New social work licensing exam begins August 3
Scheduling now available, updated resources coming soon
ASWB is committed to developing valid, reliable, and fair licensing exams that help regulators determine readiness to practice safely and ethically as social work professionals. ASWB follows rigorous exam development standards — which include ensuring that the exams reflect current social work practice — by regularly analyzing the practice of social work and updating the exams.
The most recent cycle of research and updates culminates on August 3, 2026, when ASWB launches new exams based on the 2026 blueprints. Scheduling is now available for both the current exam, based on the 2018 blueprint, and the new exam, based on the 2026 blueprint. The date candidates test determines which exam they take. Exam resources for the new exam will launch in early May.
About the 2026 Social Work Licensing Exams
The 2026 exams will feature a new structure centering candidates’ experiences and a renewed focus on applied knowledge rather than simple recall of information.
The new exams will:
- Test three content areas rather than four, reflecting the consolidation of knowledge statements as determined through the practice analysis
- Feature fewer questions overall, reducing the number of both scored and pretest questions
- Increase the proportion of three-option multiple-choice questions
- Include a higher proportion of questions that rely on the application of professional knowledge through the use of problem-solving and reasoning
- Retain the four-hour time limit to complete an exam
- Continue to follow psychometric standards for valid, reliable, and fair exams
| 2018 exam format | 2026 exam format | |
| Four content areas | Three content areas | |
| 3- and 4-option multiple choice, with most questions having four options | 3- and 4-option multiple choice, with more questions having three options | |
| 150 operational questions | 110 operational questions | |
| 20 pretest questions | 12 pretest questions | |
| 4-hour time limit | 4-hour time limit |
Resources for Candidates, Educators, and Supervisors
2026 changes to the Social Work Licensing Exams
Exam candidates should visit this page for important information about scheduling their exam.
Updated versions coming in May 2026: