Out-of-State Applicants

Credential Options | Licensure Reciprocity | Substantial Equivalency | Universal Licensure | State Credential Search Tool

Social Worker and Social Worker Associate

Washington State welcomes out-of-state applicants wishing to obtain credentials in Washington State. This page provides a basic overview of the reciprocity pathways and eligible credentials for out-of-state applicants.

Washington State has three primary options for Social Worker and Social Worker Associate:

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) or Licensed Advanced Social Worker (LASW) Associate *

The associate-level license is for a person with an eligible graduate degree in a mental health field (RCW 18.225.090) who still must gain post-graduate experience and qualify to take the approved examination necessary to become a fully licensed independent clinical social worker or licensed advanced social worker.

*These descriptions are intended to provide a summary of basic credential requirements and do not provide detailed requirements. Interested applicants should review the full requirements listed in chapter 246-809 WAC and, if necessary, contact the program manager for questions specific to their situation.

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) Probationary Credential*

The probationary license is a temporary credential issued to an individual who is licensed in another state and applies for reciprocity in Washington. The license is issued for one year and can be renewed one time for another year. The purpose of the probationary license is to allow the holder to seek and accept employment opportunities while the department assesses the gap in licensure requirements. Within the time limits provided by the probationary license, applicants will need to meet the full licensure requirements as a social worker or consider other available licensure options.

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) or Licensed Advanced Social Worker (LASW)*

Allows the credential holder to practice independently at the full scope of a LICSW or LASW in Washington State, in both private practice and state-regulated facilities.

Licensure Reciprocity Program/Probationary Licensure

Scope of Practice Analysis

Independent clinical social work is defined in RCW 18.225.010 as the diagnosis and treatment of emotional and mental disorders based on knowledge of human development, the causation and treatment of psychopathology, psychotherapeutic treatment practices, and social work practice as defined in advanced social work. Treatment modalities include, but are not limited to, diagnosis and treatment of individuals, couples, families, groups, or organizations.

The completed analysis revealed that 49 states are deemed to have an equivalent and/or greater scope to Washington;

One state’s scope of practice was deemed not to be substantially equivalent to Washington:

Nevada

The analysis of the scope of practices is based strictly on the statutory and rules language of each state. Differing states may refer to social workers by various titles; however, the assessment is based on the practice of social work as defined in statute and rule for each state.

Substantial Equivalency

Qualifications

Washington State offers licensure for applicants licensed in another state with comparable licensing standards. This process allows qualified professionals to obtain Washington credentials without repeating education or exams already completed in another state.

As of July 23, 2023, new criteria established under RCW 18.130.077 apply to out-of-state applicants seeking initial licensure in Washington. These criteria are specific to initial licensure and do not necessarily apply to licensure by endorsement.

To qualify under this law, you must:

Hold a current license in a state that is considered substantially equivalent to Washington (see list below),
Have been licensed in that state for at least two years, and
Have no history of disciplinary action on your license.

Universal Licensure

Eligibility Criteria

If you are licensed in a state considered substantially equivalent, your application will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Being from a substantially equivalent state does not automatically guarantee eligibility. Additionally, if you have ever been licensed in a universal licensure state, you may not qualify under this pathway. Please review the information below to better understand how universal licensure may affect your eligibility.

What is Universal Licensure?

Universal licensure allows some states to issue licenses to professionals even if they do not meet all of that state’s standard education or examination requirements.
Under SHB 1724, Washington requires that the original state where you were first licensed meets our substantial equivalency standards.
For example, if you were initially licensed in a non-equivalent state and later obtained a license in a universal licensure state, you may not meet Washington’s eligibility criteria under the new law.
Washington evaluates where you were first licensed. If your initial license was granted by a state with lesser requirements, even if you currently hold a license from a substantially equivalent state, you may not qualify under this pathway.

The following states have adopted universal licensure policies:

Arizona
Arkansas
Idaho
Iowa
Kansas
Mississippi
Missouri
Utah
Virginia

Please Note: This list may change as more states adopt or modify universal licensure policies.

Please select your state below and review the results. These results will help determine which out-of-state credentialing pathway you are eligible to apply for.

If your credential is eligible only under the "Reciprocity" search, apply for the Probationary credential AND the full LICSW credential. If your credential is evaluated to be Substantially Equivalent, apply for the full LICSW credential.