Virginia Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW) Guide - 2024

Virginia Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW) Licensure Process

LMSWs provide the same services as LBSWs, but without the supervision requirement. They are also allowed to supervise other social workers and participate in managerial duties.

Education Requirements

All LMSW candidates need a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited program. Here you can find all schools offering social work degree programs in Virginia.

Background Check

Criminal history background checks are required for all social work applicants. Your fingerprints are taken by Fieldprint, the vendor that handles the background check process. They verify your identity and collect the processing fee. The results of the fingerprint check are sent to the VSP and FBI. A check of the Virginia Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry is also completed to discover if the applicant has any child abuse or neglect complaints on their record.

Examination Requirements

Register for the ASWB Master’s exam once the Board approves your application. The cost of registration is $230 for the four-hour multiple-choice test. The ASWB send the Board your scores about two weeks after you complete the exam.

Applying for Licensure as a Licensed Masters Social Worker

When you earn your MSW credential you can begin the licensure process online through the Virginia Department of Health Professions website. The application fee is $115 and can be paid online. Ask your MSW program to send the Board a copy of your official transcript. You must send a current NPDB report to confirm you don’t have any adverse actions reported by other agencies on your record. Mail the documents to:

Although it’s suggested you send in all the required information at one time, it’s understood that may not always be possible. There is an online checklist you can access when logging into your account that is consistently updated with the documents as they are received.

Once the Board has everything on that list, you will be sent an email with the results of the evaluation of your application. You will then be able to take the ASWB Master’s exam. Once you pass and the Board has your scores, you’ll be sent an email notifying you of your licensure.

A paper copy will be sent in the mail and you’re encouraged to keep it in a secure place as it will be the only one the Board issues. Anyone looking to verify your licensure can use the License Lookup tool.