Requesting English as a second language arrangements
Some state and provincial social work boards allow special arrangements for test-takers whose first language is not English.
Notice
Due to high volume, applicants may expect a longer than typical processing time.
Qualified candidates who use English as a second language or are English language learners may request additional time (up to two extra hours). The ASWB social work licensing exams are administered only in English.
ESL arrangements are subject to the rules of each state or provincial licensing board and may not be available to all test-takers. Approved requests shall be valid indefinitely for the jurisdiction unless revoked by that licensing board or ASWB.
Please note the following state-specific information:
- California test-takers must request and receive ESL approval from the California Board of Behavioral Sciences for preliminary approval before contacting ASWB for ESL arrangements.
- Michigan and New York do not permit ESL arrangements or accept score transfers for test-takers that tested with ESL arrangements in another jurisdiction.
How to request ESL arrangements
You must be approved for ESL arrangements by ASWB before you register to take an examination. If you make a testing appointment prior to obtaining arrangements, you will be required to cancel your testing appointment because special arrangements cannot be added to an existing testing appointment.
After you submit a request with your digital signature
- It typically takes three weeks to process a complete request. If your request is incomplete, we will email you.
- Once your request is processed, we will email you a determination letter with details, including your next steps.
- It is your responsibility to contact ASWB if you have not received any communication within three weeks.
Please provide the following information to receive your secure link
Submit this information and we will email you a secure DocuSign link to complete the ESL request form electronically. The DocuSign ESL request form should only be completed once.