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Alabama Social Work — Requirements & Free Practice

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Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW)

Single-state social work license; inactive status and restoration retain this license identity.

Licensing authority: Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners · Application information

Licensure by examination
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Application
Signed Board application, initial examination fee, official degree transcript and immigration compliance documentation.
Approval Window
The approved applicant has twelve months to become licensed; the Board FAQ measures the year from approval, while r. 850-X-6-.03 states twelve months from the application date.
Education
Baccalaureate degree with a CSWE-approved, accredited, or candidacy social work program.
Ethics
Subscribe to the professional code of ethics adopted by the Board.
Lawful Presence
United States citizen or lawfully present with federal documentation.
Minimum Age
At least 19 years old.
Professional History
Disclose all licensure, examination, employment and disciplinary history requested in the application; misrepresentation can result in denial.
Supervised Practice
After licensure, obtain at least 96 hours of Board-approved supervision, at least four hours monthly for 24 months within 36 months, concurrent with employment of at least ten hours weekly.
Election and biennial retention of inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
No continuing education is required while inactive.
Fee
Inactive registration fee is $25 every two years.
Practice
Not practicing social work in Alabama, or living outside Alabama; request inactive status in writing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by military spouse reciprocity
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Prior Examination Evidence
Administrative Rule 850-X-4-.02(3) states: (3) Upon payment of all fees, non-resident applicants who meet all the above requirements and have taken a social worker licensure examination are not required to take the Alabama examination. The non-resident applicant shall complete an Alabama application and provide the necessary information from the resident state that the applicant holds a valid license or certification in good standing issued by the licensing or regulatory agency in the state as attested to by a statement under seal from the agency setting forth:
Equivalence
The Board compares licensure standards and may request additional evidence.
Examination Exception
Sections 34-30-24 and 34-30-27(a) expressly exempt this pathway from the §34-30-22(3) examination.
Existing License
Valid social work license issued by another United States state with standards equivalent to Alabama for the requested level.
Fee
Pay the initial license fee.
Military Orders
Military spouse applicant submits a current social work license and official military orders showing relocation to and stationing in Alabama.
Qualifications
Meet §34-30-22 qualifications other than paying the Board examination fee and passing the Board examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by nonresident reciprocity
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Prior Examination Evidence
Administrative Rule 850-X-4-.02(3) states: (3) Upon payment of all fees, non-resident applicants who meet all the above requirements and have taken a social worker licensure examination are not required to take the Alabama examination. The non-resident applicant shall complete an Alabama application and provide the necessary information from the resident state that the applicant holds a valid license or certification in good standing issued by the licensing or regulatory agency in the state as attested to by a statement under seal from the agency setting forth:
Equivalence
The Board compares licensure standards and may request additional evidence.
Examination Exception
Sections 34-30-24 and 34-30-27(a) expressly exempt this pathway from the §34-30-22(3) examination.
Existing License
Valid social work license issued by another United States state with standards equivalent to Alabama for the requested level.
Fee
Pay the initial license fee.
Jurisdiction Agreement
Agree to Alabama law and the Board's disciplinary and investigative jurisdiction.
License Verification
Provide official licensing-agency verification of license class, number, dates, examination taken, supervision, and disciplinary history.
Qualifications
Meet §34-30-22 qualifications other than paying the Board examination fee and passing the Board examination.
Residency
Applicant is not an Alabama resident.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return from inactive to active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
At least 15 makeup contact hours; 15 per inactive year up to 45, with 35 percent classroom hours.
Inactive License
Previously approved inactive status.
Lbsw Supervision
For LBSW, complete any unfinished initial supervision; a changed practice setting after completed supervision requires six months additional supervision.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New application after examination approval expires
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Application
Signed Board application, initial examination fee, official degree transcript and immigration compliance documentation.
Approval Window
The approved applicant has twelve months to become licensed; the Board FAQ measures the year from approval, while r. 850-X-6-.03 states twelve months from the application date.
Education
Baccalaureate degree with a CSWE-approved, accredited, or candidacy social work program.
Ethics
Subscribe to the professional code of ethics adopted by the Board.
Expired Approval
The original twelve-month application period ended without licensure; submit a new application and required fees. The one-time provisional status has ended and practice is prohibited during reapplication.
Lawful Presence
United States citizen or lawfully present with federal documentation.
Minimum Age
At least 19 years old.
Professional History
Disclose all licensure, examination, employment and disciplinary history requested in the application; misrepresentation can result in denial.
Supervised Practice
After licensure, obtain at least 96 hours of Board-approved supervision, at least four hours monthly for 24 months within 36 months, concurrent with employment of at least ten hours weekly.
Licensure by reciprocity
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Prior Examination Evidence
Administrative Rule 850-X-4-.02(3) states: (3) Upon payment of all fees, non-resident applicants who meet all the above requirements and have taken a social worker licensure examination are not required to take the Alabama examination. The non-resident applicant shall complete an Alabama application and provide the necessary information from the resident state that the applicant holds a valid license or certification in good standing issued by the licensing or regulatory agency in the state as attested to by a statement under seal from the agency setting forth:
Equivalence
The Board compares licensure standards and may request additional evidence.
Examination Exception
Sections 34-30-24 and 34-30-27(a) expressly exempt this pathway from the §34-30-22(3) examination.
Existing License
Valid social work license issued by another United States state with standards equivalent to Alabama for the requested level.
Fee
Pay the initial license fee.
Qualifications
Meet §34-30-22 qualifications other than paying the Board examination fee and passing the Board examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Re examination within approval period
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Application
Signed Board application, initial examination fee, official degree transcript and immigration compliance documentation.
Approval Window
The approved applicant has twelve months to become licensed; the Board FAQ measures the year from approval, while r. 850-X-6-.03 states twelve months from the application date.
Education
Baccalaureate degree with a CSWE-approved, accredited, or candidacy social work program.
Ethics
Subscribe to the professional code of ethics adopted by the Board.
Lawful Presence
United States citizen or lawfully present with federal documentation.
Minimum Age
At least 19 years old.
Prior Attempt
Previously approved applicant who failed the ASWB examination and completes the Board re-examination process within the original twelve-month approval period.
Professional History
Disclose all licensure, examination, employment and disciplinary history requested in the application; misrepresentation can result in denial.
Retesting Delay And Fees
The Board application specifies a 90-day wait and repayment of Board and ASWB fees.
Supervised Practice
After licensure, obtain at least 96 hours of Board-approved supervision, at least four hours monthly for 24 months within 36 months, concurrent with employment of at least ten hours weekly.
Renewal of expired license over one under five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Discretion
The Board may renew on the specified fees and continuing education.
Continuing Education
15 additional continuing education hours per year of expiration, capped at 90 hours.
Expired License
Expired longer than one year but less than five years.
Fees
Pay fees due for each lapsed renewal cycle and the current license renewal fee.
Grandfathered Exception
This route excludes persons losing the historical examination exemption under §34-30-27(d); their re-examination route is separately retained.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal of expired license within first year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Discretion
The Board may renew on the specified fees and continuing education.
Continuing Education
15 hours of continuing education.
Expired License
Expired within the first year.
Fees
Pay fees due for each lapsed renewal cycle and the current license renewal fee.
Grandfathered Exception
This route excludes persons losing the historical examination exemption under §34-30-27(d); their re-examination route is separately retained.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Ce Waiver
The Board may waive continuing education for prolonged illness or extenuating circumstances, but not twice in succession.
Continuing Education
30 contact hours per biennium, including ten live classroom and three ethics hours.
Existing Credential
Current license or certificate, neither revoked nor currently suspended.
Renewal Deadline
File renewal with fees within 60 days after expiration; continuing education must be earned before expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

Single-state social work license; inactive status and restoration retain this license identity.

Licensing authority: Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners · Application information

Licensure by examination
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Signed Board application, initial examination fee, official degree transcript and immigration compliance documentation.
Approval Window
The approved applicant has twelve months to become licensed; the Board FAQ measures the year from approval, while r. 850-X-6-.03 states twelve months from the application date.
Education
Master or Doctor of Social Work, current LMSW license, and at least two years of postgraduate practice under an LICSW.
Ethics
Subscribe to the professional code of ethics adopted by the Board.
Lawful Presence
United States citizen or lawfully present with federal documentation.
Minimum Age
At least 19 years old.
Professional History
Disclose all licensure, examination, employment and disciplinary history requested in the application; misrepresentation can result in denial.
Supervised Practice
Before the LICSW exam application, at least 3,000 postgraduate work hours and 96 hours of Board-approved LICSW clinical supervision. Current r. 850-X-3-.04(2)(h) places the 3,000 hours within two to four years; the monthly supervision provisions specify 24 months within 36 months.
Restoration after loss of historical examination exemption
ASWB Clinical Exam
Current Qualifications
Meet current level-specific education and other licensing qualifications under §34-30-22.
Historical License
Previously licensed under §34-30-27(c) (former graduate, now LMSW) or §34-30-27(b) (former certified, now LICSW), as applicable.
Lapse
Expired without renewing within the §34-30-26 period; the prior examination exemption is lost.
Election and biennial retention of inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
No continuing education is required while inactive.
Fee
Inactive registration fee is $25 every two years.
Practice
Not practicing social work in Alabama, or living outside Alabama; request inactive status in writing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by military spouse reciprocity
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Prior Examination Evidence
Administrative Rule 850-X-4-.02(3) states: (3) Upon payment of all fees, non-resident applicants who meet all the above requirements and have taken a social worker licensure examination are not required to take the Alabama examination. The non-resident applicant shall complete an Alabama application and provide the necessary information from the resident state that the applicant holds a valid license or certification in good standing issued by the licensing or regulatory agency in the state as attested to by a statement under seal from the agency setting forth:
Equivalence
The Board compares licensure standards and may request additional evidence.
Examination Exception
Sections 34-30-24 and 34-30-27(a) expressly exempt this pathway from the §34-30-22(3) examination.
Existing License
Valid social work license issued by another United States state with standards equivalent to Alabama for the requested level.
Fee
Pay the initial license fee.
Military Orders
Military spouse applicant submits a current social work license and official military orders showing relocation to and stationing in Alabama.
Qualifications
Meet §34-30-22 qualifications other than paying the Board examination fee and passing the Board examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by nonresident reciprocity
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Prior Examination Evidence
Administrative Rule 850-X-4-.02(3) states: (3) Upon payment of all fees, non-resident applicants who meet all the above requirements and have taken a social worker licensure examination are not required to take the Alabama examination. The non-resident applicant shall complete an Alabama application and provide the necessary information from the resident state that the applicant holds a valid license or certification in good standing issued by the licensing or regulatory agency in the state as attested to by a statement under seal from the agency setting forth:
Equivalence
The Board compares licensure standards and may request additional evidence.
Examination Exception
Sections 34-30-24 and 34-30-27(a) expressly exempt this pathway from the §34-30-22(3) examination.
Existing License
Valid social work license issued by another United States state with standards equivalent to Alabama for the requested level.
Fee
Pay the initial license fee.
Jurisdiction Agreement
Agree to Alabama law and the Board's disciplinary and investigative jurisdiction.
License Verification
Provide official licensing-agency verification of license class, number, dates, examination taken, supervision, and disciplinary history.
Qualifications
Meet §34-30-22 qualifications other than paying the Board examination fee and passing the Board examination.
Residency
Applicant is not an Alabama resident.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return from inactive to active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
At least 15 makeup contact hours; 15 per inactive year up to 45, with 35 percent classroom hours.
Inactive License
Previously approved inactive status.
Lbsw Supervision
For LBSW, complete any unfinished initial supervision; a changed practice setting after completed supervision requires six months additional supervision.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New application after examination approval expires
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Signed Board application, initial examination fee, official degree transcript and immigration compliance documentation.
Approval Window
The approved applicant has twelve months to become licensed; the Board FAQ measures the year from approval, while r. 850-X-6-.03 states twelve months from the application date.
Education
Master or Doctor of Social Work, current LMSW license, and at least two years of postgraduate practice under an LICSW.
Ethics
Subscribe to the professional code of ethics adopted by the Board.
Expired Approval
The original twelve-month application period ended without licensure; submit a new application and required fees. The one-time provisional status has ended and practice is prohibited during reapplication.
Lawful Presence
United States citizen or lawfully present with federal documentation.
Minimum Age
At least 19 years old.
Professional History
Disclose all licensure, examination, employment and disciplinary history requested in the application; misrepresentation can result in denial.
Supervised Practice
Before the LICSW exam application, at least 3,000 postgraduate work hours and 96 hours of Board-approved LICSW clinical supervision. Current r. 850-X-3-.04(2)(h) places the 3,000 hours within two to four years; the monthly supervision provisions specify 24 months within 36 months.
Licensure by reciprocity
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Prior Examination Evidence
Administrative Rule 850-X-4-.02(3) states: (3) Upon payment of all fees, non-resident applicants who meet all the above requirements and have taken a social worker licensure examination are not required to take the Alabama examination. The non-resident applicant shall complete an Alabama application and provide the necessary information from the resident state that the applicant holds a valid license or certification in good standing issued by the licensing or regulatory agency in the state as attested to by a statement under seal from the agency setting forth:
Equivalence
The Board compares licensure standards and may request additional evidence.
Examination Exception
Sections 34-30-24 and 34-30-27(a) expressly exempt this pathway from the §34-30-22(3) examination.
Existing License
Valid social work license issued by another United States state with standards equivalent to Alabama for the requested level.
Fee
Pay the initial license fee.
Qualifications
Meet §34-30-22 qualifications other than paying the Board examination fee and passing the Board examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Re examination within approval period
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Signed Board application, initial examination fee, official degree transcript and immigration compliance documentation.
Approval Window
The approved applicant has twelve months to become licensed; the Board FAQ measures the year from approval, while r. 850-X-6-.03 states twelve months from the application date.
Education
Master or Doctor of Social Work, current LMSW license, and at least two years of postgraduate practice under an LICSW.
Ethics
Subscribe to the professional code of ethics adopted by the Board.
Lawful Presence
United States citizen or lawfully present with federal documentation.
Minimum Age
At least 19 years old.
Prior Attempt
Previously approved applicant who failed the ASWB examination and completes the Board re-examination process within the original twelve-month approval period.
Professional History
Disclose all licensure, examination, employment and disciplinary history requested in the application; misrepresentation can result in denial.
Supervised Practice
Before the LICSW exam application, at least 3,000 postgraduate work hours and 96 hours of Board-approved LICSW clinical supervision. Current r. 850-X-3-.04(2)(h) places the 3,000 hours within two to four years; the monthly supervision provisions specify 24 months within 36 months.
Renewal of expired license over one under five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Discretion
The Board may renew on the specified fees and continuing education.
Continuing Education
15 additional continuing education hours per year of expiration, capped at 90 hours.
Expired License
Expired longer than one year but less than five years.
Fees
Pay fees due for each lapsed renewal cycle and the current license renewal fee.
Grandfathered Exception
This route excludes persons losing the historical examination exemption under §34-30-27(d); their re-examination route is separately retained.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal of expired license within first year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Discretion
The Board may renew on the specified fees and continuing education.
Continuing Education
15 hours of continuing education.
Expired License
Expired within the first year.
Fees
Pay fees due for each lapsed renewal cycle and the current license renewal fee.
Grandfathered Exception
This route excludes persons losing the historical examination exemption under §34-30-27(d); their re-examination route is separately retained.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Ce Waiver
The Board may waive continuing education for prolonged illness or extenuating circumstances, but not twice in succession.
Continuing Education
30 contact hours per biennium, including ten live classroom, three ethics and six clinical hours, of which three review the current DSM.
Existing Credential
Current license or certificate, neither revoked nor currently suspended.
Renewal Deadline
File renewal with fees within 60 days after expiration; continuing education must be earned before expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Single-state social work license; inactive status and restoration retain this license identity.

Licensing authority: Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners · Application information

Licensure by examination
ASWB Masters Exam
Application
Signed Board application, initial examination fee, official degree transcript and immigration compliance documentation.
Approval Window
The approved applicant has twelve months to become licensed; the Board FAQ measures the year from approval, while r. 850-X-6-.03 states twelve months from the application date.
Designation
clinical social work; designate clinical or nonclinical upon receiving the LMSW license.
Education
Master or Doctor of Social Work from a CSWE-approved, accredited, or candidacy program.
Ethics
Subscribe to the professional code of ethics adopted by the Board.
Lawful Presence
United States citizen or lawfully present with federal documentation.
Minimum Age
At least 19 years old.
Professional History
Disclose all licensure, examination, employment and disciplinary history requested in the application; misrepresentation can result in denial.
Supervised Practice
At least 96 hours of supervision over 24 months within 36 months; a clinical designation requires an LICSW supervisor; nonclinical supervision may be provided by a qualified LMSW or LICSW.
Licensure by military spouse reciprocity
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Prior Examination Evidence
Administrative Rule 850-X-4-.02(3) states: (3) Upon payment of all fees, non-resident applicants who meet all the above requirements and have taken a social worker licensure examination are not required to take the Alabama examination. The non-resident applicant shall complete an Alabama application and provide the necessary information from the resident state that the applicant holds a valid license or certification in good standing issued by the licensing or regulatory agency in the state as attested to by a statement under seal from the agency setting forth:
Designation
clinical LMSW designation, with its applicable supervised-practice obligations.
Equivalence
The Board compares licensure standards and may request additional evidence.
Examination Exception
Sections 34-30-24 and 34-30-27(a) expressly exempt this pathway from the §34-30-22(3) examination.
Existing License
Valid social work license issued by another United States state with standards equivalent to Alabama for the requested level.
Fee
Pay the initial license fee.
Military Orders
Military spouse applicant submits a current social work license and official military orders showing relocation to and stationing in Alabama.
Qualifications
Meet §34-30-22 qualifications other than paying the Board examination fee and passing the Board examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by nonresident reciprocity
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Prior Examination Evidence
Administrative Rule 850-X-4-.02(3) states: (3) Upon payment of all fees, non-resident applicants who meet all the above requirements and have taken a social worker licensure examination are not required to take the Alabama examination. The non-resident applicant shall complete an Alabama application and provide the necessary information from the resident state that the applicant holds a valid license or certification in good standing issued by the licensing or regulatory agency in the state as attested to by a statement under seal from the agency setting forth:
Designation
clinical LMSW designation, with its applicable supervised-practice obligations.
Equivalence
The Board compares licensure standards and may request additional evidence.
Examination Exception
Sections 34-30-24 and 34-30-27(a) expressly exempt this pathway from the §34-30-22(3) examination.
Existing License
Valid social work license issued by another United States state with standards equivalent to Alabama for the requested level.
Fee
Pay the initial license fee.
Jurisdiction Agreement
Agree to Alabama law and the Board's disciplinary and investigative jurisdiction.
License Verification
Provide official licensing-agency verification of license class, number, dates, examination taken, supervision, and disciplinary history.
Qualifications
Meet §34-30-22 qualifications other than paying the Board examination fee and passing the Board examination.
Residency
Applicant is not an Alabama resident.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New application after examination approval expires
ASWB Masters Exam
Application
Signed Board application, initial examination fee, official degree transcript and immigration compliance documentation.
Approval Window
The approved applicant has twelve months to become licensed; the Board FAQ measures the year from approval, while r. 850-X-6-.03 states twelve months from the application date.
Designation
clinical social work; designate clinical or nonclinical upon receiving the LMSW license.
Education
Master or Doctor of Social Work from a CSWE-approved, accredited, or candidacy program.
Ethics
Subscribe to the professional code of ethics adopted by the Board.
Expired Approval
The original twelve-month application period ended without licensure; submit a new application and required fees. The one-time provisional status has ended and practice is prohibited during reapplication.
Lawful Presence
United States citizen or lawfully present with federal documentation.
Minimum Age
At least 19 years old.
Professional History
Disclose all licensure, examination, employment and disciplinary history requested in the application; misrepresentation can result in denial.
Supervised Practice
At least 96 hours of supervision over 24 months within 36 months; a clinical designation requires an LICSW supervisor; nonclinical supervision may be provided by a qualified LMSW or LICSW.
Licensure by reciprocity
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Prior Examination Evidence
Administrative Rule 850-X-4-.02(3) states: (3) Upon payment of all fees, non-resident applicants who meet all the above requirements and have taken a social worker licensure examination are not required to take the Alabama examination. The non-resident applicant shall complete an Alabama application and provide the necessary information from the resident state that the applicant holds a valid license or certification in good standing issued by the licensing or regulatory agency in the state as attested to by a statement under seal from the agency setting forth:
Designation
clinical LMSW designation, with its applicable supervised-practice obligations.
Equivalence
The Board compares licensure standards and may request additional evidence.
Examination Exception
Sections 34-30-24 and 34-30-27(a) expressly exempt this pathway from the §34-30-22(3) examination.
Existing License
Valid social work license issued by another United States state with standards equivalent to Alabama for the requested level.
Fee
Pay the initial license fee.
Qualifications
Meet §34-30-22 qualifications other than paying the Board examination fee and passing the Board examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Re examination within approval period
ASWB Masters Exam
Application
Signed Board application, initial examination fee, official degree transcript and immigration compliance documentation.
Approval Window
The approved applicant has twelve months to become licensed; the Board FAQ measures the year from approval, while r. 850-X-6-.03 states twelve months from the application date.
Designation
clinical social work; designate clinical or nonclinical upon receiving the LMSW license.
Education
Master or Doctor of Social Work from a CSWE-approved, accredited, or candidacy program.
Ethics
Subscribe to the professional code of ethics adopted by the Board.
Lawful Presence
United States citizen or lawfully present with federal documentation.
Minimum Age
At least 19 years old.
Prior Attempt
Previously approved applicant who failed the ASWB examination and completes the Board re-examination process within the original twelve-month approval period.
Professional History
Disclose all licensure, examination, employment and disciplinary history requested in the application; misrepresentation can result in denial.
Retesting Delay And Fees
The Board application specifies a 90-day wait and repayment of Board and ASWB fees.
Supervised Practice
At least 96 hours of supervision over 24 months within 36 months; a clinical designation requires an LICSW supervisor; nonclinical supervision may be provided by a qualified LMSW or LICSW.
Restoration after loss of historical examination exemption
ASWB Masters Exam
Current Qualifications
Meet current level-specific education and other licensing qualifications under §34-30-22.
Historical License
Previously licensed under §34-30-27(c) (former graduate, now LMSW) or §34-30-27(b) (former certified, now LICSW), as applicable.
Lapse
Expired without renewing within the §34-30-26 period; the prior examination exemption is lost.
Election and biennial retention of inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
No continuing education is required while inactive.
Fee
Inactive registration fee is $25 every two years.
Practice
Not practicing social work in Alabama, or living outside Alabama; request inactive status in writing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination
ASWB Masters Exam
Application
Signed Board application, initial examination fee, official degree transcript and immigration compliance documentation.
Approval Window
The approved applicant has twelve months to become licensed; the Board FAQ measures the year from approval, while r. 850-X-6-.03 states twelve months from the application date.
Designation
nonclinical social work; designate clinical or nonclinical upon receiving the LMSW license.
Education
Master or Doctor of Social Work from a CSWE-approved, accredited, or candidacy program.
Ethics
Subscribe to the professional code of ethics adopted by the Board.
Lawful Presence
United States citizen or lawfully present with federal documentation.
Minimum Age
At least 19 years old.
Professional History
Disclose all licensure, examination, employment and disciplinary history requested in the application; misrepresentation can result in denial.
Supervised Practice
At least 96 hours of supervision over 24 months within 36 months; a clinical designation requires an LICSW supervisor; nonclinical supervision may be provided by a qualified LMSW or LICSW.
Licensure by military spouse reciprocity
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Prior Examination Evidence
Administrative Rule 850-X-4-.02(3) states: (3) Upon payment of all fees, non-resident applicants who meet all the above requirements and have taken a social worker licensure examination are not required to take the Alabama examination. The non-resident applicant shall complete an Alabama application and provide the necessary information from the resident state that the applicant holds a valid license or certification in good standing issued by the licensing or regulatory agency in the state as attested to by a statement under seal from the agency setting forth:
Designation
nonclinical LMSW designation, with its applicable supervised-practice obligations.
Equivalence
The Board compares licensure standards and may request additional evidence.
Examination Exception
Sections 34-30-24 and 34-30-27(a) expressly exempt this pathway from the §34-30-22(3) examination.
Existing License
Valid social work license issued by another United States state with standards equivalent to Alabama for the requested level.
Fee
Pay the initial license fee.
Military Orders
Military spouse applicant submits a current social work license and official military orders showing relocation to and stationing in Alabama.
Qualifications
Meet §34-30-22 qualifications other than paying the Board examination fee and passing the Board examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by nonresident reciprocity
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Prior Examination Evidence
Administrative Rule 850-X-4-.02(3) states: (3) Upon payment of all fees, non-resident applicants who meet all the above requirements and have taken a social worker licensure examination are not required to take the Alabama examination. The non-resident applicant shall complete an Alabama application and provide the necessary information from the resident state that the applicant holds a valid license or certification in good standing issued by the licensing or regulatory agency in the state as attested to by a statement under seal from the agency setting forth:
Designation
nonclinical LMSW designation, with its applicable supervised-practice obligations.
Equivalence
The Board compares licensure standards and may request additional evidence.
Examination Exception
Sections 34-30-24 and 34-30-27(a) expressly exempt this pathway from the §34-30-22(3) examination.
Existing License
Valid social work license issued by another United States state with standards equivalent to Alabama for the requested level.
Fee
Pay the initial license fee.
Jurisdiction Agreement
Agree to Alabama law and the Board's disciplinary and investigative jurisdiction.
License Verification
Provide official licensing-agency verification of license class, number, dates, examination taken, supervision, and disciplinary history.
Qualifications
Meet §34-30-22 qualifications other than paying the Board examination fee and passing the Board examination.
Residency
Applicant is not an Alabama resident.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New application after examination approval expires
ASWB Masters Exam
Application
Signed Board application, initial examination fee, official degree transcript and immigration compliance documentation.
Approval Window
The approved applicant has twelve months to become licensed; the Board FAQ measures the year from approval, while r. 850-X-6-.03 states twelve months from the application date.
Designation
nonclinical social work; designate clinical or nonclinical upon receiving the LMSW license.
Education
Master or Doctor of Social Work from a CSWE-approved, accredited, or candidacy program.
Ethics
Subscribe to the professional code of ethics adopted by the Board.
Expired Approval
The original twelve-month application period ended without licensure; submit a new application and required fees. The one-time provisional status has ended and practice is prohibited during reapplication.
Lawful Presence
United States citizen or lawfully present with federal documentation.
Minimum Age
At least 19 years old.
Professional History
Disclose all licensure, examination, employment and disciplinary history requested in the application; misrepresentation can result in denial.
Supervised Practice
At least 96 hours of supervision over 24 months within 36 months; a clinical designation requires an LICSW supervisor; nonclinical supervision may be provided by a qualified LMSW or LICSW.
Licensure by reciprocity
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Prior Examination Evidence
Administrative Rule 850-X-4-.02(3) states: (3) Upon payment of all fees, non-resident applicants who meet all the above requirements and have taken a social worker licensure examination are not required to take the Alabama examination. The non-resident applicant shall complete an Alabama application and provide the necessary information from the resident state that the applicant holds a valid license or certification in good standing issued by the licensing or regulatory agency in the state as attested to by a statement under seal from the agency setting forth:
Designation
nonclinical LMSW designation, with its applicable supervised-practice obligations.
Equivalence
The Board compares licensure standards and may request additional evidence.
Examination Exception
Sections 34-30-24 and 34-30-27(a) expressly exempt this pathway from the §34-30-22(3) examination.
Existing License
Valid social work license issued by another United States state with standards equivalent to Alabama for the requested level.
Fee
Pay the initial license fee.
Qualifications
Meet §34-30-22 qualifications other than paying the Board examination fee and passing the Board examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Re examination within approval period
ASWB Masters Exam
Application
Signed Board application, initial examination fee, official degree transcript and immigration compliance documentation.
Approval Window
The approved applicant has twelve months to become licensed; the Board FAQ measures the year from approval, while r. 850-X-6-.03 states twelve months from the application date.
Designation
nonclinical social work; designate clinical or nonclinical upon receiving the LMSW license.
Education
Master or Doctor of Social Work from a CSWE-approved, accredited, or candidacy program.
Ethics
Subscribe to the professional code of ethics adopted by the Board.
Lawful Presence
United States citizen or lawfully present with federal documentation.
Minimum Age
At least 19 years old.
Prior Attempt
Previously approved applicant who failed the ASWB examination and completes the Board re-examination process within the original twelve-month approval period.
Professional History
Disclose all licensure, examination, employment and disciplinary history requested in the application; misrepresentation can result in denial.
Retesting Delay And Fees
The Board application specifies a 90-day wait and repayment of Board and ASWB fees.
Supervised Practice
At least 96 hours of supervision over 24 months within 36 months; a clinical designation requires an LICSW supervisor; nonclinical supervision may be provided by a qualified LMSW or LICSW.
Return from inactive to active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
At least 15 makeup contact hours; 15 per inactive year up to 45, with 35 percent classroom hours.
Inactive License
Previously approved inactive status.
Lbsw Supervision
For LBSW, complete any unfinished initial supervision; a changed practice setting after completed supervision requires six months additional supervision.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal of expired license over one under five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Discretion
The Board may renew on the specified fees and continuing education.
Continuing Education
15 additional continuing education hours per year of expiration, capped at 90 hours.
Expired License
Expired longer than one year but less than five years.
Fees
Pay fees due for each lapsed renewal cycle and the current license renewal fee.
Grandfathered Exception
This route excludes persons losing the historical examination exemption under §34-30-27(d); their re-examination route is separately retained.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal of expired license within first year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Discretion
The Board may renew on the specified fees and continuing education.
Continuing Education
15 hours of continuing education.
Expired License
Expired within the first year.
Fees
Pay fees due for each lapsed renewal cycle and the current license renewal fee.
Grandfathered Exception
This route excludes persons losing the historical examination exemption under §34-30-27(d); their re-examination route is separately retained.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Ce Waiver
The Board may waive continuing education for prolonged illness or extenuating circumstances, but not twice in succession.
Continuing Education
30 contact hours per biennium, including ten live classroom and three ethics hours; clinical designation also requires three clinical hours.
Existing Credential
Current license or certificate, neither revoked nor currently suspended.
Renewal Deadline
File renewal with fees within 60 days after expiration; continuing education must be earned before expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Provisional Social Work License Status

One-time provisional status during the approved examination application period; the underlying requested licensure level remains a condition.

Licensing authority: Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners · Application information

Approved examination application at lbsw level
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Application
Signed Board application, initial examination fee, official degree transcript and immigration compliance documentation.
Approval Window
The approved applicant has twelve months to become licensed; the Board FAQ measures the year from approval, while r. 850-X-6-.03 states twelve months from the application date.
Education
Baccalaureate degree with a CSWE-approved, accredited, or candidacy social work program.
Ethics
Subscribe to the professional code of ethics adopted by the Board.
Lawful Presence
United States citizen or lawfully present with federal documentation.
Minimum Age
At least 19 years old.
Professional History
Disclose all licensure, examination, employment and disciplinary history requested in the application; misrepresentation can result in denial.
Provisional Status
Granted once on approval of the exam application, before passing; lasts only during the twelve-month application period. Passing the registered examination remains involved in this pathway to full licensure.
Supervised Practice
After licensure, obtain at least 96 hours of Board-approved supervision, at least four hours monthly for 24 months within 36 months, concurrent with employment of at least ten hours weekly.
Approved examination application at licsw level
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Signed Board application, initial examination fee, official degree transcript and immigration compliance documentation.
Approval Window
The approved applicant has twelve months to become licensed; the Board FAQ measures the year from approval, while r. 850-X-6-.03 states twelve months from the application date.
Education
Master or Doctor of Social Work, current LMSW license, and at least two years of postgraduate practice under an LICSW.
Ethics
Subscribe to the professional code of ethics adopted by the Board.
Lawful Presence
United States citizen or lawfully present with federal documentation.
Minimum Age
At least 19 years old.
Professional History
Disclose all licensure, examination, employment and disciplinary history requested in the application; misrepresentation can result in denial.
Provisional Status
Granted once on approval of the exam application, before passing; lasts only during the twelve-month application period. Passing the registered examination remains involved in this pathway to full licensure.
Supervised Practice
Before the LICSW exam application, at least 3,000 postgraduate work hours and 96 hours of Board-approved LICSW clinical supervision. Current r. 850-X-3-.04(2)(h) places the 3,000 hours within two to four years; the monthly supervision provisions specify 24 months within 36 months.
Approved examination application at lmsw clinical level
ASWB Masters Exam
Application
Signed Board application, initial examination fee, official degree transcript and immigration compliance documentation.
Approval Window
The approved applicant has twelve months to become licensed; the Board FAQ measures the year from approval, while r. 850-X-6-.03 states twelve months from the application date.
Designation
clinical social work; designate clinical or nonclinical upon receiving the LMSW license.
Education
Master or Doctor of Social Work from a CSWE-approved, accredited, or candidacy program.
Ethics
Subscribe to the professional code of ethics adopted by the Board.
Lawful Presence
United States citizen or lawfully present with federal documentation.
Minimum Age
At least 19 years old.
Professional History
Disclose all licensure, examination, employment and disciplinary history requested in the application; misrepresentation can result in denial.
Provisional Status
Granted once on approval of the exam application, before passing; lasts only during the twelve-month application period. Passing the registered examination remains involved in this pathway to full licensure.
Supervised Practice
At least 96 hours of supervision over 24 months within 36 months; a clinical designation requires an LICSW supervisor; nonclinical supervision may be provided by a qualified LMSW or LICSW.
Approved examination application at lmsw nonclinical level
ASWB Masters Exam
Application
Signed Board application, initial examination fee, official degree transcript and immigration compliance documentation.
Approval Window
The approved applicant has twelve months to become licensed; the Board FAQ measures the year from approval, while r. 850-X-6-.03 states twelve months from the application date.
Designation
nonclinical social work; designate clinical or nonclinical upon receiving the LMSW license.
Education
Master or Doctor of Social Work from a CSWE-approved, accredited, or candidacy program.
Ethics
Subscribe to the professional code of ethics adopted by the Board.
Lawful Presence
United States citizen or lawfully present with federal documentation.
Minimum Age
At least 19 years old.
Professional History
Disclose all licensure, examination, employment and disciplinary history requested in the application; misrepresentation can result in denial.
Provisional Status
Granted once on approval of the exam application, before passing; lasts only during the twelve-month application period. Passing the registered examination remains involved in this pathway to full licensure.
Supervised Practice
At least 96 hours of supervision over 24 months within 36 months; a clinical designation requires an LICSW supervisor; nonclinical supervision may be provided by a qualified LMSW or LICSW.

ASWB Bachelors Exam

Provider
Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB); administered on computer at Pearson test centers
Format
Computer-based multiple-choice examination (three- and four-option questions) in two 61-question sections, each with a two-hour time limit; scored and pretest questions are mixed together; results reported as pass/fail
Exam questions
122 multiple-choice questions: 110 scored and 12 unscored pretest questions
Time limit
4 hours (two sections, each with a two-hour time limit)
Passing score
Pass/fail; the number of correct answers required varies by exam form and generally ranges from 66 to 78 of the 110 scored questions
Exam fee
US$230 exam registration fee
Examination outline
  • I. VALUES AND ETHICS (35%) (35%)
    • IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Legal and ethical issues related to the practice of social work, including responsibility to clients/client systems, colleagues, the profession, and society
    • IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Principles and processes of obtaining informed consent
    • IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Legal and ethical issues regarding confidentiality, including limitations of confidentiality (e.g., HIPAA, PHI, privacy)
    • IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Identifying and resolving ethical dilemmas
    • IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Professional values and principles (e.g., competence, social justice, integrity, dignity and worth of the person)
    • IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Burnout, secondary trauma, and compassion fatigue
    • IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Social worker self-care principles
    • IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Importance of professional development activities to improve practice and maintain current professional knowledge (e.g., in-service training, licensing requirements, reviews of literature, workshops, on-going supervision, consultation)
    • IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Professional boundaries in the social worker-client/client system relationship (e.g., power differences, influence, privilege, conflicts of interest, self-disclosure, dual relationships)
    • IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Protecting and enhancing client/client system self-determination (e.g., medication, medical treatment, counseling, placement, right to refuse services)
    • IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Legal and ethical issues regarding mandatory reporting (e.g., abuse, threat of harm, impaired professionals, duty to warn)
    • IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Legal and ethical issues regarding documentation (e.g., maintaining client records)
    • IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Impact of governmental policies on service delivery (e.g., local, state, federal legislation and policy)
    • IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Legal and ethical issues related to death and dying
    • IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Ethical issues in supervision and management
    • IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Responsible billing practices (e.g., managed care, insurance reimbursement, incident to billing)
    • IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Ethical issues related to electronic practice
    • IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Legal and ethical issues regarding termination
    • IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Anti-oppressive and anti-racist approaches
    • IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Social, racial, environmental, and economic justice principles
    • IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Impact of culture, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, and intersectionality on behaviors, attitudes, and identity formation
    • IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Accessibility including language, physical, and cultural access (e.g., translation and interpretation, neurodiversity, American Sign Language)
    • IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Social justice, truth and reconciliation, and restorative practices related to clients/client systems from historically oppressed and marginalized communities
    • IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Cultural impacts of exploitation across marginalized communities (e.g., financial, immigration status, trafficking, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women)
    • IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Privilege and bias and their impact on client/client systems (e.g., implicit bias, microaggressions)
    • IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Power differential and racial privilege (e.g., internalized racial and ethnic inferiority and superiority)
    • IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Impact of globalization, immigration, and refugee or immigration status on clients/client systems and service delivery
  • II. ASSESSMENT AND PLANNING (33%) (33%)
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Impact of poverty on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities (e.g., social determinants of health)
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Indicators and impact of trauma, stressors, violence, and crises on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities (e.g., intergenerational, historical, and complex)
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Indicators and impact of addiction and substance use and abuse on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Indicators, dynamics, and impact of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse and neglect on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Family dynamics and functioning and the effects on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Dynamics of interpersonal relationships and relationship development (e.g., family, couples, groups, polyamory)
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Indicators of mental and emotional illness throughout the lifespan
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Impact of out-of-home placement (e.g., hospitalization, foster care, residential care, criminal justice system) on clients/client systems
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Factors of out-of-home displacement (e.g., homelessness, immigration, and refugee status) on clients/client systems
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Co-occurring disorders and conditions
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Factors influencing self- and body-image (e.g., culture, race, religion/spirituality, age, ability, trauma, gender, sexuality, size)
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Characteristics of perpetrators of abuse, neglect, and exploitation
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Impact of caregiving on families
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Indicators, dynamics, and impact of exploitation across the lifespan (e.g., financial, immigration status, trafficking)
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Biopsychosocial assessment model and related components and factors
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Effects of physical and mental ability throughout the lifespan
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Typical and atypical physical, cognitive, emotional, and sexual development throughout the lifespan
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Impact of aging on the individual and family systems
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Racial, ethnic, cultural, and spiritual/faith development throughout the lifespan
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Defense mechanisms and their effects on behavior and relationships
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — The influence and impact of technology, including social media, on client/client-systems (personal and professional)
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Impact of urbanization, globalization, environmental hazards, and climate change on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Client/client system competence, self-determination, and self-monitoring techniques (e.g., financial decisions, treatment decisions, emancipation, age of consent, permanency planning)
    • IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods of assessing risk of harm to self and others
    • IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Principles and techniques of interviewing (e.g., supporting, clarifying, confronting, validating, feedback, reflecting, language differences, use of interpreters)
    • IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods of involving clients/client systems in problem identification, problem solving, and intervention planning
    • IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods, techniques, and instruments for assessing client/client system strengths, resources, needs, and challenges
    • IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods for obtaining sensitive and/or confidential information (e.g., substance use, sexual abuse)
    • IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods for assessing resilience and coping abilities
    • IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Indicators of and methods of assessing motivation, barriers, and readiness for change
    • IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Components and function of the mental status examination
    • IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods of assessing clients’/client systems’ communication skills
    • IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods of incorporating information from records and evaluations (e.g., employment, medical, psychological, school)
    • IIC. ASSESSMENT PRACTICES — Assessing the availability of and determining appropriate community resources
    • IIC. ASSESSMENT PRACTICES — Factors and processes used in goal planning, treatment planning, triage, and service plans
    • IIC. ASSESSMENT PRACTICES — Criteria used in the selection of intervention/treatment modalities (e.g., client/client system abilities, developmental level, culture, life stage)
    • IIC. ASSESSMENT PRACTICES — Cultural considerations in the creation of an intervention plan
    • IIC. ASSESSMENT PRACTICES — Indicators of client/client system readiness for termination
    • IIC. ASSESSMENT PRACTICES — Use and side effects of common prescription, over-the-counter, and alternative medications
  • III. INTERVENTION AND PRACTICE (32%) (32%)
    • IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — Principles and techniques for building and maintaining a helping relationship (e.g., acceptance, empathy, rapport)
    • IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — The social worker’s role in the problem-solving process
    • IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — Strengths-based and empowerment strategies and interventions
    • IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — Interdisciplinary and intra-disciplinary team collaboration (e.g., co-therapy, care conference, IEP)
    • IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — End of life practice (e.g., continuity of care, hospice, palliative care, stages of death and dying)
    • IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — Parenting capacities and skill building
    • IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — Permanency planning (e.g., child welfare)
    • IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — Policies, procedures, regulations, and legislation and their impact on social work practice and service delivery
    • IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — Community organizing, development, and mobilizing community participation
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Principles of active listening and observation
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Verbal and nonverbal communication (e.g., body language, congruence, feedback)
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods and approaches for providing trauma-informed care for various types of trauma (e.g., complex, vicarious)
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Limit and boundary setting techniques
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Case management techniques (e.g., case recording, documentation, case presentation)
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Approaches to and methods of advocacy for needed services and resources
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Evidence-based practices (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness based stress reduction, motivational interviewing, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing)
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods for engaging and motivating voluntary and involuntary clients/client systems
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Contracting and goal-setting techniques (e.g., partializing, measurable objectives)
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Practice with clients experiencing loss, separation, and grief
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Emotional regulation techniques
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Crisis intervention and treatment approaches
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Stress management techniques
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Discharge, aftercare, wrap-around services, and follow-up
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods of teaching coping and other self-care skills to clients
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Techniques and methods for addiction intervention
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Establishing service networks or community resources
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Problem-solving models and approaches
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Harm reduction techniques
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Conflict resolution methods
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Anger management techniques
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Task-centered approaches
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Psychoeducation methods
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Group work techniques and approaches (e.g., developing and managing group processes and cohesion)
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Role modeling techniques
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Social change and social planning methods
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Assertiveness training techniques
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Role play techniques
    • IIIC. PRACTICE EVALUATION AND RESEARCH — Techniques for evaluating progress and effectiveness of intervention, treatment, and service plans
    • IIIC. PRACTICE EVALUATION AND RESEARCH — Methods of evaluating agency programs (e.g., needs assessment, formative/summative assessment, cost-effectiveness, cost-benefit analysis, outcomes assessment)
    • IIIC. PRACTICE EVALUATION AND RESEARCH — Methods, techniques, and instruments used to evaluate social work practice
    • IIID. SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION — Organizational development, structure, and functioning (e.g., policies, procedures)
    • IIID. SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION — Supervisee’s role in supervision (e.g., identifying learning needs, self-assessment, prioritizing)
    • IIID. SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION — Supervision and consultation models and techniques (e.g., individual, peer, group, case recording)
    • IIID. SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION — Transference and countertransference within supervisory relationships
Examination sources

ASWB Clinical Exam

Provider
Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB); administered on computer at Pearson test centers
Format
Computer-based multiple-choice examination (three- and four-option questions) in two 61-question sections, each with a two-hour time limit; scored and pretest questions are mixed together; results reported as pass/fail
Exam questions
122 multiple-choice questions: 110 scored and 12 unscored pretest questions
Time limit
4 hours (two sections, each with a two-hour time limit)
Passing score
Pass/fail; the number of correct answers required varies by exam form and generally ranges from 66 to 78 of the 110 scored questions
Exam fee
US$260 exam registration fee
Examination outline
  • I. VALUES AND ETHICS (36%) (36%)
    • IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Legal and ethical issues regarding confidentiality, including limitations of confidentiality (e.g., HIPAA, PHI, privacy)
    • IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Legal and ethical issues related to the practice of social work, including responsibility to clients/client systems, colleagues, the profession, and society
    • IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Identifying and resolving ethical dilemmas
    • IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Principles and processes of obtaining informed consent
    • IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Professional values and principles (e.g., competence, social justice, integrity, dignity and worth of the person)
    • IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Burnout, secondary trauma, and compassion fatigue
    • IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Social worker self-care principles
    • IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Importance of professional development activities to improve practice and maintain current professional knowledge (e.g., in-service training, licensing requirements, reviews of literature, workshops, on-going supervision, consultation)
    • IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Protecting and enhancing client/client system self-determination (e.g., medication, medical treatment, counseling, placement, right to refuse services)
    • IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Professional boundaries in the social worker-client/client system relationship (e.g., power differences, influence, privilege, conflicts of interest, self-disclosure, dual relationships)
    • IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Legal and ethical issues regarding mandatory reporting (e.g., abuse, threat of harm, impaired professionals, duty to warn)
    • IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Legal and ethical issues regarding documentation (e.g., maintaining client records)
    • IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Responsible billing practices (e.g., managed care, insurance reimbursement, incident to billing)
    • IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Legal and ethical issues related to death and dying
    • IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Ethical issues in supervision and management
    • IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Impact of governmental policies on service delivery (e.g., local, state, federal legislation and policy)
    • IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Legal and ethical issues regarding termination
    • IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Ethical issues related to electronic practice
    • IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Research ethics (e.g., institutional review boards, use of human subjects, informed consent)
    • IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Anti-oppressive and anti-racist approaches
    • IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Social, racial, environmental, and economic justice principles
    • IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Impact of culture, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, and intersectionality on behaviors, attitudes, and identity formation
    • IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Accessibility including language, physical, and cultural access (e.g., translation and interpretation, neurodiversity, American Sign Language)
    • IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Power differential and racial privilege (e.g., internalized racial and ethnic inferiority and superiority)
    • IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Privilege and bias and their impact on client/client systems (e.g., implicit bias, microaggressions)
    • IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Cultural impacts of exploitation across marginalized communities (e.g., financial, immigration status, trafficking, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women)
    • IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Social justice, truth and reconciliation, and restorative practices related to clients/client systems from historically oppressed and marginalized communities
    • IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Impact of globalization, immigration, and refugee or immigration status on clients/client systems and service delivery
  • II. ASSESSMENT AND PLANNING (32% — the heading in the Clinical content outline prints no percentage; page 6 of the guidebook states the Clinical examination will have 32 percent of the questions testing Assessment and Planning) (32%)
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Indicators and impact of trauma, stressors, violence, and crises on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities (e.g., intergenerational, historical, and complex)
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Family dynamics and functioning and the effects on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Dynamics of interpersonal relationships and relationship development (e.g., family, couples, groups, polyamory)
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Indicators, dynamics, and impact of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse and neglect on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Indicators of mental and emotional illness throughout the lifespan
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Co-occurring disorders and conditions
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Biopsychosocial assessment model and related components and factors
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Indicators and impact of addiction and substance use and abuse on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Impact of poverty on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities (e.g., social determinants of health)
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Factors influencing self- and body-image (e.g., culture, race, religion/spirituality, age, ability, trauma, gender, sexuality, size)
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Defense mechanisms and their effects on behavior and relationships
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Characteristics of perpetrators of abuse, neglect, and exploitation
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Impact of out-of-home placement (e.g., hospitalization, foster care, residential care, criminal justice system) on clients/client systems
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Impact of caregiving on families
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Indicators, dynamics, and impact of exploitation across the lifespan (e.g., financial, immigration status, trafficking)
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Typical and atypical physical, cognitive, emotional, and sexual development throughout the lifespan
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Effects of physical and mental ability throughout the lifespan
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Impact of aging on the individual and family systems
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Racial, ethnic, cultural, and spiritual/faith development throughout the lifespan
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Factors of out-of-home displacement (e.g., homelessness, immigration, and refugee status) on clients/client systems
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — The influence and impact of technology, including social media, on client/client-systems (personal and professional)
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Impact of urbanization, globalization, environmental hazards, and climate change on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Client/client system competence, self-determination, and self-monitoring techniques (e.g., financial decisions, treatment decisions, emancipation, age of consent, permanency planning)
    • IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods of assessing risk of harm to self and others
    • IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Principles and techniques of interviewing (e.g., supporting, clarifying, confronting, validating, feedback, reflecting, language differences, use of interpreters)
    • IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods of involving clients/client systems in problem identification, problem solving, and intervention planning
    • IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Indicators of and methods of assessing motivation, barriers, and readiness for change
    • IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods for assessing resilience and coping abilities
    • IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods, techniques, and instruments for assessing client/client system strengths, resources, needs, and challenges
    • IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods for obtaining sensitive and/or confidential information (e.g., substance use, sexual abuse)
    • IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods of assessing clients’/client systems’ communication skills
    • IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Use of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in assessment and common indicators of mental health and brain-related conditions
    • IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Components and function of the mental status examination
    • IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods of incorporating information from records and evaluations (e.g., employment, medical, psychological, school)
    • IIC. ASSESSMENT PRACTICES — Assessing the availability of and determining appropriate community resources
    • IIC. ASSESSMENT PRACTICES — Factors and processes used in goal planning, treatment planning, triage, and service plans
    • IIC. ASSESSMENT PRACTICES — Criteria used in the selection of intervention/treatment modalities (e.g., client/client system abilities, developmental level, culture, life stage)
    • IIC. ASSESSMENT PRACTICES — Cultural considerations in the creation of an intervention plan
    • IIC. ASSESSMENT PRACTICES — Use and side effects of common prescription, over-the-counter, and alternative medications
    • IIC. ASSESSMENT PRACTICES — Indicators of client/client system readiness for termination
  • III. INTERVENTION AND PRACTICE (32%) (32%)
    • IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — Strengths-based and empowerment strategies and interventions
    • IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — Principles and techniques for building and maintaining a helping relationship (e.g., acceptance, empathy, rapport)
    • IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — Interdisciplinary and intra-disciplinary team collaboration (e.g., co-therapy, care conference, IEP)
    • IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — The social worker’s role in the problem-solving process
    • IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — End of life practice (e.g., continuity of care, hospice, palliative care, stages of death and dying)
    • IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — Parenting capacities and skill building
    • IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — Policies, procedures, regulations, and legislation and their impact on social work practice and service delivery
    • IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — Developing formal documents (e.g., grants, proposals, reports, evaluations)
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods and approaches for providing trauma-informed care for various types of trauma (e.g., complex, vicarious)
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Verbal and nonverbal communication (e.g., body language, congruence, feedback)
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Principles of active listening and observation
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Limit and boundary setting techniques
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Crisis intervention and treatment approaches
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Emotional regulation techniques
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Evidence-based practices (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness based stress reduction, motivational interviewing, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing)
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods of teaching coping and other self-care skills to clients
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Stress management techniques
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Practice with clients experiencing loss, separation, and grief
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods for engaging and motivating voluntary and involuntary clients/client systems
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Harm reduction techniques
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Approaches to and methods of advocacy for needed services and resources
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Psychoeducation methods
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Contracting and goal-setting techniques (e.g., partializing, measurable objectives)
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Problem-solving models and approaches
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Techniques and methods for addiction intervention
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Case management techniques (e.g., case recording, documentation, case presentation)
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Conflict resolution methods
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Anger management techniques
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Family therapy models, interventions, and approaches
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Discharge, aftercare, wrap-around services, and follow-up
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Group work techniques and approaches (e.g., developing and managing group processes and cohesion)
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Establishing service networks or community resources
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Assertiveness training techniques
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Role modeling techniques
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Couples interventions and treatment approaches
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Role play techniques
    • IIIC. PRACTICE EVALUATION AND RESEARCH — Techniques for evaluating progress and effectiveness of intervention, treatment, and service plans
    • IIIC. PRACTICE EVALUATION AND RESEARCH — Methods of establishing program objectives and outcomes
    • IIIC. PRACTICE EVALUATION AND RESEARCH — Program evaluation and related impact on services
    • IIIC. PRACTICE EVALUATION AND RESEARCH — Methods of evaluating agency programs (e.g., needs assessment, formative/summative assessment, cost-effectiveness, cost-benefit analysis, outcomes assessment)
    • IIIC. PRACTICE EVALUATION AND RESEARCH — Basic and applied research design and methods, data collection and analysis methods, and methods to assess reliability and validity in social work research (e.g., objective, subjective, qualitative, quantitative)
    • IIIC. PRACTICE EVALUATION AND RESEARCH — Quality assurance (e.g., program reviews and audits by external sources)
    • IIID. SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION — Supervisee’s role in supervision (e.g., identifying learning needs, self-assessment, prioritizing)
    • IIID. SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION — Supervision and consultation models and techniques (e.g., individual, peer, group, case recording)
    • IIID. SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION — Transference and countertransference within supervisory relationships
    • IIID. SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION — Methods for creating, implementing, and evaluating policies and procedures that minimize risk for individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
    • IIID. SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION — Organizational development, structure, and functioning (e.g., policies, procedures)
    • IIID. SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION — Fiscal management and resource allocation techniques
Examination sources

ASWB Masters Exam

Provider
Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB); administered on computer at Pearson test centers
Format
Computer-based multiple-choice examination (three- and four-option questions) in two 61-question sections, each with a two-hour time limit; scored and pretest questions are mixed together; results reported as pass/fail
Exam questions
122 multiple-choice questions: 110 scored and 12 unscored pretest questions
Time limit
4 hours (two sections, each with a two-hour time limit)
Passing score
Pass/fail; the number of correct answers required varies by exam form and generally ranges from 66 to 78 of the 110 scored questions
Exam fee
US$230 exam registration fee
Examination outline
  • I. VALUES AND ETHICS (35%) (35%)
    • IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Principles and processes of obtaining informed consent
    • IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Legal and ethical issues regarding confidentiality, including limitations of confidentiality (e.g., HIPAA, PHI, privacy)
    • IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Legal and ethical issues related to the practice of social work, including responsibility to clients/client systems, colleagues, the profession, and society
    • IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Identifying and resolving ethical dilemmas
    • IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Professional values and principles (e.g., competence, social justice, integrity, dignity and worth of the person)
    • IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Burnout, secondary trauma, and compassion fatigue
    • IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Social worker self-care principles
    • IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Importance of professional development activities to improve practice and maintain current professional knowledge (e.g., in-service training, licensing requirements, reviews of literature, workshops, on-going supervision, consultation)
    • IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Professional boundaries in the social worker-client/client system relationship (e.g., power differences, influence, privilege, conflicts of interest, self-disclosure, dual relationships)
    • IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Protecting and enhancing client/client system self-determination (e.g., medication, medical treatment, counseling, placement, right to refuse services)
    • IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Legal and ethical issues regarding mandatory reporting (e.g., abuse, threat of harm, impaired professionals, duty to warn)
    • IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Legal and ethical issues regarding documentation (e.g., maintaining client records)
    • IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Impact of governmental policies on service delivery (e.g., local, state, federal legislation and policy)
    • IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Legal and ethical issues related to death and dying
    • IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Ethical issues in supervision and management
    • IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Responsible billing practices (e.g., managed care, insurance reimbursement, incident to billing)
    • IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Ethical issues related to electronic practice
    • IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Legal and ethical issues regarding termination
    • IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Anti-oppressive and anti-racist approaches
    • IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Social, racial, environmental, and economic justice principles
    • IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Impact of culture, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, and intersectionality on behaviors, attitudes, and identity formation
    • IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Accessibility including language, physical, and cultural access (e.g., translation and interpretation, neurodiversity, American Sign Language)
    • IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Privilege and bias and their impact on client/client systems (e.g., implicit bias, microaggressions)
    • IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Power differential and racial privilege (e.g., internalized racial and ethnic inferiority and superiority)
    • IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Cultural impacts of exploitation across marginalized communities (e.g., financial, immigration status, trafficking, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women)
    • IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Social justice, truth and reconciliation, and restorative practices related to clients/client systems from historically oppressed and marginalized communities
    • IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Impact of globalization, immigration, and refugee or immigration status on clients/client systems and service delivery
  • II. ASSESSMENT AND PLANNING (33%) (33%)
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Indicators and impact of trauma, stressors, violence, and crises on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities (e.g., intergenerational, historical, and complex)
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Family dynamics and functioning and the effects on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Impact of poverty on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities (e.g., social determinants of health)
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Dynamics of interpersonal relationships and relationship development (e.g., family, couples, groups, polyamory)
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Indicators, dynamics, and impact of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse and neglect on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Indicators of mental and emotional illness throughout the lifespan
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Impact of out-of-home placement (e.g., hospitalization, foster care, residential care, criminal justice system) on clients/client systems
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Impact of caregiving on families
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Indicators and impact of addiction and substance use and abuse on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Co-occurring disorders and conditions
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Biopsychosocial assessment model and related components and factors
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Characteristics of perpetrators of abuse, neglect, and exploitation
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Indicators, dynamics, and impact of exploitation across the lifespan (e.g., financial, immigration status, trafficking)
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Defense mechanisms and their effects on behavior and relationships
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Effects of physical and mental ability throughout the lifespan
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Factors of out-of-home displacement (e.g., homelessness, immigration, and refugee status) on clients/client systems
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Impact of aging on the individual and family systems
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Factors influencing self- and body-image (e.g., culture, race, religion/spirituality, age, ability, trauma, gender, sexuality, size)
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Racial, ethnic, cultural, and spiritual/faith development throughout the lifespan
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Typical and atypical physical, cognitive, emotional, and sexual development throughout the lifespan
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — The influence and impact of technology, including social media, on client/client-systems (personal and professional)
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Impact of urbanization, globalization, environmental hazards, and climate change on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Client/client system competence, self-determination, and self-monitoring techniques (e.g., financial decisions, treatment decisions, emancipation, age of consent, permanency planning)
    • IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Principles and techniques of interviewing (e.g., supporting, clarifying, confronting, validating, feedback, reflecting, language differences, use of interpreters)
    • IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods of assessing risk of harm to self and others
    • IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods of involving clients/client systems in problem identification, problem solving, and intervention planning
    • IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods, techniques, and instruments for assessing client/client system strengths, resources, needs, and challenges
    • IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods for obtaining sensitive and/or confidential information (e.g., substance use, sexual abuse)
    • IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods for assessing resilience and coping abilities
    • IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Indicators of and methods of assessing motivation, barriers, and readiness for change
    • IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods of assessing clients’/client systems’ communication skills
    • IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods of incorporating information from records and evaluations (e.g., employment, medical, psychological, school)
    • IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Components and function of the mental status examination
    • IIC. ASSESSMENT PRACTICES — Assessing the availability of and determining appropriate community resources
    • IIC. ASSESSMENT PRACTICES — Cultural considerations in the creation of an intervention plan
    • IIC. ASSESSMENT PRACTICES — Factors and processes used in goal planning, treatment planning, triage, and service plans
    • IIC. ASSESSMENT PRACTICES — Criteria used in the selection of intervention/treatment modalities (e.g., client/client system abilities, developmental level, culture, life stage)
    • IIC. ASSESSMENT PRACTICES — Use and side effects of common prescription, over-the-counter, and alternative medications
    • IIC. ASSESSMENT PRACTICES — Indicators of client/client system readiness for termination
  • III. INTERVENTION AND PRACTICE (32%) (32%)
    • IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — Strengths-based and empowerment strategies and interventions
    • IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — Principles and techniques for building and maintaining a helping relationship (e.g., acceptance, empathy, rapport)
    • IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — The social worker’s role in the problem-solving process
    • IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — Interdisciplinary and intra-disciplinary team collaboration (e.g., co-therapy, care conference, IEP)
    • IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — End of life practice (e.g., continuity of care, hospice, palliative care, stages of death and dying)
    • IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — Parenting capacities and skill building
    • IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — Policies, procedures, regulations, and legislation and their impact on social work practice and service delivery
    • IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — Permanency planning (e.g., child welfare)
    • IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — Community organizing, development, and mobilizing community participation
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Limit and boundary setting techniques
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Verbal and nonverbal communication (e.g., body language, congruence, feedback)
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods and approaches for providing trauma-informed care for various types of trauma (e.g., complex, vicarious)
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Principles of active listening and observation
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Crisis intervention and treatment approaches
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Emotional regulation techniques
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Approaches to and methods of advocacy for needed services and resources
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods of teaching coping and other self-care skills to clients
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Practice with clients experiencing loss, separation, and grief
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods for engaging and motivating voluntary and involuntary clients/client systems
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Case management techniques (e.g., case recording, documentation, case presentation)
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Evidence-based practices (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness based stress reduction, motivational interviewing, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing)
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Stress management techniques
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Harm reduction techniques
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Contracting and goal-setting techniques (e.g., partializing, measurable objectives)
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Problem-solving models and approaches
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Discharge, aftercare, wrap-around services, and follow-up
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Conflict resolution methods
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Establishing service networks or community resources
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Techniques and methods for addiction intervention
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Psychoeducation methods
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Anger management techniques
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Group work techniques and approaches (e.g., developing and managing group processes and cohesion)
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Family therapy models, interventions, and approaches
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Social change and social planning methods
    • IIIC. PRACTICE. EVALUATION AND RESEARCH — Techniques for evaluating progress and effectiveness of intervention, treatment, and service plans
    • IIIC. PRACTICE. EVALUATION AND RESEARCH — Methods, techniques, and instruments used to evaluate social work practice
    • IIIC. PRACTICE. EVALUATION AND RESEARCH — Methods of evaluating agency programs (e.g., needs assessment, formative/summative assessment, cost-effectiveness, cost-benefit analysis, outcomes assessment)
    • IIIC. PRACTICE. EVALUATION AND RESEARCH — Basic and applied research design and methods, data collection and analysis methods, and methods to assess reliability and validity in social work research (e.g., objective, subjective, qualitative, quantitative)
    • IIID. SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION — Supervisee’s role in supervision (e.g., identifying learning needs, self-assessment, prioritizing)
    • IIID. SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION — Methods for creating, implementing, and evaluating policies and procedures for safe, inclusive, and a healthy work environment
    • IIID. SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION — Methods for creating, implementing, and evaluating policies and procedures that minimize risk for individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
    • IIID. SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION — Supervision and consultation models and techniques (e.g., individual, peer, group, case recording)
    • IIID. SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION — Transference and countertransference within supervisory relationships
Examination sources