Associate Social Worker/Social Worker Registration License in Virginia
Quick Answer
Virginia licenses social workers at three tiers, with the LCSW requiring 3,000 supervised clinical hours. The ASWB exam is required. Total estimated initial costs are approximately $480. Virginia has strong demand, especially in Northern Virginia's integrated DC labor market and in military communities.
- Exam
- ASWB Exam (level varies)
- Total Cost
- $480 (est.)
- Timeline
- 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing)
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
Associate Social Worker/Social Worker Registration registration in Virginia
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $150
- Exam Fee
- $230
- Renewal Fee
- $100
- Total Estimated Cost
- $480
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Associate Social Worker/Social Worker Registration license in Virginia. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Virginia licensing board.
Associate Social Worker/Social Worker Registration Salary in Virginia
Entry Level
$39,910
Median
$86,690
Experienced
$117,640
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Associate Social Worker/Social Worker Registration in Virginia.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$150.
- 3
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing).
Associate Social Worker/Social Worker Registration Licensing in Virginia: What to Know
Virginia licenses social workers through the Board of Social Work under the Department of Health Professions, offering Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credentials. The LCSW requires an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program, the ASWB Clinical exam, and at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience over a minimum of two years. Continuing education of 30 hours is required biennially. Virginia was among the states that actively considered modifying the ASWB exam requirement due to racial disparities in pass rates. Northern Virginia's proximity to Washington, DC creates a large integrated social work labor market. Virginia has strong demand for social workers in the Hampton Roads, Richmond, and Northern Virginia regions, with rural southwest Virginia facing significant workforce shortages. Virginia Commonwealth University has one of the nation's top-ranked social work programs. Virginia's large military and veteran population generates significant demand for social workers, and the state offers military spouse licensing accommodations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Associate Social Worker/Social Worker Registration license cost in Virginia?
- The estimated total cost is $480, including application fees, exam fees ($230), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Associate Social Worker/Social Worker Registration license in Virginia?
- The process typically takes 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Associate Social Worker/Social Worker Registration license in Virginia?
- You need to pass the ASWB Exam (level varies). N/A
Considering another state?
Compare Associate Social Worker/Social Worker Registration requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.