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Iowa Social Work — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licensed Bachelor Social Worker

Iowa Licensed Bachelor Social Worker licence under Iowa Code chapter 154C. The compact authorizes separate multistate licensure, but its publisher reports that multistate licences are not yet being issued; no operational compact issuance route is included. Iowa Code §154C.2(2)-(3) exempts persons trained or employed as bachelor social workers who do not represent themselves as licensed; the LBSW credential remains available.

Licensing authority: Iowa Board of Behavioral Health Professionals · Application information

Initial licensure with foreign education equivalency
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Alternative Other Jurisdiction Exam
481—880.3(3)(f) accepts verification of passing an equivalent-level examination of the other jurisdiction named there instead of ASWB; that examination is an applicant condition and is not an Iowa requirement leaf.
Applicant
Applicant with foreign social-work education.
Application
Submit a completed application and the prescribed nonrefundable licence fee.
Education
Demonstrate equivalent professional curriculum through IERF evaluation or CSWE certificate of equivalency; bear the evaluation expense.
Examination Results
Meet the ASWB passing standard. ASWB must send official results directly to the Board, or the ASWB Social Work Registry may verify the results. Previously passing the identified exam can satisfy the examination condition.
Prior Licensure
Verify the most recent other-jurisdiction licence and disclose public or pending complaints; the Board page requests verification from every jurisdiction that previously licensed, registered or certified the applicant.
Professional Conduct
Conduct professional activities in accordance with Board standards.
Transcripts
Official academic transcripts must reach the Board; ASWB Social Work Registry verification may substitute for academic transcripts and other-jurisdiction licence verification.
Initial licensure by examination
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Alternative Other Jurisdiction Exam
481—880.3(3)(f) accepts verification of passing an equivalent-level examination of the other jurisdiction named there instead of ASWB; that examination is an applicant condition and is not an Iowa requirement leaf.
Applicant
Applicant qualifying by the prescribed domestic social-work education.
Application
Submit a completed application and the prescribed nonrefundable licence fee.
Education
A bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited institution at graduation.
Examination Results
Meet the ASWB passing standard. ASWB must send official results directly to the Board, or the ASWB Social Work Registry may verify the results. Previously passing the identified exam can satisfy the examination condition.
Prior Licensure
Verify the most recent other-jurisdiction licence and disclose public or pending complaints; the Board page requests verification from every jurisdiction that previously licensed, registered or certified the applicant.
Professional Conduct
Conduct professional activities in accordance with Board standards.
Transcripts
Official academic transcripts must reach the Board; ASWB Social Work Registry verification may substitute for academic transcripts and other-jurisdiction licence verification.
Late renewal within the grace period
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the renewal application and prescribed renewal fee before expiration.
Continuing Education
Complete 27 Board-approved continuing-education hours per biennium. First-time licensees are exempt at their first renewal; initial hours may count for the second renewal.
Display
Display the renewed licence at the primary practice site.
Late Window
Complete renewal requirements and pay the late fee within the 30-day grace period following expiration.
Licence Status
Hold the Iowa licence and renew biennially for January 1 of an odd-numbered year through December 31 of the next even-numbered year.
Reporter Training
For practice involving children or dependent adults, document the respective mandatory reporter training within the preceding three years using the HHS curriculum, unless an applicable Board public-interest, active-duty, disability or hardship waiver applies. Keep documentation for three years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-08-13.

Initial licensure with military education or experience credit
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Alternative Other Jurisdiction Exam
481—880.3(3)(f) accepts verification of passing an equivalent-level examination of the other jurisdiction named there instead of ASWB; that examination is an applicant condition and is not an Iowa requirement leaf.
Application
Submit a completed application and the prescribed nonrefundable licence fee.
Education
A bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited institution at graduation.
Examination Results
Meet the ASWB passing standard. ASWB must send official results directly to the Board, or the ASWB Social Work Registry may verify the results. Previously passing the identified exam can satisfy the examination condition.
Military Service
Request credit for verified military education, training or service toward specified education or experience requirements, supported by service documentation. Board determines the credit; credit never substitutes for an examination.
Prior Licensure
Verify the most recent other-jurisdiction licence and disclose public or pending complaints; the Board page requests verification from every jurisdiction that previously licensed, registered or certified the applicant.
Professional Conduct
Conduct professional activities in accordance with Board standards.
Transcripts
Official academic transcripts must reach the Board; ASWB Social Work Registry verification may substitute for academic transcripts and other-jurisdiction licence verification.
Expedited verification for veterans and active duty military spouses
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit application, fee, scope-of-practice statement, relevant scope laws and applicable discipline records.
Board Exam Instructions
Iowa Code §272C.12(1) specifies issuance “without an examination”. The general Board page nevertheless states “Applicant must pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) national exam.” Rule 880.2(7)(d) states “The applicant will take the examination(s) provided in subrule 880.3(3).” Those general instructions are recorded here; the specific statutory verification route governs examination-free issuance.
Board Military Exam Instruction
481—7.3(1) states: “A veteran or spouse must pass any examinations required for licensure to be eligible for licensure through reciprocity and will be given credit for examinations previously passed when consistent with the licensing authority’s laws and rules on examination requirements.” The examination-free statutory verification conditions under §272C.12 govern this equivalent-scope route.
Compact Restriction
A person already entitled to practice in Iowa under an interstate compact is excluded from this verification route; the licence issued here does not confer compact practice rights.
Criminal History
No disqualifying criminal history; supply complete criminal records and any fingerprint materials the Board otherwise requires.
Disciplinary Eligibility
No revocation or voluntary surrender while under investigation; prior discipline must be corrected and resolved, and pending complaints or investigations must be resolved before the Board issues or denies the licence.
Military Eligibility
Veteran or spouse of an active-duty United States military member with an unrestricted other-jurisdiction licence and a substantially similar scope; document status and satisfy the verification conditions.
Original Qualifications
The issuing jurisdiction must verify its minimum education and applicable experience and clinical supervision requirements were satisfied; attest to compliance with Iowa Code §272C.12.
Other State License
Hold a current licence in an issuing jurisdiction with a substantially similar scope of practice and good standing in all issuing jurisdictions.
Prior Examination
Have previously passed the issuing jurisdiction’s required examination, if applicable; the verification statute does not identify a particular exam.
Priority
The Board expedites the complete application.
State Law Exam Reservation
Section 272C.12(3)(c) reserves authority to require a state-law exam; Iowa’s complete social-work exam provision, 880.3(3), identifies only the ASWB examinations and the other-jurisdiction substitute.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-08-13.

Full licensure after military temporary education or training
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Alternative Other Jurisdiction Exam
481—880.3(3)(f) accepts verification of passing an equivalent-level examination of the other jurisdiction named there instead of ASWB; that examination is an applicant condition and is not an Iowa requirement leaf.
Application
Submit a completed application and the prescribed nonrefundable licence fee.
Education
A bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited institution at graduation.
Examination Results
Meet the ASWB passing standard. ASWB must send official results directly to the Board, or the ASWB Social Work Registry may verify the results. Previously passing the identified exam can satisfy the examination condition.
Military Eligibility
Veteran or active-duty military spouse completing the education or training identified by the Board under Iowa Code §272C.12A(2).
Prior Licensure
Verify the most recent other-jurisdiction licence and disclose public or pending complaints; the Board page requests verification from every jurisdiction that previously licensed, registered or certified the applicant.
Professional Conduct
Conduct professional activities in accordance with Board standards.
Temporary License
Hold the corresponding temporary licence, with required examinations already passed before temporary issuance. The full application remains pending until the required education or training is completed; submit completion records for full issuance.
Transcripts
Official academic transcripts must reach the Board; ASWB Social Work Registry verification may substitute for academic transcripts and other-jurisdiction licence verification.
Reactivation after more than five years of inactivity

At least one of the following alternatives:

Additional Competence
In addition to the base competence evidence, verify passing the ASWB exam at the appropriate or a higher listed level within the last five years, OR verify at least two years of continued practice at the appropriate or higher level in another jurisdiction immediately preceding application. The continued-practice alternative excuses submission of the recent exam result.
Application
Submit a reactivation application, prescribed reactivation fee, licence verification from the most recently licensed jurisdiction and disclosure of public or pending complaints.
Competence
Verify 27 continuing-education hours during the two years preceding application, or at least 2,080 hours of active practice in another jurisdiction during that period.
Inactivity
Iowa licence inactive for more than five years.
Reactivation after five years or less of inactivity
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a reactivation application, prescribed reactivation fee, licence verification from the most recently licensed jurisdiction and disclosure of public or pending complaints.
Competence
Verify 27 continuing-education hours during the two years preceding application, or at least 2,080 hours of active practice in another jurisdiction during that period.
Inactivity
Iowa licence inactive for five years or less.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-08-13.

Reciprocal licensure under Iowa Code §154C.3(2)
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Alternative Other Jurisdiction Exam
481—880.3(3)(f) accepts verification of passing an equivalent-level examination of the other jurisdiction named there instead of ASWB; that examination is an applicant condition and is not an Iowa requirement leaf.
Application
Submit a completed application and the prescribed nonrefundable licence fee.
Education
A bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited institution at graduation.
Examination Results
Meet the ASWB passing standard. ASWB must send official results directly to the Board, or the ASWB Social Work Registry may verify the results. Previously passing the identified exam can satisfy the examination condition.
Other State License
Hold an appropriate other-jurisdiction social-work licence issued under similar or equal licensure requirements; submit official licence verification and examination results already passed when applicable.
Prior Licensure
Verify the most recent other-jurisdiction licence and disclose public or pending complaints; the Board page requests verification from every jurisdiction that previously licensed, registered or certified the applicant.
Professional Conduct
Conduct professional activities in accordance with Board standards.
Transcripts
Official academic transcripts must reach the Board; ASWB Social Work Registry verification may substitute for academic transcripts and other-jurisdiction licence verification.
Disciplinary reinstatement and reactivation after more than five years

At least one of the following alternatives:

Additional Competence
In addition to the base competence evidence, verify passing the ASWB exam at the appropriate or a higher listed level within the last five years, OR verify at least two years of continued practice at the appropriate or higher level in another jurisdiction immediately preceding application. The continued-practice alternative excuses submission of the recent exam result.
Application
Submit a reactivation application, prescribed reactivation fee, licence verification from the most recently licensed jurisdiction and disclosure of public or pending complaints.
Competence
Verify 27 continuing-education hours during the two years preceding application, or at least 2,080 hours of active practice in another jurisdiction during that period.
Cross Reference
Rule 880.15 prints a reference to 506.31; the current Chapter 506 contains the substantive reinstatement provisions at 506.32. Both provisions are pinned.
Disciplinary Status
Licence was revoked, suspended or voluntarily surrendered and is not permanently revoked. Obtain a Board reinstatement order and reactivation before practising.
Inactivity
Iowa licence inactive for more than five years.
Ordered Assessments
Under 481—500.10, on probable cause the Board may order an individually specified physical, mental, substance-abuse or clinical competency assessment at the licensee’s expense; the provision identifies no separately registered examination.
Reinstatement Procedure
Apply in the original disciplinary case. Prove the grounds for revocation, suspension or surrender no longer exist and reinstatement serves the public interest. Satisfy the original order’s conditions; if there were none, or after voluntary surrender, ordinarily wait at least one year before the initial application.
Disciplinary reinstatement and reactivation after five years or less
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a reactivation application, prescribed reactivation fee, licence verification from the most recently licensed jurisdiction and disclosure of public or pending complaints.
Competence
Verify 27 continuing-education hours during the two years preceding application, or at least 2,080 hours of active practice in another jurisdiction during that period.
Cross Reference
Rule 880.15 prints a reference to 506.31; the current Chapter 506 contains the substantive reinstatement provisions at 506.32. Both provisions are pinned.
Disciplinary Status
Licence was revoked, suspended or voluntarily surrendered and is not permanently revoked. Obtain a Board reinstatement order and reactivation before practising.
Inactivity
Iowa licence inactive for five years or less.
Ordered Assessments
Under 481—500.10, on probable cause the Board may order an individually specified physical, mental, substance-abuse or clinical competency assessment at the licensee’s expense; the provision identifies no separately registered examination.
Reinstatement Procedure
Apply in the original disciplinary case. Prove the grounds for revocation, suspension or surrender no longer exist and reinstatement serves the public interest. Satisfy the original order’s conditions; if there were none, or after voluntary surrender, ordinarily wait at least one year before the initial application.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-08-13.

Biennial licence renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the renewal application and prescribed renewal fee before expiration.
Continuing Education
Complete 27 Board-approved continuing-education hours per biennium. First-time licensees are exempt at their first renewal; initial hours may count for the second renewal.
Display
Display the renewed licence at the primary practice site.
Licence Status
Hold the Iowa licence and renew biennially for January 1 of an odd-numbered year through December 31 of the next even-numbered year.
Reporter Training
For practice involving children or dependent adults, document the respective mandatory reporter training within the preceding three years using the HHS curriculum, unless an applicable Board public-interest, active-duty, disability or hardship waiver applies. Keep documentation for three years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-08-13.

Licensure by verification under Iowa Code §272C.12
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit application, fee, scope-of-practice statement, relevant scope laws and applicable discipline records.
Board Exam Instructions
Iowa Code §272C.12(1) specifies issuance “without an examination”. The general Board page nevertheless states “Applicant must pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) national exam.” Rule 880.2(7)(d) states “The applicant will take the examination(s) provided in subrule 880.3(3).” Those general instructions are recorded here; the specific statutory verification route governs examination-free issuance.
Compact Restriction
A person already entitled to practice in Iowa under an interstate compact is excluded from this verification route; the licence issued here does not confer compact practice rights.
Criminal History
No disqualifying criminal history; supply complete criminal records and any fingerprint materials the Board otherwise requires.
Disciplinary Eligibility
No revocation or voluntary surrender while under investigation; prior discipline must be corrected and resolved, and pending complaints or investigations must be resolved before the Board issues or denies the licence.
Original Qualifications
The issuing jurisdiction must verify its minimum education and applicable experience and clinical supervision requirements were satisfied; attest to compliance with Iowa Code §272C.12.
Other State License
Hold a current licence in an issuing jurisdiction with a substantially similar scope of practice and good standing in all issuing jurisdictions.
Prior Examination
Have previously passed the issuing jurisdiction’s required examination, if applicable; the verification statute does not identify a particular exam.
State Law Exam Reservation
Section 272C.12(3)(c) reserves authority to require a state-law exam; Iowa’s complete social-work exam provision, 880.3(3), identifies only the ASWB examinations and the other-jurisdiction substitute.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-08-13.

Initial licensure by qualifying work experience
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Alternative Other Jurisdiction Exam
481—880.3(3)(f) accepts verification of passing an equivalent-level examination of the other jurisdiction named there instead of ASWB; that examination is an applicant condition and is not an Iowa requirement leaf.
Application
Submit a completed application and the prescribed nonrefundable licence fee.
Education
Relocate to Iowa from a jurisdiction that did not require this professional licence; prove Iowa residency and at least three years of substantially similar practice during the preceding four years. The Board may accept this in place of education or training; all remaining requirements and the prescribed exam still apply.
Examination Results
Meet the ASWB passing standard. ASWB must send official results directly to the Board, or the ASWB Social Work Registry may verify the results. Previously passing the identified exam can satisfy the examination condition.
Prior Licensure
Verify the most recent other-jurisdiction licence and disclose public or pending complaints; the Board page requests verification from every jurisdiction that previously licensed, registered or certified the applicant.
Professional Conduct
Conduct professional activities in accordance with Board standards.
Transcripts
Official academic transcripts must reach the Board; ASWB Social Work Registry verification may substitute for academic transcripts and other-jurisdiction licence verification.

Temporary License — Bachelor Social Worker

Temporary military spouse or veteran licence to complete identified education or training; practice is subject to Board conditions.

Licensing authority: Iowa Board of Behavioral Health Professionals · Application information

Extension of the military temporary licence
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Good Cause
The Board may extend the temporary licence case by case for good cause under 481—7.3(5)(d). Continue to comply with imposed practice and education or training conditions.
Licence Status
Hold the temporary military education or training licence.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-08-13.

Temporary licensure for military education or training completion
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Board Conditions
Board may impose conditions necessary to protect public health, welfare and safety, and may refuse temporary issuance if the deficiency endangers the public.
Education Or Training
Complete the Board-identified education or training during the period the Board specifies.
Examination
Required examination must already have been passed before the temporary licence can be issued; examination credit is available consistently with Board requirements.
Full Application
The full licence application stays pending until the education or training is completed or the temporary licence expires.
Military Eligibility
Veteran or active-duty military spouse holding an unrestricted licence elsewhere whose scope is not substantially equivalent; Board identifies missing education or training.

Licensed Independent Social Worker

Iowa Licensed Independent Social Worker licence under Iowa Code chapter 154C. The compact authorizes separate multistate licensure, but its publisher reports that multistate licences are not yet being issued; no operational compact issuance route is included.

Licensing authority: Iowa Board of Behavioral Health Professionals · Application information

Initial licensure with foreign education equivalency
ASWB Clinical Exam
Alternative Other Jurisdiction Exam
481—880.3(3)(f) accepts verification of passing an equivalent-level examination of the other jurisdiction named there instead of ASWB; that examination is an applicant condition and is not an Iowa requirement leaf.
Applicant
Applicant with foreign social-work education.
Application
Submit a completed application and the prescribed nonrefundable licence fee.
Earlier Supervision
New or additional rule requirements do not apply to supervision begun before July 20, 2022; seek Board determination for qualifying experience completed elsewhere without licensure.
Education
Demonstrate equivalent professional curriculum through IERF evaluation or CSWE certificate of equivalency; bear the evaluation expense.
Examination Results
Meet the ASWB passing standard. ASWB must send official results directly to the Board, or the ASWB Social Work Registry may verify the results. Previously passing the identified exam can satisfy the examination condition.
Prior Licensure
Verify the most recent other-jurisdiction licence and disclose public or pending complaints; the Board page requests verification from every jurisdiction that previously licensed, registered or certified the applicant.
Professional Conduct
Conduct professional activities in accordance with Board standards.
Supervised Experience
Iowa Code §154C.3(1)(c)(4) requires at least two years of full-time supervised social-work employment or 4,000 hours before the examination. Rule 880.7 also states at least two years, 3,000 total practice hours, 1,500 direct client hours and 110 direct supervision hours, of which no more than 50 may be group supervision. Graduate coursework other than the thesis must be complete before experience begins.
Supervision
Use a qualified supervisor with an active Iowa independent social-work, mental-health-counselling or marital-and-family-therapy licence, three years of independent practice and the required supervision coursework, or obtain prior Board approval of another supervisor. File the supervision plan before beginning, a new plan on a supervisor change, and a report at completion or cessation. Inadequate readiness or violations may lead to additional supervision or training.
Supervision Delivery
Iowa Code §154C.3(4) prohibits requiring in-person supervision or live or recorded client observation as a condition of issuance, reciprocity or renewal.
Transcripts
Official academic transcripts must reach the Board; ASWB Social Work Registry verification may substitute for academic transcripts and other-jurisdiction licence verification.
Initial licensure by examination
ASWB Clinical Exam
Alternative Other Jurisdiction Exam
481—880.3(3)(f) accepts verification of passing an equivalent-level examination of the other jurisdiction named there instead of ASWB; that examination is an applicant condition and is not an Iowa requirement leaf.
Applicant
Applicant qualifying by the prescribed domestic social-work education.
Application
Submit a completed application and the prescribed nonrefundable licence fee.
Earlier Supervision
New or additional rule requirements do not apply to supervision begun before July 20, 2022; seek Board determination for qualifying experience completed elsewhere without licensure.
Education
A master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited institution at graduation, or a doctoral social-work degree from a Board-approved institution.
Examination Results
Meet the ASWB passing standard. ASWB must send official results directly to the Board, or the ASWB Social Work Registry may verify the results. Previously passing the identified exam can satisfy the examination condition.
Prior Licensure
Verify the most recent other-jurisdiction licence and disclose public or pending complaints; the Board page requests verification from every jurisdiction that previously licensed, registered or certified the applicant.
Professional Conduct
Conduct professional activities in accordance with Board standards.
Supervised Experience
Iowa Code §154C.3(1)(c)(4) requires at least two years of full-time supervised social-work employment or 4,000 hours before the examination. Rule 880.7 also states at least two years, 3,000 total practice hours, 1,500 direct client hours and 110 direct supervision hours, of which no more than 50 may be group supervision. Graduate coursework other than the thesis must be complete before experience begins.
Supervision
Use a qualified supervisor with an active Iowa independent social-work, mental-health-counselling or marital-and-family-therapy licence, three years of independent practice and the required supervision coursework, or obtain prior Board approval of another supervisor. File the supervision plan before beginning, a new plan on a supervisor change, and a report at completion or cessation. Inadequate readiness or violations may lead to additional supervision or training.
Supervision Delivery
Iowa Code §154C.3(4) prohibits requiring in-person supervision or live or recorded client observation as a condition of issuance, reciprocity or renewal.
Transcripts
Official academic transcripts must reach the Board; ASWB Social Work Registry verification may substitute for academic transcripts and other-jurisdiction licence verification.
Late renewal within the grace period
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the renewal application and prescribed renewal fee before expiration.
Continuing Education
Complete 27 Board-approved continuing-education hours per biennium. First-time licensees are exempt at their first renewal; initial hours may count for the second renewal.
Display
Display the renewed licence at the primary practice site.
Late Window
Complete renewal requirements and pay the late fee within the 30-day grace period following expiration.
Licence Status
Hold the Iowa licence and renew biennially for January 1 of an odd-numbered year through December 31 of the next even-numbered year.
Reporter Training
For practice involving children or dependent adults, document the respective mandatory reporter training within the preceding three years using the HHS curriculum, unless an applicable Board public-interest, active-duty, disability or hardship waiver applies. Keep documentation for three years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-08-13.

Initial licensure with military education or experience credit
ASWB Clinical Exam
Alternative Other Jurisdiction Exam
481—880.3(3)(f) accepts verification of passing an equivalent-level examination of the other jurisdiction named there instead of ASWB; that examination is an applicant condition and is not an Iowa requirement leaf.
Application
Submit a completed application and the prescribed nonrefundable licence fee.
Earlier Supervision
New or additional rule requirements do not apply to supervision begun before July 20, 2022; seek Board determination for qualifying experience completed elsewhere without licensure.
Education
A master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited institution at graduation, or a doctoral social-work degree from a Board-approved institution.
Examination Results
Meet the ASWB passing standard. ASWB must send official results directly to the Board, or the ASWB Social Work Registry may verify the results. Previously passing the identified exam can satisfy the examination condition.
Military Service
Request credit for verified military education, training or service toward specified education or experience requirements, supported by service documentation. Board determines the credit; credit never substitutes for an examination.
Prior Licensure
Verify the most recent other-jurisdiction licence and disclose public or pending complaints; the Board page requests verification from every jurisdiction that previously licensed, registered or certified the applicant.
Professional Conduct
Conduct professional activities in accordance with Board standards.
Supervised Experience
Iowa Code §154C.3(1)(c)(4) requires at least two years of full-time supervised social-work employment or 4,000 hours before the examination. Rule 880.7 also states at least two years, 3,000 total practice hours, 1,500 direct client hours and 110 direct supervision hours, of which no more than 50 may be group supervision. Graduate coursework other than the thesis must be complete before experience begins.
Supervision
Use a qualified supervisor with an active Iowa independent social-work, mental-health-counselling or marital-and-family-therapy licence, three years of independent practice and the required supervision coursework, or obtain prior Board approval of another supervisor. File the supervision plan before beginning, a new plan on a supervisor change, and a report at completion or cessation. Inadequate readiness or violations may lead to additional supervision or training.
Supervision Delivery
Iowa Code §154C.3(4) prohibits requiring in-person supervision or live or recorded client observation as a condition of issuance, reciprocity or renewal.
Transcripts
Official academic transcripts must reach the Board; ASWB Social Work Registry verification may substitute for academic transcripts and other-jurisdiction licence verification.
Expedited verification for veterans and active duty military spouses
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit application, fee, scope-of-practice statement, relevant scope laws and applicable discipline records.
Board Exam Instructions
Iowa Code §272C.12(1) specifies issuance “without an examination”. The general Board page nevertheless states “Applicant must pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) national exam.” Rule 880.2(7)(d) states “The applicant will take the examination(s) provided in subrule 880.3(3).” Those general instructions are recorded here; the specific statutory verification route governs examination-free issuance.
Board Military Exam Instruction
481—7.3(1) states: “A veteran or spouse must pass any examinations required for licensure to be eligible for licensure through reciprocity and will be given credit for examinations previously passed when consistent with the licensing authority’s laws and rules on examination requirements.” The examination-free statutory verification conditions under §272C.12 govern this equivalent-scope route.
Compact Restriction
A person already entitled to practice in Iowa under an interstate compact is excluded from this verification route; the licence issued here does not confer compact practice rights.
Criminal History
No disqualifying criminal history; supply complete criminal records and any fingerprint materials the Board otherwise requires.
Disciplinary Eligibility
No revocation or voluntary surrender while under investigation; prior discipline must be corrected and resolved, and pending complaints or investigations must be resolved before the Board issues or denies the licence.
Military Eligibility
Veteran or spouse of an active-duty United States military member with an unrestricted other-jurisdiction licence and a substantially similar scope; document status and satisfy the verification conditions.
Original Qualifications
The issuing jurisdiction must verify its minimum education and applicable experience and clinical supervision requirements were satisfied; attest to compliance with Iowa Code §272C.12.
Other State License
Hold a current licence in an issuing jurisdiction with a substantially similar scope of practice and good standing in all issuing jurisdictions.
Prior Examination
Have previously passed the issuing jurisdiction’s required examination, if applicable; the verification statute does not identify a particular exam.
Priority
The Board expedites the complete application.
State Law Exam Reservation
Section 272C.12(3)(c) reserves authority to require a state-law exam; Iowa’s complete social-work exam provision, 880.3(3), identifies only the ASWB examinations and the other-jurisdiction substitute.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-08-13.

Full licensure after military temporary education or training
ASWB Clinical Exam
Alternative Other Jurisdiction Exam
481—880.3(3)(f) accepts verification of passing an equivalent-level examination of the other jurisdiction named there instead of ASWB; that examination is an applicant condition and is not an Iowa requirement leaf.
Application
Submit a completed application and the prescribed nonrefundable licence fee.
Earlier Supervision
New or additional rule requirements do not apply to supervision begun before July 20, 2022; seek Board determination for qualifying experience completed elsewhere without licensure.
Education
A master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited institution at graduation, or a doctoral social-work degree from a Board-approved institution.
Examination Results
Meet the ASWB passing standard. ASWB must send official results directly to the Board, or the ASWB Social Work Registry may verify the results. Previously passing the identified exam can satisfy the examination condition.
Military Eligibility
Veteran or active-duty military spouse completing the education or training identified by the Board under Iowa Code §272C.12A(2).
Prior Licensure
Verify the most recent other-jurisdiction licence and disclose public or pending complaints; the Board page requests verification from every jurisdiction that previously licensed, registered or certified the applicant.
Professional Conduct
Conduct professional activities in accordance with Board standards.
Supervised Experience
Iowa Code §154C.3(1)(c)(4) requires at least two years of full-time supervised social-work employment or 4,000 hours before the examination. Rule 880.7 also states at least two years, 3,000 total practice hours, 1,500 direct client hours and 110 direct supervision hours, of which no more than 50 may be group supervision. Graduate coursework other than the thesis must be complete before experience begins.
Supervision
Use a qualified supervisor with an active Iowa independent social-work, mental-health-counselling or marital-and-family-therapy licence, three years of independent practice and the required supervision coursework, or obtain prior Board approval of another supervisor. File the supervision plan before beginning, a new plan on a supervisor change, and a report at completion or cessation. Inadequate readiness or violations may lead to additional supervision or training.
Supervision Delivery
Iowa Code §154C.3(4) prohibits requiring in-person supervision or live or recorded client observation as a condition of issuance, reciprocity or renewal.
Temporary License
Hold the corresponding temporary licence, with required examinations already passed before temporary issuance. The full application remains pending until the required education or training is completed; submit completion records for full issuance.
Transcripts
Official academic transcripts must reach the Board; ASWB Social Work Registry verification may substitute for academic transcripts and other-jurisdiction licence verification.
Reactivation after more than five years of inactivity
ASWB Clinical Exam
Additional Competence
In addition to the base competence evidence, verify passing the ASWB exam at the appropriate or a higher listed level within the last five years, OR verify at least two years of continued practice at the appropriate or higher level in another jurisdiction immediately preceding application. The continued-practice alternative excuses submission of the recent exam result.
Application
Submit a reactivation application, prescribed reactivation fee, licence verification from the most recently licensed jurisdiction and disclosure of public or pending complaints.
Competence
Verify 27 continuing-education hours during the two years preceding application, or at least 2,080 hours of active practice in another jurisdiction during that period.
Inactivity
Iowa licence inactive for more than five years.
Reactivation after five years or less of inactivity
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a reactivation application, prescribed reactivation fee, licence verification from the most recently licensed jurisdiction and disclosure of public or pending complaints.
Competence
Verify 27 continuing-education hours during the two years preceding application, or at least 2,080 hours of active practice in another jurisdiction during that period.
Inactivity
Iowa licence inactive for five years or less.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-08-13.

Reciprocal licensure under Iowa Code §154C.3(2)
ASWB Clinical Exam
Alternative Other Jurisdiction Exam
481—880.3(3)(f) accepts verification of passing an equivalent-level examination of the other jurisdiction named there instead of ASWB; that examination is an applicant condition and is not an Iowa requirement leaf.
Application
Submit a completed application and the prescribed nonrefundable licence fee.
Earlier Supervision
New or additional rule requirements do not apply to supervision begun before July 20, 2022; seek Board determination for qualifying experience completed elsewhere without licensure.
Education
A master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited institution at graduation, or a doctoral social-work degree from a Board-approved institution.
Examination Results
Meet the ASWB passing standard. ASWB must send official results directly to the Board, or the ASWB Social Work Registry may verify the results. Previously passing the identified exam can satisfy the examination condition.
Other State License
Hold an appropriate other-jurisdiction social-work licence issued under similar or equal licensure requirements; submit official licence verification and examination results already passed when applicable.
Prior Licensure
Verify the most recent other-jurisdiction licence and disclose public or pending complaints; the Board page requests verification from every jurisdiction that previously licensed, registered or certified the applicant.
Professional Conduct
Conduct professional activities in accordance with Board standards.
Supervised Experience
Iowa Code §154C.3(1)(c)(4) requires at least two years of full-time supervised social-work employment or 4,000 hours before the examination. Rule 880.7 also states at least two years, 3,000 total practice hours, 1,500 direct client hours and 110 direct supervision hours, of which no more than 50 may be group supervision. Graduate coursework other than the thesis must be complete before experience begins.
Supervision
Use a qualified supervisor with an active Iowa independent social-work, mental-health-counselling or marital-and-family-therapy licence, three years of independent practice and the required supervision coursework, or obtain prior Board approval of another supervisor. File the supervision plan before beginning, a new plan on a supervisor change, and a report at completion or cessation. Inadequate readiness or violations may lead to additional supervision or training.
Supervision Delivery
Iowa Code §154C.3(4) prohibits requiring in-person supervision or live or recorded client observation as a condition of issuance, reciprocity or renewal.
Transcripts
Official academic transcripts must reach the Board; ASWB Social Work Registry verification may substitute for academic transcripts and other-jurisdiction licence verification.
Disciplinary reinstatement and reactivation after more than five years
ASWB Clinical Exam
Additional Competence
In addition to the base competence evidence, verify passing the ASWB exam at the appropriate or a higher listed level within the last five years, OR verify at least two years of continued practice at the appropriate or higher level in another jurisdiction immediately preceding application. The continued-practice alternative excuses submission of the recent exam result.
Application
Submit a reactivation application, prescribed reactivation fee, licence verification from the most recently licensed jurisdiction and disclosure of public or pending complaints.
Competence
Verify 27 continuing-education hours during the two years preceding application, or at least 2,080 hours of active practice in another jurisdiction during that period.
Cross Reference
Rule 880.15 prints a reference to 506.31; the current Chapter 506 contains the substantive reinstatement provisions at 506.32. Both provisions are pinned.
Disciplinary Status
Licence was revoked, suspended or voluntarily surrendered and is not permanently revoked. Obtain a Board reinstatement order and reactivation before practising.
Inactivity
Iowa licence inactive for more than five years.
Ordered Assessments
Under 481—500.10, on probable cause the Board may order an individually specified physical, mental, substance-abuse or clinical competency assessment at the licensee’s expense; the provision identifies no separately registered examination.
Reinstatement Procedure
Apply in the original disciplinary case. Prove the grounds for revocation, suspension or surrender no longer exist and reinstatement serves the public interest. Satisfy the original order’s conditions; if there were none, or after voluntary surrender, ordinarily wait at least one year before the initial application.
Disciplinary reinstatement and reactivation after five years or less
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a reactivation application, prescribed reactivation fee, licence verification from the most recently licensed jurisdiction and disclosure of public or pending complaints.
Competence
Verify 27 continuing-education hours during the two years preceding application, or at least 2,080 hours of active practice in another jurisdiction during that period.
Cross Reference
Rule 880.15 prints a reference to 506.31; the current Chapter 506 contains the substantive reinstatement provisions at 506.32. Both provisions are pinned.
Disciplinary Status
Licence was revoked, suspended or voluntarily surrendered and is not permanently revoked. Obtain a Board reinstatement order and reactivation before practising.
Inactivity
Iowa licence inactive for five years or less.
Ordered Assessments
Under 481—500.10, on probable cause the Board may order an individually specified physical, mental, substance-abuse or clinical competency assessment at the licensee’s expense; the provision identifies no separately registered examination.
Reinstatement Procedure
Apply in the original disciplinary case. Prove the grounds for revocation, suspension or surrender no longer exist and reinstatement serves the public interest. Satisfy the original order’s conditions; if there were none, or after voluntary surrender, ordinarily wait at least one year before the initial application.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-08-13.

Biennial licence renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the renewal application and prescribed renewal fee before expiration.
Continuing Education
Complete 27 Board-approved continuing-education hours per biennium. First-time licensees are exempt at their first renewal; initial hours may count for the second renewal.
Display
Display the renewed licence at the primary practice site.
Licence Status
Hold the Iowa licence and renew biennially for January 1 of an odd-numbered year through December 31 of the next even-numbered year.
Reporter Training
For practice involving children or dependent adults, document the respective mandatory reporter training within the preceding three years using the HHS curriculum, unless an applicable Board public-interest, active-duty, disability or hardship waiver applies. Keep documentation for three years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-08-13.

Licensure by verification under Iowa Code §272C.12
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit application, fee, scope-of-practice statement, relevant scope laws and applicable discipline records.
Board Exam Instructions
Iowa Code §272C.12(1) specifies issuance “without an examination”. The general Board page nevertheless states “Applicant must pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) national exam.” Rule 880.2(7)(d) states “The applicant will take the examination(s) provided in subrule 880.3(3).” Those general instructions are recorded here; the specific statutory verification route governs examination-free issuance.
Compact Restriction
A person already entitled to practice in Iowa under an interstate compact is excluded from this verification route; the licence issued here does not confer compact practice rights.
Criminal History
No disqualifying criminal history; supply complete criminal records and any fingerprint materials the Board otherwise requires.
Disciplinary Eligibility
No revocation or voluntary surrender while under investigation; prior discipline must be corrected and resolved, and pending complaints or investigations must be resolved before the Board issues or denies the licence.
Original Qualifications
The issuing jurisdiction must verify its minimum education and applicable experience and clinical supervision requirements were satisfied; attest to compliance with Iowa Code §272C.12.
Other State License
Hold a current licence in an issuing jurisdiction with a substantially similar scope of practice and good standing in all issuing jurisdictions.
Prior Examination
Have previously passed the issuing jurisdiction’s required examination, if applicable; the verification statute does not identify a particular exam.
State Law Exam Reservation
Section 272C.12(3)(c) reserves authority to require a state-law exam; Iowa’s complete social-work exam provision, 880.3(3), identifies only the ASWB examinations and the other-jurisdiction substitute.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-08-13.

Initial licensure by qualifying work experience
ASWB Clinical Exam
Alternative Other Jurisdiction Exam
481—880.3(3)(f) accepts verification of passing an equivalent-level examination of the other jurisdiction named there instead of ASWB; that examination is an applicant condition and is not an Iowa requirement leaf.
Application
Submit a completed application and the prescribed nonrefundable licence fee.
Earlier Supervision
New or additional rule requirements do not apply to supervision begun before July 20, 2022; seek Board determination for qualifying experience completed elsewhere without licensure.
Education
Relocate to Iowa from a jurisdiction that did not require this professional licence; prove Iowa residency and at least three years of substantially similar practice during the preceding four years. The Board may accept this in place of education or training; all remaining requirements and the prescribed exam still apply.
Examination Results
Meet the ASWB passing standard. ASWB must send official results directly to the Board, or the ASWB Social Work Registry may verify the results. Previously passing the identified exam can satisfy the examination condition.
Prior Licensure
Verify the most recent other-jurisdiction licence and disclose public or pending complaints; the Board page requests verification from every jurisdiction that previously licensed, registered or certified the applicant.
Professional Conduct
Conduct professional activities in accordance with Board standards.
Supervised Experience
Iowa Code §154C.3(1)(c)(4) requires at least two years of full-time supervised social-work employment or 4,000 hours before the examination. Rule 880.7 also states at least two years, 3,000 total practice hours, 1,500 direct client hours and 110 direct supervision hours, of which no more than 50 may be group supervision. Graduate coursework other than the thesis must be complete before experience begins.
Supervision
Use a qualified supervisor with an active Iowa independent social-work, mental-health-counselling or marital-and-family-therapy licence, three years of independent practice and the required supervision coursework, or obtain prior Board approval of another supervisor. File the supervision plan before beginning, a new plan on a supervisor change, and a report at completion or cessation. Inadequate readiness or violations may lead to additional supervision or training.
Supervision Delivery
Iowa Code §154C.3(4) prohibits requiring in-person supervision or live or recorded client observation as a condition of issuance, reciprocity or renewal.
Transcripts
Official academic transcripts must reach the Board; ASWB Social Work Registry verification may substitute for academic transcripts and other-jurisdiction licence verification.

Temporary License — Independent Social Worker

Temporary military spouse or veteran licence to complete identified education or training; practice is subject to Board conditions.

Licensing authority: Iowa Board of Behavioral Health Professionals · Application information

Extension of the military temporary licence
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Good Cause
The Board may extend the temporary licence case by case for good cause under 481—7.3(5)(d). Continue to comply with imposed practice and education or training conditions.
Licence Status
Hold the temporary military education or training licence.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-08-13.

Temporary licensure for military education or training completion
ASWB Clinical Exam
Board Conditions
Board may impose conditions necessary to protect public health, welfare and safety, and may refuse temporary issuance if the deficiency endangers the public.
Education Or Training
Complete the Board-identified education or training during the period the Board specifies.
Examination
Required examination must already have been passed before the temporary licence can be issued; examination credit is available consistently with Board requirements.
Full Application
The full licence application stays pending until the education or training is completed or the temporary licence expires.
Military Eligibility
Veteran or active-duty military spouse holding an unrestricted licence elsewhere whose scope is not substantially equivalent; Board identifies missing education or training.

Licensed Master Social Worker

Iowa Licensed Master Social Worker licence under Iowa Code chapter 154C. The compact authorizes separate multistate licensure, but its publisher reports that multistate licences are not yet being issued; no operational compact issuance route is included.

Licensing authority: Iowa Board of Behavioral Health Professionals · Application information

Initial licensure with foreign education equivalency
ASWB Masters Exam
Alternative Other Jurisdiction Exam
481—880.3(3)(f) accepts verification of passing an equivalent-level examination of the other jurisdiction named there instead of ASWB; that examination is an applicant condition and is not an Iowa requirement leaf.
Applicant
Applicant with foreign social-work education.
Application
Submit a completed application and the prescribed nonrefundable licence fee.
Early Examination
A student in the last semester of an approved MSW programme may request Board authorization to test before the official transcript arrives; apply and pay the fee, arrange the school letter confirming enrolment and expected graduation, then send the final transcript.
Education
Demonstrate equivalent professional curriculum through IERF evaluation or CSWE certificate of equivalency; bear the evaluation expense.
Examination Results
Meet the ASWB passing standard. ASWB must send official results directly to the Board, or the ASWB Social Work Registry may verify the results. Previously passing the identified exam can satisfy the examination condition.
Prior Licensure
Verify the most recent other-jurisdiction licence and disclose public or pending complaints; the Board page requests verification from every jurisdiction that previously licensed, registered or certified the applicant.
Professional Conduct
Conduct professional activities in accordance with Board standards.
Transcripts
Official academic transcripts must reach the Board; ASWB Social Work Registry verification may substitute for academic transcripts and other-jurisdiction licence verification.
Initial licensure by examination
ASWB Masters Exam
Alternative Other Jurisdiction Exam
481—880.3(3)(f) accepts verification of passing an equivalent-level examination of the other jurisdiction named there instead of ASWB; that examination is an applicant condition and is not an Iowa requirement leaf.
Applicant
Applicant qualifying by the prescribed domestic social-work education.
Application
Submit a completed application and the prescribed nonrefundable licence fee.
Early Examination
A student in the last semester of an approved MSW programme may request Board authorization to test before the official transcript arrives; apply and pay the fee, arrange the school letter confirming enrolment and expected graduation, then send the final transcript.
Education
A master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited institution at graduation, or a doctoral social-work degree from a Board-approved institution.
Examination Results
Meet the ASWB passing standard. ASWB must send official results directly to the Board, or the ASWB Social Work Registry may verify the results. Previously passing the identified exam can satisfy the examination condition.
Prior Licensure
Verify the most recent other-jurisdiction licence and disclose public or pending complaints; the Board page requests verification from every jurisdiction that previously licensed, registered or certified the applicant.
Professional Conduct
Conduct professional activities in accordance with Board standards.
Transcripts
Official academic transcripts must reach the Board; ASWB Social Work Registry verification may substitute for academic transcripts and other-jurisdiction licence verification.
Late renewal within the grace period
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the renewal application and prescribed renewal fee before expiration.
Continuing Education
Complete 27 Board-approved continuing-education hours per biennium. First-time licensees are exempt at their first renewal; initial hours may count for the second renewal.
Display
Display the renewed licence at the primary practice site.
Late Window
Complete renewal requirements and pay the late fee within the 30-day grace period following expiration.
Licence Status
Hold the Iowa licence and renew biennially for January 1 of an odd-numbered year through December 31 of the next even-numbered year.
Reporter Training
For practice involving children or dependent adults, document the respective mandatory reporter training within the preceding three years using the HHS curriculum, unless an applicable Board public-interest, active-duty, disability or hardship waiver applies. Keep documentation for three years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-08-13.

Initial licensure with military education or experience credit
ASWB Masters Exam
Alternative Other Jurisdiction Exam
481—880.3(3)(f) accepts verification of passing an equivalent-level examination of the other jurisdiction named there instead of ASWB; that examination is an applicant condition and is not an Iowa requirement leaf.
Application
Submit a completed application and the prescribed nonrefundable licence fee.
Early Examination
A student in the last semester of an approved MSW programme may request Board authorization to test before the official transcript arrives; apply and pay the fee, arrange the school letter confirming enrolment and expected graduation, then send the final transcript.
Education
A master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited institution at graduation, or a doctoral social-work degree from a Board-approved institution.
Examination Results
Meet the ASWB passing standard. ASWB must send official results directly to the Board, or the ASWB Social Work Registry may verify the results. Previously passing the identified exam can satisfy the examination condition.
Military Service
Request credit for verified military education, training or service toward specified education or experience requirements, supported by service documentation. Board determines the credit; credit never substitutes for an examination.
Prior Licensure
Verify the most recent other-jurisdiction licence and disclose public or pending complaints; the Board page requests verification from every jurisdiction that previously licensed, registered or certified the applicant.
Professional Conduct
Conduct professional activities in accordance with Board standards.
Transcripts
Official academic transcripts must reach the Board; ASWB Social Work Registry verification may substitute for academic transcripts and other-jurisdiction licence verification.
Expedited verification for veterans and active duty military spouses
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit application, fee, scope-of-practice statement, relevant scope laws and applicable discipline records.
Board Exam Instructions
Iowa Code §272C.12(1) specifies issuance “without an examination”. The general Board page nevertheless states “Applicant must pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) national exam.” Rule 880.2(7)(d) states “The applicant will take the examination(s) provided in subrule 880.3(3).” Those general instructions are recorded here; the specific statutory verification route governs examination-free issuance.
Board Military Exam Instruction
481—7.3(1) states: “A veteran or spouse must pass any examinations required for licensure to be eligible for licensure through reciprocity and will be given credit for examinations previously passed when consistent with the licensing authority’s laws and rules on examination requirements.” The examination-free statutory verification conditions under §272C.12 govern this equivalent-scope route.
Compact Restriction
A person already entitled to practice in Iowa under an interstate compact is excluded from this verification route; the licence issued here does not confer compact practice rights.
Criminal History
No disqualifying criminal history; supply complete criminal records and any fingerprint materials the Board otherwise requires.
Disciplinary Eligibility
No revocation or voluntary surrender while under investigation; prior discipline must be corrected and resolved, and pending complaints or investigations must be resolved before the Board issues or denies the licence.
Military Eligibility
Veteran or spouse of an active-duty United States military member with an unrestricted other-jurisdiction licence and a substantially similar scope; document status and satisfy the verification conditions.
Original Qualifications
The issuing jurisdiction must verify its minimum education and applicable experience and clinical supervision requirements were satisfied; attest to compliance with Iowa Code §272C.12.
Other State License
Hold a current licence in an issuing jurisdiction with a substantially similar scope of practice and good standing in all issuing jurisdictions.
Prior Examination
Have previously passed the issuing jurisdiction’s required examination, if applicable; the verification statute does not identify a particular exam.
Priority
The Board expedites the complete application.
State Law Exam Reservation
Section 272C.12(3)(c) reserves authority to require a state-law exam; Iowa’s complete social-work exam provision, 880.3(3), identifies only the ASWB examinations and the other-jurisdiction substitute.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-08-13.

Full licensure after military temporary education or training
ASWB Masters Exam
Alternative Other Jurisdiction Exam
481—880.3(3)(f) accepts verification of passing an equivalent-level examination of the other jurisdiction named there instead of ASWB; that examination is an applicant condition and is not an Iowa requirement leaf.
Application
Submit a completed application and the prescribed nonrefundable licence fee.
Early Examination
A student in the last semester of an approved MSW programme may request Board authorization to test before the official transcript arrives; apply and pay the fee, arrange the school letter confirming enrolment and expected graduation, then send the final transcript.
Education
A master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited institution at graduation, or a doctoral social-work degree from a Board-approved institution.
Examination Results
Meet the ASWB passing standard. ASWB must send official results directly to the Board, or the ASWB Social Work Registry may verify the results. Previously passing the identified exam can satisfy the examination condition.
Military Eligibility
Veteran or active-duty military spouse completing the education or training identified by the Board under Iowa Code §272C.12A(2).
Prior Licensure
Verify the most recent other-jurisdiction licence and disclose public or pending complaints; the Board page requests verification from every jurisdiction that previously licensed, registered or certified the applicant.
Professional Conduct
Conduct professional activities in accordance with Board standards.
Temporary License
Hold the corresponding temporary licence, with required examinations already passed before temporary issuance. The full application remains pending until the required education or training is completed; submit completion records for full issuance.
Transcripts
Official academic transcripts must reach the Board; ASWB Social Work Registry verification may substitute for academic transcripts and other-jurisdiction licence verification.
Reactivation after more than five years of inactivity

At least one of the following alternatives:

Additional Competence
In addition to the base competence evidence, verify passing the ASWB exam at the appropriate or a higher listed level within the last five years, OR verify at least two years of continued practice at the appropriate or higher level in another jurisdiction immediately preceding application. The continued-practice alternative excuses submission of the recent exam result.
Application
Submit a reactivation application, prescribed reactivation fee, licence verification from the most recently licensed jurisdiction and disclosure of public or pending complaints.
Competence
Verify 27 continuing-education hours during the two years preceding application, or at least 2,080 hours of active practice in another jurisdiction during that period.
Inactivity
Iowa licence inactive for more than five years.
Reactivation after five years or less of inactivity
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a reactivation application, prescribed reactivation fee, licence verification from the most recently licensed jurisdiction and disclosure of public or pending complaints.
Competence
Verify 27 continuing-education hours during the two years preceding application, or at least 2,080 hours of active practice in another jurisdiction during that period.
Inactivity
Iowa licence inactive for five years or less.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-08-13.

Reciprocal licensure under Iowa Code §154C.3(2)
ASWB Masters Exam
Alternative Other Jurisdiction Exam
481—880.3(3)(f) accepts verification of passing an equivalent-level examination of the other jurisdiction named there instead of ASWB; that examination is an applicant condition and is not an Iowa requirement leaf.
Application
Submit a completed application and the prescribed nonrefundable licence fee.
Early Examination
A student in the last semester of an approved MSW programme may request Board authorization to test before the official transcript arrives; apply and pay the fee, arrange the school letter confirming enrolment and expected graduation, then send the final transcript.
Education
A master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited institution at graduation, or a doctoral social-work degree from a Board-approved institution.
Examination Results
Meet the ASWB passing standard. ASWB must send official results directly to the Board, or the ASWB Social Work Registry may verify the results. Previously passing the identified exam can satisfy the examination condition.
Other State License
Hold an appropriate other-jurisdiction social-work licence issued under similar or equal licensure requirements; submit official licence verification and examination results already passed when applicable.
Prior Licensure
Verify the most recent other-jurisdiction licence and disclose public or pending complaints; the Board page requests verification from every jurisdiction that previously licensed, registered or certified the applicant.
Professional Conduct
Conduct professional activities in accordance with Board standards.
Transcripts
Official academic transcripts must reach the Board; ASWB Social Work Registry verification may substitute for academic transcripts and other-jurisdiction licence verification.
Disciplinary reinstatement and reactivation after more than five years

At least one of the following alternatives:

Additional Competence
In addition to the base competence evidence, verify passing the ASWB exam at the appropriate or a higher listed level within the last five years, OR verify at least two years of continued practice at the appropriate or higher level in another jurisdiction immediately preceding application. The continued-practice alternative excuses submission of the recent exam result.
Application
Submit a reactivation application, prescribed reactivation fee, licence verification from the most recently licensed jurisdiction and disclosure of public or pending complaints.
Competence
Verify 27 continuing-education hours during the two years preceding application, or at least 2,080 hours of active practice in another jurisdiction during that period.
Cross Reference
Rule 880.15 prints a reference to 506.31; the current Chapter 506 contains the substantive reinstatement provisions at 506.32. Both provisions are pinned.
Disciplinary Status
Licence was revoked, suspended or voluntarily surrendered and is not permanently revoked. Obtain a Board reinstatement order and reactivation before practising.
Inactivity
Iowa licence inactive for more than five years.
Ordered Assessments
Under 481—500.10, on probable cause the Board may order an individually specified physical, mental, substance-abuse or clinical competency assessment at the licensee’s expense; the provision identifies no separately registered examination.
Reinstatement Procedure
Apply in the original disciplinary case. Prove the grounds for revocation, suspension or surrender no longer exist and reinstatement serves the public interest. Satisfy the original order’s conditions; if there were none, or after voluntary surrender, ordinarily wait at least one year before the initial application.
Disciplinary reinstatement and reactivation after five years or less
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a reactivation application, prescribed reactivation fee, licence verification from the most recently licensed jurisdiction and disclosure of public or pending complaints.
Competence
Verify 27 continuing-education hours during the two years preceding application, or at least 2,080 hours of active practice in another jurisdiction during that period.
Cross Reference
Rule 880.15 prints a reference to 506.31; the current Chapter 506 contains the substantive reinstatement provisions at 506.32. Both provisions are pinned.
Disciplinary Status
Licence was revoked, suspended or voluntarily surrendered and is not permanently revoked. Obtain a Board reinstatement order and reactivation before practising.
Inactivity
Iowa licence inactive for five years or less.
Ordered Assessments
Under 481—500.10, on probable cause the Board may order an individually specified physical, mental, substance-abuse or clinical competency assessment at the licensee’s expense; the provision identifies no separately registered examination.
Reinstatement Procedure
Apply in the original disciplinary case. Prove the grounds for revocation, suspension or surrender no longer exist and reinstatement serves the public interest. Satisfy the original order’s conditions; if there were none, or after voluntary surrender, ordinarily wait at least one year before the initial application.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-08-13.

Biennial licence renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the renewal application and prescribed renewal fee before expiration.
Continuing Education
Complete 27 Board-approved continuing-education hours per biennium. First-time licensees are exempt at their first renewal; initial hours may count for the second renewal.
Display
Display the renewed licence at the primary practice site.
Licence Status
Hold the Iowa licence and renew biennially for January 1 of an odd-numbered year through December 31 of the next even-numbered year.
Reporter Training
For practice involving children or dependent adults, document the respective mandatory reporter training within the preceding three years using the HHS curriculum, unless an applicable Board public-interest, active-duty, disability or hardship waiver applies. Keep documentation for three years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-08-13.

Licensure by verification under Iowa Code §272C.12
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit application, fee, scope-of-practice statement, relevant scope laws and applicable discipline records.
Board Exam Instructions
Iowa Code §272C.12(1) specifies issuance “without an examination”. The general Board page nevertheless states “Applicant must pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) national exam.” Rule 880.2(7)(d) states “The applicant will take the examination(s) provided in subrule 880.3(3).” Those general instructions are recorded here; the specific statutory verification route governs examination-free issuance.
Compact Restriction
A person already entitled to practice in Iowa under an interstate compact is excluded from this verification route; the licence issued here does not confer compact practice rights.
Criminal History
No disqualifying criminal history; supply complete criminal records and any fingerprint materials the Board otherwise requires.
Disciplinary Eligibility
No revocation or voluntary surrender while under investigation; prior discipline must be corrected and resolved, and pending complaints or investigations must be resolved before the Board issues or denies the licence.
Original Qualifications
The issuing jurisdiction must verify its minimum education and applicable experience and clinical supervision requirements were satisfied; attest to compliance with Iowa Code §272C.12.
Other State License
Hold a current licence in an issuing jurisdiction with a substantially similar scope of practice and good standing in all issuing jurisdictions.
Prior Examination
Have previously passed the issuing jurisdiction’s required examination, if applicable; the verification statute does not identify a particular exam.
State Law Exam Reservation
Section 272C.12(3)(c) reserves authority to require a state-law exam; Iowa’s complete social-work exam provision, 880.3(3), identifies only the ASWB examinations and the other-jurisdiction substitute.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-08-13.

Initial licensure by qualifying work experience
ASWB Masters Exam
Alternative Other Jurisdiction Exam
481—880.3(3)(f) accepts verification of passing an equivalent-level examination of the other jurisdiction named there instead of ASWB; that examination is an applicant condition and is not an Iowa requirement leaf.
Application
Submit a completed application and the prescribed nonrefundable licence fee.
Early Examination
A student in the last semester of an approved MSW programme may request Board authorization to test before the official transcript arrives; apply and pay the fee, arrange the school letter confirming enrolment and expected graduation, then send the final transcript.
Education
Relocate to Iowa from a jurisdiction that did not require this professional licence; prove Iowa residency and at least three years of substantially similar practice during the preceding four years. The Board may accept this in place of education or training; all remaining requirements and the prescribed exam still apply.
Examination Results
Meet the ASWB passing standard. ASWB must send official results directly to the Board, or the ASWB Social Work Registry may verify the results. Previously passing the identified exam can satisfy the examination condition.
Prior Licensure
Verify the most recent other-jurisdiction licence and disclose public or pending complaints; the Board page requests verification from every jurisdiction that previously licensed, registered or certified the applicant.
Professional Conduct
Conduct professional activities in accordance with Board standards.
Transcripts
Official academic transcripts must reach the Board; ASWB Social Work Registry verification may substitute for academic transcripts and other-jurisdiction licence verification.

Temporary License — Master Social Worker

Temporary military spouse or veteran licence to complete identified education or training; practice is subject to Board conditions.

Licensing authority: Iowa Board of Behavioral Health Professionals · Application information

Extension of the military temporary licence
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Good Cause
The Board may extend the temporary licence case by case for good cause under 481—7.3(5)(d). Continue to comply with imposed practice and education or training conditions.
Licence Status
Hold the temporary military education or training licence.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-08-13.

Temporary licensure for military education or training completion
ASWB Masters Exam
Board Conditions
Board may impose conditions necessary to protect public health, welfare and safety, and may refuse temporary issuance if the deficiency endangers the public.
Education Or Training
Complete the Board-identified education or training during the period the Board specifies.
Examination
Required examination must already have been passed before the temporary licence can be issued; examination credit is available consistently with Board requirements.
Full Application
The full licence application stays pending until the education or training is completed or the temporary licence expires.
Military Eligibility
Veteran or active-duty military spouse holding an unrestricted licence elsewhere whose scope is not substantially equivalent; Board identifies missing education or training.

ASWB Bachelors Exam

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

ASWB Clinical Exam

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

ASWB Masters Exam

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