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To find out who your legislator is call 202-224-3121. |
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To find out who your legislator is call 202-224-3121. |
Virginia Board of Social Work - LSW Exams Proposed for new MSWs
Please direct your comments to GWSCSW legislative liaisons Alice Kassabian (703-242-0896) or Dolores Paulson (703-790-0786), so that we can advocate effectively on this issue.
The text of the Board of Social Work announcement:
The Board intends to amend existing regulations sections 18 VAC 140-20-40 and 18 VAC 140-20-60 to allow Bachelors education (BSW) applicants to take the basic level examination for Licensed Social Worker (LSW) designation prior to completion of 3,000 hours of post-bachelor's experience set out in 18 VAC 140-20-60 B2a.
This change will not lessen the requirements for LSW licensure nor will it result in applicants obtaining licensure without completing all existing requirements. This change will allow applicants to take the required examination upon completion of the educational requirements as set out in 18 VAC 140-20-60.
Reason for proposing the changeThe Board's reason for proposing this change is threefold. First, the Virginia Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW-VA) approached the Board about making this change. NASW-VA believes that by allowing students to take the examination upon graduation, more will opt to take it.
Second, and closely related to the first reason, the Board has heard from several students that they would prefer to take the examination shortly after graduating while the information is still fresh in their minds. It takes roughly two years to obtain the 3,000 hours of supervision. The basic examination is primarily nonclinical in nature, therefore obtaining the 3,000 hours of supervision does not improve the candidates chances of successfully passing the examination. Third, this change would bring Virginia in line with the surrounding jurisdictions (District of Columbia and Maryland) in terms of requirement for basic level licensure.* Candidates for LSW level licensure are able to sit for the required examination in those jurisdictions upon completion of the necessary educational requirements.
Alternatives consideredAs an alternative, the Board considered retaining existing requirements and continuing to require that bachelor's level applicants (BSW) for the Licensed Social Worker (LSW) designation complete the required supervision prior to taking the basic examination. This alternative was not accepted due to the diverse consumer groups who have requested the change.
Interested members may contact GWSCSW@gmail.com to request alerts during the Virginia legislative session.