Social work licensure in District of Columbia

Requirements last verified August 16, 2026 against the District of Columbia Board of Social Work, DC Health.

License levels

• LSWALicensed Social Work Associate

  Requires the ASWB Bachelors exam.

  The ASWB Bachelors examination.

• LGSWLicensed Graduate Social Worker

  Requires the ASWB Masters exam.

  The ASWB Masters examination.

• LISWLicensed Independent Social Worker

  Requires the ASWB Advanced Generalist exam.

  The Board’s checklist accepts the “ASWB Advanced examination or ASWB Masters examination” — Advanced is DC’s name for Advanced Generalist, and either is acceptable for this license.

• LICSWLicensed Independent Clinical Social Worker

  Requires the ASWB Clinical exam.

  The ASWB Clinical examination.

Worth knowing about District of Columbia

Three things set the District apart. It has NO reciprocity with any jurisdiction — being licensed elsewhere earns you nothing here, and you must apply in the District and meet its requirements from scratch. Its exams are experience-first for the two independent licenses: the checklist says the ASWB exams may be taken once the Board has approved your application as having fulfilled the educational and training requirements “including the supervised practice experience”. And an old pass may not travel: a score more than five years old will still be accepted only if you can demonstrate continuous licensure and practice as a social worker in the United States since you sat it.

Common questions about District of Columbia

Which ASWB exam do I need for District of Columbia?

LSWA requires the ASWB Bachelors exam; LGSW requires the ASWB Masters exam; LISW requires the ASWB Advanced Generalist exam; LICSW requires the ASWB Clinical exam. Your board tells ASWB which category you are approved to take, so confirm with them before you register — registration fees are nonrefundable.

What social work licenses does District of Columbia issue?

LSWA (Licensed Social Work Associate); LGSW (Licensed Graduate Social Worker); LISW (Licensed Independent Social Worker); LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker).

Is this information current?

These requirements were last checked against District of Columbia Board of Social Work, DC Health on 2026-08-16. Licensure rules change without much notice, so treat the board as the authority and this page as a starting point.