Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - By Examination
First Time License - Application by Examination
This application is for individuals who have completed the educational requirements of 18VAC140-20-49, have completed the post-master’s degree supervised experience required by 18VAC140-20-50, and would like approval to take the ASWB Clinical level examination towards becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
Requirements for Application:
Education: Successfully graduate with a master’s degree in social work with a clinical course of study from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program. A clinical course of study means graduate course work that includes specialized advanced courses in:
- Human behavior and social environment,
- Social justice and policy,
- Psychopathology,
- Diversity issues,
- Research,
- Clinical practice with individuals, families, and groups, and
- A 600-hour clinical practicum that focuses on diagnostic, prevention, and treatment services.
If practicum hours were deficient, hours can be completed in your Board-approved post-master’s degree supervised experience.
Experience: Have completed a Board-approved post-master’s degree supervised experience consisting of:
- Delivered 3,000 hours of clinical social work services.
- Met with your supervisor for a minimum of 1 hour per 40 hours of work experience, and a maximum of 4 hours per 40 hours of work experience for a total of 100 hours of individual face-to-face supervision
- Provided face-to-face client contact in the delivery of clinical social work services for a minimum of 1,380 hours.
- Completed your supervision within a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 4 consecutive years.
Follow these steps to apply for Licensure by Examination
Step 1. Read:
- Laws regarding the Practice of Social Work in the state of Virginia
- Regulations regarding the Practice of Social Work in the state of Virginia.
- LCSW Licensure Process Handbook. This handbook provides detailed information about the required documents and process to obtain a license.
Step 2. Gather & Request Supporting Documentation:
- Review the Application Instructions for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) by Examination for the documents needed to submit with your online application.
- Gather and request the necessary documents.
Step 3. Apply:
Do not start the online application until you have requested or obtained the applicable documents from Step 2. Submitting incomplete applications will delay the review and approval process.
Begin the Online Application:
- Register for an Account or Login if you have an existing account.
- Select ‘Initial Application’ from the menu.
- Select ‘Social Work’ as the Profession.
- Select ‘Licensed Clinical Social Worker’ as the License Type.
- Select ‘Examination’ as the Obtained by Method.
- Click ‘Start Application’.
Complete the Required Fields
Step 4. Upload Documentation:
Within the online application portal, upload the applicable documentation. PDF file format is preferred.
The following are possible documents you may be required to upload within the online application portal:
Step 5. Pay the Fee Online:
Within the online application portal, pay the application fee.
- The fee for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is $165.00.
- All fees are nonrefundable.
Step 6. Wait for Board Approval: (up to 30 days from complete application)
