSW
You must pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Bachelor's level examination. This exam costs $230 and tests knowledge of human development, assessment, intervention planning, and professional ethics at the generalist practice level. You must complete all educational requirements before the Virginia Board will approve you to sit for the exam.
Application Process for LBSW
Submit an online application through the Virginia Board of Social Work that includes:
- Official academic transcripts from your CSWE-accredited BSW program
- ASWB Bachelor's examination results (sent directly by ASWB)
- Criminal background check
- Application fee of $115
The Board typically processes complete applications within 7-10 business days after receiving your official exam results.
Licensed Master's Social Worker (LMSW) Requirements in Virginia
The LMSW license allows you to practice social work independently at the master's level. LMSWs can provide direct services, supervise LBSWs and unlicensed staff, engage in program management, and work in leadership roles. Unlike the LBSW, the LMSW does not require post-graduate supervised experience.
Education Requirements for LMSW
You must earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited program. Your MSW program must include advanced coursework in social work theory, research methods, policy analysis, and human behavior. All CSWE-accredited MSW programs require at least 900 hours of field education practicum covering both generalist and specialized practice.
Examination Requirements for LMSW
You must pass the ASWB Master's level examination. This exam costs $230 and tests advanced generalist knowledge, including macro practice, program development, supervision, and advanced assessment skills. The exam is more comprehensive than the Bachelor's-level exam, but it doesn't cover clinical diagnosis or treatment.
Application Process for LMSW
Submit an online application that includes:
- Official transcripts from your CSWE-accredited MSW program
- ASWB Master's examination results
- Criminal background check
- Application fee of $115
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Requirements in Virginia
The LCSW is Virginia's highest level of social work licensure. It qualifies you to provide autonomous clinical mental health services, including psychotherapy, mental health diagnosis, and treatment of psychological and emotional disorders. LCSWs can maintain independent practices and bill insurance directly for clinical services.
Education Requirements for LCSW
You must hold an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program with a clinical concentration. Your program must include:
- At least 12 credit hours of practice theory
- At least 12 credit hours of explanatory theory
- At least three credit hours of psychopathology
- Coursework addressing diversity, culture, at-risk populations, and social justice
- A minimum 600-hour clinical field placement focused on assessment, diagnosis, and treatment
Not all MSW programs offer clinical concentrations, so it's essential to verify that your program meets Virginia's clinical education requirements.
Clinical Supervision Requirements for LCSW
Following your MSW graduation, you must complete 3,000 hours of post-graduate clinical social work experience. According to Virginia regulations, this supervision must be completed within a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 4 consecutive years. Your clinical experience must include:
- 3,000 total hours of direct clinical practice with clients
- At least 100 hours of face-to-face clinical supervision
- Minimum 50 hours of individual supervision (remainder can be group)
- Work must involve the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions
Your clinical supervisor must hold an active, unrestricted LCSW license in Virginia and have at least 3 years of post-licensure clinical social work experience. Supervisors who haven't previously supervised LCSW candidates must complete either a 3-credit graduate course in supervision or approved supervisor training.
Examination Requirements for LCSW
You must pass the ASWB Clinical level examination. This exam costs $260 and is the most challenging of the ASWB exams, testing advanced clinical knowledge, including differential diagnosis, treatment planning, evidence-based interventions, and clinical ethics.
Application Process for LCSW
Submit an online application that includes:
- Official transcripts from your CSWE-accredited clinical MSW program
- ASWB Clinical examination results
- Detailed supervision verification forms documenting 3,000 clinical hours
- Documentation of 100 hours of clinical supervision
- Criminal background check
- Application fee of $140
The Importance of CSWE Accreditation
Virginia requires that all social work degrees used for licensure come from programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This accreditation ensures programs meet rigorous educational standards and prepare graduates for professional practice. Without CSWE accreditation, your degree won't qualify you for licensure in Virginia.
The Virginia Board may grant exemptions in rare circumstances, typically for individuals already licensed in related disciplines like medicine or psychology. If you're planning a career in social work, verify that the program is CSWE-accredited before enrolling.
Virginia offers numerous CSWE-accredited programs at both bachelor's and master's levels. You can explore social work degree programs in Virginia to find options that fit your schedule, location, and career goals, including online and hybrid formats.
Timeline to Licensure in Virginia
Understanding the time investment required for social work licensure helps you plan realistically. Here are typical timelines for each licensure path, assuming continuous full-time enrollment and employment:
LBSW Path (Bachelor's Level)
- Years 1-4: Complete BSW from CSWE-accredited program (4 years full-time, includes 400+ hour practicum)
- During final year or after graduation: Register for and pass ASWB Bachelor's exam ($230)
- After passing the exam, submit the LBSW application ($115) and receive licensure within 2-3 weeks.
- Total time from high school to LBSW: 4-4.5 years
LMSW Path (Master's Level)
- Years 1-4: Complete bachelor's degree (any field, or BSW for advanced standing)
- Years 5-7: Complete MSW from CSWE-accredited program (2 years full-time standard program, or 1 year advanced standing with BSW, includes 900+ hour practicum)
- During final semester or after graduation: Register for and pass ASWB Master's exam ($230)
- After passing the exam, submit the LMSW application ($115) and receive licensure within 2-3 weeks.
- Total time from high school to LMSW: 6-7 years (5-6 years with BSW advanced standing)
LCSW Path (Clinical Level)
- Years 1-4: Complete bachelor's degree (any field, or BSW for advanced standing)
- Years 5-7: Complete MSW with clinical concentration from CSWE-accredited program (2 years full-time, includes 600+ hour clinical practicum)
- Years 7-11: Complete 3,000 clinical hours under LCSW supervision (2-4 years as required by Virginia regulations)
- During the supervision period: Complete 100 hours of clinical supervision and pass the ASWB Clinical exam ($260)
- After requirements met: Submit LCSW application ($140) and receive licensure within 2-3 weeks.
- Total time from high school to LCSW: 8-11 years
Important Note: These timelines assume continuous full-time enrollment and employment. Part-time study, employment arrangements, breaks in supervision, or program delays will extend these timeframes. Many social workers pursue licensure while balancing work and family responsibilities, which may add 1-3 years to these estimates.
Virginia Social Work Salaries (2024). According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024 data), social workers in Virginia earn competitive salaries that vary by specialization, experience level, and geographic location. Virginia's proximity to Washington, D.C., and its diverse healthcare landscape contribute to strong earning potential for licensed social workers.
| Social Work Specialization | Median Annual Salary | Entry Level (10th Percentile) | Experienced (90th Percentile) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mental Health & Substance Abuse Social Workers | $63,530 | $46,990 | $99,990 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $55,860 | $46,580 | $77,520 |
LCSWs typically earn toward the higher end of these ranges, particularly those in private practice or specialized clinical settings. LBSWs generally start near the lower percentiles, while LMSWs and experienced LCSWs command higher salaries.
Additional factors that influence social work salaries in Virginia include:
- Geographic location: Northern Virginia (Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun counties) and the D.C. metro area typically offer 15-25% higher salaries than rural areas
- Practice setting: Federal government, hospitals, and private practice often pay more than nonprofit organizations or school systems
- License level: LCSWs earn significantly more than LBSWs due to their independent practice capabilities
- Specialized certifications: Additional credentials in trauma, addiction, or specific therapeutic modalities increase earning potential
- Years of experience: Salaries typically increase 2-5% annually with experience
Continuing Education Requirements
Virginia requires licensed social workers to complete continuing education (CE) to maintain their licenses. All licenses expire biennially on June 30 of even-numbered years. CE requirements vary by license level:
LBSW and LMSW Continuing Education
- 15 hours of CE every two years
- Minimum 3 hours must cover ethics, standards of practice, or Virginia laws governing social work
- At least 10 hours must be from Category I (formally organized learning activities)
- Maximum 5 hours from Category II (individual professional activities like publishing, teaching, or self-study)
LCSW Continuing Education
- 30 hours of CE every two years
- A minimum of 6 hours must cover ethics, standards of practice, or Virginia laws governing social work.
- At least 20 hours must be from Category I
- Maximum 10 hours from Category II
CE Guidelines and Exemptions
Continuing education is not required for your first license renewal. The Virginia Board may grant extensions or exemptions for circumstances such as temporary disability, active military service, or declared disasters. You must maintain documentation of completed CE activities for at least two years following each renewal period.
Approved CE providers include the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), universities, ASWB-approved organizations, and other accredited continuing education providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I practice social work in Virginia without a license?
No. Virginia law requires licensure to practice social work or use the title "social worker" in professional contexts. Practicing without proper credentials is illegal and can result in penalties. Limited exemptions exist for certain nursing home and hospice employees who meet federal qualifications.
Does Virginia accept social work licenses from other states?
Yes, Virginia offers licensure by endorsement for social workers licensed in other states. You must hold an active, unrestricted license equivalent to the Virginia license level you're applying for. Virginia does not have automatic reciprocity agreements, so the Board reviews each application individually to determine equivalency of education, examination, and experience requirements.
How much do the ASWB exams cost?
- ASWB Bachelor's exam (for LBSW): $230
- ASWB Master's exam (for LMSW): $230
- ASWB Clinical exam (for LCSW): $260
Exam fees are non-refundable. Virginia application fees are separate: $115 for LBSW and LMSW, $140 for LCSW.
What's the difference between LBSW, LMSW, and LCSW in Virginia?
LBSWs practice generalist social work under supervision and cannot provide clinical services independently. LMSWs practice independently at the master's level, can supervise others, and engage in program management, but cannot offer clinical psychotherapy or make mental health diagnoses. LCSWs have advanced clinical training and can provide mental health diagnosis, psychotherapy, and treatment independently, including maintaining private practices.
Do I need to be an LBSW or LMSW before becoming an LCSW?
No, you can pursue LCSW licensure directly after earning your clinical MSW. Many social workers progress from graduation to LCSW supervision without first obtaining LBSW or LMSW status. However, some choose to obtain LMSW licensure while completing their LCSW supervision hours.
How long does it take to get licensed once I submit my application?
The Virginia Board typically processes complete applications within 7-10 business days after receiving your official ASWB exam results. Total time from application submission to licensure is usually 2-3 weeks, assuming all documentation is complete and accurate. You can check your application status through the Virginia Department of Health Professions online portal.
Can I use the LBSW, LMSW, or LCSW designation after passing the exam?
No. Passing the exam does not make you licensed. You must wait until the Virginia Board officially issues your license before using any protected titles or practicing as a licensed social worker. Using these titles before receiving your license is illegal.
Key Takeaways
- Virginia licenses three levels of social workers: LBSW (Bachelor's), LMSW (Master's), and LCSW (Clinical)
- LBSW requires a CSWE-accredited BSW and passing the ASWB Bachelor's exam with no post-graduate supervised hours
- LMSW requires a CSWE-accredited MSW and passing the ASWB Master's exam with no post-graduate supervised hours
- LCSW requires a clinical MSW, 3,000 clinical hours completed within 2-4 years, 100 supervision hours, and passing the ASWB Clinical exam
- Mental health and substance abuse social workers in Virginia earn a median salary of $63,530 (2024 BLS data)
- The complete path from high school to LCSW typically takes 8-11 years with full-time enrollment and employment.
- Continuing education is required: 15 hours biennial for LBSW/LMSW, 30 hours biennial for LCSW
- Virginia accepts licenses from other states through endorsement, but does not have automatic reciprocity.ty
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2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers and Healthcare Social Workers are based on state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary—data accessed October 2025.
