Become a Social Worker in Virginia

Table of Contents

• Virginia Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Virginia Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
• Virginia Social Work Salary
• Virginia Social Work Scholarships

Disclaimer: Due to the rapidly changing nature of social work regulations, for the most up-to-date information on becoming a social worker in Virginia, contact the Virginia Social Work Licensing Board.

Virginia law recognizes two classes of social workers: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Social Worker (LSW). The requirements are as follows:

Virginia LCSW

Virginia LCSW Education Requirement: A master’s degree from a school of social work accredited by CSWE

Virginia LCSW Exam: Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical Level Examination

Field Requirement: 3,000 hours of supervised post-master’s clinical experience completed in no less than two years, including 100 hours of face-to-face clinical supervision under a licensed clinical social worker; between one to four hours of face-to-face supervision must be completed for every 40 hours of work experience; applicants must meet with their clients 15 hours for every 40 hours of experience

Fee: $165 application fee, $260 ASWB examination fee

Additional Information: None

Endorsement: Available upon board approval

License Renewal: Renewal Fees are due annually.. Requirements for renewal are the successful completion of 30 contact hours of continuing education, including 2 hours in ethics, and payment of a $90 renewal fee.

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Virginia LSW (Licensed Social Worker)

Virginia LSW Education Requirement: A bachelor’s or master’s degree from a school of social work accredited by CSWE

Virginia LSW Exam: Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Bachelor’s Level Examination

Field Requirement: At least 3,000 hours, or two years, of post-bachelor’s supervised experience, including 100 hours of face-to-face supervision; no fewer than one and no more than four hours of face-to-face supervision must be completed for every 40 hours of experience; no field requirement for individuals with a Master of Social Work (MSW)

Fee: $115 application fee, $230 ASWB examination fee

Additional Information: None

Endorsement: Available through board approval

License Renewal: Renewal Fees are due annually.. Requirements for renewal are the successful completion of 15 contact hours of continuing education and payment of a $65 renewal fee.

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In order to become a licensed social work practitioner in Virginia, you will need to complete prerequisite coursework, examination requirements, and, in some cases, supervised work requirements. Also, certain levels of social work in Virginia can only be reached after completing an on-campus or online master of social work program. We are committed to keeping updated information on Virginia 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.

Virginia Social Work Salary

Disclaimer: Social Worker Salary information is taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Information about social worker salaries in Virginia is subject to change. Please confirm salary information with your state before applying for licensure or renewal. Last updated: 8/22/2018.

Virginia Social Work Scholarships

Jack Kent Cook Foundation

Type: Scholarship

Amount: Up to $50,000 annually

Description: This program is offered to college seniors in or from Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia who plan to pursue a graduate or professional degree and who show evidence of the character Jack Kent Cooke admired. Applicants must be able to demonstrate financial need. Fifty scholarships will be awarded each spring for the following year. The award will provide funding for tuition, room and board, and required fees and books for up to six years of graduate study. Scholarship amounts will vary for each recipient based on several factors, including costs at the institution he or she attends. Awards cannot exceed $50,000 annually. Scholars may use the award to attend any accredited graduate school in the U.S. or abroad, to pursue any graduate degree or any professional degree, including medicine, law or business.

Hampton Roads Association of Social Workers

Type: Scholarship

Amount: $1,500

Description: The Hampton Roads Association of Social Workers is offering a $1,500 scholarship to a student pursuing graduate study in social work. Applicants should be long-time Virginia residents who can demonstrate financial need and also show a commitment to the field of social work through their education, volunteer activities or employment.

Additional scholarship information is available on the national page of social work scholarships.

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