Licensure

Let the NASW Metro DC Chapter Help You Get Licensed in 2025! 

We know how important it is that if you choose to take the social work licensure exam, you go into it feeling confident, calm, and prepared. We can help!

Sign up now for any of the 2025 exam prep workshops led by the nation's top exam prep instructor—Dr. Dawn Apgar—and you'll receive free six-month access to her robust clearinghouse of on-demand resources such as practice tests, digital flash cards, an online community of studying social workers, Q&As with Dawn, an exam study manual ($90 value!), test-taking tips, and much more! You'll even earn 6 CEs.

Achieve that big goal of licensure this year—register now for the first 2025 workshop on February 7!

Licensure Boards

Washington, DC

The DC Board of Social Work regulates the practice of social work in DC, including specialties within the profession. The Board also administers and enforces the law. The Board evaluates applications and administers exams, recommends standards and procedures, and issues licenses. Visit the DC Board of Social Work.

Maryland

To practice social work in Maryland or to refer to yourself as a social worker, an individual must be licensed by the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners.Visit the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners for requirements.

Virginia

Virginia offers the clinical-level ASWB exam for the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) application, the master’s-level ASWB exam for the Licensed Master’s Social Worker application, and the bachelor's-level ASWB exam for the Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker application. Visit the Virginia Board of Social Work for more information on state licensing requirements.