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Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Maine social-work license under Chapter 83 and 02-416 CMR Chapter 13, with the March 23, 2026 statutory amendments applied. The enacted Social Work Licensure Compact is in implementation; multistate licenses were not yet available and are not represented as currently offered issuance routes.

Licensing authority: Maine State Board of Social Worker Licensure · Application information

Initial clinical licensure clinical concentration
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Submit the Board application, required license fee and criminal-history-check materials. Official application instructions request verifications for every professional license ever held.
Conditional License
PL c.584 section 6 removes the requirement to hold an active Maine LMSW-Conditional Clinical license and requires consideration of substantially equivalent consultation and experience obtained in Maine or another jurisdiction.
Conflicting Rule Instruction
Chapter 13 section 5(1)(B) still says: B.An active master social worker - conditional (clinical) license issued by the board; The amended statute controls this prerequisite.
Consultation Documentation
Document systematic case discussion and evaluation and the clinical supervision provided.
Consultation Format
Chapter 13 allows in-person or live synchronous video consultation; audio-only is prohibited and consultation groups may not exceed eight members.
Continuing Education
Chapter 13 section 5(1)(E) requests 25 continuing-education hours. The one-time 12-hour family or intimate partner violence training remains a renewal requirement under section 7060; PL c.584 section 5 repeals its former initial-licensure paragraph.
Education
Master’s or doctoral degree in social work or social welfare in a clinical concentration from an accredited institution.
Experience
For clinical concentrations, two years of subsequent clinical social-work experience with 96 consultation hours; Chapter 13 specifies 3,200 compensated employment hours, 72 individual consultation hours and up to 24 group hours.
Experience Waiver
The Board may waive up to one year for equivalent lawful clinical experience and consultation before the master’s degree under section 7053(1) and Chapter 13 section 5(2).
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Professional Fitness
Demonstrate trustworthiness, competence to safeguard the public and adherence to social-work ethics.
Recency
Chapter 13 requires at least 50% of consultation and employment hours within the four years preceding application.
Initial clinical licensure clinical concentration with statutory pre 1987 private setting experience
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Submit the Board application, required license fee and criminal-history-check materials. Official application instructions request verifications for every professional license ever held.
Conditional License
PL c.584 section 6 removes the requirement to hold an active Maine LMSW-Conditional Clinical license and requires consideration of substantially equivalent consultation and experience obtained in Maine or another jurisdiction.
Conflicting Private Practice Instruction
Chapter 13 section 5(1)(D) still states: Credit will not be given for private or self-employed practice. The surviving statutory pre-1987 exception controls this route.
Conflicting Rule Instruction
Chapter 13 section 5(1)(B) still says: B.An active master social worker - conditional (clinical) license issued by the board; The amended statute controls this prerequisite.
Consultation Documentation
Document systematic case discussion and evaluation and the clinical supervision provided.
Consultation Format
Chapter 13 allows in-person or live synchronous video consultation; audio-only is prohibited and consultation groups may not exceed eight members.
Continuing Education
Chapter 13 section 5(1)(E) requests 25 continuing-education hours. The one-time 12-hour family or intimate partner violence training remains a renewal requirement under section 7060; PL c.584 section 5 repeals its former initial-licensure paragraph.
Education
Master’s or doctoral degree in social work or social welfare in a clinical concentration from an accredited institution.
Experience
Two years of subsequent experience with 96 consultation hours in a private setting for a clinical concentration; four years with 192 hours for a nonclinical concentration.
Experience Waiver
The Board may waive up to one year for equivalent lawful clinical experience and consultation before the master’s degree under section 7053(1) and Chapter 13 section 5(2).
Historic Eligibility
Graduate degree completed before January 1, 1987, with two years of full-time clinical experience or equivalent; the statute allows subsequent consultation and experience in a private setting.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Professional Fitness
Demonstrate trustworthiness, competence to safeguard the public and adherence to social-work ethics.
Recency
Chapter 13 requires at least 50% of consultation and employment hours within the four years preceding application.
Licensure by endorsement under section 7054 C
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Submit the Board application, required license fee and criminal-history-check materials. Official application instructions request verifications for every professional license ever held.
Equivalent License
An active equivalent social-work license in a United States jurisdiction with substantially equivalent licensing requirements.
Exam Context
The ASWB leaf represents the examination in the qualifying equivalent license’s initial-licensure standard. Endorsement does not necessarily require this applicant to resit the examination or submit a personal passing-score record; Chapter 12 defines jurisdictional equivalence, and the current Board endorsement application requests license verifications.
Good Standing
Good standing in every jurisdiction where any professional license is or has been held: no pending complaint, allegation or investigation; no suspension or practice restrictions; no surrender or revocation.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
No Denial Ground
No cause for denial under 10 M.R.S. section 8003(5-A)(A) or other law.
Professional Fitness
Demonstrate trustworthiness, competence to safeguard the public and adherence to social-work ethics.
Clinical endorsement after completing another jurisdiction’s conditional clinical experience
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Submit the Board application, required license fee and criminal-history-check materials. Official application instructions request verifications for every professional license ever held.
Equivalent License
Active conditional-clinical master social-work license or its equivalent from a United States jurisdiction.
Exam Context
The ASWB leaf represents the examination in the qualifying equivalent license’s initial-licensure standard. Endorsement does not necessarily require this applicant to resit the examination or submit a personal passing-score record; Chapter 12 defines jurisdictional equivalence, and the current Board endorsement application requests license verifications.
Experience
Completed all supervised clinical experience required by that jurisdiction; may seek LCSW endorsement without first receiving a Maine conditional-clinical license.
Good Standing
Good standing in every jurisdiction where any professional license is or has been held: no pending complaint, allegation or investigation; no suspension or practice restrictions; no surrender or revocation.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
No Denial Ground
No cause for denial under 10 M.R.S. section 8003(5-A)(A) or other law.
Professional Fitness
Demonstrate trustworthiness, competence to safeguard the public and adherence to social-work ethics.
Late renewal within 90 days
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
25 contact hours related to social work in the preceding biennial term; at least four in ethics, except LSX requires six in ethics and six in psychosocial assessment.
Education Format
At least 15 hours with immediate instructor interaction; up to ten hours in permitted asynchronous, teaching, writing or independent-study activities under Chapter 14.
Existing License
Holder renewing this Maine license.
Expiration
License expired no more than 90 days ago.
Family Violence Training
One-time 12-hour family or intimate partner violence coursework, or qualifying equivalent teaching or practice experience, required by section 7060.
Late Fee
Pay the late fee in addition to the renewal fee.
Nonretroactive
OPOR Chapter 11 provides that the license resumes on the late-renewal date and is not retroactive; the intervening period was unlicensed.
Renewal Term
Biennial renewal at the designated expiration month; application and required renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-03-23.

Initial clinical licensure nonclinical concentration
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Submit the Board application, required license fee and criminal-history-check materials. Official application instructions request verifications for every professional license ever held.
Conditional License
PL c.584 section 6 removes the requirement to hold an active Maine LMSW-Conditional Clinical license and requires consideration of substantially equivalent consultation and experience obtained in Maine or another jurisdiction.
Conflicting Rule Instruction
Chapter 13 section 5(1)(B) still says: B.An active master social worker - conditional (clinical) license issued by the board; The amended statute controls this prerequisite.
Consultation Documentation
Document systematic case discussion and evaluation and the clinical supervision provided.
Consultation Format
Chapter 13 allows in-person or live synchronous video consultation; audio-only is prohibited and consultation groups may not exceed eight members.
Continuing Education
Chapter 13 section 5(1)(E) requests 25 continuing-education hours. The one-time 12-hour family or intimate partner violence training remains a renewal requirement under section 7060; PL c.584 section 5 repeals its former initial-licensure paragraph.
Education
Master’s or doctoral degree in social work in a nonclinical concentration from an accredited institution.
Experience
For nonclinical concentrations, four years of subsequent clinical social-work experience with 192 consultation hours; Chapter 13 specifies 6,400 compensated employment hours, 144 individual consultation hours and up to 48 group hours.
Experience Waiver
The Board may waive up to one year for equivalent lawful clinical experience and consultation before the master’s degree under section 7053(1) and Chapter 13 section 5(2).
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Professional Fitness
Demonstrate trustworthiness, competence to safeguard the public and adherence to social-work ethics.
Recency
Chapter 13 requires at least 50% of consultation and employment hours within the four years preceding application.
Initial clinical licensure nonclinical concentration with statutory pre 1987 private setting experience
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Submit the Board application, required license fee and criminal-history-check materials. Official application instructions request verifications for every professional license ever held.
Conditional License
PL c.584 section 6 removes the requirement to hold an active Maine LMSW-Conditional Clinical license and requires consideration of substantially equivalent consultation and experience obtained in Maine or another jurisdiction.
Conflicting Private Practice Instruction
Chapter 13 section 5(1)(D) still states: Credit will not be given for private or self-employed practice. The surviving statutory pre-1987 exception controls this route.
Conflicting Rule Instruction
Chapter 13 section 5(1)(B) still says: B.An active master social worker - conditional (clinical) license issued by the board; The amended statute controls this prerequisite.
Consultation Documentation
Document systematic case discussion and evaluation and the clinical supervision provided.
Consultation Format
Chapter 13 allows in-person or live synchronous video consultation; audio-only is prohibited and consultation groups may not exceed eight members.
Continuing Education
Chapter 13 section 5(1)(E) requests 25 continuing-education hours. The one-time 12-hour family or intimate partner violence training remains a renewal requirement under section 7060; PL c.584 section 5 repeals its former initial-licensure paragraph.
Education
Master’s or doctoral degree in social work in a nonclinical concentration from an accredited institution.
Experience
Two years of subsequent experience with 96 consultation hours in a private setting for a clinical concentration; four years with 192 hours for a nonclinical concentration.
Experience Waiver
The Board may waive up to one year for equivalent lawful clinical experience and consultation before the master’s degree under section 7053(1) and Chapter 13 section 5(2).
Historic Eligibility
Graduate degree completed before January 1, 1987, with two years of full-time clinical experience or equivalent; the statute allows subsequent consultation and experience in a private setting.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Professional Fitness
Demonstrate trustworthiness, competence to safeguard the public and adherence to social-work ethics.
Recency
Chapter 13 requires at least 50% of consultation and employment hours within the four years preceding application.
Return from inactive to active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit reactivation application and required fee.
Continuing Education
Certify the required Chapter 14 continuing education during the preceding two years; a return in less than one year may use the most recent renewal cycle.
Existing License
Hold this license in inactive status.
License Specific Conditions
Resume the practice and consultation restrictions of the underlying license; LSX remains subject to the six-year statutory maximum.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-03-23.

Reinstatement 91 days through two years after expiration
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Submit the Board application, required license fee and criminal-history-check materials. Official application instructions request verifications for every professional license ever held.
Conditional License
An active conditional-clinical license is not a statutory prerequisite under PL c.584 section 6.
Exam Waiver
The Board may waive examination, giving due consideration to public protection. This discretion is an applicant condition; the examination remains a leaf when identified for this level.
Experience And Education
For applications more than two years after expiration, the amended section 7060 also permits consideration of prior consultation and work experience and requiring continuing professional education.
Expiration
More than 90 days but no more than two years since expiration.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
New Applicant Requirements
Meet initial requirements for this license level, subject to the Board’s statutory discretion.
Professional Fitness
Demonstrate trustworthiness, competence to safeguard the public and adherence to social-work ethics.
Reinstatement more than two years after expiration
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Submit the Board application, required license fee and criminal-history-check materials. Official application instructions request verifications for every professional license ever held.
Conditional License
An active conditional-clinical license is not a statutory prerequisite under PL c.584 section 6.
Exam Waiver
The Board may waive examination, giving due consideration to public protection. This discretion is an applicant condition; the examination remains a leaf when identified for this level.
Experience And Education
For applications more than two years after expiration, the amended section 7060 also permits consideration of prior consultation and work experience and requiring continuing professional education.
Expiration
More than two years since expiration.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
New Applicant Requirements
Meet initial requirements for this license level, subject to the Board’s statutory discretion.
Professional Fitness
Demonstrate trustworthiness, competence to safeguard the public and adherence to social-work ethics.
Ordinary renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
25 contact hours related to social work in the preceding biennial term; at least four in ethics, except LSX requires six in ethics and six in psychosocial assessment.
Education Format
At least 15 hours with immediate instructor interaction; up to ten hours in permitted asynchronous, teaching, writing or independent-study activities under Chapter 14.
Existing License
Holder renewing this Maine license.
Family Violence Training
One-time 12-hour family or intimate partner violence coursework, or qualifying equivalent teaching or practice experience, required by section 7060.
Renewal Term
Biennial renewal at the designated expiration month; application and required renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-03-23.

Licensure without examination under section 7054 A
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the Board application, required license fee and criminal-history-check materials. Official application instructions request verifications for every professional license ever held.
Education And Experience
Document education and experience for the requested Maine level under section 7053 and Chapter 13. The Board may recognize substantially equivalent post-master’s clinical experience and consultation from another jurisdiction.
Equivalent License
Hold an active equivalent social-work license from a United States jurisdiction or foreign country; submit verified license evidence.
Exam Waiver
Chapter 13 section 8 expressly dispenses with proof of passing the applicable examination; no examination is a requirement leaf for this distinct process.
Grandparenting
The Board may deny this process if licensure by reciprocity or grandparenting in the original jurisdiction does not satisfy Maine qualifications.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Professional Fitness
Demonstrate trustworthiness, competence to safeguard the public and adherence to social-work ethics.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-03-23.

Licensed Master Social Worker

Maine social-work license under Chapter 83 and 02-416 CMR Chapter 13, with the March 23, 2026 statutory amendments applied. The enacted Social Work Licensure Compact is in implementation; multistate licenses were not yet available and are not represented as currently offered issuance routes.

Licensing authority: Maine State Board of Social Worker Licensure · Application information

Existing CSW Independent Practice licensee elects master level license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the Board application, required license fee and criminal-history-check materials. Official application instructions request verifications for every professional license ever held.
Conversion
Elect LMSW licensure without further examination.
Education
Master’s degree in social work or social welfare.
Existing License
Hold the continuing CSW-Independent Practice authorization under section 7054-A.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Professional Fitness
Demonstrate trustworthiness, competence to safeguard the public and adherence to social-work ethics.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-03-23.

Licensure by endorsement under section 7054 C
ASWB Masters Exam
Application
Submit the Board application, required license fee and criminal-history-check materials. Official application instructions request verifications for every professional license ever held.
Equivalent License
An active equivalent social-work license in a United States jurisdiction with substantially equivalent licensing requirements.
Exam Context
The ASWB leaf represents the examination in the qualifying equivalent license’s initial-licensure standard. Endorsement does not necessarily require this applicant to resit the examination or submit a personal passing-score record; Chapter 12 defines jurisdictional equivalence, and the current Board endorsement application requests license verifications.
Good Standing
Good standing in every jurisdiction where any professional license is or has been held: no pending complaint, allegation or investigation; no suspension or practice restrictions; no surrender or revocation.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
No Denial Ground
No cause for denial under 10 M.R.S. section 8003(5-A)(A) or other law.
Professional Fitness
Demonstrate trustworthiness, competence to safeguard the public and adherence to social-work ethics.
Initial master level licensure
ASWB Masters Exam
Application
Submit the Board application, required license fee and criminal-history-check materials. Official application instructions request verifications for every professional license ever held.
Application Instructions
The Board application lists an official MSW transcript from a CSWE-accredited program; Chapter 13 and the statute also allow doctoral social-work or social-welfare degrees.
Education
Master’s or doctoral degree in social work or social welfare from an accredited program.
Existing License
A current LSW applicant must complete the 25 continuing-education hours required by Chapter 13 section 3(1)(C).
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Professional Fitness
Demonstrate trustworthiness, competence to safeguard the public and adherence to social-work ethics.
Late renewal within 90 days
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
25 contact hours related to social work in the preceding biennial term; at least four in ethics, except LSX requires six in ethics and six in psychosocial assessment.
Education Format
At least 15 hours with immediate instructor interaction; up to ten hours in permitted asynchronous, teaching, writing or independent-study activities under Chapter 14.
Existing License
Holder renewing this Maine license.
Expiration
License expired no more than 90 days ago.
Family Violence Training
One-time 12-hour family or intimate partner violence coursework, or qualifying equivalent teaching or practice experience, required by section 7060.
Late Fee
Pay the late fee in addition to the renewal fee.
Nonretroactive
OPOR Chapter 11 provides that the license resumes on the late-renewal date and is not retroactive; the intervening period was unlicensed.
Renewal Term
Biennial renewal at the designated expiration month; application and required renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-03-23.

Return from inactive to active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit reactivation application and required fee.
Continuing Education
Certify the required Chapter 14 continuing education during the preceding two years; a return in less than one year may use the most recent renewal cycle.
Existing License
Hold this license in inactive status.
License Specific Conditions
Resume the practice and consultation restrictions of the underlying license; LSX remains subject to the six-year statutory maximum.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-03-23.

Reinstatement 91 days through two years after expiration
ASWB Masters Exam
Application
Submit the Board application, required license fee and criminal-history-check materials. Official application instructions request verifications for every professional license ever held.
Exam Waiver
The Board may waive examination, giving due consideration to public protection. This discretion is an applicant condition; the examination remains a leaf when identified for this level.
Experience And Education
For applications more than two years after expiration, the amended section 7060 also permits consideration of prior consultation and work experience and requiring continuing professional education.
Expiration
More than 90 days but no more than two years since expiration.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
New Applicant Requirements
Meet initial requirements for this license level, subject to the Board’s statutory discretion.
Professional Fitness
Demonstrate trustworthiness, competence to safeguard the public and adherence to social-work ethics.
Reinstatement more than two years after expiration
ASWB Masters Exam
Application
Submit the Board application, required license fee and criminal-history-check materials. Official application instructions request verifications for every professional license ever held.
Exam Waiver
The Board may waive examination, giving due consideration to public protection. This discretion is an applicant condition; the examination remains a leaf when identified for this level.
Experience And Education
For applications more than two years after expiration, the amended section 7060 also permits consideration of prior consultation and work experience and requiring continuing professional education.
Expiration
More than two years since expiration.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
New Applicant Requirements
Meet initial requirements for this license level, subject to the Board’s statutory discretion.
Professional Fitness
Demonstrate trustworthiness, competence to safeguard the public and adherence to social-work ethics.
Ordinary renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
25 contact hours related to social work in the preceding biennial term; at least four in ethics, except LSX requires six in ethics and six in psychosocial assessment.
Education Format
At least 15 hours with immediate instructor interaction; up to ten hours in permitted asynchronous, teaching, writing or independent-study activities under Chapter 14.
Existing License
Holder renewing this Maine license.
Family Violence Training
One-time 12-hour family or intimate partner violence coursework, or qualifying equivalent teaching or practice experience, required by section 7060.
Renewal Term
Biennial renewal at the designated expiration month; application and required renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-03-23.

Licensure without examination under section 7054 A
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the Board application, required license fee and criminal-history-check materials. Official application instructions request verifications for every professional license ever held.
Education And Experience
Document education and experience for the requested Maine level under section 7053 and Chapter 13. The Board may recognize substantially equivalent post-master’s clinical experience and consultation from another jurisdiction.
Equivalent License
Hold an active equivalent social-work license from a United States jurisdiction or foreign country; submit verified license evidence.
Exam Waiver
Chapter 13 section 8 expressly dispenses with proof of passing the applicable examination; no examination is a requirement leaf for this distinct process.
Grandparenting
The Board may deny this process if licensure by reciprocity or grandparenting in the original jurisdiction does not satisfy Maine qualifications.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Professional Fitness
Demonstrate trustworthiness, competence to safeguard the public and adherence to social-work ethics.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-03-23.

Licensed Master Social Worker - Conditional Clinical

Maine social-work license under Chapter 83 and 02-416 CMR Chapter 13, with the March 23, 2026 statutory amendments applied.

Licensing authority: Maine State Board of Social Worker Licensure · Application information

Licensure by endorsement under section 7054 C
ASWB Masters Exam
Application
Submit the Board application, required license fee and criminal-history-check materials. Official application instructions request verifications for every professional license ever held.
Conditional Conversion
A person satisfying LMSW endorsement requirements may obtain the conditional-clinical license directly, without first receiving a Maine LMSW; document intent to complete clinical experience and the consultation arrangement.
Equivalent License
An active equivalent social-work license in a United States jurisdiction with substantially equivalent licensing requirements.
Exam Context
The ASWB leaf represents the examination in the qualifying equivalent license’s initial-licensure standard. Endorsement does not necessarily require this applicant to resit the examination or submit a personal passing-score record; Chapter 12 defines jurisdictional equivalence, and the current Board endorsement application requests license verifications.
Good Standing
Good standing in every jurisdiction where any professional license is or has been held: no pending complaint, allegation or investigation; no suspension or practice restrictions; no surrender or revocation.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
No Denial Ground
No cause for denial under 10 M.R.S. section 8003(5-A)(A) or other law.
Professional Fitness
Demonstrate trustworthiness, competence to safeguard the public and adherence to social-work ethics.
Initial conditional clinical licensure
ASWB Masters Exam
Application
Submit the Board application, required license fee and criminal-history-check materials. Official application instructions request verifications for every professional license ever held.
Board Instructions
Chapter 13 section 4(1)(C) and the application request a signed consultation agreement documenting intent to complete clinical experience and a clinical concentration worksheet.
Consultation
Attest to obtaining consultation and social-work experience; arrange consultation with an LCSW, CSW-IP, licensed clinical professional counselor, licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed psychologist, licensed psychiatrist or another Board-qualified consultant.
Education
Master’s or doctoral degree in social work or social welfare from an accredited educational institution.
Existing License
A current LSW or LMSW applicant must complete 25 continuing-education hours under Chapter 13 section 4(1)(D).
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Professional Fitness
Demonstrate trustworthiness, competence to safeguard the public and adherence to social-work ethics.
Late renewal within 90 days
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Consultation
Four consultation hours per month or part of a month of actual clinical practice during the prior term, with consultant verification; renewal may continue indefinitely without seeking LCSW.
Continuing Education
25 contact hours related to social work in the preceding biennial term; at least four in ethics, except LSX requires six in ethics and six in psychosocial assessment.
Education Format
At least 15 hours with immediate instructor interaction; up to ten hours in permitted asynchronous, teaching, writing or independent-study activities under Chapter 14.
Existing License
Holder renewing this Maine license.
Expiration
License expired no more than 90 days ago.
Family Violence Training
One-time 12-hour family or intimate partner violence coursework, or qualifying equivalent teaching or practice experience, required by section 7060.
Late Fee
Pay the late fee in addition to the renewal fee.
Nonretroactive
OPOR Chapter 11 provides that the license resumes on the late-renewal date and is not retroactive; the intervening period was unlicensed.
Renewal Term
Biennial renewal at the designated expiration month; application and required renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-03-23.

Return from inactive to active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit reactivation application and required fee.
Continuing Education
Certify the required Chapter 14 continuing education during the preceding two years; a return in less than one year may use the most recent renewal cycle.
Existing License
Hold this license in inactive status.
License Specific Conditions
Resume the practice and consultation restrictions of the underlying license; LSX remains subject to the six-year statutory maximum.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-03-23.

Reinstatement 91 days through two years after expiration
ASWB Masters Exam
Application
Submit the Board application, required license fee and criminal-history-check materials. Official application instructions request verifications for every professional license ever held.
Exam Waiver
The Board may waive examination, giving due consideration to public protection. This discretion is an applicant condition; the examination remains a leaf when identified for this level.
Experience And Education
For applications more than two years after expiration, the amended section 7060 also permits consideration of prior consultation and work experience and requiring continuing professional education.
Expiration
More than 90 days but no more than two years since expiration.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
New Applicant Requirements
Meet initial requirements for this license level, subject to the Board’s statutory discretion.
Professional Fitness
Demonstrate trustworthiness, competence to safeguard the public and adherence to social-work ethics.
Reinstatement more than two years after expiration
ASWB Masters Exam
Application
Submit the Board application, required license fee and criminal-history-check materials. Official application instructions request verifications for every professional license ever held.
Exam Waiver
The Board may waive examination, giving due consideration to public protection. This discretion is an applicant condition; the examination remains a leaf when identified for this level.
Experience And Education
For applications more than two years after expiration, the amended section 7060 also permits consideration of prior consultation and work experience and requiring continuing professional education.
Expiration
More than two years since expiration.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
New Applicant Requirements
Meet initial requirements for this license level, subject to the Board’s statutory discretion.
Professional Fitness
Demonstrate trustworthiness, competence to safeguard the public and adherence to social-work ethics.
Ordinary renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Consultation
Four consultation hours per month or part of a month of actual clinical practice during the prior term, with consultant verification; renewal may continue indefinitely without seeking LCSW.
Continuing Education
25 contact hours related to social work in the preceding biennial term; at least four in ethics, except LSX requires six in ethics and six in psychosocial assessment.
Education Format
At least 15 hours with immediate instructor interaction; up to ten hours in permitted asynchronous, teaching, writing or independent-study activities under Chapter 14.
Existing License
Holder renewing this Maine license.
Family Violence Training
One-time 12-hour family or intimate partner violence coursework, or qualifying equivalent teaching or practice experience, required by section 7060.
Renewal Term
Biennial renewal at the designated expiration month; application and required renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-03-23.

Licensure without examination under section 7054 A
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the Board application, required license fee and criminal-history-check materials. Official application instructions request verifications for every professional license ever held.
Consultation
Provide the consultation arrangement required for the requested conditional level.
Education And Experience
Document education and experience for the requested Maine level under section 7053 and Chapter 13. The Board may recognize substantially equivalent post-master’s clinical experience and consultation from another jurisdiction.
Equivalent License
Hold an active equivalent social-work license from a United States jurisdiction or foreign country; submit verified license evidence.
Exam Waiver
Chapter 13 section 8 expressly dispenses with proof of passing the applicable examination; no examination is a requirement leaf for this distinct process.
Grandparenting
The Board may deny this process if licensure by reciprocity or grandparenting in the original jurisdiction does not satisfy Maine qualifications.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Professional Fitness
Demonstrate trustworthiness, competence to safeguard the public and adherence to social-work ethics.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-03-23.

Licensed Social Worker

Maine social-work license under Chapter 83 and 02-416 CMR Chapter 13, with the March 23, 2026 statutory amendments applied. The enacted Social Work Licensure Compact is in implementation; multistate licenses were not yet available and are not represented as currently offered issuance routes.

Licensing authority: Maine State Board of Social Worker Licensure · Application information

Initial licensure with accredited social work degree
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Application
Submit the Board application, required license fee and criminal-history-check materials. Official application instructions request verifications for every professional license ever held.
Board Instructions
The current Board application requests an agreement with a qualified consultant. Chapter 13 still states two to four years and consultant categories differing from the amended section 7053(3-C); statutory requirements control those differences.
Consultation
Attest to obtaining consultation and work experience. The amended statutory minimum is 96 consultation hours with the first 3,200 employment hours over two to six years from initial licensure.
Education
Bachelor’s degree or higher in social work or social welfare from an accredited educational institution. Chapter 13 and the application describe a BSW or social-welfare bachelor’s degree.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Professional Fitness
Demonstrate trustworthiness, competence to safeguard the public and adherence to social-work ethics.
Initial licensure following conditional social work experience
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Application
Submit the Board application, required license fee and criminal-history-check materials. Official application instructions request verifications for every professional license ever held.
Board Instructions
Chapter 13 section 2(1)(B)(1) and the application still request an active conditional license: (1)An active social worker-conditional license issued by the board pursuant to section 1 of this chapter; The application also requests consultation verifications and a new consultation agreement. These demands are retained as Board instructions, while the amended statute controls the active-license prerequisite.
Education
Bachelor’s degree or higher in a sufficiently related field, with prior conditional social-work licensure.
Experience
Complete consultation and social-work employment while licensed as a conditional social worker; complete required contact hours under section 7053(3-D), including six hours each in ethics and psychosocial assessment. The statutory consultation period is two to six years.
License Status
The conditional license need not remain active at the time of application under PL c.584 section 9.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Professional Fitness
Demonstrate trustworthiness, competence to safeguard the public and adherence to social-work ethics.
Licensure by endorsement under section 7054 C
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Application
Submit the Board application, required license fee and criminal-history-check materials. Official application instructions request verifications for every professional license ever held.
Equivalency Reading
Chapter 12 section 1 requires equivalence for the type sought. Chapter 13 section 2 supplies the Maine LSW examination standard, ASWB Bachelors; Chapter 12’s specific minimum standards name only the master and clinical levels.
Equivalent License
An active equivalent social-work license in a United States jurisdiction with substantially equivalent licensing requirements.
Exam Context
The ASWB leaf represents the examination in the qualifying equivalent license’s initial-licensure standard. Endorsement does not necessarily require this applicant to resit the examination or submit a personal passing-score record; Chapter 12 defines jurisdictional equivalence, and the current Board endorsement application requests license verifications.
Good Standing
Good standing in every jurisdiction where any professional license is or has been held: no pending complaint, allegation or investigation; no suspension or practice restrictions; no surrender or revocation.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
No Denial Ground
No cause for denial under 10 M.R.S. section 8003(5-A)(A) or other law.
Professional Fitness
Demonstrate trustworthiness, competence to safeguard the public and adherence to social-work ethics.
Late renewal within 90 days
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Consultation
Complete and document the amended section 7053(3-C) requirement of 96 consultation hours concurrent with the first 3,200 employment hours over two to six years; current Board instructions still request progress reporting and use a four-year limit.
Continuing Education
25 contact hours related to social work in the preceding biennial term; at least four in ethics, except LSX requires six in ethics and six in psychosocial assessment.
Education Format
At least 15 hours with immediate instructor interaction; up to ten hours in permitted asynchronous, teaching, writing or independent-study activities under Chapter 14.
Existing License
Holder renewing this Maine license.
Expiration
License expired no more than 90 days ago.
Family Violence Training
One-time 12-hour family or intimate partner violence coursework, or qualifying equivalent teaching or practice experience, required by section 7060.
Late Fee
Pay the late fee in addition to the renewal fee.
Nonretroactive
OPOR Chapter 11 provides that the license resumes on the late-renewal date and is not retroactive; the intervening period was unlicensed.
Renewal Term
Biennial renewal at the designated expiration month; application and required renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-03-23.

Return from inactive to active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit reactivation application and required fee.
Continuing Education
Certify the required Chapter 14 continuing education during the preceding two years; a return in less than one year may use the most recent renewal cycle.
Existing License
Hold this license in inactive status.
License Specific Conditions
Resume the practice and consultation restrictions of the underlying license; LSX remains subject to the six-year statutory maximum.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-03-23.

Reinstatement 91 days through two years after expiration
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Application
Submit the Board application, required license fee and criminal-history-check materials. Official application instructions request verifications for every professional license ever held.
Exam Waiver
The Board may waive examination, giving due consideration to public protection. This discretion is an applicant condition; the examination remains a leaf when identified for this level.
Experience And Education
For applications more than two years after expiration, the amended section 7060 also permits consideration of prior consultation and work experience and requiring continuing professional education.
Expiration
More than 90 days but no more than two years since expiration.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
New Applicant Requirements
Meet initial requirements for this license level, subject to the Board’s statutory discretion.
Professional Fitness
Demonstrate trustworthiness, competence to safeguard the public and adherence to social-work ethics.
Reinstatement more than two years after expiration
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Application
Submit the Board application, required license fee and criminal-history-check materials. Official application instructions request verifications for every professional license ever held.
Exam Waiver
The Board may waive examination, giving due consideration to public protection. This discretion is an applicant condition; the examination remains a leaf when identified for this level.
Experience And Education
For applications more than two years after expiration, the amended section 7060 also permits consideration of prior consultation and work experience and requiring continuing professional education.
Expiration
More than two years since expiration.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
New Applicant Requirements
Meet initial requirements for this license level, subject to the Board’s statutory discretion.
Professional Fitness
Demonstrate trustworthiness, competence to safeguard the public and adherence to social-work ethics.
Ordinary renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Consultation
Complete and document the amended section 7053(3-C) requirement of 96 consultation hours concurrent with the first 3,200 employment hours over two to six years; current Board instructions still request progress reporting and use a four-year limit.
Continuing Education
25 contact hours related to social work in the preceding biennial term; at least four in ethics, except LSX requires six in ethics and six in psychosocial assessment.
Education Format
At least 15 hours with immediate instructor interaction; up to ten hours in permitted asynchronous, teaching, writing or independent-study activities under Chapter 14.
Existing License
Holder renewing this Maine license.
Family Violence Training
One-time 12-hour family or intimate partner violence coursework, or qualifying equivalent teaching or practice experience, required by section 7060.
Renewal Term
Biennial renewal at the designated expiration month; application and required renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-03-23.

Licensure without examination under section 7054 A
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the Board application, required license fee and criminal-history-check materials. Official application instructions request verifications for every professional license ever held.
Education And Experience
Document education and experience for the requested Maine level under section 7053 and Chapter 13. The Board may recognize substantially equivalent post-master’s clinical experience and consultation from another jurisdiction.
Equivalent License
Hold an active equivalent social-work license from a United States jurisdiction or foreign country; submit verified license evidence.
Exam Waiver
Chapter 13 section 8 expressly dispenses with proof of passing the applicable examination; no examination is a requirement leaf for this distinct process.
Grandparenting
The Board may deny this process if licensure by reciprocity or grandparenting in the original jurisdiction does not satisfy Maine qualifications.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Professional Fitness
Demonstrate trustworthiness, competence to safeguard the public and adherence to social-work ethics.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-03-23.

ASWB Clinical Exam

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

ASWB Masters Exam

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

ASWB Bachelors Exam

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