Licensure

The information below is from the Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs. For additional information, please visit their website.

Purpose of Licensure:

To set standards of qualifications, education, training and experience for the practice of Social Work. To promote high standards of professional performance for persons in the practice of social work. To assure that everyone in the practice of social work is licensed and adhere to the established uniformed and coordinated procedures.

Period of Licensure:

All permanent licenses are issued on an annual basis. Temporary Licenses are issued for six (6) months. Applicants are granted the initial temporary license and one temporary license renewal, after which applicant must successfully complete the social worker's examination to be duly licensed in the Virgin Islands. 

Application Process

Initial application requires:


  • Completed and notarized application;
  • Official college transcript identifying courses and degrees in the field of social work;
  • Two professional references as to the applicant's current occupational level and to applicant's experience in the social work field;
  • One character reference;
  • Three 2"x2" passport size photos of applicant;
  • Favorable tax clearance letter from the Bureau of Internal Revenue;Payment of Required Fees.

Levels of Licensure

Social Worker Associate: Applicant may have a baccalaureate degree in a non-Social Work field or an associate of arts degree in the Human Services from a junior college, college or university approved by the Board.

Social Worker: Applicant must have a baccalaureate degree in Social Work or Social Welfare Program from a college or university approved by the Board or a baccalaureate degree in another field with two years of experience in a social work capacity.

Certified Social Worker: Applicant must have a doctorate or master's degree from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and approved by the Board.

Certified Independent Social Worker: Applicant must have a doctorate or master's degree from a school of social work accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) and approved by the board. Additionally, applicant must have practiced for two years under appropriate supervision in the field of specialization in which the applicant will practice.

EACH APPLICANT FOR ALL LEVELS OF LICENSURE MUST SATISFACTORILY PROVE TO THE BOARD THAT HE/SHE IS A PERSON WHO MERITS THE PUBLIC TRUST.

Examination: Any person applying to become a Social Worker is required to take an examination. The examination is available via computer year round. All levels of examinations must be approved by the Board. The Intermediate, Clinical, and Advance Examinations are only administered to persons holding a Master's of Social Work Degree or higher from an accredited, board approved college or university.

Temporary Licenses: A temporary license is issued to an applicant who wants to work prior to taking the required examination. All temporary licenses are at the same levels of licensure. Temporary licenses are issued for a period of six (6) months. Applicant's are granted an initial temporary license and one renewal of the temporary license.


Renewal of License Requires


  • A completed social work renewal application;
  • Completed back copy of license;
  • Payment of Required Fees.
  • Evidence that the Licensee has completed a minimum of two units of continuing education since previous issuance of license;
  • Favorable tax clearance letter from the V.I. Bureau of Internal Revenue.

Required Fees


  • Application Fee: $25
  • Temporary Licenses: $26
  • Social Worker Associate: $45.50
  • Social Worker: $45.50
  • Certified Social Worker: $65
  • Certified Independent Social Worker: $97.50

Contact

Nathalie Hodge
Administrator, Boards and Commissions
nathalie.hodge@dlca.vi.gov
(340) 773-2226 ext. 245
V.I. Board of Social Workers
Dept. of Licensing and Consumer Affairs
Golden Rock Shopping Center - Suite 9
Christiansted, VI 00820-4311