Become a Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) in the District of Columbia
AKA: District of Columbia LGSW License
What's Here? - Table of Contents
The District of Columbia licenses LGSWs through the
DC Board of Social Work — Licensure.
As an LGSW, you provide assessment, treatment planning, and psychotherapy within DC rules in settings such as integrated primary care, school-based programs, and community agencies.
To qualify, complete a CSWE-accredited MSW, apply via the
DC Health online portal, and arrange to take the ASWB Master’s exam at
ASWB. DC procedures can be updated; rely on the Board’s pages linked here when you file.
| Item | What to Prepare | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Degree & Accreditation | MSW from a CSWE-accredited program | CSWE — Accreditation |
| Associate/Pre-licensure Registration | Register at the Board (if required) | DC Board of Social Work — Licensure |
| Supervised Experience | Board-format verification & supervisor details | DC Board of Social Work — Rules & Statutes |
| Law & Ethics / Jurisprudence | Complete if required by the Board | Licensure details |
| Clinical/National Exam | Register for the ASWB Master’s exam | ASWB — Exams & Registration |
| Application | Submit application & fees | DC Health — Online Portal |
| Renewal | Continuing education & renewal filing | Renewal information |
Labels mirror the Board’s typical wording. If instructions differ, follow the Board’s page.
Everything here is scoped to DC—direct links to the DC Health portal, Board pages, and ASWB. Verified numbers and steps are taken from the Board so you don’t lose time to outdated summaries.
Tip: Create a single folder for transcripts, receipts, supervisor info, and confirmations. DC requests follow-ups often; tidy files save days.
LGSWs serve DC’s diverse communities across schools, healthcare, nonprofits, and agencies—connecting clients to services and providing treatment within their scope.
The DC Board of Social Work administers LGSW licensure and standards.
An LGSW license validates graduate-level competency in DC and is the usual first step toward advanced clinical licensure (e.g., LCSW) if you choose that path.
DC requires an MSW from a program accredited by the
Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Fieldwork embedded in the MSW helps align your training with DC expectations for entry-level practice.
Order official transcripts per Board or portal instructions. If electronic delivery is specified, use that method to avoid processing delays.
See more accredited programs at your degree level and location:
District of Columbia social work degree programs.
Register for the Master’s exam through
ASWB. Expect content across human development, assessment, and social work practice. DC may require Board approval before you schedule; confirm the current step order on the
licensure page.
The LGSW is DC’s graduate-level license. Supervision logged during LGSW practice is typically used to qualify for advanced clinical licensure (e.g., LCSW). Confirm accepted settings, supervisor qualifications, and documentation on the
DC Board of Social Work — Rules & Statutes before you begin logging hours.
Apply through the
DC Health online portal. Follow file-naming/format instructions to prevent rejections.
DC uses a biennial renewal cycle. Confirm current dates, CE totals, and required topics on the
renewal page.
Submit through the
DC Health online portal.
Complete Board-specified CE before filing. Select approved formats and retain certificates for audit.
DC’s mix of federal workers, students, families, and international residents presents diverse needs—from housing stability to integrated behavioral health. Align supervision and placements with the populations you plan to serve.
Review scope and limits in the
DC Board of Social Work — Rules & Statutes.
Local NASW and agency coalitions offer training, ethics updates, and practice resources relevant to DC.
Maintain confidentiality, informed consent, and documentation practices consistent with DC rules and agency policy. See the Board’s
rules & statutes.
Target CE to your setting (e.g., school-based, primary care, trauma). If pursuing advanced clinical licensure, plan supervision that meets DC criteria from day one.
We monitor DC Board licensure pages and rules, confirm the live portal URL, and review ASWB registration pages. If the Board posts new forms or timelines, we update sections above and adjust links the same day.
Often yes—when Board-approved, using secure platforms, and documented correctly. Review DC supervision criteria in the
rules & statutes before logging hours.
Insurers commonly accept verification from the Board or a credentials service. Start with the
DC Board licensure page
and ask each payer whether they accept the Board’s online lookup or require a PSV letter.
Telepractice depends on where the client is located and each state’s rules. Confirm DC’s rules in the
rules & statutes and check the destination state’s requirements before offering services.
Requirements vary by license and timing. Check the Board’s
licensure page
for the current policy.
Name mismatches, transcript routing issues, missing supervisor details, and out-of-date background checks. Use the portal’s instructions and retain confirmations/receipts.
