Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)-Initial Registration of Supervision

First Time License - Application for Initial Registration of Supervision

This application is for individuals who have completed the educational requirements of 18VAC140-20-49 and would like register for post-master’s degree supervised experience 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.

Follow these steps to apply for Initial Registration of Supervision

• 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.

• Review the Application Instructions for Initial Registration of Supervision for Licensure as a Clinical Social Worker for the documents needed to submit with your online application.
• Gather and request the necessary documents.

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 ‘Registration of Supervision’ as the License Type.
• Select ‘Application’ as the Obtained by Method.
• Click ‘Start Application’.

Complete the Required Fields

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:

• Verification of Education & Field Placement/Practicum Hours form
• Supervisory Contract. See, a sample supervisory contract to use as a template is available on the Board’s website.
• Proof of your supervisor’s completion of the required training in supervision.
• Proof of Name Change
• Supporting Documentation for any criminal convictions, past actions, or possible impairments.

Within the online application portal, pay the application fee.

• The fee for Registration of Supervision is $50.00.
• All fees are nonrefundable.

• You will receive automated emails from socialwork@dhp.virginia.gov with your application status.
• You can also visit the Online Checklist to view the status of your application.
• If your name or address changes prior to receiving approval to begin your supervised experience, notify the Board as soon as possible in writing by submitting the Name/Address Change Form.
• Contact the Board with any questions: socialwork@dhp.virginia.gov or TEL: (804) 367-4441.