Content areas are the broad areas of knowledge measured by each exam. The content areas organize the content for exam construction and score reporting. When receiving exam scores, test-takers who do not pass get feedback on their performance on each content area of the exam.
Competencies describe meaningful sets of knowledge, skills, and abilities within each content area that are important to social work practice.
Applied knowledge statements structure the content of the exam for item development. Each AKS provides further details about the nature and range of exam content that is included in the competencies. Each AKS describes a single knowledge component that is the basis for individual exam questions used to measure competency.
Social Work Licensing Exam Content Areas
These charts illustrate the content areas covered by the current Social Work Licensing Exams.
For the full list of content areas, competencies, and applied knowledge statements, see the ASWB Examination Guidebook.
Download the ASWB Examination GuidebookASWB Examination Guidebook
The ASWB Exam Guidebook contains information on the steps for taking the exam, what to expect on exam day, exam creation, and question structure.
Example
The following example illustrates the relationship of Social Work Licensing Exam question to the content area, competency, and AKS to which it corresponds.
Exam: Clinical examination
Content area: I. Human Development, Diversity, and Behavior in the Environment
Competency: IB. Human Behavior in the Social Environment
AKS: The effects of addiction and substance abuse on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
Question:
A six-year-old child lives with a foster family. One biological parent is in prison, and the other is in residential treatment for alcohol dependence. The child is small for his age, often has temper outbursts, and has difficulty completing schoolwork. The social worker notes that his speech is immature. What should the social worker do FIRST?
A) Work with the foster parents on a behavior modification plan
B) Suggest that the child’s teacher refer him for special education placement
C) Refer the child for assessment for fetal alcohol syndrome
D) Work with the child’s biological parents toward reunification
Answer: C