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ASWB Exam

Like many careers, social workers have to possess state licensure. The license requires you to take and pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Examination. There are 50 states, as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands and certain provinces of Canada, use this exam provided by the ASWB for social work licensure. In general, passing this exam qualifies for state licensure for practicing social work, in addition to meeting other licensure requirements, involving education and supervised practice.

The ASWB includes five exams at five different levels. The exam each candidate takes depends on the level of education they have finished, as well as the level that they want to practice. These exams measure skills and knowledge in social work-specific content areas like human development and behavior, social and economic justice, and intervention processes. 

Each ASWB exam includes 170 multiple choice questions: 150 scored questions and 20 questions used for data collection regarding the effectiveness of the exam. In the following, you’ll look for more about the exams, involving what to expect from the test, and resources useful for practice.

ASWB Examination Levels

Five levels of the ASWB to practice and education: associate, bachelor’s, master’s, advanced generalist, and clinical. Needs for licensure and types of practice vary by state, therefore some areas may not offer all five exams. Though each test covers similar topics, consisting of human development, human behavior, and assessment, each level may ask more questions in certain areas than in others. In addition, the questions on higher-level exams may entail more detailed knowledge.

The ASWB Examination Process

To register for the exam, you must have an agreement from the social work regulatory board in your specific jurisdiction. This requires submitting a licensure application to make sure of your eligibility, although the process varies by jurisdiction. As soon as you have approval, you have to register with ASWB, providing the required materials outlined in their candidate handbook. After you have approval from ASWB, you will receive an Authorization to Test and then you can register to take the exam. Pearson VUE, a computer-based testing company partnered with ASWB, administers the exam.

Social Work Board Approval

In general, each state has its own social work regulatory board. It depends on where you live and plan to apply for social work licensure, the process for gaining approval to register for an ASWB exam varies. There are some states that offer online application portals, while any of the others may require applicants to mail or fax vital materials. Denial of approval can take place if an applicant lacks requirements mandated by their specific regulatory board like certain educational or professional experience. Some states have to charge fees for licensure applications.

Registering for ASWB Exams

Candidates can register for the ASWB exam over the phone, by mail, fax, or online. At the time of registration, you also submit your non-refundable exam fee. The fees vary based on which exam you plan to take. $230 is the fee for the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s exams, and  $260 is the fee for the advanced practice exams. Pearson VUE, the exam provider, administers the test at centers in the country. You should register well in advance to make sure your desired date is available.

What to Expect on ASWB Exams

Each ASWB exam has 170 multiple-choice questions. In 170 questions only 150 receive scores and 20 remain to serve as “pretest” questions that measure the effectiveness of the exam. 

Candidates have four hours to finish the exam. Candidates may take a short break, but during those breaks, the exam time continues. At any time you may return to previous questions in the exam. 

You are not permitted to bring notes with you.

What Should You Bring?

Two different forms of identification.

ASWB provides a list of acceptable types of ID to make sure you bring the correct forms. 

Besides, you will store all of your personal items in a secure spot in the testing facility when you take the exam. 

During the exam, you may not eat or drink.

Moreover, accommodations for ASWB Test Takers with Disabilities or health-associated Needs Certain accommodations exist for those with disabilities, health-associated needs, or language barriers. Those in need of special accommodations have to fill out an application form that requires a signature from a healthcare provider for health-associated needs. Candidates must submit formal medical proof of diagnosis or confirmation of the disability, and information on the particular limitations. Those in need of accommodations must apply for them prior to registering for an exam.

What score do you need to pass the ASWB?

Normally after submitting your exam, you will receive a raw, unofficial score report that documents the total number of questions you answered correctly. 

The passing score: answering between 93 and 107 questions correctly out of the 150 ASWB questions. Your score is from the number of questions answered correctly, so try to answer all of the questions in the test.

When you finish your exam, you will receive an unofficial score report that you may print and take with you. It may take up to two weeks for your official scores to reach your regulatory board. From there, your licensing board will contact you directly regarding your licensure status. You may retake it after 90 days if you fail the exam.