At a Glance
West Virginia issues four social work licenses through the West Virginia Board of Social Work (WVBSW): LSW, LGSW, LCSW, and LICSW. All require a CSWE-accredited degree and a passing score on the appropriate ASWB exam. The LICSW is the independent clinical license, requiring two years of supervised post-master’s experience and a graduate course in psychopathology.
If you want to practice social work in West Virginia, the path you take depends on how far you want to go. The state’s four-level licensing structure lets you enter the field with a bachelor’s degree and build toward independent clinical practice over time. Whether you’re just starting out or already hold a master’s degree and are ready to pursue clinical licensure, the West Virginia Board of Social Work (WVBSW) administers everything you need to know.
This guide walks through each license level, the steps to reach each level, what continuing education looks like at renewal, and what social workers actually earn in the state.
West Virginia Social Work License Types
The WVBSW issues four professional license levels, plus a provisional option for career changers. Here’s how they compare:
| License |
Degree Required |
ASWB Exam |
Experience Required |
| Provisional License |
Bachelor’s in a related field |
None |
Supervised practice |
| LSW (Level A) |
BSW (CSWE-accredited) |
Bachelors |
None post-degree |
| LGSW (Level B) |
MSW (CSWE-accredited) |
Masters |
None post-degree |
| LCSW (Level C) |
MSW (CSWE-accredited) |
Advanced Generalist |
2 years post-MSW |
| LICSW (Level D) |
MSW or DSW (CSWE-accredited) |
Clinical |
2 years post-MSW clinical, 100 supervised hours |
Each license level expands your scope of practice. The Licensed Social Worker (LSW) is the entry point for BSW graduates. The Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) is able to provide clinical and psychotherapeutic services under supervision. The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) allows you to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders. The Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) is the top credential, authorizing independent practice including psychotherapy, counseling, consultations, and evaluations with no supervisory requirement.
The Provisional License is a transitional credential for people who hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field (psychology, sociology, criminal justice, counseling) but not in social work. It allows supervised social work practice while you determine your next steps.
Steps Toward West Virginia Social Work Licensure
Every professional license level at the WVBSW shares two core requirements: a degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), and a passing score on the appropriate Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam. The process varies by license level, and the details for each are below.
Provisional License to Practice as a Social Worker
The provisional license provides a supervised entry point for people with non-social work bachelor’s degrees.
Step 1: Complete Your Degree
Earn a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Counseling, or another related field.
Step 2: Request an Application
Contact the WVBSW by email, fax, or mail to request a provisional license application. Include your name, address, phone number, academic major, university name, and graduation date.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Complete the application and return it to the WVBSW. If you meet the Board’s eligibility requirements, it will issue your Provisional License to Practice as a Social Worker.
Step 4: Submit Annual Compliance Verification
Submit an Annual Compliance Verification to the WVBSW on the Board’s schedule, confirming you’re practicing under appropriate supervision and meeting all Board requirements.
Level A: Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
The LSW is the entry-level professional license for BSW graduates. After gaining experience, LSWs may be eligible to supervise provisional licensees if they meet current WVBSW supervisor requirements.
Step 1: Earn Your BSW
Complete a Bachelor of Social Work degree from a CSWE-accredited program. Have your school send official transcripts directly to the WVBSW.
Step 2: Apply and Get Cleared to Test
Request an LSW application from the WVBSW using the License Application Request Form. Once the board approves your application, it will notify ASWB that you’re eligible to take the exam.
Step 3: Pass the ASWB Bachelors Exam
Register with the ASWB for the Bachelor ‘s-level exam. After passing and satisfying all remaining documentation and Board approval requirements, the WVBSW may issue your LSW license.
Level B: Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW)
The LGSW opens up clinical and psychotherapeutic services under supervision. MSW graduates can apply immediately after graduation, with no required post-degree experience before testing.
Step 1: Earn Your MSW
Complete a Master of Social Work degree from a CSWE-accredited program. Have your school send official transcripts directly to the WVBSW.
Step 2: Apply and Get Cleared to Test
Request an LGSW application from the WVBSW using the License Application Request Form. Once approved, the bill will verify your eligibility.
Step 3: Pass the ASWB Master’s Exam
Register with the ASWB for the Master ‘s-level exam. After passing and satisfying all remaining documentation and Board approval requirements, the WVBSW may issue your LGSW license.
Level C: Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW)
The LCSW authorizes diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders, developmental disabilities, and behavioral health conditions. It requires two years of supervised post-master’s experience.
Step 1: Earn Your MSW and Gain Experience
Hold an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program and complete two years of post-master’s social work practice experience.
Step 2: Apply and Get Cleared to Test
Request an LCSW application from the WVBSW using the License Application Request Form. Once approved, the bill will verify your eligibility.
Step 3: Pass the ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam
Register with the ASWB for the Advanced Generalist exam. After passing and satisfying all remaining documentation and Board approval requirements, the WVBSW may issue your LCSW license.
Level D: Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
The LICSW is West Virginia’s highest social work credential, authorizing fully independent clinical practice including psychotherapy, counseling, consultations, and evaluations. No supervisory requirement applies.
Step 1: Complete Your Graduate Degree and Clinical Coursework
Earn an MSW or doctoral degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program. Your graduate studies must include a supervised clinical field placement, or equivalent post-master’s clinical training approved by the WVBSW. A graduate-level course in abnormal psychology or psychopathology is also required. Confirm the Board’s coursework standards before applying.
Step 2: Complete Supervised Clinical Experience
Accumulate two years of full-time (or 3,000 hours of part-time) supervised post-master’s clinical social work experience. This must include at least 100 hours of clinical supervision. Verify the current requirements for face-to-face supervision hours directly with the WVBSW before beginning your supervised experience period.
Step 3: Apply and Get Cleared to Test
Request an LICSW application from the WVBSW using the License Application Request Form. Once approved, the bill will verify your eligibility.
Step 4: Pass the ASWB Clinical Exam
Register with the ASWB for the Clinical-level exam. After passing and satisfying all remaining documentation and Board approval requirements, the WVBSW may issue your LICSW license.
Note: A six-month temporary permit may be available for eligible applicants under current WVBSW rules while they complete the required ASWB examination. Confirm availability and conditions with the Bat at the time of your application.
If you have questions or need to request a license application, reach the West Virginia Board of Social Work directly:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (304) 400-4980
- Fax: (304) 400-4976
- Mailing address: WV Board of Social Work, PO Box 5459, Charleston, WV 25361
License Application Request Forms can be submitted by mail, fax, or email. If you’re already licensed and meet the requirements to upgrade to the next level, you can do so by submitting the upgrade form to the WVBSW. Verify the current fee before submitting materials, as fees are subject to change.
Renewing Your Social Work License
All licenses issued by the WVBSW expire every two years, on September 30 of odd-numbered years. The Board provides renewal information to licensees before expiration, but you remain responsible for tracking your renewal deadline, whether or not you receive a notice. To renew, return the completed renewal application with the required fee and attest to having completed continuing education.
As of July 1, 2022, the continuing education requirement for all regularly licensed social workers (LSW, LGSW, LCSW, LICSW) is 30 hours of approved continuing education every two years. This replaced the previous 40-hour requirement.
Provisional licensees have a separate CE requirement. Confirm current provisional CE requirements directly with the WVBSW, as they may differ based on your enrollment status in an accredited social work degree program.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Licensed Social Worker in West Virginia?
The timeline depends entirely on the license level you’re working toward. At minimum:
- LSW and Provisional licenses: approximately four years (the length of a BSW degree)
- LGSW license: approximately six years (BSW plus a two-year MSW)
- LCSW and LICSW licenses: approximately eight years (MSW plus two years of required post-graduate experience)
Social Work Degrees in West Virginia
To qualify for any license above the Provisional level, your degree must come from a CSWE-accredited program. West Virginia has multiple accredited programs at both the BSW and MSW levels, including options with online or hybrid formats. Program availability changes over time, so verify the current accreditation status and delivery formats directly with CSWE and the individual schools before applying.
A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) qualifies you for the LSW and typically takes four years to complete. BSW programs include at least 400 hours of supervised field education and require a minimum of 120 semester credits. A BSW is a direct path toward an MSW and all higher license levels.
A Master of Social Work (MSW) qualifies you for the LGSW, LCSW, and LICSW. MSW programs include at least 900 hours of field education through internships, practicums, or other supervised experiences. The MSW is the most direct route to clinical licensure and independent practice. West Virginia has CSWE-accredited MSW programs that offer online or hybrid completion options.
A doctoral degree, offered as a PhD or Doctor of Social Work (DSW), isn’t required for LICSW eligibility. Still, it remains an option for those pursuing research, teaching, or advanced leadership roles. Doctoral accreditation status and Board recognition can change, so applicants with doctoral degrees should verify current WVBSW education requirements directly before applying.
Reciprocity
If you hold a social work license at an equivalent level in another state, you may qualify for West Virginia licensure through the Board’s reciprocity or endorsement process if your credentials meet applicable standards. Follow the same application procedure for your license level, and arrange to have the following sent directly to the WVBSW:
- Your ASWB exam scores, sent directly from the ASWB
- Official verification of your out-of-state license from your state’s social work board
Social Work Salaries in West Virginia
Social work salaries in West Virginia vary by specialization and employer. BLS state wage data show variation across social work categories, with healthcare and community service management roles reporting higher averages than direct child and family services positions.
| Occupation |
Annual Mean Wage |
| Social and Community Service Managers |
$69,440 |
| Healthcare Social Workers |
$57,490 |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers |
$48,020 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers |
$47,180 |
Nationally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $61,330 for all social workers as of May 2024. Overall employment of social workers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than average for all occupations, driven in part by demand for mental health services and healthcare social work as the population ages.
Career Opportunities in West Virginia
West Virginia has a significant demand for social workers across state agencies, healthcare systems, schools, and behavioral health organizations. Several of the state’s largest employers are particularly active in this field.
The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (or its successor agencies; West Virginia reorganized its health and human services agencies in 2024) is one of the state’s primary employers of social workers, with programs covering injury prevention, children’s wellness services, economic assistance for families, adolescent services, and more. Verify the current agency structure at wv.gov before applying.
The West Virginia Bureau for Behavioral Health manages programs addressing intellectual and developmental disabilities, opioid addiction, and behavioral health services statewide, including a division focused on alcoholism and drug abuse. The agency structure should be verified against the current state organization before applying.
WVU Medicine (West Virginia University Medicine) includes five institutes and 20 hospitals across the state and the surrounding region. As one of West Virginia’s major employers, it offers substantial social work opportunities in healthcare at every level of licensure.
Kanawha County Schools is one of the largest school districts in West Virginia, employing social workers to support student well-being, attendance, and academic outcomes. Verify current enrollment and staffing figures directly with the district.
ValleyHealth has served the Huntington area for more than 40 years, providing behavioral health services that address substance abuse, autism, grief, anxiety, depression, and more.
Harmony Ridge Recovery Center offers nationally recognized addiction treatment services, including sober living facilities, inpatient treatment, and intensive outpatient options, all settings that employ licensed clinical social workers. If you’re interested in this area, see the full guide to substance abuse counselor certification in West Virginia.
Social Work Resources in West Virginia
The West Virginia Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW-WV) is the state’s local representation of the country’s largest social work membership organization. The chapter is divided into five regional branches and hosts committees focused on diversity, ethics, continuing education, legislative advocacy, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between the LCSW and LICSW in West Virginia?
Both licenses allow you to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, but the LICSW permits fully independent practice.LCSWs must work under the oversight of a higher-level professional for clinical services, while LCSWs can provide psychotherapy, counseling, consultations, and evaluations entirely on their own. The LICSW also requires passing the ASWB Clinical exam rather than the Advanced Generalist exam.
Do I need a provisional license before getting an LSW in West Virginia?
No. The provisional license is designed for people who hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field (not social work) and want to engage in supervised social work practice. If you have a CSWE-accredited BSW, you can apply directly for the LSW without going through the provisional license first.
How many hours of continuing education do licensed social workers need in West Virginia?
As of July 1, 2022, all regularly licensed social workers (LSW, LGSW, LCSW, LICSW) must complete 30 hours of WVBSW-approved continuing education every two-year renewal period. Provisional licensees have a separate 12-hour requirement per renewal period, unless enrolled in an accredited social work degree program.
Can I transfer my out-of-state social work license to West Virginia?
Yes, if your current license is equivalent and your state’s requirements are comparable to West Virginia’s. You’ll follow the same application process for your license level and arrange for your ASWB exam scores and official license verification to be sent directly to the WVBSW.
Which ASWB exam do I need to take, or the LICSW in West Virginia?
The LICSW requires passing the ASWB Clinical exam, which is the highest level offered. The LCSW requires the Advanced Generalist exam, the LGSW requires the Master’s exam, and the LSW requires the Bachelor’s exam. The ASWB administers each through Pearson VUE testing centers. Confirm the currently required exam for your license type directly with the WVBSW before registering.
Key Takeaways
- West Virginia issues four professional social work licenses (LSW, LGSW, LCSW, LICSW) plus a provisional option for career changers. Each level expands your scope of practice and requires a higher ASWB exam.
- All professional licenses require a CSWE-accredited degree. The LSW requires a BSW. The LGSW, LCSW, and LICSW require an MSW or higher. The LICSW additionally requires two years of supervised post-master’s clinical experience and a graduate psychopathology course.
- Continuing education requirements were reduced to 30 hours per renewal cycle, effective July 1, 2022, for all regular licensees. Provisional licensee CE requirements differ, so confirm current requirements with the WVBSW. All licenses expire on September 30 of odd-numbered years.
- West Virginia social work salaries range from around $47,000 for mental health and substance abuse roles to nearly $70,000 for community service managers, according to BLS state data. National employment growth for social workers is projected at 6 percent through 2034.
Ready to start your path toward social work licensure in West Virginia? Explore accredited BSW and MSW programs and find the degree that fits your goals.
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Laura Bennett, MPH is a public health professional with over 12 years of experience in community health education and program coordination. She specializes in helping aspiring professionals explore flexible education pathways, including online and hybrid public health degree programs. Laura is passionate about making public health careers more accessible through practical, accredited training
2023 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job market figures for Social and Community Service Managers, Healthcare Social Workers, Child, Family, and School Social Workers, and Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers represent state data for West Virginia, not school-specific information. National median wage and employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed May 2026.
