OpenExamsFREE PRACTICE — ANY EXAM

Arkansas Social Work — Requirements & Free Practice

US-AR · License preparation

752 free questions · Answer explanations · No signup required

Choose what to practice

Start with an exam below. Your examination requirements depend on your application pathway. View licensing requirements

Choose an exam or combined practice to begin.

Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

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

Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW)

Ordinary Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) license. Examination and endorsement are the primary issuance routes. The Board FAQ states there is no inactive or retired status. Act 639 of 2025 enacted the Social Work Licensure Compact, but the July 2026 implementation notice states multistate licenses are not yet available; no currently available compact issuance route is asserted.

Licensing authority: Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board · Application information

Renewal with deployed service member or spouse extensions
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply for renewal of the existing Arkansas license under the renewal provisions, with the deployment extension and continuing education exemption.
Continuing Education Exemption
A full continuing education exemption applies until 180 days after return from deployment.
Eligibility
The licensee is a deployed uniformed service member or spouse covered by 17 CAR § 100-102(g)(4)–(5).
Expiration Extension
The license expiration date is extended for 180 days after the member returns from deployment.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by endorsement
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Submit the Board application and prescribed fee, official degree transcript, state and federal fingerprint-based criminal background checks and required releases; the Board must receive the background results before exam approval or provisional issuance. Criminal-history disqualification is subject to the Board waiver process.
Application Validity
17 CAR § 100-102(i) states: (i) An application is valid for six (6) months from the date of the application. The May 2025 application instructions separately state for an approved application: approved application is valid for one year or three attempts to pass the examination, whichever comes first.
Competency
Satisfy the physical and mental competency, professional safety, substance-use, honesty and criminal-history qualifications of Ark. Code § 17-103-306; LMSW and LCSW applicants must also satisfy good moral character requirements.
Education
A master’s social work degree from a CSWE- or CASWE-accredited program, or a qualifying master’s social work degree from an accredited institution received before June 17, 1986; provide the official transcript.
Exam Approval
A valid Board-approved application is required before taking the examination. The Board uses the national passing score, the national examination service ninety-day wait period and a maximum of three examination attempts.
Examination Waiver
Ark. Code § 17-103-302 permits licensure without examination; 17 CAR § 100-105 permits waiver where the applicant holds the qualifying current license, has passed a social work examination approved by that licensing entity, and has the qualifying accredited social work degree. The ASWB examination remains a leaf because the current Board endorsement checklist requires the corresponding ASWB passing score; another accepted examination and the waiver are individual applicant conditions.
Existing License
At application, hold a current social work license in another state, territory, district or Canadian province whose standards the Board considers substantially equivalent; provide verification from every licensing jurisdiction in which the applicant holds or has held a social work license.
Military Training Credit
For initial licensure of eligible uniformed service applicants under Ark. Code § 17-4-104, the Board accepts relevant and applicable service education, training, national certification or service-issued credentials toward licensure qualifications under 17 CAR § 100-102(g)(6). This credit does not itself identify a separate examination.
Score Documentation
May 2025 Board Endorsement checklist: Applicant must have taken and passed the Association of Social Work Board (ASWB) examination for the level of licensure for which they are applying. Please request an official score report from ASWB (www.aswb.org) Exceptions will be reviewed on an individual basis if another exam was accepted for licensure. Examinations belonging to another country or another jurisdiction’s own state exam, if accepted, are prior-qualification conditions rather than Arkansas examination leaves.
Supervision And Waiver
Document at least 24 months of supervised social work experience and 4,000 hours in a master’s-level social work position under an LCSW or a supervisor the Board determines equivalent. Board instructions require 100 direct supervision hours; a Board supervision plan and evaluation documentation are required. The Board may waive supervision if the applicant practiced independently at the clinical level for the last three years and met independent clinical licensing requirements in the current licensing jurisdiction.
Work Permit
17 CAR § 100-102(j) grants licensure to a federal Form I-766 Employment Authorization Document holder who fulfills Arkansas licensure requirements.
Licensure by examination
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Submit the Board application and prescribed fee, official degree transcript, state and federal fingerprint-based criminal background checks and required releases; the Board must receive the background results before exam approval or provisional issuance. Criminal-history disqualification is subject to the Board waiver process.
Application Validity
17 CAR § 100-102(i) states: (i) An application is valid for six (6) months from the date of the application. The May 2025 application instructions separately state for an approved application: approved application is valid for one year or three attempts to pass the examination, whichever comes first.
Competency
Satisfy the physical and mental competency, professional safety, substance-use, honesty and criminal-history qualifications of Ark. Code § 17-103-306; LMSW and LCSW applicants must also satisfy good moral character requirements.
Education
A master’s social work degree from a CSWE- or CASWE-accredited program, or a qualifying master’s social work degree from an accredited institution received before June 17, 1986; provide the official transcript.
Exam Approval
A valid Board-approved application is required before taking the examination. The Board uses the national passing score, the national examination service ninety-day wait period and a maximum of three examination attempts.
Military Training Credit
For initial licensure of eligible uniformed service applicants under Ark. Code § 17-4-104, the Board accepts relevant and applicable service education, training, national certification or service-issued credentials toward licensure qualifications under 17 CAR § 100-102(g)(6). This credit does not itself identify a separate examination.
Supervised Experience
Document at least 24 months of supervised social work experience and 4,000 hours in a master’s-level social work position under an LCSW or a supervisor the Board determines equivalent. Board instructions require 100 direct supervision hours; a Board supervision plan and evaluation documentation are required.
Work Permit
17 CAR § 100-102(j) grants licensure to a federal Form I-766 Employment Authorization Document holder who fulfills Arkansas licensure requirements.
Renewal after lapse of less than three months
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the renewal application, renewal fee, late penalty, attestation of no practice and summary of 30 hours earned during the previous two-year licensure period; the grace period is not an opportunity to practice or earn missing hours.
Continuing Education
Complete 30 social work continuing education hours during the two-year licensure period, including at least three ethics hours and no more than 15 independent-study hours.
Existing License
Hold the corresponding ordinary Arkansas social work license.
Lapse
The license has expired for less than three months. Do not practice until the Board approves renewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Automatic licensure for uniformed service members, veterans and eligible spouses
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application Evidence
Provide the initial application and licensure fees and evidence of both the qualifying existing license and eligible service-member, veteran or spouse status.
Eligible Applicant
Be a uniformed service member stationed in Arkansas; a veteran discharged other than dishonorably who resides in or establishes Arkansas residency; or an eligible spouse as specified in 17 CAR § 100-102(g)(2)(C).
Examination
The exhaustive automatic-licensure conditions in 17 CAR § 100-102(g)(2)–(3) require the existing license and qualifying status, without an identified examination.
Existing License
Hold in good standing a license with a similar scope of practice issued by another United States state, territory or district.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New application after license lapse of three months or longer
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Submit the Board application and prescribed fee, official degree transcript, state and federal fingerprint-based criminal background checks and required releases; the Board must receive the background results before exam approval or provisional issuance. Criminal-history disqualification is subject to the Board waiver process.
Application Validity
17 CAR § 100-102(i) states: (i) An application is valid for six (6) months from the date of the application. The May 2025 application instructions separately state for an approved application: approved application is valid for one year or three attempts to pass the examination, whichever comes first.
Competency
Satisfy the physical and mental competency, professional safety, substance-use, honesty and criminal-history qualifications of Ark. Code § 17-103-306; LMSW and LCSW applicants must also satisfy good moral character requirements.
Education
A master’s social work degree from a CSWE- or CASWE-accredited program, or a qualifying master’s social work degree from an accredited institution received before June 17, 1986; provide the official transcript.
Exam Approval
A valid Board-approved application is required before taking the examination. The Board uses the national passing score, the national examination service ninety-day wait period and a maximum of three examination attempts.
Lapse
The previous license expired for three months or longer and the applicant applies anew under 17 CAR § 100-108(b)(6), rather than the separately available reduced reinstatement pathway. All current initial-licensure requirements apply, including examination passage.
Military Training Credit
For initial licensure of eligible uniformed service applicants under Ark. Code § 17-4-104, the Board accepts relevant and applicable service education, training, national certification or service-issued credentials toward licensure qualifications under 17 CAR § 100-102(g)(6). This credit does not itself identify a separate examination.
Supervised Experience
Document at least 24 months of supervised social work experience and 4,000 hours in a master’s-level social work position under an LCSW or a supervisor the Board determines equivalent. Board instructions require 100 direct supervision hours; a Board supervision plan and evaluation documentation are required.
Work Permit
17 CAR § 100-102(j) grants licensure to a federal Form I-766 Employment Authorization Document holder who fulfills Arkansas licensure requirements.
Reduced reinstatement of a previously held license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board FAQ
The July 2023 Board FAQ gives the general new-application rule for expired licenses: Social workers who allow their licenses to expire will be considered new applicants. They are subject to all the current requirements for licensure, including taking and passing the examination prior to licensure. The separately codified reduced reinstatement route in 17 CAR § 100-108(d), authorized by § 17-1-107, is retained for applicants satisfying its conditions.
Competence
Demonstrate sufficient competence, pay the prescribed application fee and complete the required background check.
Disciplinary History
The prior license was not revoked for bad faith or violation of law, rule or ethics; the applicant was not suspended or placed on probation in any state, district, territory, jurisdiction or Canadian province.
Discretionary Proof
Act 1011 § 1, § 17-1-107 permits proficiency testing, recommendation letters or both as evidence of competence. No identifiable currently offered examination is named for this reduced reinstatement route; any such discretionary proof is an applicant condition.
Prior License
Previously held the corresponding Arkansas social work license in good standing when it expired or was not renewed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Timely license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the renewal application and prescribed fee before expiration; Board approval renews the license for the next two-year period.
Continuing Education
Complete 30 social work continuing education hours during the two-year licensure period, including at least three ethics hours and no more than 15 independent-study hours.
Existing License
Hold the corresponding ordinary Arkansas social work license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal extension for extenuating circumstances
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Deadline
Request an extension at least 30 days before license expiration; the Board reviews each request individually.
Existing License
Hold the corresponding ordinary Arkansas license and seek relief for extenuating circumstances preventing completion of continuing education.
Practice
Do not practice or represent yourself as a social worker after expiration unless the Board grants the extension.
Submission
Submit the renewal packet and fee, education summary, signed no-practice attestation, explanatory letter, work history and a plan to complete missing hours. For a health-related circumstance, include the physician’s letter describing the period and how the condition prevented completion.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Ordinary Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) license. Examination and endorsement are the primary issuance routes. The Board FAQ states there is no inactive or retired status. Act 639 of 2025 enacted the Social Work Licensure Compact, but the July 2026 implementation notice states multistate licenses are not yet available; no currently available compact issuance route is asserted.

Licensing authority: Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board · Application information

Renewal with deployed service member or spouse extensions
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply for renewal of the existing Arkansas license under the renewal provisions, with the deployment extension and continuing education exemption.
Continuing Education Exemption
A full continuing education exemption applies until 180 days after return from deployment.
Eligibility
The licensee is a deployed uniformed service member or spouse covered by 17 CAR § 100-102(g)(4)–(5).
Expiration Extension
The license expiration date is extended for 180 days after the member returns from deployment.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by endorsement
ASWB Masters Exam
Application
Submit the Board application and prescribed fee, official degree transcript, state and federal fingerprint-based criminal background checks and required releases; the Board must receive the background results before exam approval or provisional issuance. Criminal-history disqualification is subject to the Board waiver process.
Application Validity
17 CAR § 100-102(i) states: (i) An application is valid for six (6) months from the date of the application. The May 2025 application instructions separately state for an approved application: approved application is valid for one year or three attempts to pass the examination, whichever comes first.
Competency
Satisfy the physical and mental competency, professional safety, substance-use, honesty and criminal-history qualifications of Ark. Code § 17-103-306; LMSW and LCSW applicants must also satisfy good moral character requirements.
Education
A master’s social work degree from a CSWE- or CASWE-accredited program, or a qualifying master’s social work degree from an accredited institution received before June 17, 1986; provide the official transcript.
Exam Approval
A valid Board-approved application is required before taking the examination. The Board uses the national passing score, the national examination service ninety-day wait period and a maximum of three examination attempts.
Examination Waiver
Ark. Code § 17-103-302 permits licensure without examination; 17 CAR § 100-105 permits waiver where the applicant holds the qualifying current license, has passed a social work examination approved by that licensing entity, and has the qualifying accredited social work degree. The ASWB examination remains a leaf because the current Board endorsement checklist requires the corresponding ASWB passing score; another accepted examination and the waiver are individual applicant conditions.
Existing License
At application, hold a current social work license in another state, territory, district or Canadian province whose standards the Board considers substantially equivalent; provide verification from every licensing jurisdiction in which the applicant holds or has held a social work license.
Military Training Credit
For initial licensure of eligible uniformed service applicants under Ark. Code § 17-4-104, the Board accepts relevant and applicable service education, training, national certification or service-issued credentials toward licensure qualifications under 17 CAR § 100-102(g)(6). This credit does not itself identify a separate examination.
Score Documentation
May 2025 Board Endorsement checklist: Applicant must have taken and passed the Association of Social Work Board (ASWB) examination for the level of licensure for which they are applying. Please request an official score report from ASWB (www.aswb.org) Exceptions will be reviewed on an individual basis if another exam was accepted for licensure. Examinations belonging to another country or another jurisdiction’s own state exam, if accepted, are prior-qualification conditions rather than Arkansas examination leaves.
Work Permit
17 CAR § 100-102(j) grants licensure to a federal Form I-766 Employment Authorization Document holder who fulfills Arkansas licensure requirements.
Licensure by examination
ASWB Masters Exam
Application
Submit the Board application and prescribed fee, official degree transcript, state and federal fingerprint-based criminal background checks and required releases; the Board must receive the background results before exam approval or provisional issuance. Criminal-history disqualification is subject to the Board waiver process.
Application Validity
17 CAR § 100-102(i) states: (i) An application is valid for six (6) months from the date of the application. The May 2025 application instructions separately state for an approved application: approved application is valid for one year or three attempts to pass the examination, whichever comes first.
Competency
Satisfy the physical and mental competency, professional safety, substance-use, honesty and criminal-history qualifications of Ark. Code § 17-103-306; LMSW and LCSW applicants must also satisfy good moral character requirements.
Education
A master’s social work degree from a CSWE- or CASWE-accredited program, or a qualifying master’s social work degree from an accredited institution received before June 17, 1986; provide the official transcript.
Exam Approval
A valid Board-approved application is required before taking the examination. The Board uses the national passing score, the national examination service ninety-day wait period and a maximum of three examination attempts.
Military Training Credit
For initial licensure of eligible uniformed service applicants under Ark. Code § 17-4-104, the Board accepts relevant and applicable service education, training, national certification or service-issued credentials toward licensure qualifications under 17 CAR § 100-102(g)(6). This credit does not itself identify a separate examination.
Work Permit
17 CAR § 100-102(j) grants licensure to a federal Form I-766 Employment Authorization Document holder who fulfills Arkansas licensure requirements.
Renewal after lapse of less than three months
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the renewal application, renewal fee, late penalty, attestation of no practice and summary of 30 hours earned during the previous two-year licensure period; the grace period is not an opportunity to practice or earn missing hours.
Continuing Education
Complete 30 social work continuing education hours during the two-year licensure period, including at least three ethics hours and no more than 15 independent-study hours.
Existing License
Hold the corresponding ordinary Arkansas social work license.
Lapse
The license has expired for less than three months. Do not practice until the Board approves renewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Automatic licensure for uniformed service members, veterans and eligible spouses
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application Evidence
Provide the initial application and licensure fees and evidence of both the qualifying existing license and eligible service-member, veteran or spouse status.
Eligible Applicant
Be a uniformed service member stationed in Arkansas; a veteran discharged other than dishonorably who resides in or establishes Arkansas residency; or an eligible spouse as specified in 17 CAR § 100-102(g)(2)(C).
Examination
The exhaustive automatic-licensure conditions in 17 CAR § 100-102(g)(2)–(3) require the existing license and qualifying status, without an identified examination.
Existing License
Hold in good standing a license with a similar scope of practice issued by another United States state, territory or district.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New application after license lapse of three months or longer
ASWB Masters Exam
Application
Submit the Board application and prescribed fee, official degree transcript, state and federal fingerprint-based criminal background checks and required releases; the Board must receive the background results before exam approval or provisional issuance. Criminal-history disqualification is subject to the Board waiver process.
Application Validity
17 CAR § 100-102(i) states: (i) An application is valid for six (6) months from the date of the application. The May 2025 application instructions separately state for an approved application: approved application is valid for one year or three attempts to pass the examination, whichever comes first.
Competency
Satisfy the physical and mental competency, professional safety, substance-use, honesty and criminal-history qualifications of Ark. Code § 17-103-306; LMSW and LCSW applicants must also satisfy good moral character requirements.
Education
A master’s social work degree from a CSWE- or CASWE-accredited program, or a qualifying master’s social work degree from an accredited institution received before June 17, 1986; provide the official transcript.
Exam Approval
A valid Board-approved application is required before taking the examination. The Board uses the national passing score, the national examination service ninety-day wait period and a maximum of three examination attempts.
Lapse
The previous license expired for three months or longer and the applicant applies anew under 17 CAR § 100-108(b)(6), rather than the separately available reduced reinstatement pathway. All current initial-licensure requirements apply, including examination passage.
Military Training Credit
For initial licensure of eligible uniformed service applicants under Ark. Code § 17-4-104, the Board accepts relevant and applicable service education, training, national certification or service-issued credentials toward licensure qualifications under 17 CAR § 100-102(g)(6). This credit does not itself identify a separate examination.
Work Permit
17 CAR § 100-102(j) grants licensure to a federal Form I-766 Employment Authorization Document holder who fulfills Arkansas licensure requirements.
Reduced reinstatement of a previously held license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board FAQ
The July 2023 Board FAQ gives the general new-application rule for expired licenses: Social workers who allow their licenses to expire will be considered new applicants. They are subject to all the current requirements for licensure, including taking and passing the examination prior to licensure. The separately codified reduced reinstatement route in 17 CAR § 100-108(d), authorized by § 17-1-107, is retained for applicants satisfying its conditions.
Competence
Demonstrate sufficient competence, pay the prescribed application fee and complete the required background check.
Disciplinary History
The prior license was not revoked for bad faith or violation of law, rule or ethics; the applicant was not suspended or placed on probation in any state, district, territory, jurisdiction or Canadian province.
Discretionary Proof
Act 1011 § 1, § 17-1-107 permits proficiency testing, recommendation letters or both as evidence of competence. No identifiable currently offered examination is named for this reduced reinstatement route; any such discretionary proof is an applicant condition.
Prior License
Previously held the corresponding Arkansas social work license in good standing when it expired or was not renewed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Timely license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the renewal application and prescribed fee before expiration; Board approval renews the license for the next two-year period.
Continuing Education
Complete 30 social work continuing education hours during the two-year licensure period, including at least three ethics hours and no more than 15 independent-study hours.
Existing License
Hold the corresponding ordinary Arkansas social work license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal extension for extenuating circumstances
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Deadline
Request an extension at least 30 days before license expiration; the Board reviews each request individually.
Existing License
Hold the corresponding ordinary Arkansas license and seek relief for extenuating circumstances preventing completion of continuing education.
Practice
Do not practice or represent yourself as a social worker after expiration unless the Board grants the extension.
Submission
Submit the renewal packet and fee, education summary, signed no-practice attestation, explanatory letter, work history and a plan to complete missing hours. For a health-related circumstance, include the physician’s letter describing the period and how the condition prevented completion.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

Ordinary Licensed Social Worker (LSW) license. Examination and endorsement are the primary issuance routes. The Board FAQ states there is no inactive or retired status. Act 639 of 2025 enacted the Social Work Licensure Compact, but the July 2026 implementation notice states multistate licenses are not yet available; no currently available compact issuance route is asserted.

Licensing authority: Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board · Application information

Renewal with deployed service member or spouse extensions
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply for renewal of the existing Arkansas license under the renewal provisions, with the deployment extension and continuing education exemption.
Continuing Education Exemption
A full continuing education exemption applies until 180 days after return from deployment.
Eligibility
The licensee is a deployed uniformed service member or spouse covered by 17 CAR § 100-102(g)(4)–(5).
Expiration Extension
The license expiration date is extended for 180 days after the member returns from deployment.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by endorsement
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Application
Submit the Board application and prescribed fee, official degree transcript, state and federal fingerprint-based criminal background checks and required releases; the Board must receive the background results before exam approval or provisional issuance. Criminal-history disqualification is subject to the Board waiver process.
Application Validity
17 CAR § 100-102(i) states: (i) An application is valid for six (6) months from the date of the application. The May 2025 application instructions separately state for an approved application: approved application is valid for one year or three attempts to pass the examination, whichever comes first.
Competency
Satisfy the physical and mental competency, professional safety, substance-use, honesty and criminal-history qualifications of Ark. Code § 17-103-306; LMSW and LCSW applicants must also satisfy good moral character requirements.
Education
A baccalaureate social work degree from a CSWE- or CASWE-accredited program, or a qualifying social work degree from an accredited institution received before June 17, 1986; provide the official transcript.
Exam Approval
A valid Board-approved application is required before taking the examination. The Board uses the national passing score, the national examination service ninety-day wait period and a maximum of three examination attempts.
Examination Waiver
Ark. Code § 17-103-302 permits licensure without examination; 17 CAR § 100-105 permits waiver where the applicant holds the qualifying current license, has passed a social work examination approved by that licensing entity, and has the qualifying accredited social work degree. The ASWB examination remains a leaf because the current Board endorsement checklist requires the corresponding ASWB passing score; another accepted examination and the waiver are individual applicant conditions.
Existing License
At application, hold a current social work license in another state, territory, district or Canadian province whose standards the Board considers substantially equivalent; provide verification from every licensing jurisdiction in which the applicant holds or has held a social work license.
Military Training Credit
For initial licensure of eligible uniformed service applicants under Ark. Code § 17-4-104, the Board accepts relevant and applicable service education, training, national certification or service-issued credentials toward licensure qualifications under 17 CAR § 100-102(g)(6). This credit does not itself identify a separate examination.
Score Documentation
May 2025 Board Endorsement checklist: Applicant must have taken and passed the Association of Social Work Board (ASWB) examination for the level of licensure for which they are applying. Please request an official score report from ASWB (www.aswb.org) Exceptions will be reviewed on an individual basis if another exam was accepted for licensure. Examinations belonging to another country or another jurisdiction’s own state exam, if accepted, are prior-qualification conditions rather than Arkansas examination leaves.
Work Permit
17 CAR § 100-102(j) grants licensure to a federal Form I-766 Employment Authorization Document holder who fulfills Arkansas licensure requirements.
Licensure by examination
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Application
Submit the Board application and prescribed fee, official degree transcript, state and federal fingerprint-based criminal background checks and required releases; the Board must receive the background results before exam approval or provisional issuance. Criminal-history disqualification is subject to the Board waiver process.
Application Validity
17 CAR § 100-102(i) states: (i) An application is valid for six (6) months from the date of the application. The May 2025 application instructions separately state for an approved application: approved application is valid for one year or three attempts to pass the examination, whichever comes first.
Competency
Satisfy the physical and mental competency, professional safety, substance-use, honesty and criminal-history qualifications of Ark. Code § 17-103-306; LMSW and LCSW applicants must also satisfy good moral character requirements.
Education
A baccalaureate social work degree from a CSWE- or CASWE-accredited program, or a qualifying social work degree from an accredited institution received before June 17, 1986; provide the official transcript.
Exam Approval
A valid Board-approved application is required before taking the examination. The Board uses the national passing score, the national examination service ninety-day wait period and a maximum of three examination attempts.
Military Training Credit
For initial licensure of eligible uniformed service applicants under Ark. Code § 17-4-104, the Board accepts relevant and applicable service education, training, national certification or service-issued credentials toward licensure qualifications under 17 CAR § 100-102(g)(6). This credit does not itself identify a separate examination.
Work Permit
17 CAR § 100-102(j) grants licensure to a federal Form I-766 Employment Authorization Document holder who fulfills Arkansas licensure requirements.
Renewal after lapse of less than three months
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the renewal application, renewal fee, late penalty, attestation of no practice and summary of 30 hours earned during the previous two-year licensure period; the grace period is not an opportunity to practice or earn missing hours.
Continuing Education
Complete 30 social work continuing education hours during the two-year licensure period, including at least three ethics hours and no more than 15 independent-study hours.
Existing License
Hold the corresponding ordinary Arkansas social work license.
Lapse
The license has expired for less than three months. Do not practice until the Board approves renewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Automatic licensure for uniformed service members, veterans and eligible spouses
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application Evidence
Provide the initial application and licensure fees and evidence of both the qualifying existing license and eligible service-member, veteran or spouse status.
Eligible Applicant
Be a uniformed service member stationed in Arkansas; a veteran discharged other than dishonorably who resides in or establishes Arkansas residency; or an eligible spouse as specified in 17 CAR § 100-102(g)(2)(C).
Examination
The exhaustive automatic-licensure conditions in 17 CAR § 100-102(g)(2)–(3) require the existing license and qualifying status, without an identified examination.
Existing License
Hold in good standing a license with a similar scope of practice issued by another United States state, territory or district.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New application after license lapse of three months or longer
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Application
Submit the Board application and prescribed fee, official degree transcript, state and federal fingerprint-based criminal background checks and required releases; the Board must receive the background results before exam approval or provisional issuance. Criminal-history disqualification is subject to the Board waiver process.
Application Validity
17 CAR § 100-102(i) states: (i) An application is valid for six (6) months from the date of the application. The May 2025 application instructions separately state for an approved application: approved application is valid for one year or three attempts to pass the examination, whichever comes first.
Competency
Satisfy the physical and mental competency, professional safety, substance-use, honesty and criminal-history qualifications of Ark. Code § 17-103-306; LMSW and LCSW applicants must also satisfy good moral character requirements.
Education
A baccalaureate social work degree from a CSWE- or CASWE-accredited program, or a qualifying social work degree from an accredited institution received before June 17, 1986; provide the official transcript.
Exam Approval
A valid Board-approved application is required before taking the examination. The Board uses the national passing score, the national examination service ninety-day wait period and a maximum of three examination attempts.
Lapse
The previous license expired for three months or longer and the applicant applies anew under 17 CAR § 100-108(b)(6), rather than the separately available reduced reinstatement pathway. All current initial-licensure requirements apply, including examination passage.
Military Training Credit
For initial licensure of eligible uniformed service applicants under Ark. Code § 17-4-104, the Board accepts relevant and applicable service education, training, national certification or service-issued credentials toward licensure qualifications under 17 CAR § 100-102(g)(6). This credit does not itself identify a separate examination.
Work Permit
17 CAR § 100-102(j) grants licensure to a federal Form I-766 Employment Authorization Document holder who fulfills Arkansas licensure requirements.
Reduced reinstatement of a previously held license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board FAQ
The July 2023 Board FAQ gives the general new-application rule for expired licenses: Social workers who allow their licenses to expire will be considered new applicants. They are subject to all the current requirements for licensure, including taking and passing the examination prior to licensure. The separately codified reduced reinstatement route in 17 CAR § 100-108(d), authorized by § 17-1-107, is retained for applicants satisfying its conditions.
Competence
Demonstrate sufficient competence, pay the prescribed application fee and complete the required background check.
Disciplinary History
The prior license was not revoked for bad faith or violation of law, rule or ethics; the applicant was not suspended or placed on probation in any state, district, territory, jurisdiction or Canadian province.
Discretionary Proof
Act 1011 § 1, § 17-1-107 permits proficiency testing, recommendation letters or both as evidence of competence. No identifiable currently offered examination is named for this reduced reinstatement route; any such discretionary proof is an applicant condition.
Prior License
Previously held the corresponding Arkansas social work license in good standing when it expired or was not renewed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Timely license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the renewal application and prescribed fee before expiration; Board approval renews the license for the next two-year period.
Continuing Education
Complete 30 social work continuing education hours during the two-year licensure period, including at least three ethics hours and no more than 15 independent-study hours.
Existing License
Hold the corresponding ordinary Arkansas social work license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal extension for extenuating circumstances
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Deadline
Request an extension at least 30 days before license expiration; the Board reviews each request individually.
Existing License
Hold the corresponding ordinary Arkansas license and seek relief for extenuating circumstances preventing completion of continuing education.
Practice
Do not practice or represent yourself as a social worker after expiration unless the Board grants the extension.
Submission
Submit the renewal packet and fee, education summary, signed no-practice attestation, explanatory letter, work history and a plan to complete missing hours. For a health-related circumstance, include the physician’s letter describing the period and how the condition prevented completion.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Provisional Licensed Master Social Worker

One-time master’s-level provisional license; expires one year after issuance and cannot be renewed. Also available to an LCSW endorsement applicant whose remaining requirement is examination passage. No provisional LCSW license is available.

Licensing authority: Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board · Application information

Initial one time provisional licensure pending examination
ASWB Masters Exam
Application
Submit the Board application and prescribed fee, official degree transcript, state and federal fingerprint-based criminal background checks and required releases; the Board must receive the background results before exam approval or provisional issuance. Criminal-history disqualification is subject to the Board waiver process.
Application Validity
17 CAR § 100-102(i) states: (i) An application is valid for six (6) months from the date of the application. The May 2025 application instructions separately state for an approved application: approved application is valid for one year or three attempts to pass the examination, whichever comes first.
Competency
Satisfy the physical and mental competency, professional safety, substance-use, honesty and criminal-history qualifications of Ark. Code § 17-103-306; LMSW and LCSW applicants must also satisfy good moral character requirements.
Duration
The provisional license expires exactly one year after issuance, permits up to three examination attempts and cannot be renewed.
Education
A master’s social work degree from a CSWE- or CASWE-accredited program, or a qualifying master’s social work degree from an accredited institution received before June 17, 1986; provide the official transcript.
Exam Approval
A valid Board-approved application is required before taking the examination. The Board uses the national passing score, the national examination service ninety-day wait period and a maximum of three examination attempts.
Issuance Before Examination
After application approval and satisfactory qualification documentation, the Board issues a one-time provisional license before examination passage; the applicable ASWB examination is involved after issuance.
Military Training Credit
For initial licensure of eligible uniformed service applicants under Ark. Code § 17-4-104, the Board accepts relevant and applicable service education, training, national certification or service-issued credentials toward licensure qualifications under 17 CAR § 100-102(g)(6). This credit does not itself identify a separate examination.
Supervision
Provisional LSW and LMSW practice is supervised under the Board’s license-level supervision requirements.
Work Permit
17 CAR § 100-102(j) grants licensure to a federal Form I-766 Employment Authorization Document holder who fulfills Arkansas licensure requirements.
Master’s level provisional licensure for an LCSW endorsement applicant awaiting examination
ASWB Clinical Exam
Background Check
Complete the Board-required state and federal criminal background checks before issuance.
Duration
One issuance only, nonrenewable and expires exactly one year after issuance; statutory examination allowance is up to three attempts.
Education
A master’s social work degree from a CSWE- or CASWE-accredited program, or a qualifying master’s social work degree from an accredited institution received before June 17, 1986; provide the official transcript.
Eligibility
An LCSW endorsement applicant has met all endorsement requirements except passage of a social work examination.
Examination
The examination pending for the LCSW endorsement application is the ASWB Clinical examination. The master’s-level provisional credential does not add a Masters examination to the LCSW route.
License Level
17 CAR § 100-105(b) authorizes a master’s-level provisional license; this is not a provisional LCSW license.
Supervised Experience
Document at least 24 months of supervised social work experience and 4,000 hours in a master’s-level social work position under an LCSW or a supervisor the Board determines equivalent. Board instructions require 100 direct supervision hours; a Board supervision plan and evaluation documentation are required. The three-year independent-clinical-practice supervision waiver may apply.

Provisional Licensed Social Worker

One-time bachelor’s-level provisional license; expires one year after issuance and cannot be renewed. The applicable ASWB exam is retained because the provisional route involves taking it after issuance.

Licensing authority: Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board · Application information

Initial one time provisional licensure pending examination
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Application
Submit the Board application and prescribed fee, official degree transcript, state and federal fingerprint-based criminal background checks and required releases; the Board must receive the background results before exam approval or provisional issuance. Criminal-history disqualification is subject to the Board waiver process.
Application Validity
17 CAR § 100-102(i) states: (i) An application is valid for six (6) months from the date of the application. The May 2025 application instructions separately state for an approved application: approved application is valid for one year or three attempts to pass the examination, whichever comes first.
Competency
Satisfy the physical and mental competency, professional safety, substance-use, honesty and criminal-history qualifications of Ark. Code § 17-103-306; LMSW and LCSW applicants must also satisfy good moral character requirements.
Duration
The provisional license expires exactly one year after issuance, permits up to three examination attempts and cannot be renewed.
Education
A baccalaureate social work degree from a CSWE- or CASWE-accredited program, or a qualifying social work degree from an accredited institution received before June 17, 1986; provide the official transcript.
Exam Approval
A valid Board-approved application is required before taking the examination. The Board uses the national passing score, the national examination service ninety-day wait period and a maximum of three examination attempts.
Issuance Before Examination
After application approval and satisfactory qualification documentation, the Board issues a one-time provisional license before examination passage; the applicable ASWB examination is involved after issuance.
Military Training Credit
For initial licensure of eligible uniformed service applicants under Ark. Code § 17-4-104, the Board accepts relevant and applicable service education, training, national certification or service-issued credentials toward licensure qualifications under 17 CAR § 100-102(g)(6). This credit does not itself identify a separate examination.
Supervision
Provisional LSW and LMSW practice is supervised under the Board’s license-level supervision requirements.
Work Permit
17 CAR § 100-102(j) grants licensure to a federal Form I-766 Employment Authorization Document holder who fulfills Arkansas licensure requirements.

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

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