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Georgia Social Work — Requirements & Free Practice

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Clinical Social Worker

Ordinary single-state clinical license. A qualifying doctorate substitutes experience without creating a separate license. Compact multistate licenses are not yet being issued.

Licensing authority: Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists

Initial clinical licensure by examination — doctorate
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Complete application and nonrefundable fee; ordinary one-year application/approval validity.
Background check
Consent to GCIC/FBI fingerprint checks, provide information and pay associated fees.
Diagnosing course
43-10A-8(4), as amended in 2022, requires a graduate diagnosing course or equivalent for persons licensed after April 26, 2006.
Education
CSWE-accredited MSW; candidacy, conditional, or accredited status when awarded.
Exam timing
After experience, apply, obtain approval, schedule and pay testing authority; first scheduled examination unless good cause.
Experience
Qualifying doctorate with supervised clinical internship substitutes one year. Require 2000 post-MSW supervised directed hours over 24-72 months and 80 supervision hours; at most 50% group and at least 50% LCSW. Doctorate fields: Professional Counseling, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, Medicine, Psychiatric Nursing, Applied Psychology, Pastoral Counseling, Applied Child and Family Development.
Extension
Board may extend acquisition periods for hardship or good cause.
Master conversion
An LMSW continuing private counseling/psychotherapy applies for clinical licensure within 60 days after meeting clinical experience/supervision qualifications.
Military processing
135-13-.01 permits expedited ordinary processing for qualifying military applicants. Statutory spouse endorsement and federal temporary authorization are separately represented.
Recency
One year of experience within two years before applying, or clinical social work CE during the immediately preceding year (43-10A-12(a)(2)(B)).
Records
Both supervisor and supervisee retain contemporaneous session records, provided on request.
References
135-3-.03(1)(a)2 and the supplemental form request at least two supervisor/teacher references; the 2022 statute replaced its earlier reference clause with the diagnosing requirement.
Retakes
Remain supervised until passage; next scheduled retake unless Board-approved postponement. After three failures stop private counseling/psychotherapy until passage absent statutory exemption.
Initial clinical issuance with certified prior examination passage — doctorate

At least one of the following alternatives:

Advanced generalist cutoff
Policy III accepts Advanced Generalist passing scores obtained on or before January 1, 2012; later scores are not accepted. Its current exam reference does not authorize qualifying with a new Advanced Generalist sitting.
Application
Complete application and nonrefundable fee; ordinary one-year application/approval validity.
Background check
Consent to GCIC/FBI fingerprint checks, provide information and pay associated fees.
Diagnosing course
43-10A-8(4), as amended in 2022, requires a graduate diagnosing course or equivalent for persons licensed after April 26, 2006.
Education
CSWE-accredited MSW; candidacy, conditional, or accredited status when awarded.
Experience
Qualifying doctorate with supervised clinical internship substitutes one year. Require 2000 post-MSW supervised directed hours over 24-72 months and 80 supervision hours; at most 50% group and at least 50% LCSW. Doctorate fields: Professional Counseling, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, Medicine, Psychiatric Nursing, Applied Psychology, Pastoral Counseling, Applied Child and Family Development.
Extension
Board may extend acquisition periods for hardship or good cause.
Military processing
135-13-.01 permits expedited ordinary processing for qualifying military applicants. Statutory spouse endorsement and federal temporary authorization are separately represented.
Out of jurisdiction license
43-10A-10 allows discretionary examination waiver for substantially equal qualifications and experience waiver after two years of full licensure in good standing; holding another license is a condition, not an examination leaf.
Prior passage
Direct testing authority to certify prior passing score.
Recency
One year of experience within two years before applying, or clinical social work CE during the immediately preceding year (43-10A-12(a)(2)(B)).
Records
Both supervisor and supervisee retain contemporaneous session records, provided on request.
References
135-3-.03(1)(a)2 and the supplemental form request at least two supervisor/teacher references; the 2022 statute replaced its earlier reference clause with the diagnosing requirement.
Active license conversion to inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Signed notarized request and pocket card; no fee.
Duration
No renewal/CE while inactive; maximum five years before revocation for failure to reactivate.
Practice
No intention to practice or use social worker title in Georgia.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • Department135

    Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 135-6-.06; passage beginning (2) A licensee who does not intend to practice

  • Department135

    Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 135-6-.06; passage beginning (4) A person who holds an active license (passage 1)

  • Department135

    Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 135-6-.06; passage beginning (4) A person who holds an active license (passage 2)

Late renewal through October 31
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Application and fee by September 30 of even-numbered year.
Audit
Attest compliance and retain documentation four years; produce evidence if audited. CE deficiency may be cured within six months under 135-9-.01(3).
Continuing education
35 hours per two-year cycle; five synchronous ethics hours; remaining 30 include at least 15 core and at most 15 related hours; at most ten asynchronous hours. Initial issuance in the second cycle year is exempt for first renewal, except when clinical licensure supersedes a master license.
Diagnosing
Applicable diagnosing curriculum under 43-10A-8(4) and 43-10A-16 remains a condition.
Late fee
Additional late penalty; after October 31 reinstatement is discretionary and continued practice unlawful.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • Department135

    Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 135-6-.03; passage beginning (3) The applicant for renewal

  • Department135

    Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 135-6-.03; passage beginning (4) Renewal applications (passage 1)

  • Department135

    Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 135-6-.03; passage beginning (4) Renewal applications (passage 2)

  • Department135

    Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 135-9-.01; passage beginning (2) Continuing Education Requirements: (passage 1)

  • Department135

    Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 135-9-.01; passage beginning (2) Continuing Education Requirements: (passage 2)

Statutory expedited military spouse endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing license
Current license elsewhere with substantially similar training, experience and testing, good standing, no pending investigation or disciplinary proceeding.
Lower ranked rule
Rule 135-13-.01(2) states: "Effective July 1, 2017, military spouses and transitioning service members may qualify for expedited processing of the license application by showing that the applicant is a military spouse or transitioning service member and that the applicant has paid the fee and meets the requirements for a license under the laws and rules for the type of license for which the applicant has applied." The statutory notwithstanding clause and state-law-only examination limit govern the endorsement pathway; the ordinary rule demand is retained here as a condition.
Military spouse
Spouse of active or transitioning service member stationed in Georgia.
Processing
HB 880 changes 90 days to 30 days after a complete application; comply with scope, practice standards and CE.
Testing limit
43-1-35(b)(3) permits only a Georgia-law examination as additional testing. The current social work examination rules and named implementation identify national Masters/Clinical examinations and assign no separate state-law social work exam.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • Hb880 Enacted

    HB 880 section 2, O.C.G.A. 43-1-35(b), page 4

  • Hb880 Enacted

    HB 880 section 2, O.C.G.A. 43-1-35(b)(1)-(3), page 5

  • Hb880 Enacted

    HB 880 section 2, O.C.G.A. 43-1-35(e), page 5

  • Department135

    Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 135-13-.01; passage beginning (2) Effective July 1, 2017

  • Department135

    Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 135-3-.03; passage beginning (d) Clinical Social Worker

  • Aswb Clinical Adoption

    June 3, 2011 Board minutes, Clinical adoption motion

Initial clinical licensure by examination — msw
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Complete application and nonrefundable fee; ordinary one-year application/approval validity.
Background check
Consent to GCIC/FBI fingerprint checks, provide information and pay associated fees.
Diagnosing course
43-10A-8(4), as amended in 2022, requires a graduate diagnosing course or equivalent for persons licensed after April 26, 2006.
Education
CSWE-accredited MSW; candidacy, conditional, or accredited status when awarded.
Exam timing
After experience, apply, obtain approval, schedule and pay testing authority; first scheduled examination unless good cause.
Experience
3000 post-MSW supervised clinical hours over 36-108 months, first 2000 under direction and supervision; 120 supervision hours, at most 50% group and at least 50% by a duly qualified LCSW.
Extension
Board may extend acquisition periods for hardship or good cause.
Master conversion
An LMSW continuing private counseling/psychotherapy applies for clinical licensure within 60 days after meeting clinical experience/supervision qualifications.
Military processing
135-13-.01 permits expedited ordinary processing for qualifying military applicants. Statutory spouse endorsement and federal temporary authorization are separately represented.
Recency
One year of experience within two years before applying, or clinical social work CE during the immediately preceding year (43-10A-12(a)(2)(B)).
Records
Both supervisor and supervisee retain contemporaneous session records, provided on request.
References
135-3-.03(1)(a)2 and the supplemental form request at least two supervisor/teacher references; the 2022 statute replaced its earlier reference clause with the diagnosing requirement.
Retakes
Remain supervised until passage; next scheduled retake unless Board-approved postponement. After three failures stop private counseling/psychotherapy until passage absent statutory exemption.
Initial clinical issuance with certified prior examination passage — msw

At least one of the following alternatives:

Advanced generalist cutoff
Policy III accepts Advanced Generalist passing scores obtained on or before January 1, 2012; later scores are not accepted. Its current exam reference does not authorize qualifying with a new Advanced Generalist sitting.
Application
Complete application and nonrefundable fee; ordinary one-year application/approval validity.
Background check
Consent to GCIC/FBI fingerprint checks, provide information and pay associated fees.
Diagnosing course
43-10A-8(4), as amended in 2022, requires a graduate diagnosing course or equivalent for persons licensed after April 26, 2006.
Education
CSWE-accredited MSW; candidacy, conditional, or accredited status when awarded.
Experience
3000 post-MSW supervised clinical hours over 36-108 months, first 2000 under direction and supervision; 120 supervision hours, at most 50% group and at least 50% by a duly qualified LCSW.
Extension
Board may extend acquisition periods for hardship or good cause.
Military processing
135-13-.01 permits expedited ordinary processing for qualifying military applicants. Statutory spouse endorsement and federal temporary authorization are separately represented.
Out of jurisdiction license
43-10A-10 allows discretionary examination waiver for substantially equal qualifications and experience waiver after two years of full licensure in good standing; holding another license is a condition, not an examination leaf.
Prior passage
Direct testing authority to certify prior passing score.
Recency
One year of experience within two years before applying, or clinical social work CE during the immediately preceding year (43-10A-12(a)(2)(B)).
Records
Both supervisor and supervisee retain contemporaneous session records, provided on request.
References
135-3-.03(1)(a)2 and the supplemental form request at least two supervisor/teacher references; the 2022 statute replaced its earlier reference clause with the diagnosing requirement.
Reinstatement after more than five years inactive
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Apply under reinstatement rule after five years; fee and 35 CE hours in preceding two years.
Exam exception
Retake/pass required exam unless current continuous licensure and practice elsewhere satisfy equivalency exception.
Reactivation within five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Application, fee, 35 CE hours in preceding two years and Board approval.
Deadline
Within five years; afterward file reinstatement under 135-6-.04.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • Department135

    Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 135-6-.06; passage beginning (5) A person who holds an inactive license

Reinstatement more than five years after expiration
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Reinstatement application, fee and 35 CE hours in preceding two years.
Exam exception
Retake/pass required licensing exam unless currently and continuously licensed and practicing elsewhere with requirements meeting or exceeding Georgia; exception remains a condition.
Previous qualifications
Previous qualifying education, experience and supervision may be reused.
Reinstatement within five years of expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Additional information
Board may request additional information.
Continuing education
35 hours per missed renewal cycle, at least 35 within preceding two years.
Expiration
Apply within five years; Board discretion.
Fee
Required penalty fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • Department135

    Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 135-6-.04; passage beginning (1) Failure to renew a license

Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Application and fee by September 30 of even-numbered year.
Audit
Attest compliance and retain documentation four years; produce evidence if audited. CE deficiency may be cured within six months under 135-9-.01(3).
Continuing education
35 hours per two-year cycle; five synchronous ethics hours; remaining 30 include at least 15 core and at most 15 related hours; at most ten asynchronous hours. Initial issuance in the second cycle year is exempt for first renewal, except when clinical licensure supersedes a master license.
Diagnosing
Applicable diagnosing curriculum under 43-10A-8(4) and 43-10A-16 remains a condition.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • Department135

    Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 135-6-.03; passage beginning (3) The applicant for renewal

  • Department135

    Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 135-9-.01; passage beginning (2) Continuing Education Requirements: (passage 1)

  • Department135

    Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 135-9-.01; passage beginning (2) Continuing Education Requirements: (passage 2)

Master's Social Worker

Ordinary single-state license. The compact is enacted, but its official Current Status page says multistate licenses are not yet being issued; no currently offered compact issuance route is represented.

Licensing authority: Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists

Active license conversion to inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Signed notarized request and pocket card; no fee.
Duration
No renewal/CE while inactive; maximum five years before revocation for failure to reactivate.
Practice
No intention to practice or use social worker title in Georgia.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • Department135

    Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 135-6-.06; passage beginning (2) A licensee who does not intend to practice

  • Department135

    Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 135-6-.06; passage beginning (4) A person who holds an active license (passage 1)

  • Department135

    Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 135-6-.06; passage beginning (4) A person who holds an active license (passage 2)

Initial licensure by examination
ASWB Masters Exam
Application
Complete application and nonrefundable fee; ordinary one-year application/approval validity.
Background check
Consent to GCIC/FBI fingerprint checks, provide information and pay associated fees.
Diagnosing course
43-10A-8(4), as amended in 2022, requires a graduate diagnosing course or equivalent for persons licensed after April 26, 2006.
Education
CSWE-accredited MSW; candidacy, conditional, or accredited status when awarded.
Exam timing
135-3-.03(2)(c) requires passing before applying. SB 485 allows taking the Masters exam during the final MSW semester; degree completion remains required for licensure.
Military processing
135-13-.01 permits expedited ordinary processing for qualifying military applicants. Statutory spouse endorsement and federal temporary authorization are separately represented.
Practice pending passage
MSW graduate may practice under direction and supervision for up to one year; if practicing, apply for the exam within one year. Retake at next scheduled examination unless good cause; after three failures cease practice until passage absent statutory exemption.
References
135-3-.03(1)(a)2 and the supplemental form request at least two supervisor/teacher references; the 2022 statute replaced its earlier reference clause with the diagnosing requirement.
Late renewal through October 31
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Application and fee by September 30 of even-numbered year.
Audit
Attest compliance and retain documentation four years; produce evidence if audited. CE deficiency may be cured within six months under 135-9-.01(3).
Continuing education
35 hours per two-year cycle; five synchronous ethics hours; remaining 30 include at least 15 core and at most 15 related hours; at most ten asynchronous hours. Initial issuance in the second cycle year is exempt for first renewal, except when clinical licensure supersedes a master license.
Diagnosing
Applicable diagnosing curriculum under 43-10A-8(4) and 43-10A-16 remains a condition.
Late fee
Additional late penalty; after October 31 reinstatement is discretionary and continued practice unlawful.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • Department135

    Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 135-6-.03; passage beginning (3) The applicant for renewal

  • Department135

    Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 135-6-.03; passage beginning (4) Renewal applications (passage 1)

  • Department135

    Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 135-6-.03; passage beginning (4) Renewal applications (passage 2)

  • Department135

    Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 135-9-.01; passage beginning (2) Continuing Education Requirements: (passage 1)

  • Department135

    Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 135-9-.01; passage beginning (2) Continuing Education Requirements: (passage 2)

Statutory expedited military spouse endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing license
Current license elsewhere with substantially similar training, experience and testing, good standing, no pending investigation or disciplinary proceeding.
Lower ranked rule
Rule 135-13-.01(2) states: "Effective July 1, 2017, military spouses and transitioning service members may qualify for expedited processing of the license application by showing that the applicant is a military spouse or transitioning service member and that the applicant has paid the fee and meets the requirements for a license under the laws and rules for the type of license for which the applicant has applied." The statutory notwithstanding clause and state-law-only examination limit govern the endorsement pathway; the ordinary rule demand is retained here as a condition.
Military spouse
Spouse of active or transitioning service member stationed in Georgia.
Processing
HB 880 changes 90 days to 30 days after a complete application; comply with scope, practice standards and CE.
Testing limit
43-1-35(b)(3) permits only a Georgia-law examination as additional testing. The current social work examination rules and named implementation identify national Masters/Clinical examinations and assign no separate state-law social work exam.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • Hb880 Enacted

    HB 880 section 2, O.C.G.A. 43-1-35(b), page 4

  • Hb880 Enacted

    HB 880 section 2, O.C.G.A. 43-1-35(b)(1)-(3), page 5

  • Hb880 Enacted

    HB 880 section 2, O.C.G.A. 43-1-35(e), page 5

  • Department135

    Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 135-13-.01; passage beginning (2) Effective July 1, 2017

  • Department135

    Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 135-3-.03; passage beginning (c) Master's Social Worker

  • Master Supplement

    Master Social Worker Supplemental Form, item 4 National Boards Score

Initial issuance with an existing license elsewhere
ASWB Masters Exam
Application
Complete application and nonrefundable fee; ordinary one-year application/approval validity.
Background check
Consent to GCIC/FBI fingerprint checks, provide information and pay associated fees.
Diagnosing course
43-10A-8(4), as amended in 2022, requires a graduate diagnosing course or equivalent for persons licensed after April 26, 2006.
Education
CSWE-accredited MSW; candidacy, conditional, or accredited status when awarded.
Existing license
Provide verification of any existing license and its standing. Current social work application rules retain the Masters requirement.
Military processing
135-13-.01 permits expedited ordinary processing for qualifying military applicants. Statutory spouse endorsement and federal temporary authorization are separately represented.
Prior passage
Testing authority reports an existing passing score; current examinations previously passed remain leaves.
References
135-3-.03(1)(a)2 and the supplemental form request at least two supervisor/teacher references; the 2022 statute replaced its earlier reference clause with the diagnosing requirement.
Waiver
43-10A-10 permits discretionary examination waiver for substantially equal other-jurisdiction qualifications and discretionary experience waiver after two years of full licensure in good standing; no automatic social work reciprocity exemption is inferred.
Reinstatement after more than five years inactive
ASWB Masters Exam
Application
Apply under reinstatement rule after five years; fee and 35 CE hours in preceding two years.
Exam exception
Retake/pass required exam unless current continuous licensure and practice elsewhere satisfy equivalency exception.
Reactivation within five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Application, fee, 35 CE hours in preceding two years and Board approval.
Deadline
Within five years; afterward file reinstatement under 135-6-.04.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • Department135

    Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 135-6-.06; passage beginning (5) A person who holds an inactive license

Reinstatement more than five years after expiration
ASWB Masters Exam
Application
Reinstatement application, fee and 35 CE hours in preceding two years.
Exam exception
Retake/pass required licensing exam unless currently and continuously licensed and practicing elsewhere with requirements meeting or exceeding Georgia; exception remains a condition.
Previous qualifications
Previous qualifying education, experience and supervision may be reused.
Reinstatement within five years of expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Additional information
Board may request additional information.
Continuing education
35 hours per missed renewal cycle, at least 35 within preceding two years.
Expiration
Apply within five years; Board discretion.
Fee
Required penalty fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • Department135

    Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 135-6-.04; passage beginning (1) Failure to renew a license

Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Application and fee by September 30 of even-numbered year.
Audit
Attest compliance and retain documentation four years; produce evidence if audited. CE deficiency may be cured within six months under 135-9-.01(3).
Continuing education
35 hours per two-year cycle; five synchronous ethics hours; remaining 30 include at least 15 core and at most 15 related hours; at most ten asynchronous hours. Initial issuance in the second cycle year is exempt for first renewal, except when clinical licensure supersedes a master license.
Diagnosing
Applicable diagnosing curriculum under 43-10A-8(4) and 43-10A-16 remains a condition.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • Department135

    Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 135-6-.03; passage beginning (3) The applicant for renewal

  • Department135

    Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 135-9-.01; passage beginning (2) Continuing Education Requirements: (passage 1)

  • Department135

    Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 135-9-.01; passage beginning (2) Continuing Education Requirements: (passage 2)

ASWB Advanced Generalist 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 (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 — Professional values and principles (e.g., competence, social justice, integrity, dignity and worth of the person)
    • 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 — Principles and processes of obtaining informed consent
    • IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Identifying and resolving ethical dilemmas
    • 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 documentation (e.g., maintaining client records)
    • 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 — 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 — Responsible billing practices (e.g., managed care, insurance reimbursement, incident to billing)
    • IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Ethical issues in supervision and management
    • 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)
    • 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 — Accessibility including language, physical, and cultural access (e.g., translation and interpretation, neurodiversity, American Sign Language)
    • 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 — 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 — Power differential and racial privilege (e.g., internalized racial and ethnic inferiority and superiority)
    • 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 — Dynamics of interpersonal relationships and relationship development (e.g., family, couples, groups, polyamory)
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Impact of poverty on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities (e.g., social determinants of health)
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Indicators of mental and emotional illness throughout the lifespan
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Biopsychosocial assessment model and related components and factors
    • 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 — Co-occurring disorders and conditions
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Characteristics of perpetrators of abuse, neglect, and exploitation
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Impact of caregiving on families
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Effects of physical and mental ability 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 — Indicators, dynamics, and impact of exploitation across the lifespan (e.g., financial, immigration status, trafficking)
    • 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 — Indicators and impact of addiction and substance use and abuse on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Factors influencing self- and body-image (e.g., culture, race, religion/spirituality, age, ability, trauma, gender, sexuality, size)
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Typical and atypical physical, cognitive, emotional, and sexual 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 — 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, techniques, and instruments for assessing client/client system strengths, resources, needs, and challenges
    • 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 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 for assessing resilience and coping abilities
    • IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods for obtaining sensitive and/or confidential information (e.g., substance use, sexual abuse)
    • 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 — 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 — 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 — Principles and techniques for building and maintaining a helping relationship (e.g., acceptance, empathy, rapport)
    • IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — End of life practice (e.g., continuity of care, hospice, palliative care, stages of death and dying)
    • IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — Developing formal documents (e.g., grants, proposals, reports, evaluations)
    • 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 (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Verbal and nonverbal communication (e.g., body language, congruence, feedback)
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Limit and boundary setting techniques
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Emotional regulation techniques
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Case management techniques (e.g., case recording, documentation, case presentation)
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Methods of teaching coping and other self-care skills to clients
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — 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 (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Crisis intervention and treatment approaches
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Stress management techniques
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Methods and approaches for providing trauma-informed care for various types of trauma (e.g., complex, vicarious)
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Contracting and goal-setting techniques (e.g., partializing, measurable objectives)
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Methods for engaging and motivating voluntary and involuntary clients/client systems
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Approaches to and methods of advocacy for needed services and resources
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Principles of active listening and observation
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Problem-solving models and approaches
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Practice with clients experiencing loss, separation, and grief
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Harm reduction techniques
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Conflict resolution methods
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Establishing service networks or community resources
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Discharge, aftercare, wrap-around services, and follow-up
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Anger management techniques
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Psychoeducation methods
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Group work techniques and approaches (e.g., developing and managing group processes and cohesion)
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Family therapy models, interventions, and approaches
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Techniques and methods for addiction intervention
    • 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 — Quality assurance (e.g., program reviews and audits by external sources)
    • 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)
    • IIID. SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION — Leadership and management techniques
    • 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 — Transference and countertransference within supervisory relationships
    • 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 — Organizational development, structure, and functioning (e.g., policies, procedures)
    • IIID. SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION — Employee recruitment, training, retention, performance appraisal, evaluation, and discipline
Examination sources

ASWB Clinical Exam

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

ASWB Masters Exam

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