Social Work Licensure Compact in Washington

This state has enacted the Social Work Licensure Compact and is a member jurisdiction. The compact is not operational yet, so multistate licenses are not being issued here.

Listed as a member on the Commission’s jurisdictions page. Enacted into law, but the compact is not yet operational — multistate licenses are not being issued yet anywhere.

Washington is a member, but the Social Work Licensure Compact is not operational anywhere yet — no multistate licenses or practice privileges are being issued. As of June 16, 2026, no multistate licenses or practice privileges are being issued. ASWB indicated implementation is likely within roughly 9–12 months of May 2026 (i.e. late 2026 to mid-2027); the Commission has reported it is working toward offering multistate licenses. Verify the current launch status with the Commission before relying on it.

A multistate license (the compact “privilege”) is intended to let a social worker who holds a license in good standing in their compact home state practice in other member states without obtaining a separate license in each one — similar to how the nursing and physical-therapy compacts work.

Final eligibility rules are still being written by the Commission and are not yet in force. Based on the model legislation and analogous compacts, a social worker will generally need an active, unencumbered license in their home (residence) member state, must meet the education and examination requirements for the relevant practice level (bachelor’s, master’s, or clinical), and is expected to clear a background check. Specifics may change — always confirm with your home-state board and the Commission.

There is nothing to apply for yet. When the compact becomes operational, social workers will apply for a multistate license through their home-state board under Commission rules. Watch the Commission for the operational-launch announcement and confirm requirements with the Washington social work licensing board before acting.