Social Work License Requirements in Virginia
- Licensure Requirements
- How Long Does it Take?
- Out-of-State Licensing
- Licensing Renewal
- Salary Expectations
- Professional Organizations
- FAQ
Virginia’s strong economy offers positive employment prospects for social workers. Part of a large metropolitan area, Northern Virginia is home to many governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, and top healthcare facilities.
Over the next decade, Virginia will need social workers to fill about 63,800 job openings each year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projections. This guide highlights Virginia’s three levels of social work licensure, available degree programs, and career and salary information.
Virginia Social Work Licensure Requirements
The Virginia Board of Social Work, a state governmental agency, oversees the licensure process for social workers in the state. A path to licensure is available to social workers with a bachelor of social work (BSW) or master of social work (MSW), according to board rules.
Virginia issues three types of social work licenses: licensed baccalaureate social worker (LBSW), licensed master’s social worker (LMSW), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). Below, we explore licensure requirements for each.
Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker
Virginia licensure requirements for LBSW include:
- CSWE-accredited bachelor’s degree in social work
- Passing score on the ASWB bachelor exam
LBSW designation is the entry-level credential for social workers in Virginia. The Virginia Board of Social Work stipulates that LBSWs can provide basic generalist services such as casework management. Their duties include client assessment, data gathering, referral services, and coordination of services. LBSWs must practice under the supervision of an LMSW or LCSW.
Licensed Master’s Social Worker
Virginia licensure requirements for LMSW include:
- CSWE-accredited master’s degree in social work
- Passing score on the ASWB master exam
LMSWs can perform many of the same duties as LBSWs without supervision. They provide non-clinical generalist services such as case management, client assessment and evaluation, and coordination of services. They may engage in policy interpretation and advocacy, assume managerial roles, and supervise other social workers.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Virginia licensure requirements for LCSW include:
- CSWE-accredited master’s degree in social work, including a 600-hour internship
- Minimum of 3,000 hours of postgraduate experience in clinical social work and ancillary services, including 100 hours of face-to-face supervision with a qualified supervisor
- Passing score on the ASWB clinical exam
LCSWs are qualified to provide one-on-one clinical services in Virginia. These professionals can autonomously diagnose and treat mental health and substance use problems. Virginia’s LCSW requirements of extensive postgraduate experience help prepare them for this clinical work. Neither LBSWs nor LMSWs complete this level of training.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Social Worker in Virginia?
Generally, it takes a minimum of four years to become a social worker in Virginia. You can obtain an entry-level LBSW credential with a four-year undergraduate degree and passing score on the associated ABSW examination.
Becoming a master social worker or clinical social worker requires additional education and training. A master’s degree in social work requires between one and three years, depending on whether you enroll as an advanced standing, part-time, or full-time student. Approximately one year, or 3,000 hours, of postgraduate experience is also required for LCSW licensure.
Out-of-State Licensing Reciprocity in Virginia
Virginia does not maintain reciprocity agreements with other states. Out-of-state social workers may qualify for LBSW, LMSW, or LCSW licensure in Virginia by endorsement.
To qualify, candidates must have an active unrestricted social work license from another state, one that is comparable to the level they intend to pursue in Virginia. Applicants must also submit evidence of their ASWB exam pass score, or evidence of an exemption. Social workers submit their application form and all supporting documents on the Virginia Board of Social Work website.
Note that Virginia is a member of the interstate Social Work Licensure Compact, which plans to begin issuing multistate social work licenses in fall 2025.
How to Renew a Social Work License in Virginia
Social workers must renew their license annually to practice in Virginia. The Virginia Board of Social Work emails renewal notices about 45-60 days before the license expiration date. Renewal requirements include 15-30 continuing education (CE) hours depending on LBSW, LMSW, or LCSW designation.
CE hours must directly relate to social work practice or another behavioral health field. Newly licensed social workers do not need to complete continuing education on the first renewal date following initial licensure.
Salary Expectations for Social Workers in Virginia
The Northern Virginia metro area, including Arlington and Alexandria, has among the nation’s highest employment levels of social workers, according to BLS data. Social workers also earn more in Virginia than the $58,380 national median annual pay.
| Occupation | Average Hourly Salary | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $27.52 | $61,680 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $29.45 | $62,000 |
| Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers | $27.92 | $63,500 |
| Social Workers, All Other | $38.16 | $78,630 |
Virginia’s need for social workers is projected to grow as 18% of the state’s social workers plan to retire in the next decade.
Projections Central data for 2022-2032 show Virginia’s social workers can expect strong job growth rates compared to the 7% national average for all social workers:
- Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers: +13%
- Healthcare Social Workers: +11.9%
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers: +8.5
- Social Workers, All Other: +8.2%
Professional Organizations for Social Workers in Virginia
National Association of Social Workers, Virginia Chapter
NASWVA offers information about regional chapters within the state, upcoming conferences, and continuing education opportunities.
Virginia Society for Clinical Social Work
VSCSW provides information and education for Virginia’s clinical social workers through professional development opportunities, advocacy for the field, and member connections.
Frequently Asked Questions About Social Work Licensure
Virginia has three levels of licensure: Licensed baccalaureate social worker, licensed master social worker, and licensed clinical social worker. LBSW is the entry-level credential for social workers in Virginia, while LCSW is the most advanced.
North Carolina Social Work License Requirements and Programs: Become a Social Worker in NC
Learn everything you need to know about North Carolina social work license requirements, available MSW programs in the state, and career and salary prospects.
