Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) / Virginia
2026 data Virginia board official source

Virginia Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

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Provides mental health counseling. Requires MSW degree and clinical hours.

What the Virginia data shows for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)s

To practice as a licensed clinical social worker (lcsw) in Virginia, the state licensing board requires 3,405 documented education or training hours, a passing score on ASWB Clinical Exam, and 2 years of supervised work experience. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under Virginia's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Master of Social Work (MSW)".

Budget $146 to get started, plus $126 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. Maintaining the license requires 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

For licensed clinical social worker (lcsw)s, the reciprocity picture is: Social Work Licensure Compact: adoption underway.

Licensing Requirements in Virginia

Education / Training Hours
Master of Social Work (MSW)
3,405 hours
Exam Requirement
ASWB Clinical Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$146
Renewal Fee
$126
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
2 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) All Virginia licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Virginia licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Virginia? ▼
Virginia's requirements cover 3405 hours of education or training, the ASWB Clinical Exam exam, and an initial fee of $146. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Virginia? ▼
Virginia licenses licensed clinical social worker (lcsw)s who complete its requirements (3405 education hours, 2 years of experience) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Virginia licensing board.
Can I transfer my Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license to Virginia from another state? ▼
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licenses generally reciprocate as follows: Social Work Licensure Compact: adoption underway. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The Virginia licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Virginia require a background check for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the licensed clinical social worker (lcsw) licensing process in Virginia. The state licensing board determines which offenses disqualify an applicant and how appeals are handled.
What are the continuing education requirements for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Virginia? ▼
Licensed licensed clinical social worker (lcsw)s in Virginia must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $126.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.