Licensed Graduate Social Worker License in District of Columbia
Quick Answer
To become a Licensed Graduate Social Worker in DC, you need an MSW degree, must pass an ASWB exam, and must complete a background check. Continuing education is required for biennial renewal. Total estimated initial costs are approximately $564.
- Exam
- ASWB Masters or Clinical Exam
- Total Cost
- $564 (est.)
- Timeline
- 6 years (MSW education) + 2-6 months (licensing)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
Licensed Graduate Social Worker license in District of Columbia
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $167
- Exam Fee
- $230
- Renewal Fee
- $167
- Total Estimated Cost
- $564
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Licensed Graduate Social Worker license in District of Columbia. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the District of Columbia licensing board.
Licensed Graduate Social Worker Salary in District of Columbia
Entry Level
$86,240
Median
$107,060
Experienced
$129,560
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Licensed Graduate Social Worker in District of Columbia.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
Background check required
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — ASWB Masters or Clinical Exam
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$167.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 6 years (MSW education) + 2-6 months (licensing).
Licensed Graduate Social Worker Licensing in District of Columbia: What to Know
The District of Columbia licenses social workers as Licensed Graduate Social Workers (LGSWs) at the master's level, requiring an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program, passage of a third-party ASWB exam, and completion of a background check. DC also offers the Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) credential for those who complete supervised clinical experience. Continuing education is required for biennial renewal, typically 40 hours. DC's Board of Social Work oversees licensing under the Department of Health. As the nation's capital, DC has a high concentration of social work positions in federal agencies, nonprofits, policy organizations, and advocacy groups. The Department of Behavioral Health and Child and Family Services Agency are major employers. DC's cost of living is high, but social work salaries tend to be correspondingly elevated. DC has not joined the Social Work Licensure Compact, and its unique jurisdictional status as a federal district sometimes creates complications for interstate practice with neighboring Maryland and Virginia.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Licensed Graduate Social Worker license cost in District of Columbia?
- The estimated total cost is $564, including application fees, exam fees ($230), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Licensed Graduate Social Worker license in District of Columbia?
- The process typically takes 6 years (MSW education) + 2-6 months (licensing), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Licensed Graduate Social Worker license in District of Columbia?
- You need to pass the ASWB Masters or Clinical Exam. Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Licensed Graduate Social Worker requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.