Become a Social Worker in West Virginia
Table of Contents
- West Virginia Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
- West Virginia Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- West Virginia Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW)
- Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
- West Virginia Social Work Salary
- West 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 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
- Join the #16 ranked Howard University School of Social Work1
- Four program tracks: Advanced Standing, Accelerated, Full Time and Extended
- Research-driven faculty dedicated to making an impact on social problems
- Prepares you to apply social work skills across practice settings
- Four areas of focus: Individuals and Families, Organizations and Community, Evaluation, and Policy Practice and Advocacy
- Three certificates: Trauma Practice, Mental Health Practice or Practice with Groups and Families.
- Four program tracks: Advanced Standing, Accelerated, Full Time and Extended
- Three academic departments: Adult Mental Health and Wellness; Children, Youth – and Families; and Social Change and Innovation
- Features field education in or near students’ own communities.
- Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks
- Concentrate your degree in integrated practice or clinical practice
- Ethically integrates faith and social work practice
- Specialize in clinical practice or community practice
- CWRU’s Mandel School is a top-10 ranked graduate school of social work (2019).1
- Three paths of study are available to prepare social work leaders to work in clinical or community practice.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 completing an on-campus or online master of social work program. 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 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
- Join the #16 ranked Howard University School of Social Work1
- Four program tracks: Advanced Standing, Accelerated, Full Time and Extended
- Research-driven faculty dedicated to making an impact on social problems
- Prepares you to apply social work skills across practice settings
- Four areas of focus: Individuals and Families, Organizations and Community, Evaluation, and Policy Practice and Advocacy
- Three certificates: Trauma Practice, Mental Health Practice or Practice with Groups and Families.
- Four program tracks: Advanced Standing, Accelerated, Full Time and Extended
- Three academic departments: Adult Mental Health and Wellness; Children, Youth – and Families; and Social Change and Innovation
- Features field education in or near students’ own communities.
- Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks
- Concentrate your degree in integrated practice or clinical practice
- Ethically integrates faith and social work practice
- Specialize in clinical practice or community practice
- CWRU’s Mandel School is a top-10 ranked graduate school of social work (2019).1
- Three paths of study are available to prepare social work leaders to work in clinical or community practice.
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.