Item writer program
Every question, or item, on the social work licensing exams is written by a practicing social worker and depends on verifiable social work knowledge.
Item writer recruiting
ASWB is currently recruiting licensed/registered social workers to write questions for the social work licensing exams. Deadline for applications is January 5, 2026.
Qualifications
Item writer applicants must:
- Have a degree in social work
- Have a current, valid social work license or Canadian registration
- Be currently practicing social work (Teaching social work courses is also considered practice.)
- Complete all application and screening documents
- Be available to attend a weekend training session (online or in-person) during the summer
- Sign agreements acknowledging that the item writer:
- Will keep all examination materials confidential
- Will not participate in creating or teaching any licensing examination preparatory courses or materials
- Will not take an examination in any category to which the writer has contributed for at least one year
Compensation
Becoming an item writer is a great way to contribute to the profession, sharpen your writing and critical thinking skills, enhance your professional portfolio, and earn extra income. Writers accepted into the program are paid for questions that are approved for Examination Committee review. The contracts are usually completed in six to eight months and are renewable depending on the performance of the writer.
Examination Program Yearbook
Learn more about the social workers involved in exam development.
Valid, reliable, and fair assessments
The social work licensing exams, like all licensing exams, undergo rigorous psychometric analysis to ensure that they are valid, reliable, and fair measures of competence.