Become a Social Worker in West Virginia

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 West Virginia, contact the West Virginia Social Work Licensing Board.

West Virginia law recognizes four classes of social workers: Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) and Licensed Social Worker (LSW). 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

West Virginia LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker)

West Virginia LICSW Education Requirement:  A master’s degree or doctorate in social work from a CSWE-accredited program and/or a Ph.D. or DSW degree in social work from a university that is accredited by the CSWE.

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

Field Requirement: 3,000 hours of supervised part-time post-master’s clinical practice are required or two years of supervised full-time post-master’s clinical practice, including 100 hours of supervision, at least 60 hours of which must be in face-to-face meetings with the clinical supervisor. The clinical supervisor must be licensed as an LICSW.

Fee: $100 license fee, $260 ASWB examination fee

Additional Information: None

Endorsement: None

License Renewal: Renewal is required every two years. Requirements for renewal are twelve (12) hours of CSWE accredited social work courses as designed and approved by the Board and the successful completion of 40 hours of Board approved continuing education and payment of $85.

Return to top

West Virginia LCSW (Licensed Certified Social Worker)

West Virginia LCSW Education Requirement: Master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program

West Virginia LCSW Exam: Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Advanced Generalist Level Examination

Field Requirement: Two years of post-graduate social work experience.

Fee: $100 license fee ($55 to upgrade from a lower West Virginia social work license), $260 ASWB examination fee

Additional Information: None

Endorsement: None

License Renewal: Renewal is required every two years. Requirements for renewal are twelve (12) hours of CSWE accredited social work courses as designed and approved by the Board and the successful completion of 40 hours of Board approved continuing education and payment of $85.

Return to top

West Virginia LGSW (Licensed Graduate Social Worker)

Education Requirement: Master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program

West Virginia LGSW Exam: Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s Level Examination

Field Requirement: None

Fee: $100 license fee ($55 to upgrade from a lower West Virginia social work license), $230 ASWB examination fee

Additional Information: None

Endorsement: None

License Renewal: Renewal is required every two years. Requirements for renewal are twelve (12) hours of CSWE accredited social work courses as designed and approved by the Board and the successful completion of 40 hours of Board approved continuing education and payment of $85.

Return to top

West Virginia LSW (Licensed Social Worker)

Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program

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

Field Requirement: None

Fee: $100 license fee, $230 ASWB examination fee

Additional Information: None

Endorsement: Available upon board approval

License Renewal: Renewal is required every two years. Requirements for renewal are twelve (12) hours of CSWE accredited social work courses as designed and approved by the Board and the successful completion of 40 hours of Board approved continuing education and payment of $85.

Return to top

In order to become a licensed social work practitioner in West Virginia, you will need to complete prerequisite coursework, examination requirements, and, in some cases, supervised work requirements. Also, certain levels of social work in West Virginia can only be reached after earning a Master of Social Work. We are committed to keeping updated information on West 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.

West Virginia Social Work Salary

West Virginia Social Work Salary
West Virginia Social Work Career Average Social Work Salary
Child, Family and School Social Workers $37,460
Healthcare Social Workers $49,690
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $31,660
All Other Social Workers $71,380
Salary Increase from BSW to MSW +$9,000

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

West Virginia Social Work Scholarships

For social work financial aid options, check out our social work scholarships page.

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

Licensure information including requirements, renewals, and fees were retrieved as of August 2018. Information may have changed since, check with the state’s board of licensing for more information.