APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS - Licensure by Examination - Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Marry

Application instructions for Licensure by Examination to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Virginia. Covers eligibility after completing educational requirements and post-master’s supervised experience under 18VAC140-20-49 and 18VAC140-20-50, step-by-step submission actions, and timelines for Board review. Includes guidance on mailing the application, non-refundable fee, required documentation, responding to correspondence, and using the online checklist for status. Provides rules on complete vs. incomplete filings, reapplication if not finished within one year, and requirements regarding personal information, address disclosure, and submission consequences for false or omitted information.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages7

Reading Time18 min

AccessFree to download

Application Instructions

Eligibility and Preparation

Submission Steps and Mailing

Review Timelines and Application Status

Rules, Guidelines, and Legal Requirements

Examination Application Checklist

Application and Fee

NPDB Self-Query

Verification of Clinical Supervision

| Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300 Henrico, VA 23233-1463
| Email: [socialwork@dhp.virginia.gov](socialwork@dhp.virginia.gov)
Phone: (804) 367-4441 E-Fax: (804) 977-9915 [Website:](Website: www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/SocialWork/)[ ](Website: www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/SocialWork/)[www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/SocialWork/](Website: www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/SocialWork/) | | --- | --- | | APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS LICENSURE BY EXAMINATION LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER (LCSW) | | --- | | 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) . | | APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Follow these steps to apply for Licensure by Examination:
1. Read the Laws and Regulations regarding the Practice of Social Work in Virginia and utilize the detailed information in the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Handbook for detailed information about the required documents and process to obtain a license.
2. Gather and Request ALL the necessary documents in the checklist BEFORE submitting your application. A complete application provides the best opportunity to avoid delays in the review and approval process.
3. Mail the application, non-refundable fee, and required documentation to:
Department of Health Professions
Attn: Board of Social Work
Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300
Henrico, VA 23233
4. Wait for Board review of your application and reply to any correspondence from the Board.
o Applications that are complete, fully documented, and meet the minimum requirements for the Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work will be reviewed within 30 days of receipt of a complete application.
o Incomplete applications remain active for one year from the date of payment, after which incomplete application files are destroyed as outlined in the Library of Virginia records retention and disposition schedules. If your application is not completed in the one-year timeframe, you are required to re-apply by submitting a new application, fee, and documentation pursuant to the regulations at that time.
o Your online checklist will be your primary source of application status.
o As documentation is received and reviewed, your checklist will be updated, and an automated email will be sent to you 24 hours later. | RULES AND GUIDELINES • In order to be considered for Licensure as Clinical Social Worker, you must meet the requirements outlined in 18VAC140-20-40 . • Please notify the Board in writing within 30 days of a name change or address change by completing the Name/Address Change form. • Providing false or misleading information as well as omitting information in response to information requested in the application or as part of the application process is considered falsification of the application and may be grounds for denial of or taking disciplinary action against an existing registration, certification, or license. • Pursuant to Virginia Code § 54.1-2400.2 addresses of licensees are made available to the public. Normally, the Address of Record is the publicly disclosed address. If you do not want your Address of Record to be made public, you may provide a second publicly disclosable address (e.g. work or practice address) . If you would like your Address of Record to be publicly available, please complete both sections with the same address on the application. • Pursuant to Virginia Code § 54.1-116 (A) , you are required to submit your social security number, or your control number issued by the Virigina Department of Motor Vehicles. If you fail to do so, the processing of your application will be suspended, and fees will not be refunded. This number will be used by the Department of Health Profe

FAQs

What is required to apply for LCSW licensure by examination in Virginia?

Applicants must complete the educational requirements under 18VAC140-20-49 and the post-master’s degree supervised experience required by 18VAC140-20-50. The instructions also direct applicants to use the LCSW Handbook for document and process details.

What are the key steps to submit the examination application?

Applicants should read the Virginia laws and regulations, gather all checklist documents before submitting, then mail the application, non-refundable fee, and required documentation to the Department of Health Professions, Board of Social Work at the Perimeter Center address. After submission, applicants must wait for Board review and respond to Board correspondence.

How does the Board handle complete versus incomplete applications?

Complete, fully documented applications that meet the regulations governing social work practice are reviewed within 30 days of receipt. Incomplete applications remain active for one year from the date of payment, and if the application is not completed within that timeframe, applicants must re-apply with a new application, fee, and documentation.

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Marry