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

West Virginia Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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

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

To practice as a licensed clinical social worker (lcsw) in West Virginia, the state licensing board requires 3,284 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 West Virginia's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Master of Social Work (MSW)".

Budget $125 to get started, plus $110 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. The license also carries an ongoing 30-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

On reciprocity, licensed clinical social worker (lcsw)s should know: Social Work Licensure Compact: adoption underway.

Licensing Requirements in West Virginia

Education / Training Hours
Master of Social Work (MSW)
3,284 hours
Exam Requirement
ASWB Clinical Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$125
Renewal Fee
$110
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
2 years

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in West Virginia? ▼
West Virginia's requirements cover 3284 hours of education or training, the ASWB Clinical Exam exam, and an initial fee of $125. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in West Virginia? ▼
West Virginia licenses licensed clinical social worker (lcsw)s who complete its requirements (3284 education hours, 2 years of experience) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the West Virginia licensing board.
Can I transfer my Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license to West Virginia from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for licensed clinical social worker (lcsw)s: Social Work Licensure Compact: adoption underway. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the West Virginia licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does West Virginia require a background check for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for licensed clinical social worker (lcsw) licensing in West Virginia. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in West Virginia? ▼
To stay licensed as a licensed clinical social worker (lcsw) in West Virginia, plan on 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $110.

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.