Overview:

Individuals with a bachelors (BSW) or masters (MSW) degree in social work from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) may apply may apply for a six month Temporary Permit.   Eligible applicants include pending social work graduates in their last semester, new graduates or individuals who have never been previously licensed or successfully tested, The permit. enables approved applicants to practice social work in West Virginia while preparing to sit for the appropriate bachrlors or masters social work exam. Individuals are authorized to test with the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) when the permit is issued. TheTemporary Permit holder must attempt the exam within the six months of the permit; there will be no consideration for additional permits if the permit holder does not test during the six months of the permit.  Upon passage of the examination, he/she will be eligible for a Regular License.

A permit holder should be under the supervision of a licensed social worker until he/she passes the exam.  An individual with a temporary permit is not required to earn continuing education credits as a condition of the permit.

To apply for a Temporary Permit:

Download, complete, and return the form below according to the following instructions:

Temporary Social Work Permit Application (PDF)

The completed application and fee should be submitted along with a copy of the individual's current driver's license or other photo ID.

Individuals in the last semester of coursework may apply but should include a letter of good standing from the Chair of the Social Work Department, which verifies the individual is expected to graduate at the end of the semester.  While one may be eager to test early before graduation the Board cannot issue a regular license until after the student graduates and an official transcript is available.  Therefore, the optimal time to apply for a permit should be no earlier than mid semester.

If the applicant has graduated, an official transcript is required along with the permit application and fee. An official transcript should show the show the date of graduation, degree conferred and major Transcripts should be sent directly from the university to the Board if sent electronically, or else be on watermarked, security paper or have a raised seal if sent through the mail. Copies of transcripts or print outs of PDF files are not accepted.

Completed applications should NOT be faxed or emailed (as they contain personally identifiable information) - they MUST BE MAILED to the Board office:

WV Board of Social Work
PO Box 5459
Charleston, WV 25361

Permits are issued within 5-15 business days of receipt of a complete application.