Become a Social Worker in West Virginia

Start your social work career amidst the winding Appalachian Trail, the 165-feet deep Seneca Caverns and a statewide network of approximately 4,340 social workers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Nationally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects overall employment of social workers to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034.

This guide for how to become a social worker in West Virginia outlines educational requirements, how to get licensed, social work organizations to join and more. Once you complete the steps to become a social worker in West Virginia, you can embark on a meaningful, fulfilling career helping others in the Mountain State.

Information below was retrieved February 2026 and is only meant to be a high-level overview. Requirements may change, always check with the state licensing board for complete and up to date information.

Common Steps to Become a West Virginia Social Worker

Before becoming a social worker in West Virginia, you must earn a CSWE-accredited bachelor’s degree in social work and a social work license, depending on what career path you choose. West Virginia issues a Regular License in four levels, LSW, LGSW, LCSW, and LICSW, and also offers other credential options such as a Temporary Permit and Provisional License in certain situations. There may also be additional requirements, such as a background check and clinical supervision, such as a Temporary Permit and Provisional License, based on your goals. Below are the steps for obtaining each type of license in West Virginia; this information was gathered from the West Virginia Board of Social Work Examiners website.

1. Earn a CSWE-accredited social work degree

To become a licensed social worker in West Virginia, you will have to complete a bachelor’s degree program in social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). You can pursue these degrees in West Virginia through various formats, including full time, part time and online.

2. Pass the required ASWB exam and complete any experience/supervision required for your license level

West Virginia has four levels of social workers, according to the state’s licensing board, with increasing requirements:

• Licensed social worker (LSW): A person with an accredited bachelor’s degree in social work who has passed the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) bachelor’s exam.
• Licensed graduate social worker (LGSW): A person with an accredited master’s degree in social work who has passed the ASWB Intermediate exam.
• Licensed certified social worker (LCSW): A person with an accredited master’s or doctoral degree in social work who has passed the ASWB Advanced Generalist exam. Those seeking this license must also have 2 years of postgraduate social work practice.
• Licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW): A person with an accredited master’s or doctoral degree in social work who has passed the ASWB clinical exam. Those looking to pursue this license must also verify at least 3,000 hours of employment and 100 hours of direct supervision.

3. Get licensed

Once you’ve completed your hours and experience, you may apply to become a licensed social worker in West Virginia.

Learn more on how to become a social worker.

Social Work Degree Programs in West Virginia

Across the United States, social work degree programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). In West Virginia, there are many accredited bachelor’s and master’s programs in social work. A CSWE-accredited BSW can qualify you for advanced standing in some MSW programs, which typically means you skip the foundational MSW curriculum and may be able to finish more quickly, sometimes in about one calendar year with full-time study. As of 2026, the following schools offer CSWE-accredited BSW programs in West Virginia:

• Bethany College
• Concord University
• Marshall University
• Shepherd University
• West Liberty University
• West Virginia State University
• West Virginia University

In West Virginia, the LSW can be earned with a CSWE-accredited BSW, but the state’s advanced licenses (LGSW, LCSW, and LICSW) generally require a CSWE-accredited MSW plus additional exam and/or experience requirements. Some individuals further their education and experience in social work by pursuing a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degree.

Social Work Licenses in West Virginia

West Virginia’s Regular License consists of four levels: Level A (LSW), Level B (LGSW), Level C (LCSW), and Level D (LICSW). In West Virginia, the LSW (Level A) is available to applicants with a CSWE-accredited BSW, while the advanced license levels generally require a CSWE-accredited MSW, the appropriate ASWB exam, and (for higher levels) postgraduate experience. The details below are based on the West Virginia Board of Social Work licensure descriptions for Levels A–D.

Licensed social worker (LSW) in West Virginia

An LSW may provide generalist social work services such as assessment, planning, intervention, counseling, evaluation, case management, and work in areas like social advocacy, community organization, and administration/program development (within the LSW scope of practice).

• Education Requirement: Bachelor of Social Work degree
• Field Requirements: None
• Exams: ASWB Bachelor’s exam
• License Renewal (Regular License): 40 hours of WV Board-approved continuing social work education every two years

Licensed graduate social worker (LGSW) in West Virginia

An LGSW may provide generalist social work services and may conduct clinical or psychotherapeutic services only under the clinical supervision of an experienced, credentialed behavioral health professional.

• Education Requirement: Master or Doctorate of Social Work degree from a CSWE-accredited program
• Field Requirements: None
• Exams: ASWB Intermediate level exam
• License Renewal: 30 hours of WV Board-approved continuing social work education every two years (effective July 1, 2022)

Licensed certified social worker (LCSW) in West Virginia

A Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) may perform all duties within the scope of an LSW and LGSW and may apply social work theory and methods to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of psychological dysfunction, including emotional and mental disorders and developmental disabilities, and may determine behavioral health diagnoses using commonly accepted diagnostic taxonomies.

• Education Requirement: Master or Doctorate of Social Work degree from a CSWE-accredited program
• Field Requirements: Two hours of post-MSW social work practice experience
• Exams: ASWB Advanced Generalist exam
• License Renewal: 30 hours of WV Board-approved continuing social work education every two years (effective July 1, 2022)

Licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) in West Virginia

An LICSW may perform all duties within the scope of lower license levels and may practice independent clinical social work within the LICSW scope of practice.

• Education Requirement: Master or Doctorate of Social Work degree from a CSWE-accredited program
• Field Requirements: At least 3,000 hours (two years) of post-graduate social work employment and at least 100 hours of face-to-face supervision
• Exams: ASWB clinical exam
• License Renewal: 30 hours of WV Board-approved continuing social work education every two years (effective July 1, 2022)

Social Work Salaries in West Virginia

Social worker salaries in Florida will depend on your role, environment and location. However, the BLS reports that, generally, the higher the educational attainment, the greater the earning potential.

Information on the above social work salaries in West Virginia was retrieved from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: West Virginia in February 2026.

West Virginia Social Work Scholarships

West Virginia offers several state and school-based funding options that may help reduce the cost of earning a BSW/MSW or repaying qualifying education loans. Because eligibility varies widely, always confirm current requirements and deadlines with the program sponsor.

• West Virginia PROMISE Scholarship
• Strengthening Training for Addiction Recovery (STAR) Project (WVU)
• Barrett Community Development Scholarship (WVU School of Social Work)

West Virginia Social Work Organizations

West Virginia social workers can connect with a mix of statewide professional associations and service-provider networks that support the profession through advocacy, continuing education, and workforce development. Better social work means better solutions for welfare, child welfare, elderly welfare, healthcare reform and other issues affecting the disadvantaged populations in West Virginia and beyond.

• National Association of Social Workers (NASW) West Virginia Chapter: NASW was founded in 1955, and is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world. NASW works to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, to create and maintain professional standards, and to advance social policy. The West Virginia Chapter supports members through professional development, standards, and social policy advocacy.
• West Virginia Behavioral Healthcare Providers Association: Located in Charleston, West Virginia, the association’s members are behavioral healthcare provider organizations serving recipients across the state’s 55 counties. All are committed to creating and sustaining healthy and secure communities. Vital to this commitment is a network of organizations and advocates promoting services of unparalleled value.
• Clay-Battelle Health Services Association: This organization has served the communities of northern West Virginia through locations in Blacksville and Burton since 1973. Medical and behavioral health services providers collaborate at both locations.