Become a Social Worker in Washington D.C.
Table of Contents
Disclaimer: Due to the rapidly changing nature of social work regulations, for the most up-to-date information on becoming a social worker in Washington D.C., contact the Washington D.C. Social Work Licensing Board.
District of Columbia law recognizes four classes of social workers: Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW), Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) and Licensed Social Worker Associate (LSWA). The requirements are as follows:
Sponsored Online Social Work Programs
Sponsored Online Social Work Programs
| School |
Program Description |
| University of Denver |
- Research-driven faculty dedicated to making an impact on social problems
- Prepares you to apply social work skills across practice settings
|
| Fordham University |
- Four areas of focus: Individuals and Families, Organizations and Community, Evaluation, and Policy Practice and Advocacy
|
| Simmons University |
- Four Clinical Specializations: Child and Family, Trauma and Interpersonal Violence, Mental Health and Addictions, and Health and Aging
- Three program tracks: Traditional, Accelerated, and Extended
|
| Case Western Reserve University |
- From Case Western Reserve University’s top-10 ranked School of social work
- Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks available
|
| University of Southern California (USC) |
- Offered by USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, a top-ranked graduate School by U.S. News and World Report
- Features virtual and in-person field education in or near student's own communities
|
| Baylor University |
- Ethically integrates faith and social work practice
- Specialize in clinical practice or community practice
|
Sponsored Online Social Work Programs
D.C. LICSW Education Requirement: A
master’s degree or a doctorate in social work from a CSWE-accredited program
D.C. LICSW Exam: Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical Level Examination
Field Requirement: 3,000 hours of post-master’s/doctoral experience, including 100 hours supervised by an LICSW completed over two years
Fee: $230 license application fee, $260 ASWB examination fee, $50 criminal background check fee (new applicants only)
Additional Information: Must be 18 years of age and three character references (two submitted by working professionals), photocopy of one government issued ID, two passport photos, and criminal background are required.
Endorsement: Available upon board approval
License Renewal: Licenses expire on July 31 of every odd-numbered year. Requirements for renewal are the successful completion of 40 hours of continuing education (including 6 hours of Ethics and 3 hours of HIV/AIDS training) and payment of $145 renewal fee.
D.C. LISW Education Requirement: A
master’s degree or doctorate in social work from a CSWE-accredited program
D.C. LISW Exam: Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Advanced Generalist Level Examination
Field Requirement: 3,000 hours of post-master’s/doctoral experience, including 100 hours supervised by an LISW completed over a minimum of two years but not more than four years
Fee: $230 license application fee, $260 ASWB examination fee, $50 criminal background check fee (new applicants only)
Additional Information: Must be 18 years of age and three character references (two submitted by working professionals), photocopy of one government issued ID, two passport photos, and criminal background are required.
Endorsement: Available upon board approval
License Renewal: Licenses expire on July 31 of every odd-numbered year. Requirements for renewal are the successful completion of 40 hours of continuing education (including 6 hours of Ethics and 3 hours of HIV/AIDS training), and payment of $145 renewal fee.
D.C. LGSW Education Requirement: A
master’s degree or doctorate in social work from a CSWE-accredited program
D.C. LGSW Exam: Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master's Level Examination
Field Requirement: None
Fee: $230 license application fee, $230 ASWB examination fee, $50 criminal background check fee (new applicants only)
Additional Information: Must be 18 years of age and three character references (two submitted by working professionals), photocopy of one government issued ID, two passport photos, and criminal background are required.
Endorsement: Available upon board approval
License Renewal: Licenses expire on July 31 of every odd-numbered year. Requirements for renewal are the successful completion of 40 hours of continuing education (including 6 hours of Ethics and 3 hours of HIV/AIDS training), and payment of $145 renewal fee.
D.C. LSWA Education Requirement: A bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program
D.C. LSWA Exam: Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Bachelor's Level Examination
Field Requirement: None
Fee: $230 license application fee, $230 ASWB examination fee, $50 criminal background check fee (new applicants only)
Additional Information: Must be 18 years of age and three character references (two submitted by working professionals), photocopy of one government issued ID, two passport photos, and criminal background are required.
Endorsement: Available upon board approval
License Renewal: Licenses expire on July 31 of every odd-numbered year. Requirements for renewal are the successful completion of 40 hours of continuing education (including 6 hours of Ethics and 3 hours of HIV/AIDS training), and payment of $145 renewal fee.
In order to become a licensed social work practitioner in D.C., you will need to complete prerequisite coursework, examination requirements, and, in some cases, supervised work requirements. Also, certain levels of social work in D.C. can only be reached after earning a Master of Social Work. We are committed to keeping updated information on D.C. social work licensure policies available to you.
Disclaimer: There may be additional methods of certification that have not been covered here. Please contact your state social work licensing department for more information. Last updated 09/06/2018.
Washington D.C. Social Work Salary
Disclaimer:
Social Worker Salary information is taken from the
Bureau of Labor Statistics. Information about social worker salaries in District of Columbia is subject to change. Please confirm salary information with your state before applying for licensure or renewal. Last updated: 8/22/2018.
Washington D.C. Social Work Scholarships
