NOTE: If you are applying for supervision or licensure, please review the Licensure Process Handbook for more information.
Our mailing address is: 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Henrico, Virginia 23233
A name and/or address change may be submitted in writing using the Name/Address Change Form. Address changes may also be made online through the Online Licensing website.
All name changes must be accompanied by a marriage license, divorce decree, or court order.
Duplicate licenses may be ordered online through the Online Licensing website. The cost is $15.00
Submit a Request for Verification of Virginia License form along with a $25.00 check or money order made payable to the Treasurer of Virginia. Please note that the verification process can take approximately 5-7 business days upon receipt of your request.
Supervised experience in all settings obtained in Virginia must be approved by the Board before applicants are permitted to begin supervision toward licensure.
No, you must receive written Board approval prior to counting hours towards licensure.
No, the Board does not have a list of current supervisors, but we suggest contacting a social work association who might be able to provide this information. You can also check with other applicants who have been through the registration process.
The applicant shall submit to the Board a notarized affidavit from the present chief executive officer of the agency, corporation or partnership in which the applicant was supervised. The affidavit shall specify dates of employment, job responsibilities, supervisor’s name and last known address, and the total number of hours spent by the applicant with the supervisor in face-to-face supervision. Or, if the applicant is licensed in another state, obtain a copy of the application from their state board and submit the verification of supervision forms from that state board.
Yes, as long as it meets the requirements of the Board’s regulations. The Board is unable to make a determination as to whether this time will count until you submit a complete application for consideration.
Yes, you must stay under Board approved supervision until you have passed your examination if working in a non-exempt setting. If you have a change in supervision (i.e. a change in job duties, supervisors and/or location) you must receive board approval to continue providing clinical social work services in that setting. You must continue to meet with your supervisor weekly in accordance with Regulation 18VAC140-20-50.
If you work in a non-exempt (for-profit) setting, you are required to be a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
Work in an exempt (not for-profit) setting does not require licensure to render services.
Virginia does not issue a temporary license.
Virginia does not have reciprocity with any state. Virginia offers application by endorsement for applicants holding a social work license in good standing in another jurisdiction who have passed the necessary licensing examination. If an applicant holds an equivalent license in another jurisdiction, the Board may grant approval to sit for the licensing examination. Please review the requirements for licensure by endorsement which can be found in the regulations.
Written or electronic clinical records shall be maintained for each client to include identifying information and assessment that substantiates diagnosis and treatment plans. Each record shall include a diagnosis and treatment plan, progress notes for each case activity, information received from all collaborative contacts and the treatment implications of that information, and the termination process and summary.
Client records must be maintained for a minimum of 6 years or as otherwise required by law from the date of termination of the therapeutic relationship with the following exceptions:
a. At a minimum, records of a minor child shall be maintained for 6 years after attaining the age of majority or 10 years following termination, whichever comes later.
b. Records that are required by contractual obligation or federal law to be maintained for a longer period of time.
c. Records that have been transferred to another mental health professional or have been given to the client or his legally authorized representative.
Effective January 7, 2010, exam candidates must take the exam within 2 years of the date of initial board approval. If the candidate has not passed the exam by the end of the 2-year period, the applicant must reapply according to the requirements of the regulations in effect at that time.
You may contact ASWB to request an official score report which will be sent directly to the Board.
Virginia offers the Clinical level ASWB exam for the Licensed Clinical Social Worker application, the Master’s level ASWB exam for the Licensed Master’s Social Worker application and the Bachelor's level ASWB exam for the Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker application.
No, Virginia requires that all licensure requirements be completed before approval is granted to sit for the exam.
The applicant is notified that day at the testing site.
No, once you have taken the exam it takes about two weeks before the board office receives the official score report from ASWB. Once the board office has received the official score report the applicant is licensed that day.
No, follow the instructions in the ASBW Candidate Handbook to sit for the exam again.
You will receive the license within 30 days of the license being issued.
No. You must wait until you are issued a license from the board office. Passing the exam does not mean you are licensed.
It shall be unlawful for any person not licensed under chapter 54.1-3709 to use the title “Social Worker” in writing or in advertising in connection with a practice unless he simultaneously uses clarifying initials that signify receiving a baccalaureate or master's degree in social work from an accredited social work school or program approved by the Council on Social Work Education or a doctorate in social work.
The unlawful designation as social worker became effective on July 1, 2013.
Notwithstanding the provisions of section 54.1-3709:
If a complaint or report of a possible violation of section 54.1-3709 is made against any person who is licensed, certified, registered, or permitted, or who holds a multistate licensure privilege issued by any of the health regulatory boards within the Department of Health Professions, that complaint shall be referred to the applicable board within the Department for disciplinary action. A violation of this section shall be a Class 1 misdemeanor.
This information is available on the Virginia Board of Social Work website under “Laws and Regulations.” Please click on Laws Governing Social Work and refer to the appropriate section. (54.1-3709)
Virginia Board of Social Work
Email: socialwork@dhp.virginia.gov
Jaime Hoyle, Executive Director
Canek Aguirre, Citizen Member, Chairperson