Social Work & Associate Licensing Information
Please note that this is general information and it is important to refer to WAC 246-809 for more detailed information relating to the licensure requirements
Associate License Requirements
There are two types of associate level licensure:
- Licensed social work associate & advanced (LSWAA)
- Licensed social work associate & independent clinical (LSWAIC)
Education Requirements:
A master’s or doctoral social work educational program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
The following must be completed in order to qualify for an associate license:
- Completed application signed and dated.
- The application and initial licensure fee.
- Completed out of state verification forms sent directly from each state (if applicable).
- Four (4) hours of HIV/AIDS education and training.
- Official transcripts sent directly from the college where the degree was obtained.
An associate is a pre-licensure candidate who has a graduate degree in social work and is gaining the supervision experience necessary for licensure as a social worker. Associates may not independently provide social work or counseling for a fee, monetary or otherwise.
If an associate is working under the supervision of an approved supervisor, it is not considered independent practice.
Associate licenses are valid for one year and must be renewed every year on the date of issuance. The associate license may be renewed no more than four times. This should allow licensed associates enough time to complete their supervision requirements for full licensure.
Licensed Advanced Social Worker (LASW) & Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) License Requirements
Education Requirements:
Graduation from a master’s or doctorate social work educational program accredited by the council on social work education.
Completion of thirty-six hours of continuing education of the thirty-six hours at least six must be in professional ethics.
Experience Requirement:
Licensed Advanced Social Worker (LASW):
Minimum of three thousand two hundred hours (3200) of experience.
800 hours must be in direct client contact.
90 hours of supervision by a LICSW or LASW who has been licensed for at least two years. Of the 90 hours:
- 50 must include direct supervision by a LASW or LICSW. The 50 hours may be in one-to-one supervision or group supervision.
- 40 hours may be with an equally qualified licensed mental health practitioner. The 40 hours must be in one-on-one supervision.
Distance supervision is limited to 40 supervision hours.
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW):
Minimum of four thousand hours (4000) of experience.
1,000 hours must be direct client contact.
- Over a three-year period.
- Supervised by a LICSW.
130 hours of supervision by a licensed mental health practitioner.
- Of the total supervision, 70 hours must be with an independent clinical social worker. The 70 hours may be in one-to-one supervision or group supervision.
- The other 60 hours may be with an equally qualified licensed mental health practitioner. The 60 hours must be in one-on-one supervision.
Distance supervision is limited to 60 supervision hours.
Exam Requirements:
The American Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam is required for licensure. The advanced exam is required to be a LASW, and the clinical exam is required to be a LICSW.
The following must be completed in order to qualify for a license as a social worker:
- Completed application.
- The application and initial licensure fee.
- Completed out of state verification forms sent directly from each state. (if applicable)
- Four (4) hours of HIV/AIDS education and training.
- Official transcripts sent directly from the college where the degree was obtained.
- Supervision forms documenting experience requirements.
- Exam scores sent directly from ASWB.
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