News from ASWB members and volunteers

ASWB is committed to listening to the entire social work community, learning from the profession’s diverse voices, and including as many perspectives as possible as it builds exams for the future of social work.

ASWB’s new strategic framework positions the social work licensing examination program as a central focus, directing the association to expand understanding and acceptance of the necessity for assessing social work competencies through valid and reliable competence measures.

On November 9, ASWB’s Board of Directors unanimously approved a motion to gather, analyze, and release examination performance data. The motion directs ASWB staff and its consultants to develop a plan to implement this important information-sharing initiative. ASWB anticipates that the new analysis will include performance data broken down by demographic group for our member jurisdictions […]

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, ASWB shifted the planned in-person training to an interactive, online delivery method. The move helped to ensure safety for the new writers, consultants, and staff involved in the program without negatively affecting the quality of learning for participants or their enthusiasm. Diverse perspectives The first step in exam development involves […]

The change of delivery software won’t change the exam content or scoring, and ASWB member boards that routinely download exam scores won’t see a difference in how scores are reported, Carpenter says.

ASWB is pleased to announce the 2021 edition of the Examination Program Yearbook, an annual publication that highlights the expertise and diversity of the Examination Committee volunteers, item writers, and exam development consultants who contribute to the development of the social work licensing exams. This is the 12th edition of the yearbook, published in 2021 […]

Social justice has been an underlying force in ASWB’s value structure since its inception. When social work regulators formed ASWB in 1979 to develop the licensing exams, it was with the intent of protecting the public. Public protection is one of the highest forms of social justice.