Understanding pass rates
Contributing to the conversation
In 2022, ASWB analyzed and published exam pass rate data as part of the association's commitment to participating in data-driven conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Ubuntu in action
“Ubuntu is a great example of “AI,” the ancient intelligence of interdependence that can help us understand pass rate disparities on the social work licensing exams while simultaneously offering guidance for closing outcome gaps.”
ASWB CEO, Stacey D. Hardy-Chandler, Ph.D., JD, LCSW, PGDip
Pass rates in context
To more precisely contextualize pass rates by analyzing the systemic factors that influence exam outcomes, ASWB partnered with Joy Kim, MSW, Ph.D., of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Dr. Kim and her associate, Michael Joo, MSW, Ph.D., conducted an inquiry into the sources of pass rate disparities, including analyses of pass rates that control for the individual, institutional, and community factors that test-takers carry with them throughout their lives. ASWB has published three reports that profile ASWB test-takers, explore exam results from other professions, and analyze factors that affect pass rates on the Clinical exam.
Exams for the future of social work
Development of the next iteration of the social work licensing exams will draw on input from multiple sources. Both quantitative and qualitative research will inform ASWB’s work to create exams for the future of social work.
Exam resources for educators
ASWB offers a suite of free resources to help social work educators prepare students for the exams.
Contact us
Contact ASWB with questions about the exams.
Email ASWBASWB Exam Pass Rate Analysis
ASWB’s analysis of pass rate data shows that the number of people taking the exams has increased and that the proportion of test-takers from historically underrepresented groups has also grown.
ASWB exam pass rates by state/province
As part of its commitment to contributing to the conversation about diversity, equity, and inclusion, ASWB is releasing pass rate data for states and provinces.
Exam performance reports for social work schools and programs
ASWB is offering detailed reports on accredited social work degree programs that include pass/fail summary reports, pass rate data for demographic subgroups, and subscore data on major exam content areas.
Beyond data: A call to action
The Association of Social Work Boards acknowledges and calls out systemic and institutional racism, specifically anti-Blackism, as being core to the racial disparities evidenced by the recently released licensing exam pass rate data.