Virginia Social Work — Requirements &amp; Free Practice

Application Truth And Completeness: Provide truthful, complete application information. The Board keeps an incomplete application active for one year after payment; a later application needs a new fee and documents.
Compact Availability: The Board Social Work Licensure Compact Information page says the compact is not yet operational; current compact applications are not available.
Comparable License: Verify active, good-standing social-work licensure of a comparable type through the other licensing agency (18VAC140-20-45(A)(2)).
Exam Permission: Without passage, the Board may approve the applicant to sit the corresponding national examination (18VAC140-20-45(B)).
Fingerprints: Va. Code § 54.1-3707.2 requires fingerprints and personal descriptive information for the state/FBI criminal history check; the applicant pays.
Historical Waiver: The Board may accept evidence that a national examination was not required when initially licensed elsewhere; this is a waiver condition rather than omission of the corresponding ASWB leaf.
Identifying Number: Va. Code § 54.1-116(A) requires a Social Security number or Virginia DMV control number on initial and renewal applications.
Other Jurisdiction Discipline: Under § 54.1-2408, a license revoked or suspended elsewhere for reasons other than nonrenewal must be reinstated there before admission to examination or licensing here.
Package: Submit application and fee, other health/mental-health license documentation if applicable, a current NPDB report and certification of no pending/unresolved Board action elsewhere or malpractice claim (18VAC140-20-45(A)).
Practice Exemptions: Va. Code § 54.1-3701 exempts specified unpaid services, adequately supervised students, qualifying religious duties, qualifying governmental/nonprofit employment, employer-only personnel counseling, and established clinical relationships continued by telemedicine for at most one year. Independent private practice is not covered by the governmental/nonprofit employment exemption.
Score: Verify passage of the Board-approved national examination at the level sought, even if it was passed before applying (18VAC140-20-45(A)(3)).
Temporary Employer Authorization: Section 54.1-2408.4 permits an eligible out-of-jurisdiction practitioner employed/contracted by a listed health institution to practice for 90 days after employer license verification, applicable NPDB report and Board notification; a pending application can support 60 further days. This is employer-notified practice authority rather than a separately Board-issued license identity.

Licensure by examination

Application: Submit a complete application, applicable fee, official transcripts, current NPDB report, and other health/mental-health licensure or certification documentation when applicable.
Application Truth And Completeness: Provide truthful, complete application information. The Board keeps an incomplete application active for one year after payment; a later application needs a new fee and documents.
Approval: Obtain Board approval before registering for the corresponding ASWB examination.
Approval Window: Take and pass within the first two-year approval period; if unsuccessful reapply under the then-current rules for a second two-year approval (18VAC140-20-70(B)).
Compact Availability: The Board Social Work Licensure Compact Information page says the compact is not yet operational; current compact applications are not available.
Education: A bachelor’s degree from a CSWE-accredited social-work school; foreign graduates establish equivalency through the CSWE Foreign Equivalency Determination Service (18VAC140-20-60).
Fingerprints: Va. Code § 54.1-3707.2 requires fingerprints and personal descriptive information for the state/FBI criminal history check; the applicant pays.
Identifying Number: Va. Code § 54.1-116(A) requires a Social Security number or Virginia DMV control number on initial and renewal applications.
Other Jurisdiction Discipline: Under § 54.1-2408, a license revoked or suspended elsewhere for reasons other than nonrenewal must be reinstated there before admission to examination or licensing here.
Passing Score: Provide the passing ASWB score at this license level; wait for Board issuance before using the licensed designation.
Practice Exemptions: Va. Code § 54.1-3701 exempts specified unpaid services, adequately supervised students, qualifying religious duties, qualifying governmental/nonprofit employment, employer-only personnel counseling, and established clinical relationships continued by telemedicine for at most one year. Independent private practice is not covered by the governmental/nonprofit employment exemption.

Expedited endorsement for a military spouse

Application Truth And Completeness: Provide truthful, complete application information. The Board keeps an incomplete application active for one year after payment; a later application needs a new fee and documents.
Compact Availability: The Board Social Work Licensure Compact Information page says the compact is not yet operational; current compact applications are not available.
Comparable License: Verify active, good-standing social-work licensure of a comparable type through the other licensing agency (18VAC140-20-45(A)(2)).
Disciplinary Eligibility: Applicant must not have committed conduct constituting disciplinary grounds (§ 54.1-119(A)).
Eligible Spouse: Hold a same or similar license elsewhere; accompany a spouse on federal Title 10 active-duty orders, or a veteran who left active duty within a year of applying, to Virginia, an adjoining state or the District of Columbia (§ 54.1-119(A)).
Equivalency: The Board must regard the other jurisdiction’s licensing requirements as substantially equivalent and may require equivalency documentation (§ 54.1-119(A), (D)).
Exam Permission: Without passage, the Board may approve the applicant to sit the corresponding national examination (18VAC140-20-45(B)).
Expediting: A complete application is expedited under § 54.1-119(A); this processing provision does not itself waive the ordinary endorsement examination.
Experience Waiver: The Board may waive an experience requirement supported by documentation (§ 54.1-119(A)).
Fingerprints: Va. Code § 54.1-3707.2 requires fingerprints and personal descriptive information for the state/FBI criminal history check; the applicant pays.
Historical Waiver: The Board may accept evidence that a national examination was not required when initially licensed elsewhere; this is a waiver condition rather than omission of the corresponding ASWB leaf.
Identifying Number: Va. Code § 54.1-116(A) requires a Social Security number or Virginia DMV control number on initial and renewal applications.
Other Jurisdiction Discipline: Under § 54.1-2408, a license revoked or suspended elsewhere for reasons other than nonrenewal must be reinstated there before admission to examination or licensing here.
Package: Submit application and fee, other health/mental-health license documentation if applicable, a current NPDB report and certification of no pending/unresolved Board action elsewhere or malpractice claim (18VAC140-20-45(A)).
Practice Exemptions: Va. Code § 54.1-3701 exempts specified unpaid services, adequately supervised students, qualifying religious duties, qualifying governmental/nonprofit employment, employer-only personnel counseling, and established clinical relationships continued by telemedicine for at most one year. Independent private practice is not covered by the governmental/nonprofit employment exemption.
Score: Verify passage of the Board-approved national examination at the level sought, even if it was passed before applying (18VAC140-20-45(A)(3)).

Renewal in inactive status

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Identifying Number: Va. Code § 54.1-116(A) requires a Social Security number or Virginia DMV control number on initial and renewal applications.
Practice Restriction: Inactive status does not permit practice.
Renewal: Renew by June 30 annually at one-half the annual renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

18VAC140-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work
18VAC140-20-100(A)
18VAC140-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work
18VAC140-20-100(C)

Placement in inactive status

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Existing License: Request inactive status and pay one-half the annual renewal fee.
Practice Restriction: Practice requires a current active license.
Return To Practice: Reactivation follows 18VAC140-20-110(C).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

18VAC140-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work
18VAC140-20-100(C)

Reinstatement after more than one year without renewal

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Competency Hours: All applicable continued-competency hours multiplied by years lapsed, capped at four years.
Fee: Application processing fee plus late-renewal penalty.
Lapse: Unrenewed for more than one year.
Npdb: Current NPDB report.
Other Licenses: Document other U.S. health/mental-health licenses or certifications, if applicable.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

18VAC140-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work
18VAC140-20-110(B)
18VAC140-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work
18VAC140-20-105

Late renewal within one year of expiration

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Ce Relief: A timely written request may support up to one year extension for good cause or all/part exemption for circumstances beyond control, including temporary disability, military service or declared disaster.
Continued Competency: Before renewal in even years complete 15 hours including at least three ethics/standards/Virginia-law hours and 10 Category I hours under 18VAC140-20-105; approved activity and category limits apply. The first renewal after initial licensure needs no CE documentation.
Deployment Extension: § 54.1-117 extends validity for a Virginia citizen serving abroad in the military/diplomatic service and an accompanying military spouse until 60 days after return; the extension may not exceed five years after expiration.
Expiration: Expired no more than one year ago; show all applicable CE and pay renewal and late-renewal fees (18VAC140-20-110(A)).
Identifying Number: Va. Code § 54.1-116(A) requires a Social Security number or Virginia DMV control number on initial and renewal applications.
Record Retention: Keep original CE documentation for three years after renewal and supply it on audit (18VAC140-20-106).
Renewal: Renew by June 30 annually and pay the appropriate fee (18VAC140-20-100).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

18VAC140-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work
18VAC140-20-110(A)
18VAC140-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work
18VAC140-20-105

Licensure by examination with equivalent military training

Application: Submit a complete application, applicable fee, official transcripts, current NPDB report, and other health/mental-health licensure or certification documentation when applicable.
Application Truth And Completeness: Provide truthful, complete application information. The Board keeps an incomplete application active for one year after payment; a later application needs a new fee and documents.
Approval: Obtain Board approval before registering for the corresponding ASWB examination.
Approval Window: Take and pass within the first two-year approval period; if unsuccessful reapply under the then-current rules for a second two-year approval (18VAC140-20-70(B)).
Compact Availability: The Board Social Work Licensure Compact Information page says the compact is not yet operational; current compact applications are not available.
Education: A bachelor’s degree from a CSWE-accredited social-work school; foreign graduates establish equivalency through the CSWE Foreign Equivalency Determination Service (18VAC140-20-60).
Fingerprints: Va. Code § 54.1-3707.2 requires fingerprints and personal descriptive information for the state/FBI criminal history check; the applicant pays.
Identifying Number: Va. Code § 54.1-116(A) requires a Social Security number or Virginia DMV control number on initial and renewal applications.
Military Applicant: Honorably discharged from active service as defined in § 54.1-118(E).
Military Credit: The Board accepts substantially equivalent military education, training and experience, and credits equivalent portions toward requirements (§ 54.1-118(A)); it may require supporting documentation under subsection D. This credit does not waive the prescribed licensing examination.
Other Jurisdiction Discipline: Under § 54.1-2408, a license revoked or suspended elsewhere for reasons other than nonrenewal must be reinstated there before admission to examination or licensing here.
Passing Score: Provide the passing ASWB score at this license level; wait for Board issuance before using the licensed designation.
Practice Exemptions: Va. Code § 54.1-3701 exempts specified unpaid services, adequately supervised students, qualifying religious duties, qualifying governmental/nonprofit employment, employer-only personnel counseling, and established clinical relationships continued by telemedicine for at most one year. Independent private practice is not covered by the governmental/nonprofit employment exemption.

Reactivation of inactive licensure

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Competency Hours: Document continued-competency hours multiplied by years inactive, capped at four years.
Existing License: Hold inactive licensure.
Fee: Pay the difference between active and inactive renewal fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

18VAC140-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work
18VAC140-20-110(C)
18VAC140-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work
18VAC140-20-105

Restricted status for an existing licensee

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Board Order: Follow all probation/restriction terms or modified orders under § 54.1-2400(10).
Existing License: This case-decision route restricts an existing license; it does not create initial eligibility in an unqualified applicant.
Hearing: The statutory timely request for a formal hearing vacates the special-conference committee action.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Code of Virginia, Title 54.1, Chapter 24. General Provisions
Va. Code § 54.1-2400(10), restricted-license case decision
18VAC140-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work
18VAC140-20-160

Reinstatement following license revocation

Application: New application, appropriate $500 disciplinary-reinstatement fee and Board-prescribed credentials (18VAC140-20-170 and current linked form).
Board Vote: Three-fourths affirmative vote of members at the hearing.
Case Documents: The disciplinary application requires licensure history, applicable name-change proof, disclosures and supporting documents concerning convictions, actions and impairments, and evidence of compliance with court/disciplinary requirements.
Competence Proof: Applicant must prove safe and competent practice by clear and convincing evidence; investigation and Board review apply.
Examination Discretion: The Board may grant reinstatement without further examination (§ 54.1-2408.2). Its discretion is an applicant condition; the identifiable current examination remains a leaf.
Original Requirements: The statute permits consideration in the same manner as original licenses; the corresponding currently offered ASWB examination is prescribed by 18VAC140-20-70.
Waiting Period: At least three years after revocation (§ 54.1-2408.2).

Military license portability under the SCRA

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Applicant: Servicemember or spouse with a covered same-scope license relocates residence to Virginia because of military orders (50 U.S.C. § 4025a(a)).
Background Check: The licensing authority may conduct a background check (§ 4025a(d)).
Compact Exception: A covered license operating under an interstate compact follows the compact or applicable state law rather than this portability section (§ 4025a(e)).
Continuing Obligations: Virginia’s practice and ordinary renewal requirements continue to apply.
Covered License: The license is in good standing, has not been revoked or disciplined, has no pending unprofessional-conduct investigation, and was not surrendered during such an investigation (§ 4025a(f)).
Marriage Certificate: A spouse submits a copy of the marriage certificate (§ 4025a(c)(2)).
Military Orders: Submit proof of the military orders (§ 4025a(c)(1)).
Notarized Affidavit: Affirm identity; true and complete application; understanding of Virginia requirements and scope; compliance with those requirements; and good standing wherever licensed (§ 4025a(c)(3)).
Policy Evidence: DHP identifies this application pathway. Its linked policy PDF was obtained but has a garbled pdftotext rendition; the actual controlling federal section is pinned separately from the House Office of the Law Revision Counsel and quoted.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

50 U.S.C. § 4025a. Portability of professional licenses of servicemembers and their spouses
50 U.S.C. § 4025a(a)
50 U.S.C. § 4025a. Portability of professional licenses of servicemembers and their spouses
50 U.S.C. § 4025a(c)
50 U.S.C. § 4025a. Portability of professional licenses of servicemembers and their spouses
50 U.S.C. § 4025a(d)
50 U.S.C. § 4025a. Portability of professional licenses of servicemembers and their spouses
50 U.S.C. § 4025a(e)
50 U.S.C. § 4025a. Portability of professional licenses of servicemembers and their spouses
50 U.S.C. § 4025a(f)
Virginia Department of Health Professions — Military Services
Military Services — SCRA application pathway
Code of Virginia, Title 54.1, Chapter 37. Social Work
Va. Code § 54.1-3705(5)

Temporary license — Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW)

Statutory temporary form of the LBSW license: military-spouse processing (§ 54.1-119(B)), otherwise-qualified foreign national (§ 54.1-116(B)), or SCRA processing (50 U.S.C. § 4025a(b)). The broad contrary Board FAQ does not override those controlling statutory provisions.

Licensing authority: Virginia Board of Social Work · Application information

Temporary licensing for an otherwise qualified foreign national

Applicant: A foreign national unable to supply a Social Security number or Virginia DMV control number at application (§ 54.1-116(B)).
Board Discretion: The Board may grant the temporary license or authorization.
Board FAQ: The Board General FAQs says: "Virginia does not issue temporary licenses." The specific higher-ranked statutory provision controls this narrow temporary pathway.
Duration: No more than 90 days.
Education: A bachelor’s degree from a CSWE-accredited social-work school; foreign graduates establish equivalency through the CSWE Foreign Equivalency Determination Service (18VAC140-20-60).
Otherwise Qualified: All other ordinary qualifications for this license level, including passage of the corresponding currently offered ASWB examination, must be met; an already-passed examination remains a leaf.
Supervision: For LCSW only, meet 18VAC140-20-50.

Temporary SCRA licensing during processing

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Applicant: Servicemember or spouse with a covered same-scope license relocates residence to Virginia because of military orders (50 U.S.C. § 4025a(a)).
Background Check: The licensing authority may conduct a background check (§ 4025a(d)).
Board FAQ: The Board General FAQs says: "Virginia does not issue temporary licenses." The specific higher-ranked statutory provision controls this narrow temporary pathway.
Compact Exception: A covered license operating under an interstate compact follows the compact or applicable state law rather than this portability section (§ 4025a(e)).
Continuing Obligations: Virginia’s practice and ordinary renewal requirements continue to apply.
Covered License: The license is in good standing, has not been revoked or disciplined, has no pending unprofessional-conduct investigation, and was not surrendered during such an investigation (§ 4025a(f)).
Delay: Authority cannot implement covered-license recognition in the 30 days after application; it may issue a temporary license with permanent-license rights and responsibilities (§ 4025a(b)).
Marriage Certificate: A spouse submits a copy of the marriage certificate (§ 4025a(c)(2)).
Military Orders: Submit proof of the military orders (§ 4025a(c)(1)).
Notarized Affidavit: Affirm identity; true and complete application; understanding of Virginia requirements and scope; compliance with those requirements; and good standing wherever licensed (§ 4025a(c)(3)).
Policy Evidence: DHP identifies this application pathway. Its linked policy PDF was obtained but has a garbled pdftotext rendition; the actual controlling federal section is pinned separately from the House Office of the Law Revision Counsel and quoted.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

50 U.S.C. § 4025a. Portability of professional licenses of servicemembers and their spouses
50 U.S.C. § 4025a(a)
50 U.S.C. § 4025a. Portability of professional licenses of servicemembers and their spouses
50 U.S.C. § 4025a(b)
50 U.S.C. § 4025a. Portability of professional licenses of servicemembers and their spouses
50 U.S.C. § 4025a(c)
50 U.S.C. § 4025a. Portability of professional licenses of servicemembers and their spouses
50 U.S.C. § 4025a(d)
50 U.S.C. § 4025a. Portability of professional licenses of servicemembers and their spouses
50 U.S.C. § 4025a(e)
50 U.S.C. § 4025a. Portability of professional licenses of servicemembers and their spouses
50 U.S.C. § 4025a(f)
Virginia Department of Health Professions — Military Services
Military Services — SCRA application pathway
Virginia Board of Social Work — General FAQs
Licensure — temporary licenses

Temporary licensing pending military spouse review

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Board FAQ: The Board General FAQs says: "Virginia does not issue temporary licenses." The specific higher-ranked statutory provision controls this narrow temporary pathway.
Delay: Review/equivalency determination is not completed within 20 days after a complete application; otherwise satisfy § 54.1-119(A).
Disciplinary Eligibility: Applicant must not have committed conduct constituting disciplinary grounds (§ 54.1-119(A)).
Duration: At most 12 months while the Board completes review or the applicant completes Virginia-specific requirements not required in the prior jurisdiction.
Eligible Spouse: Hold a same or similar license elsewhere; accompany a spouse on federal Title 10 active-duty orders, or a veteran who left active duty within a year of applying, to Virginia, an adjoining state or the District of Columbia (§ 54.1-119(A)).
Equivalency: The Board must regard the other jurisdiction’s licensing requirements as substantially equivalent and may require equivalency documentation (§ 54.1-119(A), (D)).
Experience Waiver: The Board may waive an experience requirement supported by documentation (§ 54.1-119(A)).
Specific Requirements: Remaining Virginia-specific qualifications are conditions of the temporary authority; ordinary full licensure is separately represented. Section 54.1-119(B) names no examination as a prerequisite to issuance of this processing license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Code of Virginia, Title 54.1, Chapter 1. General Provisions
Va. Code § 54.1-119(A)
Code of Virginia, Title 54.1, Chapter 1. General Provisions
Va. Code § 54.1-119(B)
Virginia Board of Social Work — General FAQs
Licensure — temporary licenses

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

LCSW license. Inactive and Board-restricted status retain this official license identity and are represented by their routes. Examination and endorsement are ordinary initial-issuance routes; compact licensing is not yet operational.

Licensing authority: Virginia Board of Social Work · Application information

Renewal of active licensure

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Ce Relief: A timely written request may support up to one year extension for good cause or all/part exemption for circumstances beyond control, including temporary disability, military service or declared disaster.
Continued Competency: Before renewal in even years complete 30 hours including at least six ethics/standards/Virginia-law hours and 20 Category I hours under 18VAC140-20-105; approved activity and category limits apply. The first renewal after initial licensure needs no CE documentation.
Deployment Extension: § 54.1-117 extends validity for a Virginia citizen serving abroad in the military/diplomatic service and an accompanying military spouse until 60 days after return; the extension may not exceed five years after expiration.
Identifying Number: Va. Code § 54.1-116(A) requires a Social Security number or Virginia DMV control number on initial and renewal applications.
Record Retention: Keep original CE documentation for three years after renewal and supply it on audit (18VAC140-20-106).
Renewal: Renew by June 30 annually and pay the appropriate fee (18VAC140-20-100).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

18VAC140-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work
18VAC140-20-100(A)
18VAC140-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work
18VAC140-20-100(B)
18VAC140-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work
18VAC140-20-105
18VAC140-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work
18VAC140-20-106
Code of Virginia, Title 54.1, Chapter 1. General Provisions
Va. Code § 54.1-116(A)
Code of Virginia, Title 54.1, Chapter 1. General Provisions
Va. Code § 54.1-117

Reinstatement following suspension for dishonored fee payment

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Dishonored Fee: Suspension becomes effective ten days after certified notice of dishonor (§ 54.1-104).
Non Disciplinary: The statute expressly excludes disciplinary characterization of this suspension.
Payment: Pay the fee and required penalties.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Code of Virginia, Title 54.1, Chapter 1. General Provisions
Va. Code § 54.1-104

Licensure by endorsement

Application Truth And Completeness: Provide truthful, complete application information. The Board keeps an incomplete application active for one year after payment; a later application needs a new fee and documents.
Compact Availability: The Board Social Work Licensure Compact Information page says the compact is not yet operational; current compact applications are not available.
Comparable License: Verify active, good-standing social-work licensure of a comparable type through the other licensing agency (18VAC140-20-45(A)(2)).
Exam Permission: Without passage, the Board may approve the applicant to sit the corresponding national examination (18VAC140-20-45(B)).
Fingerprints: Va. Code § 54.1-3707.2 requires fingerprints and personal descriptive information for the state/FBI criminal history check; the applicant pays.
Historical Waiver: The Board may accept evidence that a national examination was not required when initially licensed elsewhere; this is a waiver condition rather than omission of the corresponding ASWB leaf.
Identifying Number: Va. Code § 54.1-116(A) requires a Social Security number or Virginia DMV control number on initial and renewal applications.
Other Jurisdiction Discipline: Under § 54.1-2408, a license revoked or suspended elsewhere for reasons other than nonrenewal must be reinstated there before admission to examination or licensing here.
Package: Submit application and fee, other health/mental-health license documentation if applicable, a current NPDB report and certification of no pending/unresolved Board action elsewhere or malpractice claim (18VAC140-20-45(A)).
Practice Exemptions: Va. Code § 54.1-3701 exempts specified unpaid services, adequately supervised students, qualifying religious duties, qualifying governmental/nonprofit employment, employer-only personnel counseling, and established clinical relationships continued by telemedicine for at most one year. Independent private practice is not covered by the governmental/nonprofit employment exemption.
Score: Verify passage of the Board-approved national examination at the level sought, even if it was passed before applying (18VAC140-20-45(A)(3)).
Temporary Employer Authorization: Section 54.1-2408.4 permits an eligible out-of-jurisdiction practitioner employed/contracted by a listed health institution to practice for 90 days after employer license verification, applicable NPDB report and Board notification; a pending application can support 60 further days. This is employer-notified practice authority rather than a separately Board-issued license identity.

Licensure by examination

Application: Submit a complete application, applicable fee, official transcripts, current NPDB report, and other health/mental-health licensure or certification documentation when applicable.
Application Timing: Apply within two years after completing supervised experience (18VAC140-20-40(2)).
Application Truth And Completeness: Provide truthful, complete application information. The Board keeps an incomplete application active for one year after payment; a later application needs a new fee and documents.
Approval: Obtain Board approval before registering for the corresponding ASWB examination.
Approval Window: Take and pass within the first two-year approval period; if unsuccessful reapply under the then-current rules for a second two-year approval (18VAC140-20-70(B)).
Clinical Practicum: At least 600 supervised clinical-practicum hours; an equivalent shortfall may be satisfied with extra supervised clinical practice beyond the post-master’s requirement (18VAC140-20-49(B)).
Compact Availability: The Board Social Work Licensure Compact Information page says the compact is not yet operational; current compact applications are not available.
Education: A CSWE-accredited social-work master’s with clinical study, an accredited nonclinical social-work master’s plus accredited graduate clinical coursework, or a foreign social-work program recognized by CSWE (§ 54.1-3707.1; 18VAC140-20-49).
Experience Extension: After four consecutive years, request at most 12 additional months supported by extenuating circumstances.
Fingerprints: Va. Code § 54.1-3707.2 requires fingerprints and personal descriptive information for the state/FBI criminal history check; the applicant pays.
Group Supervision: No more than 50 of the 100 supervision hours in groups, with no more than six supervisees absent advance approval. Hardship, disability or geography may support alternatives to face-to-face supervision.
Identifying Number: Va. Code § 54.1-116(A) requires a Social Security number or Virginia DMV control number on initial and renewal applications.
Missing Supervisor: A deceased or unlocatable supervisor requires the specified notarized employer-officer affidavit identifying employment, duties, supervisor, and supervision hours.
Other Jurisdiction Discipline: Under § 54.1-2408, a license revoked or suspended elsewhere for reasons other than nonrenewal must be reinstated there before admission to examination or licensing here.
Passing Score: Provide the passing ASWB score at this license level; wait for Board issuance before using the licensed designation.
Post Masters Experience: At least 3,000 supervised post-master’s hours over two to four consecutive years, including 1,380 face-to-face client hours and at least 100 supervision hours; one to four supervision hours per 40 work hours (18VAC140-20-50(A)).
Practice Exemptions: Va. Code § 54.1-3701 exempts specified unpaid services, adequately supervised students, qualifying religious duties, qualifying governmental/nonprofit employment, employer-only personnel counseling, and established clinical relationships continued by telemedicine for at most one year. Independent private practice is not covered by the governmental/nonprofit employment exemption.
Prior Registration: Virginia experience needs prior written Board approval, registration, supervisory contract, transcript and fee. Experience in another U.S. jurisdiction may be accepted if it met that jurisdiction’s requirements.
Second Approval Failure: If not passed during the second two-year approval period, register for supervision and complete one additional supervised year before a further two-year approval (18VAC140-20-70(C)).
Supervision Continuity: Remain under Board-approved supervision until licensed; no independent billing or representation as autonomous/licensed clinical practitioner, and no supervision of others’ clinical services (18VAC140-20-50(D)).
Supervisor: Active unrestricted LCSW with two postlicensure clinical years and required supervision training; the Board may consider the alternatives specified in 18VAC140-20-50(B).

Expedited endorsement for a military spouse

Application Truth And Completeness: Provide truthful, complete application information. The Board keeps an incomplete application active for one year after payment; a later application needs a new fee and documents.
Compact Availability: The Board Social Work Licensure Compact Information page says the compact is not yet operational; current compact applications are not available.
Comparable License: Verify active, good-standing social-work licensure of a comparable type through the other licensing agency (18VAC140-20-45(A)(2)).
Disciplinary Eligibility: Applicant must not have committed conduct constituting disciplinary grounds (§ 54.1-119(A)).
Eligible Spouse: Hold a same or similar license elsewhere; accompany a spouse on federal Title 10 active-duty orders, or a veteran who left active duty within a year of applying, to Virginia, an adjoining state or the District of Columbia (§ 54.1-119(A)).
Equivalency: The Board must regard the other jurisdiction’s licensing requirements as substantially equivalent and may require equivalency documentation (§ 54.1-119(A), (D)).
Exam Permission: Without passage, the Board may approve the applicant to sit the corresponding national examination (18VAC140-20-45(B)).
Expediting: A complete application is expedited under § 54.1-119(A); this processing provision does not itself waive the ordinary endorsement examination.
Experience Waiver: The Board may waive an experience requirement supported by documentation (§ 54.1-119(A)).
Fingerprints: Va. Code § 54.1-3707.2 requires fingerprints and personal descriptive information for the state/FBI criminal history check; the applicant pays.
Historical Waiver: The Board may accept evidence that a national examination was not required when initially licensed elsewhere; this is a waiver condition rather than omission of the corresponding ASWB leaf.
Identifying Number: Va. Code § 54.1-116(A) requires a Social Security number or Virginia DMV control number on initial and renewal applications.
Other Jurisdiction Discipline: Under § 54.1-2408, a license revoked or suspended elsewhere for reasons other than nonrenewal must be reinstated there before admission to examination or licensing here.
Package: Submit application and fee, other health/mental-health license documentation if applicable, a current NPDB report and certification of no pending/unresolved Board action elsewhere or malpractice claim (18VAC140-20-45(A)).
Practice Exemptions: Va. Code § 54.1-3701 exempts specified unpaid services, adequately supervised students, qualifying religious duties, qualifying governmental/nonprofit employment, employer-only personnel counseling, and established clinical relationships continued by telemedicine for at most one year. Independent private practice is not covered by the governmental/nonprofit employment exemption.
Score: Verify passage of the Board-approved national examination at the level sought, even if it was passed before applying (18VAC140-20-45(A)(3)).

Renewal in inactive status

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Identifying Number: Va. Code § 54.1-116(A) requires a Social Security number or Virginia DMV control number on initial and renewal applications.
Practice Restriction: Inactive status does not permit practice.
Renewal: Renew by June 30 annually at one-half the annual renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

18VAC140-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work
18VAC140-20-100(A)
18VAC140-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work
18VAC140-20-100(C)

Placement in inactive status

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Existing License: Request inactive status and pay one-half the annual renewal fee.
Practice Restriction: Practice requires a current active license.
Return To Practice: Reactivation follows 18VAC140-20-110(C).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

18VAC140-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work
18VAC140-20-100(C)

Reinstatement after more than one year without renewal

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Competency Hours: All applicable continued-competency hours multiplied by years lapsed, capped at four years.
Fee: Application processing fee plus late-renewal penalty.
Lapse: Unrenewed for more than one year.
Npdb: Current NPDB report.
Other Licenses: Document other U.S. health/mental-health licenses or certifications, if applicable.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

18VAC140-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work
18VAC140-20-110(B)
18VAC140-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work
18VAC140-20-105

Late renewal within one year of expiration

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Ce Relief: A timely written request may support up to one year extension for good cause or all/part exemption for circumstances beyond control, including temporary disability, military service or declared disaster.
Continued Competency: Before renewal in even years complete 30 hours including at least six ethics/standards/Virginia-law hours and 20 Category I hours under 18VAC140-20-105; approved activity and category limits apply. The first renewal after initial licensure needs no CE documentation.
Deployment Extension: § 54.1-117 extends validity for a Virginia citizen serving abroad in the military/diplomatic service and an accompanying military spouse until 60 days after return; the extension may not exceed five years after expiration.
Expiration: Expired no more than one year ago; show all applicable CE and pay renewal and late-renewal fees (18VAC140-20-110(A)).
Identifying Number: Va. Code § 54.1-116(A) requires a Social Security number or Virginia DMV control number on initial and renewal applications.
Record Retention: Keep original CE documentation for three years after renewal and supply it on audit (18VAC140-20-106).
Renewal: Renew by June 30 annually and pay the appropriate fee (18VAC140-20-100).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

18VAC140-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work
18VAC140-20-110(A)
18VAC140-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work
18VAC140-20-105

Licensure by examination with equivalent military training

Application: Submit a complete application, applicable fee, official transcripts, current NPDB report, and other health/mental-health licensure or certification documentation when applicable.
Application Timing: Apply within two years after completing supervised experience (18VAC140-20-40(2)).
Application Truth And Completeness: Provide truthful, complete application information. The Board keeps an incomplete application active for one year after payment; a later application needs a new fee and documents.
Approval: Obtain Board approval before registering for the corresponding ASWB examination.
Approval Window: Take and pass within the first two-year approval period; if unsuccessful reapply under the then-current rules for a second two-year approval (18VAC140-20-70(B)).
Clinical Practicum: At least 600 supervised clinical-practicum hours; an equivalent shortfall may be satisfied with extra supervised clinical practice beyond the post-master’s requirement (18VAC140-20-49(B)).
Compact Availability: The Board Social Work Licensure Compact Information page says the compact is not yet operational; current compact applications are not available.
Education: A CSWE-accredited social-work master’s with clinical study, an accredited nonclinical social-work master’s plus accredited graduate clinical coursework, or a foreign social-work program recognized by CSWE (§ 54.1-3707.1; 18VAC140-20-49).
Experience Extension: After four consecutive years, request at most 12 additional months supported by extenuating circumstances.
Fingerprints: Va. Code § 54.1-3707.2 requires fingerprints and personal descriptive information for the state/FBI criminal history check; the applicant pays.
Group Supervision: No more than 50 of the 100 supervision hours in groups, with no more than six supervisees absent advance approval. Hardship, disability or geography may support alternatives to face-to-face supervision.
Identifying Number: Va. Code § 54.1-116(A) requires a Social Security number or Virginia DMV control number on initial and renewal applications.
Military Applicant: Honorably discharged from active service as defined in § 54.1-118(E).
Military Credit: The Board accepts substantially equivalent military education, training and experience, and credits equivalent portions toward requirements (§ 54.1-118(A)); it may require supporting documentation under subsection D. This credit does not waive the prescribed licensing examination.
Missing Supervisor: A deceased or unlocatable supervisor requires the specified notarized employer-officer affidavit identifying employment, duties, supervisor, and supervision hours.
Other Jurisdiction Discipline: Under § 54.1-2408, a license revoked or suspended elsewhere for reasons other than nonrenewal must be reinstated there before admission to examination or licensing here.
Passing Score: Provide the passing ASWB score at this license level; wait for Board issuance before using the licensed designation.
Post Masters Experience: At least 3,000 supervised post-master’s hours over two to four consecutive years, including 1,380 face-to-face client hours and at least 100 supervision hours; one to four supervision hours per 40 work hours (18VAC140-20-50(A)).
Practice Exemptions: Va. Code § 54.1-3701 exempts specified unpaid services, adequately supervised students, qualifying religious duties, qualifying governmental/nonprofit employment, employer-only personnel counseling, and established clinical relationships continued by telemedicine for at most one year. Independent private practice is not covered by the governmental/nonprofit employment exemption.
Prior Registration: Virginia experience needs prior written Board approval, registration, supervisory contract, transcript and fee. Experience in another U.S. jurisdiction may be accepted if it met that jurisdiction’s requirements.
Second Approval Failure: If not passed during the second two-year approval period, register for supervision and complete one additional supervised year before a further two-year approval (18VAC140-20-70(C)).
Supervision Continuity: Remain under Board-approved supervision until licensed; no independent billing or representation as autonomous/licensed clinical practitioner, and no supervision of others’ clinical services (18VAC140-20-50(D)).
Supervisor: Active unrestricted LCSW with two postlicensure clinical years and required supervision training; the Board may consider the alternatives specified in 18VAC140-20-50(B).

Reactivation of inactive licensure

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Competency Hours: Document continued-competency hours multiplied by years inactive, capped at four years.
Existing License: Hold inactive licensure.
Fee: Pay the difference between active and inactive renewal fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

18VAC140-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work
18VAC140-20-110(C)
18VAC140-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work
18VAC140-20-105

Restricted status for an existing licensee

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Board Order: Follow all probation/restriction terms or modified orders under § 54.1-2400(10).
Existing License: This case-decision route restricts an existing license; it does not create initial eligibility in an unqualified applicant.
Hearing: The statutory timely request for a formal hearing vacates the special-conference committee action.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Code of Virginia, Title 54.1, Chapter 24. General Provisions
Va. Code § 54.1-2400(10), restricted-license case decision
18VAC140-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work
18VAC140-20-160

Reinstatement following license revocation

Application: New application, appropriate $500 disciplinary-reinstatement fee and Board-prescribed credentials (18VAC140-20-170 and current linked form).
Board Vote: Three-fourths affirmative vote of members at the hearing.
Case Documents: The disciplinary application requires licensure history, applicable name-change proof, disclosures and supporting documents concerning convictions, actions and impairments, and evidence of compliance with court/disciplinary requirements.
Competence Proof: Applicant must prove safe and competent practice by clear and convincing evidence; investigation and Board review apply.
Examination Discretion: The Board may grant reinstatement without further examination (§ 54.1-2408.2). Its discretion is an applicant condition; the identifiable current examination remains a leaf.
Original Requirements: The statute permits consideration in the same manner as original licenses; the corresponding currently offered ASWB examination is prescribed by 18VAC140-20-70.
Waiting Period: At least three years after revocation (§ 54.1-2408.2).

Military license portability under the SCRA

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Applicant: Servicemember or spouse with a covered same-scope license relocates residence to Virginia because of military orders (50 U.S.C. § 4025a(a)).
Background Check: The licensing authority may conduct a background check (§ 4025a(d)).
Compact Exception: A covered license operating under an interstate compact follows the compact or applicable state law rather than this portability section (§ 4025a(e)).
Continuing Obligations: Virginia’s practice and ordinary renewal requirements continue to apply.
Covered License: The license is in good standing, has not been revoked or disciplined, has no pending unprofessional-conduct investigation, and was not surrendered during such an investigation (§ 4025a(f)).
Marriage Certificate: A spouse submits a copy of the marriage certificate (§ 4025a(c)(2)).
Military Orders: Submit proof of the military orders (§ 4025a(c)(1)).
Notarized Affidavit: Affirm identity; true and complete application; understanding of Virginia requirements and scope; compliance with those requirements; and good standing wherever licensed (§ 4025a(c)(3)).
Policy Evidence: DHP identifies this application pathway. Its linked policy PDF was obtained but has a garbled pdftotext rendition; the actual controlling federal section is pinned separately from the House Office of the Law Revision Counsel and quoted.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

50 U.S.C. § 4025a. Portability of professional licenses of servicemembers and their spouses
50 U.S.C. § 4025a(a)
50 U.S.C. § 4025a. Portability of professional licenses of servicemembers and their spouses
50 U.S.C. § 4025a(c)
50 U.S.C. § 4025a. Portability of professional licenses of servicemembers and their spouses
50 U.S.C. § 4025a(d)
50 U.S.C. § 4025a. Portability of professional licenses of servicemembers and their spouses
50 U.S.C. § 4025a(e)
50 U.S.C. § 4025a. Portability of professional licenses of servicemembers and their spouses
50 U.S.C. § 4025a(f)
Virginia Department of Health Professions — Military Services
Military Services — SCRA application pathway
Code of Virginia, Title 54.1, Chapter 37. Social Work
Va. Code § 54.1-3705(5)

Temporary license — Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Statutory temporary form of the LCSW license: military-spouse processing (§ 54.1-119(B)), otherwise-qualified foreign national (§ 54.1-116(B)), or SCRA processing (50 U.S.C. § 4025a(b)). The broad contrary Board FAQ does not override those controlling statutory provisions.

Licensing authority: Virginia Board of Social Work · Application information

Temporary licensing for an otherwise qualified foreign national

Applicant: A foreign national unable to supply a Social Security number or Virginia DMV control number at application (§ 54.1-116(B)).
Board Discretion: The Board may grant the temporary license or authorization.
Board FAQ: The Board General FAQs says: "Virginia does not issue temporary licenses." The specific higher-ranked statutory provision controls this narrow temporary pathway.
Duration: No more than 90 days.
Education: A CSWE-accredited social-work master’s with clinical study, an accredited nonclinical social-work master’s plus accredited graduate clinical coursework, or a foreign social-work program recognized by CSWE (§ 54.1-3707.1; 18VAC140-20-49).
Otherwise Qualified: All other ordinary qualifications for this license level, including passage of the corresponding currently offered ASWB examination, must be met; an already-passed examination remains a leaf.
Supervision: For LCSW only, meet 18VAC140-20-50.

Temporary SCRA licensing during processing

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Applicant: Servicemember or spouse with a covered same-scope license relocates residence to Virginia because of military orders (50 U.S.C. § 4025a(a)).
Background Check: The licensing authority may conduct a background check (§ 4025a(d)).
Board FAQ: The Board General FAQs says: "Virginia does not issue temporary licenses." The specific higher-ranked statutory provision controls this narrow temporary pathway.
Compact Exception: A covered license operating under an interstate compact follows the compact or applicable state law rather than this portability section (§ 4025a(e)).
Continuing Obligations: Virginia’s practice and ordinary renewal requirements continue to apply.
Covered License: The license is in good standing, has not been revoked or disciplined, has no pending unprofessional-conduct investigation, and was not surrendered during such an investigation (§ 4025a(f)).
Delay: Authority cannot implement covered-license recognition in the 30 days after application; it may issue a temporary license with permanent-license rights and responsibilities (§ 4025a(b)).
Marriage Certificate: A spouse submits a copy of the marriage certificate (§ 4025a(c)(2)).
Military Orders: Submit proof of the military orders (§ 4025a(c)(1)).
Notarized Affidavit: Affirm identity; true and complete application; understanding of Virginia requirements and scope; compliance with those requirements; and good standing wherever licensed (§ 4025a(c)(3)).
Policy Evidence: DHP identifies this application pathway. Its linked policy PDF was obtained but has a garbled pdftotext rendition; the actual controlling federal section is pinned separately from the House Office of the Law Revision Counsel and quoted.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

50 U.S.C. § 4025a. Portability of professional licenses of servicemembers and their spouses
50 U.S.C. § 4025a(a)
50 U.S.C. § 4025a. Portability of professional licenses of servicemembers and their spouses
50 U.S.C. § 4025a(b)
50 U.S.C. § 4025a. Portability of professional licenses of servicemembers and their spouses
50 U.S.C. § 4025a(c)
50 U.S.C. § 4025a. Portability of professional licenses of servicemembers and their spouses
50 U.S.C. § 4025a(d)
50 U.S.C. § 4025a. Portability of professional licenses of servicemembers and their spouses
50 U.S.C. § 4025a(e)
50 U.S.C. § 4025a. Portability of professional licenses of servicemembers and their spouses
50 U.S.C. § 4025a(f)
Virginia Department of Health Professions — Military Services
Military Services — SCRA application pathway
Virginia Board of Social Work — General FAQs
Licensure — temporary licenses

Temporary licensing pending military spouse review

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Board FAQ: The Board General FAQs says: "Virginia does not issue temporary licenses." The specific higher-ranked statutory provision controls this narrow temporary pathway.
Delay: Review/equivalency determination is not completed within 20 days after a complete application; otherwise satisfy § 54.1-119(A).
Disciplinary Eligibility: Applicant must not have committed conduct constituting disciplinary grounds (§ 54.1-119(A)).
Duration: At most 12 months while the Board completes review or the applicant completes Virginia-specific requirements not required in the prior jurisdiction.
Eligible Spouse: Hold a same or similar license elsewhere; accompany a spouse on federal Title 10 active-duty orders, or a veteran who left active duty within a year of applying, to Virginia, an adjoining state or the District of Columbia (§ 54.1-119(A)).
Equivalency: The Board must regard the other jurisdiction’s licensing requirements as substantially equivalent and may require equivalency documentation (§ 54.1-119(A), (D)).
Experience Waiver: The Board may waive an experience requirement supported by documentation (§ 54.1-119(A)).
Specific Requirements: Remaining Virginia-specific qualifications are conditions of the temporary authority; ordinary full licensure is separately represented. Section 54.1-119(B) names no examination as a prerequisite to issuance of this processing license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Code of Virginia, Title 54.1, Chapter 1. General Provisions
Va. Code § 54.1-119(A)
Code of Virginia, Title 54.1, Chapter 1. General Provisions
Va. Code § 54.1-119(B)
Virginia Board of Social Work — General FAQs
Licensure — temporary licenses

Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW)

LMSW license. Inactive and Board-restricted status retain this official license identity and are represented by their routes. Examination and endorsement are ordinary initial-issuance routes; compact licensing is not yet operational.

Licensing authority: Virginia Board of Social Work · Application information

Renewal of active licensure

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Ce Relief: A timely written request may support up to one year extension for good cause or all/part exemption for circumstances beyond control, including temporary disability, military service or declared disaster.
Continued Competency: Before renewal in even years complete 15 hours including at least three ethics/standards/Virginia-law hours and 10 Category I hours under 18VAC140-20-105; approved activity and category limits apply. The first renewal after initial licensure needs no CE documentation.
Deployment Extension: § 54.1-117 extends validity for a Virginia citizen serving abroad in the military/diplomatic service and an accompanying military spouse until 60 days after return; the extension may not exceed five years after expiration.
Identifying Number: Va. Code § 54.1-116(A) requires a Social Security number or Virginia DMV control number on initial and renewal applications.
Record Retention: Keep original CE documentation for three years after renewal and supply it on audit (18VAC140-20-106).
Renewal: Renew by June 30 annually and pay the appropriate fee (18VAC140-20-100).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

18VAC140-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work
18VAC140-20-100(A)
18VAC140-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work
18VAC140-20-100(B)
18VAC140-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work
18VAC140-20-105
18VAC140-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work
18VAC140-20-106
Code of Virginia, Title 54.1, Chapter 1. General Provisions
Va. Code § 54.1-116(A)
Code of Virginia, Title 54.1, Chapter 1. General Provisions
Va. Code § 54.1-117

Reinstatement following suspension for dishonored fee payment

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Dishonored Fee: Suspension becomes effective ten days after certified notice of dishonor (§ 54.1-104).
Non Disciplinary: The statute expressly excludes disciplinary characterization of this suspension.
Payment: Pay the fee and required penalties.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Code of Virginia, Title 54.1, Chapter 1. General Provisions
Va. Code § 54.1-104

Licensure by endorsement

Application Truth And Completeness: Provide truthful, complete application information. The Board keeps an incomplete application active for one year after payment; a later application needs a new fee and documents.
Compact Availability: The Board Social Work Licensure Compact Information page says the compact is not yet operational; current compact applications are not available.
Comparable License: Verify active, good-standing social-work licensure of a comparable type through the other licensing agency (18VAC140-20-45(A)(2)).
Exam Permission: Without passage, the Board may approve the applicant to sit the corresponding national examination (18VAC140-20-45(B)).
Fingerprints: Va. Code § 54.1-3707.2 requires fingerprints and personal descriptive information for the state/FBI criminal history check; the applicant pays.
Historical Waiver: The Board may accept evidence that a national examination was not required when initially licensed elsewhere; this is a waiver condition rather than omission of the corresponding ASWB leaf.
Identifying Number: Va. Code § 54.1-116(A) requires a Social Security number or Virginia DMV control number on initial and renewal applications.
Other Jurisdiction Discipline: Under § 54.1-2408, a license revoked or suspended elsewhere for reasons other than nonrenewal must be reinstated there before admission to examination or licensing here.
Package: Submit application and fee, other health/mental-health license documentation if applicable, a current NPDB report and certification of no pending/unresolved Board action elsewhere or malpractice claim (18VAC140-20-45(A)).
Practice Exemptions: Va. Code § 54.1-3701 exempts specified unpaid services, adequately supervised students, qualifying religious duties, qualifying governmental/nonprofit employment, employer-only personnel counseling, and established clinical relationships continued by telemedicine for at most one year. Independent private practice is not covered by the governmental/nonprofit employment exemption.
Score: Verify passage of the Board-approved national examination at the level sought, even if it was passed before applying (18VAC140-20-45(A)(3)).
Temporary Employer Authorization: Section 54.1-2408.4 permits an eligible out-of-jurisdiction practitioner employed/contracted by a listed health institution to practice for 90 days after employer license verification, applicable NPDB report and Board notification; a pending application can support 60 further days. This is employer-notified practice authority rather than a separately Board-issued license identity.

Licensure by examination

Application: Submit a complete application, applicable fee, official transcripts, current NPDB report, and other health/mental-health licensure or certification documentation when applicable.
Application Truth And Completeness: Provide truthful, complete application information. The Board keeps an incomplete application active for one year after payment; a later application needs a new fee and documents.
Approval: Obtain Board approval before registering for the corresponding ASWB examination.
Approval Window: Take and pass within the first two-year approval period; if unsuccessful reapply under the then-current rules for a second two-year approval (18VAC140-20-70(B)).
Compact Availability: The Board Social Work Licensure Compact Information page says the compact is not yet operational; current compact applications are not available.
Education: A master’s degree from a CSWE-accredited social-work school; foreign graduates establish equivalency through the CSWE Foreign Equivalency Determination Service (18VAC140-20-60).
Fingerprints: Va. Code § 54.1-3707.2 requires fingerprints and personal descriptive information for the state/FBI criminal history check; the applicant pays.
Identifying Number: Va. Code § 54.1-116(A) requires a Social Security number or Virginia DMV control number on initial and renewal applications.
Other Jurisdiction Discipline: Under § 54.1-2408, a license revoked or suspended elsewhere for reasons other than nonrenewal must be reinstated there before admission to examination or licensing here.
Passing Score: Provide the passing ASWB score at this license level; wait for Board issuance before using the licensed designation.
Practice Exemptions: Va. Code § 54.1-3701 exempts specified unpaid services, adequately supervised students, qualifying religious duties, qualifying governmental/nonprofit employment, employer-only personnel counseling, and established clinical relationships continued by telemedicine for at most one year. Independent private practice is not covered by the governmental/nonprofit employment exemption.

Expedited endorsement for a military spouse

Application Truth And Completeness: Provide truthful, complete application information. The Board keeps an incomplete application active for one year after payment; a later application needs a new fee and documents.
Compact Availability: The Board Social Work Licensure Compact Information page says the compact is not yet operational; current compact applications are not available.
Comparable License: Verify active, good-standing social-work licensure of a comparable type through the other licensing agency (18VAC140-20-45(A)(2)).
Disciplinary Eligibility: Applicant must not have committed conduct constituting disciplinary grounds (§ 54.1-119(A)).
Eligible Spouse: Hold a same or similar license elsewhere; accompany a spouse on federal Title 10 active-duty orders, or a veteran who left active duty within a year of applying, to Virginia, an adjoining state or the District of Columbia (§ 54.1-119(A)).
Equivalency: The Board must regard the other jurisdiction’s licensing requirements as substantially equivalent and may require equivalency documentation (§ 54.1-119(A), (D)).
Exam Permission: Without passage, the Board may approve the applicant to sit the corresponding national examination (18VAC140-20-45(B)).
Expediting: A complete application is expedited under § 54.1-119(A); this processing provision does not itself waive the ordinary endorsement examination.
Experience Waiver: The Board may waive an experience requirement supported by documentation (§ 54.1-119(A)).
Fingerprints: Va. Code § 54.1-3707.2 requires fingerprints and personal descriptive information for the state/FBI criminal history check; the applicant pays.
Historical Waiver: The Board may accept evidence that a national examination was not required when initially licensed elsewhere; this is a waiver condition rather than omission of the corresponding ASWB leaf.
Identifying Number: Va. Code § 54.1-116(A) requires a Social Security number or Virginia DMV control number on initial and renewal applications.
Other Jurisdiction Discipline: Under § 54.1-2408, a license revoked or suspended elsewhere for reasons other than nonrenewal must be reinstated there before admission to examination or licensing here.
Package: Submit application and fee, other health/mental-health license documentation if applicable, a current NPDB report and certification of no pending/unresolved Board action elsewhere or malpractice claim (18VAC140-20-45(A)).
Practice Exemptions: Va. Code § 54.1-3701 exempts specified unpaid services, adequately supervised students, qualifying religious duties, qualifying governmental/nonprofit employment, employer-only personnel counseling, and established clinical relationships continued by telemedicine for at most one year. Independent private practice is not covered by the governmental/nonprofit employment exemption.
Score: Verify passage of the Board-approved national examination at the level sought, even if it was passed before applying (18VAC140-20-45(A)(3)).

Renewal in inactive status

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Identifying Number: Va. Code § 54.1-116(A) requires a Social Security number or Virginia DMV control number on initial and renewal applications.
Practice Restriction: Inactive status does not permit practice.
Renewal: Renew by June 30 annually at one-half the annual renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

18VAC140-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work
18VAC140-20-100(A)
18VAC140-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work
18VAC140-20-100(C)

Placement in inactive status

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Existing License: Request inactive status and pay one-half the annual renewal fee.
Practice Restriction: Practice requires a current active license.
Return To Practice: Reactivation follows 18VAC140-20-110(C).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

18VAC140-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work
18VAC140-20-100(C)

Reinstatement after more than one year without renewal

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Competency Hours: All applicable continued-competency hours multiplied by years lapsed, capped at four years.
Fee: Application processing fee plus late-renewal penalty.
Lapse: Unrenewed for more than one year.
Npdb: Current NPDB report.
Other Licenses: Document other U.S. health/mental-health licenses or certifications, if applicable.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

18VAC140-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work
18VAC140-20-110(B)
18VAC140-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work
18VAC140-20-105

Late renewal within one year of expiration

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Ce Relief: A timely written request may support up to one year extension for good cause or all/part exemption for circumstances beyond control, including temporary disability, military service or declared disaster.
Continued Competency: Before renewal in even years complete 15 hours including at least three ethics/standards/Virginia-law hours and 10 Category I hours under 18VAC140-20-105; approved activity and category limits apply. The first renewal after initial licensure needs no CE documentation.
Deployment Extension: § 54.1-117 extends validity for a Virginia citizen serving abroad in the military/diplomatic service and an accompanying military spouse until 60 days after return; the extension may not exceed five years after expiration.
Expiration: Expired no more than one year ago; show all applicable CE and pay renewal and late-renewal fees (18VAC140-20-110(A)).
Identifying Number: Va. Code § 54.1-116(A) requires a Social Security number or Virginia DMV control number on initial and renewal applications.
Record Retention: Keep original CE documentation for three years after renewal and supply it on audit (18VAC140-20-106).
Renewal: Renew by June 30 annually and pay the appropriate fee (18VAC140-20-100).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

18VAC140-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work
18VAC140-20-110(A)
18VAC140-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work
18VAC140-20-105

Licensure by examination with equivalent military training

Application: Submit a complete application, applicable fee, official transcripts, current NPDB report, and other health/mental-health licensure or certification documentation when applicable.
Application Truth And Completeness: Provide truthful, complete application information. The Board keeps an incomplete application active for one year after payment; a later application needs a new fee and documents.
Approval: Obtain Board approval before registering for the corresponding ASWB examination.
Approval Window: Take and pass within the first two-year approval period; if unsuccessful reapply under the then-current rules for a second two-year approval (18VAC140-20-70(B)).
Compact Availability: The Board Social Work Licensure Compact Information page says the compact is not yet operational; current compact applications are not available.
Education: A master’s degree from a CSWE-accredited social-work school; foreign graduates establish equivalency through the CSWE Foreign Equivalency Determination Service (18VAC140-20-60).
Fingerprints: Va. Code § 54.1-3707.2 requires fingerprints and personal descriptive information for the state/FBI criminal history check; the applicant pays.
Identifying Number: Va. Code § 54.1-116(A) requires a Social Security number or Virginia DMV control number on initial and renewal applications.
Military Applicant: Honorably discharged from active service as defined in § 54.1-118(E).
Military Credit: The Board accepts substantially equivalent military education, training and experience, and credits equivalent portions toward requirements (§ 54.1-118(A)); it may require supporting documentation under subsection D. This credit does not waive the prescribed licensing examination.
Other Jurisdiction Discipline: Under § 54.1-2408, a license revoked or suspended elsewhere for reasons other than nonrenewal must be reinstated there before admission to examination or licensing here.
Passing Score: Provide the passing ASWB score at this license level; wait for Board issuance before using the licensed designation.
Practice Exemptions: Va. Code § 54.1-3701 exempts specified unpaid services, adequately supervised students, qualifying religious duties, qualifying governmental/nonprofit employment, employer-only personnel counseling, and established clinical relationships continued by telemedicine for at most one year. Independent private practice is not covered by the governmental/nonprofit employment exemption.

Reactivation of inactive licensure

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Competency Hours: Document continued-competency hours multiplied by years inactive, capped at four years.
Existing License: Hold inactive licensure.
Fee: Pay the difference between active and inactive renewal fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

18VAC140-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work
18VAC140-20-110(C)
18VAC140-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work
18VAC140-20-105

Restricted status for an existing licensee

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Board Order: Follow all probation/restriction terms or modified orders under § 54.1-2400(10).
Existing License: This case-decision route restricts an existing license; it does not create initial eligibility in an unqualified applicant.
Hearing: The statutory timely request for a formal hearing vacates the special-conference committee action.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Code of Virginia, Title 54.1, Chapter 24. General Provisions
Va. Code § 54.1-2400(10), restricted-license case decision
18VAC140-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work
18VAC140-20-160

Reinstatement following license revocation

Application: New application, appropriate $500 disciplinary-reinstatement fee and Board-prescribed credentials (18VAC140-20-170 and current linked form).
Board Vote: Three-fourths affirmative vote of members at the hearing.
Case Documents: The disciplinary application requires licensure history, applicable name-change proof, disclosures and supporting documents concerning convictions, actions and impairments, and evidence of compliance with court/disciplinary requirements.
Competence Proof: Applicant must prove safe and competent practice by clear and convincing evidence; investigation and Board review apply.
Examination Discretion: The Board may grant reinstatement without further examination (§ 54.1-2408.2). Its discretion is an applicant condition; the identifiable current examination remains a leaf.
Original Requirements: The statute permits consideration in the same manner as original licenses; the corresponding currently offered ASWB examination is prescribed by 18VAC140-20-70.
Waiting Period: At least three years after revocation (§ 54.1-2408.2).

Military license portability under the SCRA

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Applicant: Servicemember or spouse with a covered same-scope license relocates residence to Virginia because of military orders (50 U.S.C. § 4025a(a)).
Background Check: The licensing authority may conduct a background check (§ 4025a(d)).
Compact Exception: A covered license operating under an interstate compact follows the compact or applicable state law rather than this portability section (§ 4025a(e)).
Continuing Obligations: Virginia’s practice and ordinary renewal requirements continue to apply.
Covered License: The license is in good standing, has not been revoked or disciplined, has no pending unprofessional-conduct investigation, and was not surrendered during such an investigation (§ 4025a(f)).
Marriage Certificate: A spouse submits a copy of the marriage certificate (§ 4025a(c)(2)).
Military Orders: Submit proof of the military orders (§ 4025a(c)(1)).
Notarized Affidavit: Affirm identity; true and complete application; understanding of Virginia requirements and scope; compliance with those requirements; and good standing wherever licensed (§ 4025a(c)(3)).
Policy Evidence: DHP identifies this application pathway. Its linked policy PDF was obtained but has a garbled pdftotext rendition; the actual controlling federal section is pinned separately from the House Office of the Law Revision Counsel and quoted.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

50 U.S.C. § 4025a. Portability of professional licenses of servicemembers and their spouses
50 U.S.C. § 4025a(a)
50 U.S.C. § 4025a. Portability of professional licenses of servicemembers and their spouses
50 U.S.C. § 4025a(c)
50 U.S.C. § 4025a. Portability of professional licenses of servicemembers and their spouses
50 U.S.C. § 4025a(d)
50 U.S.C. § 4025a. Portability of professional licenses of servicemembers and their spouses
50 U.S.C. § 4025a(e)
50 U.S.C. § 4025a. Portability of professional licenses of servicemembers and their spouses
50 U.S.C. § 4025a(f)
Virginia Department of Health Professions — Military Services
Military Services — SCRA application pathway
Code of Virginia, Title 54.1, Chapter 37. Social Work
Va. Code § 54.1-3705(5)

Temporary license — Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW)

Statutory temporary form of the LMSW license: military-spouse processing (§ 54.1-119(B)), otherwise-qualified foreign national (§ 54.1-116(B)), or SCRA processing (50 U.S.C. § 4025a(b)). The broad contrary Board FAQ does not override those controlling statutory provisions.

Licensing authority: Virginia Board of Social Work · Application information

Temporary licensing for an otherwise qualified foreign national