⚠️ Important: This comparison is based on published state licensing requirements and may not reflect recent changes. Reciprocity and transfer rules change frequently and are evaluated on a case-by-case basis by state licensing boards. This tool is for research purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Always contact Washington State Department of Health -- Social Work directly to confirm current transfer requirements before submitting any applications or fees.

Transfer Your Social Worker License: Oregon → Washington

Everything you need to know about transferring your social worker license from Oregon to Washington

Reciprocity Available

Washington is a member of the Social Work Licensure Compact and was one of the first seven states to enact it. License by endorsement is also available.

Requirements Comparison

Requirement	Oregon (OR)	Washington (WA)
Education Requirements	Not available	Not available
Exam Requirements	Not available	Not available
Experience Requirements	Not available	Not available
Fees	application fee: $260 (LCSW); aswb exam fee: $260; license fee: Included in application fee; supervision registration fee: $0; renewal fee: $120 (LCSW biennial); $68 (LMSW); $66 (CSWA annual); $42 (LSWA); total initial fees: $520 (application + ASWB exam); confidence: high; sources: https://agentsofchangeprep.com/blog/oregon-social-work-licensure-renewal-dates-and-ce-requirements/	application fee: $216 (LICSW); aswb exam fee: $260 for Clinical; license fee: Included in application fee; supervision registration fee: $50; renewal fee: $216 (LICSW biennial); total initial fees: Approximately $526 (application $216 + exam $260 + supervision $50); confidence: high; sources: https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/professions-new-renew-or-update/social-worker-and-social-worker-associate/licensing-information
Renewal / CE Requirements●	Period: 2 years (by last day of birth month); CSWA renewed annually; CE hours: 40 hours per 2-year cycle; may carry over up to 10 hours to next period; Fee: $120 (LCSW)	Period: Annual — renew every year on or before birthday; CE hours: AASW/ICSW: 18 hours; LASW/LICSW: 36 hours per 2-year cycle; Fee: $216 (LICSW)

Data verified as of 2026-03-24. Requirements may have changed since verification.

Key Differences

Washington accepts out-of-state social worker licenses via reciprocity/endorsement.
Renewal differs: Oregon — Period: 2 years (by last day of birth month); CSWA renewed annually; CE hours: 40 hours per 2-year cycle; may carry over up to 10 hours to next period; Fee: $120 (LCSW); Washington — Period: Annual — renew every year on or before birthday; CE hours: AASW/ICSW: 18 hours; LASW/LICSW: 36 hours per 2-year cycle; Fee: $216 (LICSW).

Next Steps

1
Contact the destination state board to confirm current transfer/reciprocity requirements. Visit Washington State Department of Health -- Social Work →
2
Request credential verification from Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers — this often takes 4–8 weeks. Visit Oregon board →
3
Gather required documentation (education transcripts, experience logs, exam scores).
4
Submit your application to Washington State Department of Health -- Social Work.

These steps are general guidance based on common transfer processes. Your state may have a different process. Always follow the instructions provided by your state licensing board.

Washington Licensing Board

Board: Washington State Department of Health -- Social Work
Website: https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/professions-new-renew-or-update/social-worker-and-social-worker-associate
Phone: (360) 236-4700

Contact Washington State Department of Health -- Social Work to confirm current transfer requirements →

Prepare for Your Licensing Exam

Get ready for the ASWB Social Work Licensing Exam with realistic practice tests from Exam Edge.

Get Started →

Ad | GetLicenseMap may earn a commission

GetLicenseMap is a research tool and does not provide legal, financial, or professional licensing advice. Licensing requirements vary by state and change frequently. Verify all information directly with your state licensing board before making licensing decisions.

Requirements Comparison

Requirement	Oregon (OR)	Washington (WA)
Education Requirements	Not available	Not available
Exam Requirements	Not available	Not available
Experience Requirements	Not available	Not available
Fees	application fee: $260 (LCSW); aswb exam fee: $260; license fee: Included in application fee; supervision registration fee: $0; renewal fee: $120 (LCSW biennial); $68 (LMSW); $66 (CSWA annual); $42 (LSWA); total initial fees: $520 (application + ASWB exam); confidence: high; sources: https://agentsofchangeprep.com/blog/oregon-social-work-licensure-renewal-dates-and-ce-requirements/	application fee: $216 (LICSW); aswb exam fee: $260 for Clinical; license fee: Included in application fee; supervision registration fee: $50; renewal fee: $216 (LICSW biennial); total initial fees: Approximately $526 (application $216 + exam $260 + supervision $50); confidence: high; sources: https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/professions-new-renew-or-update/social-worker-and-social-worker-associate/licensing-information
Renewal / CE Requirements●	Period: 2 years (by last day of birth month); CSWA renewed annually; CE hours: 40 hours per 2-year cycle; may carry over up to 10 hours to next period; Fee: $120 (LCSW)	Period: Annual — renew every year on or before birthday; CE hours: AASW/ICSW: 18 hours; LASW/LICSW: 36 hours per 2-year cycle; Fee: $216 (LICSW)

Data verified as of 2026-03-24. Requirements may have changed since verification.

Key Differences

Washington accepts out-of-state social worker licenses via reciprocity/endorsement.

Renewal differs: Oregon — Period: 2 years (by last day of birth month); CSWA renewed annually; CE hours: 40 hours per 2-year cycle; may carry over up to 10 hours to next period; Fee: $120 (LCSW); Washington — Period: Annual — renew every year on or before birthday; CE hours: AASW/ICSW: 18 hours; LASW/LICSW: 36 hours per 2-year cycle; Fee: $216 (LICSW).

Next Steps

Contact the destination state board to confirm current transfer/reciprocity requirements. Visit Washington State Department of Health -- Social Work →

Request credential verification from Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers — this often takes 4–8 weeks. Visit Oregon board →

Gather required documentation (education transcripts, experience logs, exam scores).

Submit your application to Washington State Department of Health -- Social Work.

These steps are general guidance based on common transfer processes. Your state may have a different process. Always follow the instructions provided by your state licensing board.

Transfer Your Social Worker License: Oregon → Washington

Reciprocity Available

Requirements Comparison

Key Differences

Next Steps

Washington Licensing Board

Prepare for Your Licensing Exam

Related Pages

Transfer Your Social Worker License: Oregon → Washington

Reciprocity Available

Requirements Comparison

Key Differences

Next Steps

Washington Licensing Board

Prepare for Your Licensing Exam

Related Pages