The Social Work Licensing Exam
What kind of exam is it?
How many questions are on the examination?
How much time will I have to take it?
How long does it usually take to finish the exam?
When is the test administered? What are the test dates?
Why can’t I know what exam appointment slots are available at any time?
Where are the test centers?
How many people pass the exam?
How many questions do I need to answer right to pass?
What is the difference between the different exam levels (Bachelors, Masters, Advanced Generalist, Clinical)?
Is the same test administered all year?
Are the tests the same from jurisdiction to jurisdiction?
Is this examination really a valid test of my social work knowledge?
Who writes the questions?
What about the new DSM?
Do I have to know how to use a computer to take this examination?
Can I take the test in a paper-and-pencil format?
I have a disability. Can I receive special accommodations?
Where do I get the application for disability accommodations? How long does it take? What accommodations are available? Who can complete Part II of the ADA forms?
Do my disability accommodations need to be approved before I register for the exam?
Is the examination offered in languages other than English?
How do I request arrangements for ESL (English as a second language)?
How can I get extra time?
Why are breaks not built into the test?
How many times can I take the exam?
Exam Scoring
How many questions do I need to answer right to pass?
If I pass the test in one jurisdiction, have I passed it in all jurisdictions?
If I fail the test in one jurisdiction, have I failed it in all jurisdictions?
Will I get to know how many items I answered correctly?
Can I get my score over the phone?
I’ve taken the exam numerous times and passed each content area at one time or another, so can all of my exams be taken into consideration?
My board says I need a “70” (or a “75”) in order to pass. My score report doesn’t contain any information like that. How do I know if I met my board’s passing requirement?
Why did my jurisdiction quit giving a score?
What are the passing scores for my jurisdiction/other jurisdictions?
If I get a 74 on my test in one state (75 pass) can I transfer that score for a license in a 70 passing score state?
Is it easier to pass the exam in one jurisdiction than another?
Why don’t all the states use the same numerical score?
I have received the same score several times. How can this happen?
Is the exam graded on a “curve” for the whole country or the area you are in?
Can I have my examination reviewed again?
Registering for the Exam
How do I register to take the examination?
Do I have to get my board’s approval to register for the exam?
What is the process (steps) for registration for the exam/licensure?
How soon will I be able to take the test?
Why do I have to wait to make an appointment once I have registered?
Preparing for the Exam
How do I prepare for the examination?
Why do you not have more comprehensive study materials? What should I use for further study? Why can you not recommend other study material? Where can I take prep classes for the exam? Who offers prep courses?
Can I get the study guide in an accessible format?
What is the ASWB Online Practice Test?
Retaking the Exam
What should I be doing differently? Why can’t I pass this exam? Do you have any tips on how to prepare for this exam?
Can I review my test or just the questions I got wrong?
I want to retake the test sooner than the limits allow. Can I test before the 90 days?
When will my 90-days be up?
What kind of exam is it?
The ASWB social work licensure examinations are multiple choice examinations that offer test-takers four options (A,B, C, D). The examinations are administered via computer at test sites.
How many questions are on the examination?
There are 170 questions on the ASWB examination, but only 150 count toward your score. The remaining 20 are pretest items, questions which are being evaluated for possible inclusion in the examination item pool.
How much time will I have to take it?
You will have four hours to complete the examination. If you have a disability that qualifies you for special accommodations, you may be allotted extra time. Check your candidate handbook for details on how to arrange for special accommodations.
How long does it usually take to finish the exam?
Almost all candidates complete the examination well within the four-hour time limit.
When is the test administered? What are the test dates?
The examinations are administered by appointment at test centers. There are not set test dates—you schedule a time to come in and take the exam.
Why can’t I know what exam appointment slots are available at any time?
Appointments are made on a first-come, first-served basis for exam candidates who have registered and received proper authorization to test. This is a moving target because candidates are constantly making or changing appointments. Looking at appointment availability before you have received authorization would not give you any useful information on what the appointment schedule will be when you are finally able to reserve a time and location for your test.
Where are the test centers?
ASWB offers the examinations through a network of test sites owned or affiliated through Pearson VUE. Click here to search for a test site.
How many people pass the exam?
National pass rates are available here.
How many questions do I need to answer right to pass?
This varies, depending on the level of exam you’re taking, and which version (“form”) of the exam you get. Generally, passing scores range from 94-107 or more correct of the 150 scored items. Remember that the test also includes 20 non-scored “pretest” items mixed in with the scored items.
What is the difference between the different exam levels (Bachelors, Masters, Advanced Generalist, Clinical)?
The differences between the various ASWB exams are based in large part on the groups each exam is designed to target. They are:
- Bachelors: A basic test for social workers with a BSW and no post-degree experience.
- Masters: A generalist test for social workers with an MSW and no post-degree experience.
- Advanced Generalist: A more advanced test for social workers with an MSW and at least two years of post-degree experience in non-clinical settings.
- Clinical: A more advanced test for social workers with an MSW and at least two years of post-degree experience in direct clinical practice settings.
Each exam level has its own pool of test questions, designed for use at that level only. Each exam level also has a distinct content outline with percentages of questions assigned to various content areas. These can be found in the ASWB Candidate Handbook.
Is the same test administered all year?
No.
There are multiple versions, or forms, of each level of the ASWB examination, and within those forms, the order of items is changed frequently. Some items will be the same from one administration to the next, but all items are reordered as part of the new examination.
Are the tests the same from jurisdiction to jurisdiction?
Yes.
Keep in mind, however, that every jurisdiction chooses the examination levels to be administered, so not every jurisdiction offers every level. The examination levels themselves are the same—the Clinical level ASWB examination in Illinois, for example, is the same as the Clinical level ASWB examination administered in Virginia. That is where the similarities end--tests are not equivalent between levels (for example, the Masters level examination is not equivalent to the Bachelors, Clinical or Advanced Generalist level examinations).
Is this examination really a valid test of my social work knowledge?
Yes.
The ASWB examinations meet the testing standards established by the American Psychological Association. ASWB and its testing vendor monitor the validity and reliability of each test administered.
Who writes the questions?
Social work practitioners across Canada and the United States are contracted and trained by ASWB to write and edit potential items for the ASWB item pool. All examination items must meet with the approval of the ASWB Examination Committee before being pretested. All examination items are pretested before they are included as official scored items.
What about the new DSM coming out in 2013?
The planned fifth edition of the American Psychiatric Association's (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is due for publication in May 2013 and will supersede the DSM-IV-TR, which was last revised in 2000. The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) will be reviewing and evaluating the implications of DSM-5 for the social work licensing examinations before making any needed changes.
The current ASWB examinations reflect the content contained in the DSM-IV-TR. ASWB is always committed to providing sufficient information to social work candidates to prepare for ASWB examinations. No changes to the ASWB examinations that reflect only DSM-5 will be made before January 2015.
Do I have to know how to use a computer to take this examination?
No.
Although the ASWB examination is administered through a computer, it requires no previous computer experience. The equipment will allow you to skip questions and return to them, change your answers, and mark questions for later review. You will be given a brief tutorial on the operation of the computer.
Can I take the test in a paper-and-pencil format?
Generally, no.
Paper and pencil test administrations are available only under limited circumstances, primarily as a disability accommodation.
I have a disability. Can I receive special accommodations?
Yes.
By filling out an Application for Disability Accommodations (available in the ASWB Candidate Handbook or printable here) you may qualify for accommodations. Please note: the forms included here may be in addition to disability accommodation forms required by your jurisdiction.
Where do I get the application for disability accommodations? How long does it take? What accommodations are available? Who can complete Part II of the ADA forms?
ASWB works with its member boards and examination candidates to provide accommodations in compliance with any and all applicable federal, state, provincial and local legislation, including, but not limited to, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Details are available in the ASWB Candidate Handbook, or contact us with specific questions.
Do my disability accommodations need to be approved before I register for the exam?
Yes.
The Application for Disability Accommodation must be filled out completely and sent to ASWB, and accommodations approved, before you will be able to register for the test. You can find the application form in the ASWB Candidate Handbook. For more information, contact ASWB at 1-800-225-6880.
Is the examination offered in languages other than English?
No. But many jurisdictions do allow special accommodations for candidates whose primary language is something other than English. Contact your board for information.
How do I request arrangements for ESL (English as a second language)?
When permitted by the relevant regulatory board, ASWB offers limited arrangements for test candidates whose first language is not English. Details are available in the ASWB Candidate Handbook, or contact us with specific questions.
How can I get extra time?
Extra time allotted for taking the test is generally provided as part of an accommodation for candidates with disabilities, or—in some states—candidates for whom English is a second language.
Why are breaks not built into the test?
The ASWB licensing examinations allow a generous amount of time (four hours) for test takers, given the relatively short length (170 questions) of the tests. Research into the test, and candidate responses to surveys, have indicated that there is sufficient time to complete the test while taking breaks at the test-taker’s discretion.
How many times can I take the exam?
Your social work licensing board makes this decision. Some have limits, others do not. You should contact your board directly to find out.
Exam Scoring
How many questions do I need to answer right to pass?
This varies, depending on the level of exam you’re taking, and which version (“form”) of the exam you get. Generally, passing scores range from 94-107 correct of the 150 scored items. Remember that the test also includes 20 non-scored “pretest” items mixed in with the scored items.
If I pass the test in one jurisdiction, have I passed it in all jurisdictions?
Yes.
The passing score for the ASWB examination is a national passing score. That does not mean you are automatically licensed across the country—every jurisdiction has its own licensing processes, and there are additional steps that must be taken in order to gain licensure. Also, not every jurisdiction uses every examination level offered by ASWB. Always check with the social work boards for details.
If I fail the test in one jurisdiction, have I failed it in all jurisdictions?
Yes.
For the same reason that passing scores are national scores, scores lower than passing remain so across all jurisdictions that use the ASWB examinations.
Will I get to know how many items I answered correctly?
Yes.
Your score reports will show your performance in terms of the actual number of questions you answered correctly, and the number of questions required to pass the version of the exam you took. If you fail the exam, you will also be provided with a breakdown of the number of questions you answered correctly in each content area, as well as the total number of questions in each content area.
Can I get my score over the phone?
No.
In order to protect the confidentiality of all licensure candidates, score reports are never given out over the telephone.
I’ve taken the exam numerous times and passed each content area at one time or another, so can all of my exams be taken into consideration?
No.
The ASWB examinations are designed to be taken and scored as a whole, on individual attempts.
My board says I need a “70” (or a “75”) in order to pass. My score report doesn’t contain any information like that. How do I know if I met my board’s passing requirement?
If your report states that you passed the exam, it means you have achieved (or exceeded) the passing score required by your licensing board. ASWB no longer provides candidates with “scaled” scores. Instead, candidates receive more detailed information on the actual number of questions they answered correctly. Remember that licensing examinations are really only concerned with whether you pass—provided you achieve a passing score, the number of questions you answered correctly does not have an effect on your license. All that really matters is that you have passed the examination. And your pass will remain a pass even if you have your results transferred to another licensing board.
Why did my jurisdiction quit giving a score?
See above.
What are the passing scores for my jurisdiction/other jurisdictions?
Your jurisdiction’s passing score may be listed as a “70”, a “75”, or simply as a “pass”. These are basically different ways of describing the same point on a testing program that has a set pass point no matter where you take the test.
ASWB's examinations are North American tests. Passing in one jurisdiction is equivalent to passing in any other jurisdiction. The scoring systems adopted by individual jurisdictions are usually a matter of wording in a law – sometimes, the actual number is a part of laws created to cover many professions with one set number that is considered success on any licensing test.
The 70 used in one state or province and the 75 used in another are describing the same passing point. In other words, if 103 correct answers are enough to demonstrate acceptable competency on a test, a candidate who got 103 questions right in a “70 is passing” jurisdiction would receive a 70. A candidate who got 103 questions right in a “75 is passing” jurisdiction would receive a score of 75. A passing minimum score, whether 70 or 75, indicates the same level of performance on the test.
Essentially, ASWB translates passing scores into the scoring “language” of a particular jurisdiction, and forwards that information to the licensing board.The passing score remains a passing score even if a candidate transfers his or her score from a “70-to-pass” jurisdiction to a “75-to-pass” jurisdiction. The transferred score is reported to the new board as a “pass” or “fail”.
If I get a 74 on my test in one state (75 pass) can I transfer that score for a license in a 70 passing score jurisdiction?
No. A failure in one jurisdiction would be reported as a failure in any other jurisdiction. While some states require a score of “70” to pass and others require a “75”, the overall exam difficulty remains consistent from jurisdiction to jurisdiction (see “Is it easier to pass the exam in one jurisdiction than another?” below).
Is it easier to pass the exam in one jurisdiction than another?
No.
Some jurisdictions require that candidates receive a score of 70 or better to pass. Others require candidates achieve a score of at least 75 in order to pass. Still others simply require a “pass” without specifying a score. This does NOT mean that it is easier to pass in one jurisdiction than in another. These systems are just two ways of reporting the same thing. It’s similar to the way thermometers may use two different systems to describe temperature: water freezes at 0 degrees centigrade or 32 degrees Fahrenheit, but those numbers are identifying the same point. The 70 and 75-point systems are just two ways of describing the same level of performance on the exam.
Why don’t all the jurisdictions use the same numerical score?
Individual states and provinces are responsible for regulating their professionals as they see fit. While using the same numerical score would certainly make things more understandable, the fact that jurisdictions use different scales does not alter the number of questions you need to answer correctly in order to pass. This is set nationally, and the individual jurisdiction scales are just that—different scales that describe the same passing point. Previous score reports given to candidates expressed performance in a scaled score, rather than the actual number of items answered correctly, and candidates were often confused about what this number meant.
I have received the same score several times. How can this happen?
It is not unusual for examination scores to vary only slightly for most candidates who take a test more than once. This is because the ASWB examinations are reliable; that is, they measure candidate knowledge in a consistent manner. If there is no measurable increase in a candidate’s knowledge between administrations, a candidate will usually score within .5 standard deviation from a previous score, provided that score reflected their true level of knowledge at the earlier administration. A high degree of reliability—something present in all ASWB examinations—is an indicator that the test is a fair and accurate measure of competency.
Is the exam graded on a “curve” for the whole country or the area you are in?
The exam isn’t graded on a “curve”.
The grading “curve” we are used to from school is a process by which the instructor moves the grading scale up or down, depending on the performance of the group being tested. This does not happen with the ASWB examinations.
Because different test-takers receive different sets of questions, however, ASWB does have to account for differences in the difficulty levels of individual items on different versions of the tests. When a candidate completes an examination, the testing software calculates a raw score—the actual number of questions you answered correctly. Because raw scores can be affected by the difficulty of individual items on a particular version (“form”) of an examination, these variations are accounted for through an equating process. Equating adjusts the number of items you need to answer correctly up or down depending on the difficulty levels on a particular form (version) of the examination. Through equating, the passing raw score is adjusted for each examination so that fewer correct items are needed to pass a more difficult form of the test (and more correct answers are needed to pass an easier form of the test). Making these statistical adjustments ensures that the overall ability that needs to be demonstrated remains the same from test form to test form. In other words, nobody receives an advantage or disadvantage because of the version of test they receive. This is why ASWB cannot identify an unchanging number of correctly answered items needed to pass the examinations.
Can I have my examination reviewed again?
This can be done for a fee of $50.
This review will verify that no problems occurred in the recording of your answers. Since ASWB began offering the exams as computer-based-tests (in 1998), this process has never resulted in a changed score.
Registering for the Exam
How do I register to take the examination?
Always begin by checking with your jurisdiction’s social work board, and then check your candidate handbook. If you have difficulties finding out who to call, visit your board's website for contact listings in your jurisdiction.
Do I have to get my board’s approval to register for the exam?
Yes. You need to apply to your board and pay any application fees before you can take the test. (Your board may also assess a fee to issue your license after you pass your exam.) You must begin by contacting your board.
What is the process (steps) for registration for the exam/licensure?
The registration process can be broken down into three basic steps:
- Apply to your state or provincial licensing board and pay any application fees
- Obtain permission from the board to register for the test
- Call ASWB or register online. There is a separate fee to be paid to ASWB to register to take the licensing exam.
For a more detailed explanation of this process, check out the ASWB Candidate Handbook instructions.
How soon will I be able to take the test?
Candidates registered with ASWB will be able to make an online appointment at a Pearson VUE test site approximately 24 hours after registration. Information on making an appointment to test at a Pearson VUE test site can be found here. Candidates with special arrangements will not be able to schedule appointments online.
Why do I have to wait to make an appointment once I have registered?
The required wait is to allow ASWB and its testing vendor time to transfer and check candidate data.
Preparing for the Exam
How do I prepare for the examination?
ASWB cannot offer advice or make recommendations about how to prepare for the licensing examinations. There are many private test prep companies that offer these services, as well as NASW chapters and schools of social work. Many test takers looking for prep courses begin by finding out if their social work program offers any resources.
Among private test prep companies, quality and price vary widely, and there is not necessarily a direct link between the amount of money you pay for a program and its usefulness.
ASWB offers two resources: a hard-copy study guide for $33 and online practice tests for $75. The online practice tests are available to registered candidates only. There are two practice tests available for the Bachelors, Masters and Clinical exams. There is no online practice test for the Advanced Generalist exam.
Why do you not have more comprehensive study materials? What should I use for further study? Why can you not recommend other study material? Where can I take prep classes for the exam? Who offers prep courses?
The bottom line is, ASWB won’t be of much help to someone who needs to be told how to pass the exams.
The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) owns and maintains the social work licensing examinations. The association’s focus is on providing a valid, reliable test of minimum competency—providing comprehensive study materials that would attempt to provide test-takers with the knowledge needed to pass the exam would not only represent a conflict of interest for ASWB, but would hurt the validity of the examinations.
Preparation for the ASWB exams is an individual choice. Some candidates purchase private preparation materials; others attend preparation seminars sponsored by schools, professional associations, or other entities; still others form study groups with peers and create their own informal programs. The association cannot recommend one method or provider over another.
Can I get the study guide in an accessible format?
Yes. The study guides are available in accessible formats. Contact us for more information.
What is the ASWB Online Practice Test?
The Association of Social Work Boards now offers full-scale online practice tests for candidates registered to take the Clinical, Masters, or Bachelors ASWB licensure examinations. There are two versions of each practice test available. Our software automatically selects the appropriate version based on the customer's previous purchase history.
After candidates register and pay the examination fee for the actual licensing examination, they may choose to purchase access to the practice test.
The practice test is delivered via the Internet only—no cd-roms, books, or other delivery methods are available. Candidates may purchase the online practice test at the time they register for the licensing exam, by calling 800-225-6880 after they have registered, or by ordering online.
There is more information about the online practice tests here.
Retaking the Exam
What should I be doing differently? Why can’t I pass this exam? Do you have any tips on how to prepare for this exam?
In order to allow yourself the best opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge, it is important that you fully understand the ways the examination measures knowledge, the limits of individual test items, and the ways in which items may be worded. It is also helpful to have a “big picture” view of the examination and how items are distributed across content areas. Finally, the strong reliability of the ASWB examinations means that you need to think about ways to increase your level of social work knowledge before the next time you take the test.
First, remember the limits of each question on the test. Each item on the ASWB examination is targeted to a specific knowledge, skill, or ability. What this means is that an individual test question is designed to measure a relatively discrete piece of the overall competence picture. The items on the examination contain all the information necessary to answer them correctly—except the social work knowledge you must employ. In other words, test takers must be extremely careful that they do not “read into” a test question or allow hypothetical situations and “what-if” scenarios to cloud their ability to arrive at a correct answer.
Second, remember that qualifying words deserve your attention. Many items on the ASWB examinations ask what the social worker should do “FIRST” or “NEXT”, or require test takers to identify something that is “MOST likely,” “MOST appropriate, or “BEST.” These words are bolded and capitalized in the actual test, and should be considered very carefully as you choose an answer.
Third, familiarize yourself with your failing score report and its relationship to the overall content of the examination. Some content areas of the test contain more items than others; as you prepare to re-take your test, you may want to consider these weights, your reported performance, and the time you wish to devote to the different content areas.
Finally, remember that the ASWB examinations do not rely on tricks, gimmicks, or word games. They are not designed to purposefully confuse test-takers. They are designed to measure knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant to safe social work practice. Putting energy in to trying to figure out how to “beat” the examination through various “tricks and tips”-type strategies is a waste of your time, and will probably not improve your score. Re-assessing your social work knowledge, however, and conducting an honest appraisal of your weaknesses and strengths, may well put you on the road to success with the examination. When coupled with the thorough understanding of the exam’s mechanics and intent, a concerted effort to fill in the gaps in your social work knowledge can make a significant difference in your performance on your next attempt.
Can I review my test or just the questions I got wrong?
No. The purpose of the social work licensing examinations is to determine if social workers have the minimum knowledge necessary to practice in a competent and safe manner with little risk to the public they serve. The examination program cannot help social workers pass the test, nor can active items be used as learning tools; therefore, examination review is not allowed.
Another important reason ASWB does not permit examination review concerns examination security issues. Examination review could provide candidates with an opportunity to review for purposes other than their own information. For example, the questions could be memorized and sold to examination preparation companies. This has happened in other testing programs.
From a practical standpoint, there is no assurance that seeing the questions you missed would help you do better on the next examination. Once you have seen a question, it would not appear again, because candidates are given a different version of the examination if they must retest. There are several versions of each ASWB examination category given at the same time and the questions on each of these versions are different, but the content that is being tested is the same.
I want to retake the test sooner than the limits allow. Can I test before the 90 days?
Candidates must wait at least 90 days between taking any ASWB examination; however, exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis when there has been serious, documented malfunction with administration of the examination. Exceptions may also be made when a candidate’s employment is in jeopardy and the candidate’s raw score on the most recent examination was within five (5) test items of the passing score. The employment circumstance must be documented in writing by the employer and the exception must be approved by the member board. A maximum of two (2) waivers are permitted per examination category. For more information, contact ASWB at 1-888-579-3926.
When will my 90-days be up?
Day 1 of the 90-day wait begins the day after your test date, and is a straight counting of days (in other words, not 90 business days, weekdays only, etc.)
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