The new Social Work Licensing Exams begin today
Exam administrations using forms based on the 2026 blueprints begin Monday, August 3; no changes to fees, registration, or scheduling
As announced in December 2025, ASWB is implementing changes to the Social Work Licensing Exams with new exam formats that officially launch today.
ASWB follows rigorous exam development standards to ensure the exams incorporate best practices and reflect current professional social work practice. Today’s launch is the result of years of research and collaboration driven by practicing social workers to ensure the exam content remains current and relevant.
The new exams feature a structure that centers candidates’ experiences and a renewed focus on applied knowledge.
With these changes implemented, the exams:
- Test three content areas rather than four, reflecting the consolidation of knowledge statements
- Feature fewer questions overall, reducing the number of both scored and pretest questions
- Increase the proportion of three-option multiple-choice questions
- Include a higher proportion of questions that rely on the application of professional knowledge through the use of problem-solving and reasoning
- Retain the four-hour time limit to complete an exam
- Retain the same fees and same processes for registering and scheduling an exam
- Continue to follow psychometric standards for valid, reliable, and fair exams
The ASWB Examination Guidebook contains further information on the steps for taking a Social Work Licensing Exam, what to expect on exam day, the exam creation process, and question structure. Additional resources and materials to prepare for the exam are also available on our website.
For questions related to board approval, exam registration, or scheduling an exam date, candidates should contact the Candidate Services Center.