Become a Social Worker in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., may be recognized as our nation’s capital, but it is also home to over 4,000 social workers. This career guide to becoming a social worker in Washington explains educational requirements, how to get licensed, social work organizations to join in Washington, and more. Once you complete the steps to become a social worker, you can embark on a meaningful, fulfilling career helping others.

This career guide for how to become a social worker in Washington D.C. explains educational requirements, how to get licensed, Washington D.C social work organizations to join and more. Once you complete the steps to become a Washington  D.C social worker, you can embark on a meaningful, fulfilling career helping others.

The information below was retrieved in January 2026 and is intended only as a high-level overview. Requirements may change; always check with the state licensing board for the most current information.

Howard University

School of Social Work

infoAD

Master of Social Work (MSW)

The online Master of Social Work program from Howard University School of Social Work prepares students for advanced direct or macro practice in culturally diverse communities. Two concentrations available: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice. No GRE. Complete in as few as 12 months.

  • Concentrations: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice
  • Complete at least 777-1,000 hours of agency-based field education
  • Earn your degree in as few as 12 months

info AD

Common Steps to Become a Washington, D.C. Social Worker

Before becoming a social worker in Washington, D.C., you must earn at least a bachelor’s degree in social work and a social work license, depending on what career path you choose. Education, field experience and licensure can help you achieve your social worker career goals. For how to become an LCSW in Washington and advance your career, follow these steps, summarized by the DC Board of Social Work as of January 2026.

Steps to Become a Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA) or Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) in Washington, D.C. 

The application process to become an LSWA or LGSW in D.C. is essentially the same. However, applicants looking to become an LSWA may apply with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) while becoming an LGSW requires a minimum of a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. These degrees must be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Becoming an LSWA allows you to practice general social work under the supervision of a licensed independent social worker (LISW) or a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW), while being an LGSW allows you to practice both clinical and non-clinical social work under supervision.

Submit your application

DC Health requires applicants to complete the online application and upload/submit the supporting documents listed on the Board’s New License by Examination checklist (Revised Oct 2024), including identification, a passport-type photo, a work experience form, references, and official transcripts. Additional information may be required if you plan to apply for licensure through endorsement.

Criminal background check

DC Health requires a criminal background check (CBC). Fingerprints are submitted electronically through Fieldprint, and Fieldprint forwards the FBI report to DC Health and the Board. Mailing materials to Fieldprint generally applies only in special situations (for example, certain out-of-country card-based submissions).

Pass the ASWB exam

Applicants must pass the ASWB exam at the required level for the license they’re seeking, and submit validated exam results to the Board. ASWB lists the exam registration fee as $230 for the Associate, Bachelors, and Masters exams.

Receive your LSWA/LGSW license

You will receive your license once you have completed all of the above steps. 

Steps to Become a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) or a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Washington, D.C. 

The application process to become an LSWA or LGSW in D.C. is essentially the same. However, applicants looking to become an LSWA may apply with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) while becoming an LGSW requires a minimum of a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. These degrees must be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Becoming an LSWA allows you to practice general social work under the supervision of a licensed independent social worker (LISW) or a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW), while being an LGSW allows you to practice both clinical and non-clinical social work under supervision.

Submit your application

DC Health requires applicants to complete the online application and upload/submit the supporting documents listed on the Board’s New License by Examination checklist (Revised Oct 2024), including identification, a passport-type photo, a work experience form, references, and official transcripts. Additional information may be required if you plan to apply for licensure through endorsement.

Criminal background check

DC Health requires a criminal background check (CBC). Fingerprints are submitted electronically through Fieldprint, and Fieldprint forwards the FBI report to DC Health and the Board. Mailing materials to Fieldprint generally applies only in special situations (for example, certain out-of-country card-based submissions).

Pass the ASWB exam

Applicants must pass the ASWB exam at the required level for the license they’re seeking, and submit validated exam results to the Board. ASWB lists the exam registration fee as $230 for the Associate, Bachelors, and Masters exams.

Receive your LSWA/LGSW license

You will receive your license once you have completed all of the above steps.

Steps to Become a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) or a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Washington, D.C. 

LISW/LICSW applicants use the same online application pathway as other DC social work licenses, but must also submit supervision verification documentation as required by the Board. DC Health publishes a current ‘New License by Examination’ checklist (Revised Oct 2024) that outlines what must be submitted and how. Those looking to pursue either license must have completed an accredited MSW or Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degree program. Becoming an LISW allows you to practice non-clinical social work without supervision and clinical social work under supervision if working toward an LICSW license, whereas being an LICSW allows you to practice both clinical and non-clinical social work with no supervision required after licensure.

Earn valid supervised social work experience

LISW and LICSW applicants must document 3,000 hours of supervised practice, including at least 100 hours under immediate face-to-face supervision by a qualified supervisor.

Submit your application

The documentation to be included is the same as for the LSWA and LGSW; however, an additional supervision verification form is required to report social work experience hours. Additional information may be required if you plan to apply for licensure through endorsement.

Criminal background check

DC Health requires a criminal background check. Fingerprints are submitted electronically through Fieldprint, and Fieldprint forwards the FBI report directly to DC Health and the Board.

Pass the ASWB exam

After Board approval, LISW applicants take the ASWB Advanced Generalist exam and LICSW applicants take the ASWB Clinical exam. ASWB lists the exam fee as $260 for the Advanced Generalist and Clinical exams.

Receive your LISW/LICSW license

Once you have completed all of the above steps, you will receive your license. 

License Renewal

According to the DC Board of Social Work, licenses have historically expired July 31 of odd-numbered years, but DC Health has also moved to a birth-month-based expiration schedule for applicable licenses issued on or after June 16, 2024 (expiring the last day of the licensee’s birth month). You are required to complete 40 hours of approved continuing education to renew, and current guidance specifies that at least 28 hours must be completed in person or via a live interactive webinar (meaning up to 12 hours may be in non-live/independent formats).

Social Work Degree Programs in Washington, D.C. 

Washington, D.C. offers several social work degrees to choose from. An associate degree in a related field (such as human services or social services) can help students complete foundational coursework for entry-level support roles and may transfer toward a future BSW, depending on the school.

A BSW is the minimum degree for DC’s entry-level social work license (LSWA), while higher license levels, such as the LGSW, require a master’s degree (or doctorate) from a CSWE-accredited social work program. A BSW can also enable a student to enter an advanced standing MSW program, where they may be able to complete an MSW in about one year. A BSW also prepares students for entry-level social work positions. Here are some universities in Washington that are offering fully accredited BSW programs:

Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs in Washington, D.C. 

MSW programs in Washington teach students advanced social work theories and practical knowledge. These degree programs include coursework on topics such as human development, social work policy, intervention and social work practice for poverty, oppression and trauma. 

There are full-time, part-time and advanced-standing MSW programs available in D.C. The following are all fully CSWE-accredited MSW programs based in Washington, D.C.:

Online MSW Programs in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. has multiple CSWE-accredited MSW programs that offer online study options, including The Catholic University of America, Gallaudet University, and Howard University.

Online MSW programs typically cover the same core competencies as campus programs and still require supervised field education; course delivery and faculty assignments may vary by school.

Syracuse University

School of Social Work at Falk College

infoAD

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Syracuse University’s online Master of Social Work program does not require GRE scores to apply and is focused on preparing social workers who embrace technology as an important part of the future of the profession. Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks are available.

  • Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks
  • No GRE required
  • Concentrate your degree in integrated practice or clinical practice

University of Denver

Graduate School of Social Work

infoAD

Master of Social Work (MSW)

The University of Denver’s Online MSW Program is delivered by its top-ranked school of social work and offers two programs. Students can earn their degree in as few as 12 months for the Online Advanced-Standing MSW or 27 months for the Online MSW.

  • Complete the Online Advanced-Standing MSW in as few as 12 months if you have a BSW; if you do not have a BSW, the Online MSW Program may be completed in as few as 27 months.
  • No GRE Required
  • Customizable pathway options include Mental Health and Trauma or Health, Equity and Wellness concentrations

Simmons University

Simmons School of Social Work (SSW)

infoAD

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Aspiring direct practitioners can earn their MSW online from Simmons University in as few as 9 months. GRE scores are not required, and the program offers full-time, part-time, accelerated, and advanced standing tracks.

  • Prepares students to pursue licensure, including LCSW 
  • Full-time, part-time, and accelerated tracks 
  • Minimum completion time: 9 months

Hawaii Pacific University

School of Social Work

infoAD

Master of Social Work

The online Master of Social Work prepares aspiring social work leaders to develop a multicultural social work practice, advocate for social and economic justice, and empower diverse communities affected by systemic inequities within civilian and military-focused areas. 

  • Learn how to develop a multicultural social work practice.  
  • Pending accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
  • Complete in 18 months full time, or in 36 months part time on the traditional track.
  • Complete in 12 months full time or 24 months part time on the Advanced Standing Track. 

info AD

Learn more about MSW Programs:

Social Work Salaries in Washington, D.C. 

The average salary earned by social workers in Washington depends on the role, environment and location. However, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that, in general, higher educational attainment is associated with higher earning potential.

Washington Social Work CareersNumber of Social Workers in WashingtonAnnual Mean Social Work Salary
Child, family and school social workers
2,800
$80,040
Healthcare social workers
490
$92,240
Mental health and substance abuse social workers
640
$81,300
Social Workers, all other
300
$106,090

Information on the above social work salaries in Washington, D.C., was retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: District of Columbia in January 2026.

Learn more about different social work salaries.

Washington, D.C. Social Work Scholarships 

For those just starting on their path to social work, there are social work scholarships available to pursue a social work degree in D.C.. Be sure to check with your preferred university for other available financial aid options.

Washington, D.C. Social Worker Organizations

There are countless local and national associations and organizations with goals to promote, develop and protect the practice of social work and social workers. Better social work means better solutions for issues such as welfare, child welfare, elderly welfare, healthcare reform and other issues affecting the disadvantaged populations in Washington and beyond.

  • National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Metro DC Chapter: This chapter of NASW works to unite social workers for professional development and to advocate for local and national issues related to professional service delivery and practice. As a local chapter, the Metro DC Chapter seeks to address public policy issues in collaboration with the NASW.
  • Greater Washington Society for Clinical Social Work: This membership-driven, nonprofit organization supports licensed and pre-licensed clinical social workers practicing across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Northern Virginia.

FAQ

Does Washington, D.C. offer social work license reciprocity?

Washington, D.C. allows licensure by endorsement for out-of-state applicants, although the District does not have an automatic reciprocity agreement with other jurisdictions. Out-of-state applicants must hold an equivalent license, meet DC’s education requirements, submit official license verifications from every jurisdiction where they’ve ever been licensed, request an ASWB score transfer sent directly from ASWB, complete a criminal background check and NPDB self-query, and submit the online application with the $230 application and license fee.

What are the social work continuing education requirements in Washington, D.C.?

Washington, D.C. social workers must complete 40 hours of approved continuing education per renewal period, including 6 hours in ethics and 2 hours on LGBTQ topics, and current DC Health guidance also requires 28 of the 40 hours (including ethics) to be completed in person or via a live interactive webinar (so only up to 12 hours can be in non-live/independent formats). DC Health renewals have historically run on a July 31 cycle with a $145 renewal fee and a 60-day grace period (with an additional late fee), but DC Health has also moved to birth-month-based expirations for licenses issued on/after June 16, 2024 (expiring the last day of the licensee’s birth month). 

What is the best way to look up my social work license in Washington, D.C.? 

The best way to look up your social work license in Washington, D.C. is to use DC Health’s online “Search for a License” verification portal. You can search by license number or by your first and last name to view your license type, status, and other public details on record.

Information last updated: January 2026