About the ASWB Exam

The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) develops and administers licensing examinations used by social work regulatory boards throughout the United States and Canada. The exam level you take depends on your education, experience, and licensing goals.

ASWB examinations are offered in the following categories:

• Associate – Requires no degree.
• Bachelors – Intended for candidates with a bachelor’s degree in social work.
• Masters – Intended for candidates with a master’s degree in social work.
• Advanced Generalist – Intended for candidates with a master’s degree in social work and at least two years of nonclinical professional experience.
• Clinical – Intended for candidates with a master’s degree in social work and at least two years of clinical professional experience.

These examinations help ensure that licensed social workers possess the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe and effective services to the public.

ASWB Exam Format

All ASWB licensing exams consist of 170 multiple-choice questions. Of these, 150 questions are scored, while 20 questions are unscored pretest items being evaluated for possible use on future examinations. Candidates will not know which questions are scored and which are pretest items.

State Licensure Requirements

It is important to understand that passing an ASWB exam is only one step in the licensure process. Individual state and provincial licensing boards may have additional requirements, such as background checks, jurisprudence exams, supervised experience, or other documentation.

Before applying for licensure, candidates should always review the requirements established by their specific licensing board.

Preparing for Success

The best way to prepare for the ASWB exam is through consistent practice and review. Taking practice exams can help you become familiar with the exam format, improve your test-taking strategies, and identify topics that need additional study before test day.