Looking to become a social worker in West Virginia? You’ve come to the right spot! While there are similarities in licensing requirements from state to state, each state is unique. In addition to providing the essentials below, you can click the link we have provided for West Virginia’s official licensing body. There you can find additional information on potential requirements like background checks, state-to-state license transfers, and continuing education requirements. We hope this handy guide assists in your efforts to become a certified social worker in your state!
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In West Virginia, it is possible to be licensed as a social worker with either a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an accredited institution. The designation Licensed Social Worker (LSW) is granted to social workers with Bachelor’s degrees. The designations Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW), Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) require education at at least the master’s level.
Licensed Social Worker (LSW) is the basic licensing level. The LSW must have a bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited college or university whose social work program is approved or accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The candidate for the LSW licensure must pass an exam as prescribed by the Board, then the LSW is prepared to assume the beginning level professional role in public and private social service agencies.
The Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) must have a master of social work or a doctor of social work degree from a college or university approved or accredited by the CSWE. The candidate for licensure at the LGSW level must pass an exam as prescribed by the Board. A Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) requires a master’s and two years of appropriate work experience (unsupervised).
The Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) must have a master of social work or a doctor of social work degree from a college or university approved or accredited by the CSWE. Prior to application for the clinical exam, The LICSW must have received at least 100 hours of supervision provided by an LICSW over the course of at least tw0 years. The LICSW candidate must pass an exam as prescribed by the Board.
Any licensed social worker must ensure at least 2 of the 40 contact hours shall be in mental health conditions specific to veterans and family members of veterans. Relevant training may include but not be limited to: inquiring whether clients are veterans or family members of veterans; screening for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder; readjustment issues; risk of suicide and prevention of suicide; addiction; military sexual assault; depression and grief. The Board will also accept courses addressing military culture as it relates to improving the cultural core competencies of practitioners.
LSW Requirements:
- Education: Bachelor’s
- ASWB Exam: Bachelor’s-Level
- Supervision: N/A
LGSW Requirements:
- Education: Master’s
- Supervision: N/A
- ASWB Exam: Master’s-Level
LCSW/LICSW Requirements:
- Education: Master’s
- Supervision: 2 years
- ASWB Exam: Clinical