Apply to write questions for the social work licensing exams

The Association of Social Work Boards is recruiting question writers from all license categories who represent a variety of experience and educational, geographic, and demographic backgrounds.

Every question, or item, on the social work licensing exams is written by a practicing social worker and depends on verifiable social work knowledge. The item writer program is at the heart of the system that develops questions for the social work licensing exams used in the United States and Canada.  ASWB trains writers from diverse backgrounds, each selected for their social work expertise, to write questions that help to ensure that the public is served by competent, ethical social workers.

Item writers work on a contract basis and are required to complete three 10-item contracts over eight to twelve months. Writers are paid $500 for each contract that is satisfactorily completed. Item writer contracts may be renewed indefinitely, depending on the performance of the writer.

Requirements

To be considered, applicants must:

• Have a degree in social work
• Hold a valid social work license or registration in the United States or Canada
• Be currently practicing social work (Teaching social work courses is considered practice)

Selected item writers must:

• Attend a mandatory in-person training to be held August 21–22, 2026, with travel on August 20 and August 23
• Work remotely with ASWB staff and consultants
• Agree to submit only original work without using other sources or artificial intelligence tools
• Sign a confidentiality agreement, which, for example, will limit your ability to participate in creating or teaching any licensing examination preparatory courses or materials and to take a social work licensing exam

Application

The application deadline is January 5, 2026.

The application has four components:

• An online application with a demographic questionnaire
• A structured writing assignment
• A letter of interest
• A resume or CV

Applicants will be notified of their status in April 2026.