ASWB EXAM

Exam:

Association of Social Work Boards Exam

Industry:

Social Work

Country:

USA/Canada

Website:

https://www.aswb.org/exam/

ASWB Exam Overview

The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) offers five categories of social work licensing exams:

Associate
Bachelors
Masters
Advanced Generalist
Clinical

Exam Purpose

ASWB exams are used to measure a social worker’s competence to practice ethically and safely. Passing the appropriate ASWB exam is required for licensure in most states and jurisdictions.

Exam Format

Multiple-choice questions
Administered electronically via computer
Questions may vary in length and complexity

Exam Content

The exams cover a range of content areas relevant to social work practice, including:

Human Development, Diversity, and Behavior in the Environment
Assessment and Intervention Planning
Direct and Indirect Practice
Professional Relationships, Values, and Ethics

Exam Preparation

ASWB provides various resources to help candidates prepare for their exams:

Exam content outlines
Practice tests
Exam guidebooks
Online training

Registering for an Exam

To register for an ASWB exam, candidates must:

Meet eligibility requirements set by their jurisdiction’s licensing board
Create an account on the ASWB website
Pay the required exam fee
Schedule an exam appointment at a Pearson VUE testing center

Exam Scoring and Results

Exams are scored on a pass/fail basis
Candidates receive an unofficial pass/fail result at the testing center upon completion of the exam
Official results are provided to the candidate’s licensing board within 2 weeks of the exam date

Who Should Take the ASWB Exams?

The ASWB exams are designed for social workers seeking licensure in their respective jurisdictions. Candidates must meet the eligibility requirements set by their licensing board before registering for an exam. The specific exam a candidate takes depends on their level of education and experience:

Associate Exam: For candidates with an associate degree in social work
Bachelors Exam: For candidates with a bachelor's degree in social work
Masters Exam: For candidates with a master's degree in social work
Advanced Generalist Exam: For candidates with an advanced generalist level of education and experience
Clinical Exam: For candidates with a clinical level of education and experience

Related Certifications and Credentials

While the ASWB exams are primarily used for licensure purposes, there are other certifications and credentials available to social workers, such as:

Certified Social Worker (CSW): A voluntary credential offered by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW): A credential offered by the American Board of Examiners in Clinical Social Work (ABE)
Certified Advanced Children, Youth, and Family Social Worker (C-ACYFSW): A specialty certification offered by the NASW

These certifications and credentials may require additional education, experience, and examination beyond the ASWB licensing exams.

Exam Day Experience

On the day of the exam, candidates should arrive at the Pearson VUE testing center 30 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment. They must present a valid, government-issued photo ID and follow all testing center policies and procedures. Candidates are not permitted to bring personal items, such as mobile phones or study materials, into the testing room. The exam is administered electronically, and candidates have up to 4 hours to complete the multiple-choice questions. Breaks are permitted during the exam, but the timer continues to run during these breaks.

Retaking the Exam

If a candidate does not pass the ASWB exam on their first attempt, they may be eligible to retake the exam. However, retake policies vary by jurisdiction, and candidates should check with their licensing board for specific requirements. Generally, candidates must wait a specified period before retaking the exam and may be limited in the number of attempts allowed.

More Info:

https://www.aswb.org/exam/