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Missouri Social Work — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licensed Advanced Macro Social Worker

Missouri Licensed Advanced Macro Social Worker. Examination issuance, reciprocity, renewal, restoration and inactive-status routes are recorded separately. Inactive status and reinstatement retain this license identity. Provisional issuance is rescinded under 20 CSR 2263-2.045.

Licensing authority: Missouri State Committee for Social Workers · Application information

Licensure by examination
ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam
Age
At least eighteen years old.
Application
Submit the appropriate class-specific completed application and fee; official transcripts must come directly from the institution, and supervision attestations directly from the supervisor where applicable.
Application window
Complete the application within one year after initial submission under 20 CSR 2263-2.050(6).
Background check
Submit fingerprints for Missouri State Highway Patrol and FBI background checks; the applicant pays the vendor fees.
Clinical practice
When working clinically, remain under approved supervision until the license is approved and issued.
Criminal eligibility
No disqualifying offense directly related to occupational duties under the controlling licensure statute and RSMo 324.012; affirmative application disclosures require a sworn affidavit and appropriate records under 20 CSR 2263-2.050(4)(G).
Early exam
The appropriate ASWB examination may be taken after at least 2,250 hours and 18 months of supervision; the supervisor confirms progress. Licensure still requires the full 3,000 hours and required supervision period.
Education
A CSWE-accredited or Committee-recognized and approved master’s social work degree, or the doctorate accepted under the applicable licensure statute.
Exam window
Pass the required examination within two calendar years after approval to sit under 20 CSR 2263-2.051; otherwise the application expires and reapplication is required.
Prior missouri license
Hold a current Missouri LMSW license before beginning qualifying supervision, as specified by the Committee application packet and 20 CSR 2263-2.030(1).
Residency status
United States citizenship or legal resident alien status.
Suicide training
Complete two hours of suicide assessment, referral, treatment and management training within the two years before application.
Supervised experience
Complete at least 3,000 hours of the appropriate clinical or advanced macro supervised experience within 24-48 consecutive calendar months with an acceptable qualified supervisor; register supervision and setting with the Committee.
Biennial inactive license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit updated renewal form and inactive renewal fee biennially; renew by the stated expiration.
Continuing education
Inactive renewal does not require CE; return to active practice has separate qualifications.
Inactive license
Maintain the applicable license in inactive status.
Practice restriction
No practice while inactive unless otherwise authorized by law.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Request inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing license
Hold the applicable Missouri social work license and request inactive status in writing.
Fee
Pay the inactive-status fee and maintain biennial inactive renewals.
Practice restriction
No Missouri social work practice while inactive unless otherwise allowed by law; place inactive adjacent to the title.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Expedited reciprocity for a law enforcement spouse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the reciprocity application, fee, verification directly from every jurisdiction in which licensed, fingerprint background-check results and proof of two hours of suicide prevention training within two years. Current form MO 375-0901 (8-2025) expressly lists these five requirements.
Compact limit
Under current RSMo 324.009.11 this license is valid only in Missouri, does not establish compact eligibility, and an applicant licensed elsewhere pursuant to a compact is not eligible for this general reciprocity provision.
Fees
The statutory qualification waiver does not itself waive fees; applicable fee-waiver eligibility is separate.
Good standing
No disqualifying revocation, unresolved investigation, complaint, disciplinary action, lack of good standing or Missouri-disqualifying criminal record; any corrected disciplinary matter is evaluated by the Committee.
Prior license
Hold a valid current license at the same occupation and practice level for at least one year in an eligible United States jurisdiction or military branch; supply verification of current licensure and that period.
Qualification verification
The originating jurisdiction must verify that its minimum education and any applicable experience and supervision requirements were met; the Committee evaluates eligibility for the statutory waiver.
Review deadline
Issue the license and waive examination, education and experience requirements within thirty days for the qualifying spouse, subject to statutory exclusions.
Spouse status
Meet the resident or nonresident law-enforcement spouse definition in RSMo 324.009.1, including the applicable transfer, domicile or employment conditions.
Unnamed state law examination
The accelerated spouse provision directs waiver of all examination qualifications for an otherwise eligible applicant.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Expedited reciprocity for a military spouse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the reciprocity application, fee, verification directly from every jurisdiction in which licensed, fingerprint background-check results and proof of two hours of suicide prevention training within two years. Current form MO 375-0901 (8-2025) expressly lists these five requirements.
Compact limit
Under current RSMo 324.009.11 this license is valid only in Missouri, does not establish compact eligibility, and an applicant licensed elsewhere pursuant to a compact is not eligible for this general reciprocity provision.
Fees
The statutory qualification waiver does not itself waive fees; applicable fee-waiver eligibility is separate.
Good standing
No disqualifying revocation, unresolved investigation, complaint, disciplinary action, lack of good standing or Missouri-disqualifying criminal record; any corrected disciplinary matter is evaluated by the Committee.
Prior license
Hold a valid current license at the same occupation and practice level for at least one year in an eligible United States jurisdiction or military branch; supply verification of current licensure and that period.
Qualification verification
The originating jurisdiction must verify that its minimum education and any applicable experience and supervision requirements were met; the Committee evaluates eligibility for the statutory waiver.
Review deadline
Issue the license and waive examination, education and experience requirements within thirty days for the qualifying spouse, subject to statutory exclusions.
Spouse status
Meet the resident or nonresident military spouse definition in RSMo 324.009.1, including the applicable transfer, domicile or employment conditions.
Unnamed state law examination
The accelerated spouse provision directs waiver of all examination qualifications for an otherwise eligible applicant.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation after at least five inactive years without sixty CE hours
ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam
Application
Complete the renewal form, pay the renewal fee and satisfy 20 CSR 2263-2.090(5) CE requirements in addition to the examination.
Cross reference
20 CSR 2263-2.090(6) still prints 2.050(4)(D). In the current 2.050, (D) is suicide training and the examination list is (E). The operative words examination required for licensure are applied to the current (E) category list; no new state examination is inferred.
Examination
Successfully complete the ASWB category required for this license.
Inactive period
Inactive for five years or more and fewer than sixty CE hours completed in five years.
Reactivation satisfying the continuing education alternative
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Complete a renewal form and pay the renewal fee.
Continuing education
Show thirty CE hours in the prior two years or agree to complete thirty hours within one calendar year after reactivation.
Examination boundary
The examination condition in 20 CSR 2263-2.090(6) applies only when both five inactive years and lack of sixty CE hours in five years are present.
Inactive period
Either inactive for less than five years, or inactive for five years or more with sixty CE hours completed within five years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reapplication after at least two expired years or revocation
ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam
Alternative route
An applicant independently qualifying for statutory reciprocity waiver follows that separate route. Any Committee-approved reuse of a still valid score is an applicant condition, not removal of the registered examination.
Prior license
Previously held the applicable Missouri license, now expired for two years or more or revoked.
Qualifications
Meet the current education, eligibility, background check, supervised-experience and ASWB-score requirements of the applicable examination route; for independent practice also establish the underlying LBSW license and statutory independent-practice supervision.
Reapplication
20 CSR 2263-2.085(3) requires a new licensure application under the current substantive requirements, rather than restoration.
Advanced macro reciprocity from a jurisdiction with substantially the same requirements
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the reciprocity application, fee, verification directly from every jurisdiction in which licensed, fingerprint background-check results and proof of two hours of suicide prevention training within two years. Current form MO 375-0901 (8-2025) expressly lists these five requirements.
Equivalence
The Committee determines substantial equivalence under RSMo 337.645.2(2).
Prior license
Currently licensed or certified as an advanced macro social worker in an eligible United States jurisdiction having substantially the same requirements; no disciplinary action for the preceding five years.
Statutory basis
RSMo 337.645.3 authorizes issuance on subsection 2 independently of the examination qualifications in subsection 1. Prior examination history requested by the verification form is recorded as applicant information.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Advanced macro reciprocity after five years of licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the reciprocity application, fee, verification directly from every jurisdiction in which licensed, fingerprint background-check results and proof of two hours of suicide prevention training within two years. Current form MO 375-0901 (8-2025) expressly lists these five requirements.
Duration
Licensed to practice advanced macro social work for the preceding five years.
Education
The qualifying social work master’s or doctoral education specified in RSMo 337.645.2(1).
Prior license
Current advanced macro license, certificate or permit in another United States state or territory or the District of Columbia; no disciplinary action for the preceding five years.
Statutory basis
RSMo 337.645.3 authorizes issuance on subsection 2 alone. Its five-year endorsement alternative requires no separately verified examination score; an originating-board examination history is information on the verification form, which also permits NO EXAM, GRANDFATHERED.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reciprocity with full qualification review
ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam
Age
At least eighteen years old.
Application
Submit the appropriate class-specific completed application and fee; official transcripts must come directly from the institution, and supervision attestations directly from the supervisor where applicable.
Application window
Complete the application within one year after initial submission under 20 CSR 2263-2.050(6).
Background check
Submit fingerprints for Missouri State Highway Patrol and FBI background checks; the applicant pays the vendor fees.
Board instruction
The current Board reciprocity page says applicants licensed for less than one year should contact the office for application steps; the substantive requirements remain those in the controlling statute and rules.
Clinical practice
When working clinically, remain under approved supervision until the license is approved and issued.
Criminal eligibility
No disqualifying offense directly related to occupational duties under the controlling licensure statute and RSMo 324.012; affirmative application disclosures require a sworn affidavit and appropriate records under 20 CSR 2263-2.050(4)(G).
Early exam
The appropriate ASWB examination may be taken after at least 2,250 hours and 18 months of supervision; the supervisor confirms progress. Licensure still requires the full 3,000 hours and required supervision period.
Education
A CSWE-accredited or Committee-recognized and approved master’s social work degree, or the doctorate accepted under the applicable licensure statute.
Exam window
Pass the required examination within two calendar years after approval to sit under 20 CSR 2263-2.051; otherwise the application expires and reapplication is required.
Existing license
A valid active social work license in another state or territory, subject to Committee verification under 20 CSR 2263-2.060(1)(C).
Prior missouri license
Hold a current Missouri LMSW license before beginning qualifying supervision, as specified by the Committee application packet and 20 CSR 2263-2.030(1).
Residency status
United States citizenship or legal resident alien status.
Suicide training
Complete two hours of suicide assessment, referral, treatment and management training within the two years before application.
Supervised experience
Complete at least 3,000 hours of the appropriate clinical or advanced macro supervised experience within 24-48 consecutive calendar months with an acceptable qualified supervisor; register supervision and setting with the Committee.
Waiver boundary
This route applies only where a mandatory statutory examination waiver is not available; for example, licensure held for less than one year. A qualifying waiver applicant uses the waiver route instead.
Reciprocity with statutory qualification waiver
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the reciprocity application, fee, verification directly from every jurisdiction in which licensed, fingerprint background-check results and proof of two hours of suicide prevention training within two years. Current form MO 375-0901 (8-2025) expressly lists these five requirements.
Compact limit
Under current RSMo 324.009.11 this license is valid only in Missouri, does not establish compact eligibility, and an applicant licensed elsewhere pursuant to a compact is not eligible for this general reciprocity provision.
Fees
The statutory qualification waiver does not itself waive fees; applicable fee-waiver eligibility is separate.
Good standing
No disqualifying revocation, unresolved investigation, complaint, disciplinary action, lack of good standing or Missouri-disqualifying criminal record; any corrected disciplinary matter is evaluated by the Committee.
Prior license
Hold a valid current license at the same occupation and practice level for at least one year in an eligible United States jurisdiction or military branch; supply verification of current licensure and that period.
Qualification verification
The originating jurisdiction must verify that its minimum education and any applicable experience and supervision requirements were met; the Committee evaluates eligibility for the statutory waiver.
Review deadline
Ordinary statutory reciprocity waiver is determined within six months.
Unnamed state law examination
The statutes permit the Committee to require an examination specific to Missouri laws. This unnamed discretionary slot does not identify a separately registered examination; the current reciprocity checklist and 20 CSR 2263-2.060 specify no such examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial active license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the completed renewal form, required disclosures and renewal fee; do not practice after lapse.
Continuing education
30 acceptable CE hours including three ethics hours and two suicide assessment, referral, treatment and management hours; first-renewal prorating and permitted good-cause relief apply under 20 CSR 2263-2.082. The statutory trafficking-training subsection takes effect January 1, 2027 and does not apply on this evaluation date.
Existing license
Hold the applicable current Missouri social work license; renew before its expiration date.
Renewal cycle
Biennial renewal; the Committee states licenses expire September 30, with the particular expiration shown on the license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration within sixty days after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit completed renewal form, proof of satisfaction of CE requirements, renewal fee and delinquency fee.
Expiration
License expired for sixty days or less.
Practice restriction
Do not practice while the license is expired.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration after sixty days and before two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Additional ce
Complete additional lapse-period CE using months not renewed divided by 24, multiplied by 30 and rounded as the rule specifies, in addition to thirty renewal hours; proof accompanies the application.
Application
Submit completed renewal form, CE proof, renewal fee and restoration fee.
Expiration
License expired more than sixty days but less than two years.
Practice restriction
Do not practice while the license is expired.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker

Missouri Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker. Examination issuance, reciprocity, renewal, restoration and inactive-status routes are recorded separately. Inactive status and reinstatement retain this license identity. Provisional issuance is rescinded under 20 CSR 2263-2.045.

Licensing authority: Missouri State Committee for Social Workers · Application information

Licensure by examination
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Age
At least eighteen years old.
Application
Submit the appropriate class-specific completed application and fee; official transcripts must come directly from the institution, and supervision attestations directly from the supervisor where applicable.
Application window
Complete the application within one year after initial submission under 20 CSR 2263-2.050(6).
Background check
Submit fingerprints for Missouri State Highway Patrol and FBI background checks; the applicant pays the vendor fees.
Criminal eligibility
No disqualifying offense directly related to occupational duties under the controlling licensure statute and RSMo 324.012; affirmative application disclosures require a sworn affidavit and appropriate records under 20 CSR 2263-2.050(4)(G).
Early exam
20 CSR 2263-2.050(4)(E) permits the examination in the final semester with the program official’s graduation-track letter; the Committee ASWB webpage further states 60 days before graduation. Licensure requires the final qualifying degree and official transcript.
Education
A baccalaureate social work degree from a CSWE-accredited social work program.
Exam window
Pass the required examination within two calendar years after approval to sit under 20 CSR 2263-2.051; otherwise the application expires and reapplication is required.
Residency status
United States citizenship or legal resident alien status.
Suicide training
Complete two hours of suicide assessment, referral, treatment and management training within the two years before application.
Biennial inactive license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit updated renewal form and inactive renewal fee biennially; renew by the stated expiration.
Continuing education
Inactive renewal does not require CE; return to active practice has separate qualifications.
Inactive license
Maintain the applicable license in inactive status.
Practice restriction
No practice while inactive unless otherwise authorized by law.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Request inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing license
Hold the applicable Missouri social work license and request inactive status in writing.
Fee
Pay the inactive-status fee and maintain biennial inactive renewals.
Practice restriction
No Missouri social work practice while inactive unless otherwise allowed by law; place inactive adjacent to the title.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Expedited reciprocity for a law enforcement spouse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the reciprocity application, fee, verification directly from every jurisdiction in which licensed, fingerprint background-check results and proof of two hours of suicide prevention training within two years. Current form MO 375-0901 (8-2025) expressly lists these five requirements.
Compact limit
Under current RSMo 324.009.11 this license is valid only in Missouri, does not establish compact eligibility, and an applicant licensed elsewhere pursuant to a compact is not eligible for this general reciprocity provision.
Fees
The statutory qualification waiver does not itself waive fees; applicable fee-waiver eligibility is separate.
Good standing
No disqualifying revocation, unresolved investigation, complaint, disciplinary action, lack of good standing or Missouri-disqualifying criminal record; any corrected disciplinary matter is evaluated by the Committee.
Prior license
Hold a valid current license at the same occupation and practice level for at least one year in an eligible United States jurisdiction or military branch; supply verification of current licensure and that period.
Qualification verification
The originating jurisdiction must verify that its minimum education and any applicable experience and supervision requirements were met; the Committee evaluates eligibility for the statutory waiver.
Review deadline
Issue the license and waive examination, education and experience requirements within thirty days for the qualifying spouse, subject to statutory exclusions.
Spouse status
Meet the resident or nonresident law-enforcement spouse definition in RSMo 324.009.1, including the applicable transfer, domicile or employment conditions.
Unnamed state law examination
The accelerated spouse provision directs waiver of all examination qualifications for an otherwise eligible applicant.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Expedited reciprocity for a military spouse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the reciprocity application, fee, verification directly from every jurisdiction in which licensed, fingerprint background-check results and proof of two hours of suicide prevention training within two years. Current form MO 375-0901 (8-2025) expressly lists these five requirements.
Compact limit
Under current RSMo 324.009.11 this license is valid only in Missouri, does not establish compact eligibility, and an applicant licensed elsewhere pursuant to a compact is not eligible for this general reciprocity provision.
Fees
The statutory qualification waiver does not itself waive fees; applicable fee-waiver eligibility is separate.
Good standing
No disqualifying revocation, unresolved investigation, complaint, disciplinary action, lack of good standing or Missouri-disqualifying criminal record; any corrected disciplinary matter is evaluated by the Committee.
Prior license
Hold a valid current license at the same occupation and practice level for at least one year in an eligible United States jurisdiction or military branch; supply verification of current licensure and that period.
Qualification verification
The originating jurisdiction must verify that its minimum education and any applicable experience and supervision requirements were met; the Committee evaluates eligibility for the statutory waiver.
Review deadline
Issue the license and waive examination, education and experience requirements within thirty days for the qualifying spouse, subject to statutory exclusions.
Spouse status
Meet the resident or nonresident military spouse definition in RSMo 324.009.1, including the applicable transfer, domicile or employment conditions.
Unnamed state law examination
The accelerated spouse provision directs waiver of all examination qualifications for an otherwise eligible applicant.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation after at least five inactive years without sixty CE hours
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Application
Complete the renewal form, pay the renewal fee and satisfy 20 CSR 2263-2.090(5) CE requirements in addition to the examination.
Cross reference
20 CSR 2263-2.090(6) still prints 2.050(4)(D). In the current 2.050, (D) is suicide training and the examination list is (E). The operative words examination required for licensure are applied to the current (E) category list; no new state examination is inferred.
Examination
Successfully complete the ASWB category required for this license.
Inactive period
Inactive for five years or more and fewer than sixty CE hours completed in five years.
Reactivation satisfying the continuing education alternative
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Complete a renewal form and pay the renewal fee.
Continuing education
Show thirty CE hours in the prior two years or agree to complete thirty hours within one calendar year after reactivation.
Examination boundary
The examination condition in 20 CSR 2263-2.090(6) applies only when both five inactive years and lack of sixty CE hours in five years are present.
Inactive period
Either inactive for less than five years, or inactive for five years or more with sixty CE hours completed within five years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reapplication after at least two expired years or revocation
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Alternative route
An applicant independently qualifying for statutory reciprocity waiver follows that separate route. Any Committee-approved reuse of a still valid score is an applicant condition, not removal of the registered examination.
Prior license
Previously held the applicable Missouri license, now expired for two years or more or revoked.
Qualifications
Meet the current education, eligibility, background check, supervised-experience and ASWB-score requirements of the applicable examination route; for independent practice also establish the underlying LBSW license and statutory independent-practice supervision.
Reapplication
20 CSR 2263-2.085(3) requires a new licensure application under the current substantive requirements, rather than restoration.
Reciprocity with full qualification review
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Age
At least eighteen years old.
Application
Submit the appropriate class-specific completed application and fee; official transcripts must come directly from the institution, and supervision attestations directly from the supervisor where applicable.
Application window
Complete the application within one year after initial submission under 20 CSR 2263-2.050(6).
Background check
Submit fingerprints for Missouri State Highway Patrol and FBI background checks; the applicant pays the vendor fees.
Board instruction
The current Board reciprocity page says applicants licensed for less than one year should contact the office for application steps; the substantive requirements remain those in the controlling statute and rules.
Criminal eligibility
No disqualifying offense directly related to occupational duties under the controlling licensure statute and RSMo 324.012; affirmative application disclosures require a sworn affidavit and appropriate records under 20 CSR 2263-2.050(4)(G).
Early exam
20 CSR 2263-2.050(4)(E) permits the examination in the final semester with the program official’s graduation-track letter; the Committee ASWB webpage further states 60 days before graduation. Licensure requires the final qualifying degree and official transcript.
Education
A baccalaureate social work degree from a CSWE-accredited social work program.
Exam window
Pass the required examination within two calendar years after approval to sit under 20 CSR 2263-2.051; otherwise the application expires and reapplication is required.
Existing license
A valid active social work license in another state or territory, subject to Committee verification under 20 CSR 2263-2.060(1)(C).
Residency status
United States citizenship or legal resident alien status.
Suicide training
Complete two hours of suicide assessment, referral, treatment and management training within the two years before application.
Waiver boundary
This route applies only where a mandatory statutory examination waiver is not available; for example, licensure held for less than one year. A qualifying waiver applicant uses the waiver route instead.
Reciprocity with statutory qualification waiver
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the reciprocity application, fee, verification directly from every jurisdiction in which licensed, fingerprint background-check results and proof of two hours of suicide prevention training within two years. Current form MO 375-0901 (8-2025) expressly lists these five requirements.
Compact limit
Under current RSMo 324.009.11 this license is valid only in Missouri, does not establish compact eligibility, and an applicant licensed elsewhere pursuant to a compact is not eligible for this general reciprocity provision.
Fees
The statutory qualification waiver does not itself waive fees; applicable fee-waiver eligibility is separate.
Good standing
No disqualifying revocation, unresolved investigation, complaint, disciplinary action, lack of good standing or Missouri-disqualifying criminal record; any corrected disciplinary matter is evaluated by the Committee.
Prior license
Hold a valid current license at the same occupation and practice level for at least one year in an eligible United States jurisdiction or military branch; supply verification of current licensure and that period.
Qualification verification
The originating jurisdiction must verify that its minimum education and any applicable experience and supervision requirements were met; the Committee evaluates eligibility for the statutory waiver.
Review deadline
Ordinary statutory reciprocity waiver is determined within six months.
Unnamed state law examination
The statutes permit the Committee to require an examination specific to Missouri laws. This unnamed discretionary slot does not identify a separately registered examination; the current reciprocity checklist and 20 CSR 2263-2.060 specify no such examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial active license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the completed renewal form, required disclosures and renewal fee; do not practice after lapse.
Continuing education
30 acceptable CE hours including three ethics hours and two suicide assessment, referral, treatment and management hours; first-renewal prorating and permitted good-cause relief apply under 20 CSR 2263-2.082. The statutory trafficking-training subsection takes effect January 1, 2027 and does not apply on this evaluation date.
Existing license
Hold the applicable current Missouri social work license; renew before its expiration date.
Renewal cycle
Biennial renewal; the Committee states licenses expire September 30, with the particular expiration shown on the license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration within sixty days after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit completed renewal form, proof of satisfaction of CE requirements, renewal fee and delinquency fee.
Expiration
License expired for sixty days or less.
Practice restriction
Do not practice while the license is expired.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration after sixty days and before two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Additional ce
Complete additional lapse-period CE using months not renewed divided by 24, multiplied by 30 and rounded as the rule specifies, in addition to thirty renewal hours; proof accompanies the application.
Application
Submit completed renewal form, CE proof, renewal fee and restoration fee.
Expiration
License expired more than sixty days but less than two years.
Practice restriction
Do not practice while the license is expired.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker — Independent Practice

A certificate recognizing independent practice on the existing baccalaureate license, with independent practice or IP next to the license under RSMo 337.653.3. It is an authorization distinct from ordinary LBSW scope, not a separate examination.

Licensing authority: Missouri State Committee for Social Workers · Application information

Biennial inactive license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit updated renewal form and inactive renewal fee biennially; renew by the stated expiration.
Continuing education
Inactive renewal does not require CE; return to active practice has separate qualifications.
Inactive license
Maintain the applicable license in inactive status.
Practice restriction
No practice while inactive unless otherwise authorized by law.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Request inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing license
Hold the applicable Missouri social work license and request inactive status in writing.
Fee
Pay the inactive-status fee and maintain biennial inactive renewals.
Practice restriction
No Missouri social work practice while inactive unless otherwise allowed by law; place inactive adjacent to the title.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation after at least five inactive years without sixty CE hours
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Application
Complete the renewal form, pay the renewal fee and satisfy 20 CSR 2263-2.090(5) CE requirements in addition to the examination.
Cross reference
20 CSR 2263-2.090(6) still prints 2.050(4)(D). In the current 2.050, (D) is suicide training and the examination list is (E). The operative words examination required for licensure are applied to the current (E) category list; no new state examination is inferred.
Examination
Successfully complete the ASWB category required for this license.
Inactive period
Inactive for five years or more and fewer than sixty CE hours completed in five years.
Reactivation satisfying the continuing education alternative
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Complete a renewal form and pay the renewal fee.
Continuing education
Show thirty CE hours in the prior two years or agree to complete thirty hours within one calendar year after reactivation.
Examination boundary
The examination condition in 20 CSR 2263-2.090(6) applies only when both five inactive years and lack of sixty CE hours in five years are present.
Inactive period
Either inactive for less than five years, or inactive for five years or more with sixty CE hours completed within five years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reapplication after at least two expired years or revocation
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Alternative route
An applicant independently qualifying for statutory reciprocity waiver follows that separate route. Any Committee-approved reuse of a still valid score is an applicant condition, not removal of the registered examination.
Prior license
Previously held the applicable Missouri license, now expired for two years or more or revoked.
Qualifications
Meet the current education, eligibility, background check, supervised-experience and ASWB-score requirements of the applicable examination route; for independent practice also establish the underlying LBSW license and statutory independent-practice supervision.
Reapplication
20 CSR 2263-2.085(3) requires a new licensure application under the current substantive requirements, rather than restoration.
Biennial active license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the completed renewal form, required disclosures and renewal fee; do not practice after lapse.
Continuing education
30 acceptable CE hours including three ethics hours and two suicide assessment, referral, treatment and management hours; first-renewal prorating and permitted good-cause relief apply under 20 CSR 2263-2.082. The statutory trafficking-training subsection takes effect January 1, 2027 and does not apply on this evaluation date.
Existing license
Hold the applicable current Missouri social work license; renew before its expiration date.
Renewal cycle
Biennial renewal; the Committee states licenses expire September 30, with the particular expiration shown on the license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration within sixty days after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit completed renewal form, proof of satisfaction of CE requirements, renewal fee and delinquency fee.
Expiration
License expired for sixty days or less.
Practice restriction
Do not practice while the license is expired.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration after sixty days and before two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Additional ce
Complete additional lapse-period CE using months not renewed divided by 24, multiplied by 30 and rounded as the rule specifies, in addition to thirty renewal hours; proof accompanies the application.
Application
Submit completed renewal form, CE proof, renewal fee and restoration fee.
Expiration
License expired more than sixty days but less than two years.
Practice restriction
Do not practice while the license is expired.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Independent practice certification after supervised baccalaureate experience
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Exam score
20 CSR 2263-2.050(4)(E)2 explicitly lists the Bachelors examination for independent practice. A currently offered registered examination remains a leaf even if passed before this application; this does not require an unnecessary repeat sitting.
Prior license
Hold the baccalaureate social worker license before qualifying supervision.
Statutory waiver
An applicant whose underlying baccalaureate license was obtained with a statutory examination waiver must be considered under that waiver. RSMo 337.665.5 issues the certificate on licensure and supervised experience; the implementing rule’s score verification must be read subject to that statutory eligibility.
Supervised experience
Satisfactorily complete 3,000 supervised baccalaureate hours with a qualified baccalaureate supervisor in 24-48 consecutive calendar months.
Supervision registration
Register the qualified supervisor and setting and provide the required attestation.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Missouri Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Examination issuance, reciprocity, renewal, restoration and inactive-status routes are recorded separately. Inactive status and reinstatement retain this license identity. Provisional issuance is rescinded under 20 CSR 2263-2.045.

Licensing authority: Missouri State Committee for Social Workers · Application information

Licensure by examination
ASWB Clinical Exam
Age
At least eighteen years old.
Application
Submit the appropriate class-specific completed application and fee; official transcripts must come directly from the institution, and supervision attestations directly from the supervisor where applicable.
Application window
Complete the application within one year after initial submission under 20 CSR 2263-2.050(6).
Background check
Submit fingerprints for Missouri State Highway Patrol and FBI background checks; the applicant pays the vendor fees.
Clinical practice
When working clinically, remain under approved supervision until the license is approved and issued.
Criminal eligibility
No disqualifying offense directly related to occupational duties under the controlling licensure statute and RSMo 324.012; affirmative application disclosures require a sworn affidavit and appropriate records under 20 CSR 2263-2.050(4)(G).
Early exam
The appropriate ASWB examination may be taken after at least 2,250 hours and 18 months of supervision; the supervisor confirms progress. Licensure still requires the full 3,000 hours and required supervision period.
Education
A CSWE-accredited or Committee-recognized and approved master’s social work degree, or the doctorate accepted under the applicable licensure statute.
Exam window
Pass the required examination within two calendar years after approval to sit under 20 CSR 2263-2.051; otherwise the application expires and reapplication is required.
Prior missouri license
Hold a current Missouri LMSW license before beginning qualifying supervision, as specified by the Committee application packet and 20 CSR 2263-2.030(1).
Residency status
United States citizenship or legal resident alien status.
Suicide training
Complete two hours of suicide assessment, referral, treatment and management training within the two years before application.
Supervised experience
Complete at least 3,000 hours of the appropriate clinical or advanced macro supervised experience within 24-48 consecutive calendar months with an acceptable qualified supervisor; register supervision and setting with the Committee.
Biennial inactive license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit updated renewal form and inactive renewal fee biennially; renew by the stated expiration.
Continuing education
Inactive renewal does not require CE; return to active practice has separate qualifications.
Inactive license
Maintain the applicable license in inactive status.
Practice restriction
No practice while inactive unless otherwise authorized by law.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Request inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing license
Hold the applicable Missouri social work license and request inactive status in writing.
Fee
Pay the inactive-status fee and maintain biennial inactive renewals.
Practice restriction
No Missouri social work practice while inactive unless otherwise allowed by law; place inactive adjacent to the title.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Expedited reciprocity for a law enforcement spouse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the reciprocity application, fee, verification directly from every jurisdiction in which licensed, fingerprint background-check results and proof of two hours of suicide prevention training within two years. Current form MO 375-0901 (8-2025) expressly lists these five requirements.
Compact limit
Under current RSMo 324.009.11 this license is valid only in Missouri, does not establish compact eligibility, and an applicant licensed elsewhere pursuant to a compact is not eligible for this general reciprocity provision.
Fees
The statutory qualification waiver does not itself waive fees; applicable fee-waiver eligibility is separate.
Good standing
No disqualifying revocation, unresolved investigation, complaint, disciplinary action, lack of good standing or Missouri-disqualifying criminal record; any corrected disciplinary matter is evaluated by the Committee.
Prior license
Hold a valid current license at the same occupation and practice level for at least one year in an eligible United States jurisdiction or military branch; supply verification of current licensure and that period.
Qualification verification
The originating jurisdiction must verify that its minimum education and any applicable experience and supervision requirements were met; the Committee evaluates eligibility for the statutory waiver.
Review deadline
Issue the license and waive examination, education and experience requirements within thirty days for the qualifying spouse, subject to statutory exclusions.
Spouse status
Meet the resident or nonresident law-enforcement spouse definition in RSMo 324.009.1, including the applicable transfer, domicile or employment conditions.
Unnamed state law examination
The accelerated spouse provision directs waiver of all examination qualifications for an otherwise eligible applicant.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Expedited reciprocity for a military spouse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the reciprocity application, fee, verification directly from every jurisdiction in which licensed, fingerprint background-check results and proof of two hours of suicide prevention training within two years. Current form MO 375-0901 (8-2025) expressly lists these five requirements.
Compact limit
Under current RSMo 324.009.11 this license is valid only in Missouri, does not establish compact eligibility, and an applicant licensed elsewhere pursuant to a compact is not eligible for this general reciprocity provision.
Fees
The statutory qualification waiver does not itself waive fees; applicable fee-waiver eligibility is separate.
Good standing
No disqualifying revocation, unresolved investigation, complaint, disciplinary action, lack of good standing or Missouri-disqualifying criminal record; any corrected disciplinary matter is evaluated by the Committee.
Prior license
Hold a valid current license at the same occupation and practice level for at least one year in an eligible United States jurisdiction or military branch; supply verification of current licensure and that period.
Qualification verification
The originating jurisdiction must verify that its minimum education and any applicable experience and supervision requirements were met; the Committee evaluates eligibility for the statutory waiver.
Review deadline
Issue the license and waive examination, education and experience requirements within thirty days for the qualifying spouse, subject to statutory exclusions.
Spouse status
Meet the resident or nonresident military spouse definition in RSMo 324.009.1, including the applicable transfer, domicile or employment conditions.
Unnamed state law examination
The accelerated spouse provision directs waiver of all examination qualifications for an otherwise eligible applicant.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation after at least five inactive years without sixty CE hours
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Complete the renewal form, pay the renewal fee and satisfy 20 CSR 2263-2.090(5) CE requirements in addition to the examination.
Cross reference
20 CSR 2263-2.090(6) still prints 2.050(4)(D). In the current 2.050, (D) is suicide training and the examination list is (E). The operative words examination required for licensure are applied to the current (E) category list; no new state examination is inferred.
Examination
Successfully complete the ASWB category required for this license.
Inactive period
Inactive for five years or more and fewer than sixty CE hours completed in five years.
Reactivation satisfying the continuing education alternative
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Complete a renewal form and pay the renewal fee.
Continuing education
Show thirty CE hours in the prior two years or agree to complete thirty hours within one calendar year after reactivation.
Examination boundary
The examination condition in 20 CSR 2263-2.090(6) applies only when both five inactive years and lack of sixty CE hours in five years are present.
Inactive period
Either inactive for less than five years, or inactive for five years or more with sixty CE hours completed within five years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reapplication after at least two expired years or revocation
ASWB Clinical Exam
Alternative route
An applicant independently qualifying for statutory reciprocity waiver follows that separate route. Any Committee-approved reuse of a still valid score is an applicant condition, not removal of the registered examination.
Prior license
Previously held the applicable Missouri license, now expired for two years or more or revoked.
Qualifications
Meet the current education, eligibility, background check, supervised-experience and ASWB-score requirements of the applicable examination route; for independent practice also establish the underlying LBSW license and statutory independent-practice supervision.
Reapplication
20 CSR 2263-2.085(3) requires a new licensure application under the current substantive requirements, rather than restoration.
Reciprocity with full qualification review
ASWB Clinical Exam
Age
At least eighteen years old.
Application
Submit the appropriate class-specific completed application and fee; official transcripts must come directly from the institution, and supervision attestations directly from the supervisor where applicable.
Application window
Complete the application within one year after initial submission under 20 CSR 2263-2.050(6).
Background check
Submit fingerprints for Missouri State Highway Patrol and FBI background checks; the applicant pays the vendor fees.
Board instruction
The current Board reciprocity page says applicants licensed for less than one year should contact the office for application steps; the substantive requirements remain those in the controlling statute and rules.
Clinical practice
When working clinically, remain under approved supervision until the license is approved and issued.
Criminal eligibility
No disqualifying offense directly related to occupational duties under the controlling licensure statute and RSMo 324.012; affirmative application disclosures require a sworn affidavit and appropriate records under 20 CSR 2263-2.050(4)(G).
Early exam
The appropriate ASWB examination may be taken after at least 2,250 hours and 18 months of supervision; the supervisor confirms progress. Licensure still requires the full 3,000 hours and required supervision period.
Education
A CSWE-accredited or Committee-recognized and approved master’s social work degree, or the doctorate accepted under the applicable licensure statute.
Exam window
Pass the required examination within two calendar years after approval to sit under 20 CSR 2263-2.051; otherwise the application expires and reapplication is required.
Existing license
A valid active social work license in another state or territory, subject to Committee verification under 20 CSR 2263-2.060(1)(C).
Prior missouri license
Hold a current Missouri LMSW license before beginning qualifying supervision, as specified by the Committee application packet and 20 CSR 2263-2.030(1).
Residency status
United States citizenship or legal resident alien status.
Suicide training
Complete two hours of suicide assessment, referral, treatment and management training within the two years before application.
Supervised experience
Complete at least 3,000 hours of the appropriate clinical or advanced macro supervised experience within 24-48 consecutive calendar months with an acceptable qualified supervisor; register supervision and setting with the Committee.
Waiver boundary
This route applies only where a mandatory statutory examination waiver is not available; for example, licensure held for less than one year. A qualifying waiver applicant uses the waiver route instead.
Reciprocity with statutory qualification waiver
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the reciprocity application, fee, verification directly from every jurisdiction in which licensed, fingerprint background-check results and proof of two hours of suicide prevention training within two years. Current form MO 375-0901 (8-2025) expressly lists these five requirements.
Compact limit
Under current RSMo 324.009.11 this license is valid only in Missouri, does not establish compact eligibility, and an applicant licensed elsewhere pursuant to a compact is not eligible for this general reciprocity provision.
Fees
The statutory qualification waiver does not itself waive fees; applicable fee-waiver eligibility is separate.
Good standing
No disqualifying revocation, unresolved investigation, complaint, disciplinary action, lack of good standing or Missouri-disqualifying criminal record; any corrected disciplinary matter is evaluated by the Committee.
Prior license
Hold a valid current license at the same occupation and practice level for at least one year in an eligible United States jurisdiction or military branch; supply verification of current licensure and that period.
Qualification verification
The originating jurisdiction must verify that its minimum education and any applicable experience and supervision requirements were met; the Committee evaluates eligibility for the statutory waiver.
Review deadline
Ordinary statutory reciprocity waiver is determined within six months.
Unnamed state law examination
The statutes permit the Committee to require an examination specific to Missouri laws. This unnamed discretionary slot does not identify a separately registered examination; the current reciprocity checklist and 20 CSR 2263-2.060 specify no such examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial active license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the completed renewal form, required disclosures and renewal fee; do not practice after lapse.
Continuing education
30 acceptable CE hours including three ethics hours and two suicide assessment, referral, treatment and management hours; first-renewal prorating and permitted good-cause relief apply under 20 CSR 2263-2.082. The statutory trafficking-training subsection takes effect January 1, 2027 and does not apply on this evaluation date.
Existing license
Hold the applicable current Missouri social work license; renew before its expiration date.
Renewal cycle
Biennial renewal; the Committee states licenses expire September 30, with the particular expiration shown on the license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration within sixty days after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit completed renewal form, proof of satisfaction of CE requirements, renewal fee and delinquency fee.
Expiration
License expired for sixty days or less.
Practice restriction
Do not practice while the license is expired.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration after sixty days and before two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Additional ce
Complete additional lapse-period CE using months not renewed divided by 24, multiplied by 30 and rounded as the rule specifies, in addition to thirty renewal hours; proof accompanies the application.
Application
Submit completed renewal form, CE proof, renewal fee and restoration fee.
Expiration
License expired more than sixty days but less than two years.
Practice restriction
Do not practice while the license is expired.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensed Master Social Worker

Missouri Licensed Master Social Worker. Examination issuance, reciprocity, renewal, restoration and inactive-status routes are recorded separately. Inactive status and reinstatement retain this license identity. Provisional issuance is rescinded under 20 CSR 2263-2.045.

Licensing authority: Missouri State Committee for Social Workers · Application information

Licensure by examination
ASWB Masters Exam
Age
At least eighteen years old.
Application
Submit the appropriate class-specific completed application and fee; official transcripts must come directly from the institution, and supervision attestations directly from the supervisor where applicable.
Application window
Complete the application within one year after initial submission under 20 CSR 2263-2.050(6).
Background check
Submit fingerprints for Missouri State Highway Patrol and FBI background checks; the applicant pays the vendor fees.
Criminal eligibility
No disqualifying offense directly related to occupational duties under the controlling licensure statute and RSMo 324.012; affirmative application disclosures require a sworn affidavit and appropriate records under 20 CSR 2263-2.050(4)(G).
Early exam
20 CSR 2263-2.050(4)(E) permits the examination in the final semester with the program official’s graduation-track letter; the Committee ASWB webpage further states 60 days before graduation. Licensure requires the final qualifying degree and official transcript.
Education
A CSWE-accredited or Committee-recognized and approved master’s social work degree, or the doctorate accepted under the applicable licensure statute.
Exam window
Pass the required examination within two calendar years after approval to sit under 20 CSR 2263-2.051; otherwise the application expires and reapplication is required.
Residency status
United States citizenship or legal resident alien status.
Suicide training
Complete two hours of suicide assessment, referral, treatment and management training within the two years before application.
Biennial inactive license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit updated renewal form and inactive renewal fee biennially; renew by the stated expiration.
Continuing education
Inactive renewal does not require CE; return to active practice has separate qualifications.
Inactive license
Maintain the applicable license in inactive status.
Practice restriction
No practice while inactive unless otherwise authorized by law.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Request inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing license
Hold the applicable Missouri social work license and request inactive status in writing.
Fee
Pay the inactive-status fee and maintain biennial inactive renewals.
Practice restriction
No Missouri social work practice while inactive unless otherwise allowed by law; place inactive adjacent to the title.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Expedited reciprocity for a law enforcement spouse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the reciprocity application, fee, verification directly from every jurisdiction in which licensed, fingerprint background-check results and proof of two hours of suicide prevention training within two years. Current form MO 375-0901 (8-2025) expressly lists these five requirements.
Compact limit
Under current RSMo 324.009.11 this license is valid only in Missouri, does not establish compact eligibility, and an applicant licensed elsewhere pursuant to a compact is not eligible for this general reciprocity provision.
Fees
The statutory qualification waiver does not itself waive fees; applicable fee-waiver eligibility is separate.
Good standing
No disqualifying revocation, unresolved investigation, complaint, disciplinary action, lack of good standing or Missouri-disqualifying criminal record; any corrected disciplinary matter is evaluated by the Committee.
Prior license
Hold a valid current license at the same occupation and practice level for at least one year in an eligible United States jurisdiction or military branch; supply verification of current licensure and that period.
Qualification verification
The originating jurisdiction must verify that its minimum education and any applicable experience and supervision requirements were met; the Committee evaluates eligibility for the statutory waiver.
Review deadline
Issue the license and waive examination, education and experience requirements within thirty days for the qualifying spouse, subject to statutory exclusions.
Spouse status
Meet the resident or nonresident law-enforcement spouse definition in RSMo 324.009.1, including the applicable transfer, domicile or employment conditions.
Unnamed state law examination
The accelerated spouse provision directs waiver of all examination qualifications for an otherwise eligible applicant.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Expedited reciprocity for a military spouse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the reciprocity application, fee, verification directly from every jurisdiction in which licensed, fingerprint background-check results and proof of two hours of suicide prevention training within two years. Current form MO 375-0901 (8-2025) expressly lists these five requirements.
Compact limit
Under current RSMo 324.009.11 this license is valid only in Missouri, does not establish compact eligibility, and an applicant licensed elsewhere pursuant to a compact is not eligible for this general reciprocity provision.
Fees
The statutory qualification waiver does not itself waive fees; applicable fee-waiver eligibility is separate.
Good standing
No disqualifying revocation, unresolved investigation, complaint, disciplinary action, lack of good standing or Missouri-disqualifying criminal record; any corrected disciplinary matter is evaluated by the Committee.
Prior license
Hold a valid current license at the same occupation and practice level for at least one year in an eligible United States jurisdiction or military branch; supply verification of current licensure and that period.
Qualification verification
The originating jurisdiction must verify that its minimum education and any applicable experience and supervision requirements were met; the Committee evaluates eligibility for the statutory waiver.
Review deadline
Issue the license and waive examination, education and experience requirements within thirty days for the qualifying spouse, subject to statutory exclusions.
Spouse status
Meet the resident or nonresident military spouse definition in RSMo 324.009.1, including the applicable transfer, domicile or employment conditions.
Unnamed state law examination
The accelerated spouse provision directs waiver of all examination qualifications for an otherwise eligible applicant.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation after at least five inactive years without sixty CE hours
ASWB Masters Exam
Application
Complete the renewal form, pay the renewal fee and satisfy 20 CSR 2263-2.090(5) CE requirements in addition to the examination.
Cross reference
20 CSR 2263-2.090(6) still prints 2.050(4)(D). In the current 2.050, (D) is suicide training and the examination list is (E). The operative words examination required for licensure are applied to the current (E) category list; no new state examination is inferred.
Examination
Successfully complete the ASWB category required for this license.
Inactive period
Inactive for five years or more and fewer than sixty CE hours completed in five years.
Reactivation satisfying the continuing education alternative
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Complete a renewal form and pay the renewal fee.
Continuing education
Show thirty CE hours in the prior two years or agree to complete thirty hours within one calendar year after reactivation.
Examination boundary
The examination condition in 20 CSR 2263-2.090(6) applies only when both five inactive years and lack of sixty CE hours in five years are present.
Inactive period
Either inactive for less than five years, or inactive for five years or more with sixty CE hours completed within five years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reapplication after at least two expired years or revocation
ASWB Masters Exam
Alternative route
An applicant independently qualifying for statutory reciprocity waiver follows that separate route. Any Committee-approved reuse of a still valid score is an applicant condition, not removal of the registered examination.
Prior license
Previously held the applicable Missouri license, now expired for two years or more or revoked.
Qualifications
Meet the current education, eligibility, background check, supervised-experience and ASWB-score requirements of the applicable examination route; for independent practice also establish the underlying LBSW license and statutory independent-practice supervision.
Reapplication
20 CSR 2263-2.085(3) requires a new licensure application under the current substantive requirements, rather than restoration.
Reciprocity with full qualification review
ASWB Masters Exam
Age
At least eighteen years old.
Application
Submit the appropriate class-specific completed application and fee; official transcripts must come directly from the institution, and supervision attestations directly from the supervisor where applicable.
Application window
Complete the application within one year after initial submission under 20 CSR 2263-2.050(6).
Background check
Submit fingerprints for Missouri State Highway Patrol and FBI background checks; the applicant pays the vendor fees.
Board instruction
The current Board reciprocity page says applicants licensed for less than one year should contact the office for application steps; the substantive requirements remain those in the controlling statute and rules.
Criminal eligibility
No disqualifying offense directly related to occupational duties under the controlling licensure statute and RSMo 324.012; affirmative application disclosures require a sworn affidavit and appropriate records under 20 CSR 2263-2.050(4)(G).
Early exam
20 CSR 2263-2.050(4)(E) permits the examination in the final semester with the program official’s graduation-track letter; the Committee ASWB webpage further states 60 days before graduation. Licensure requires the final qualifying degree and official transcript.
Education
A CSWE-accredited or Committee-recognized and approved master’s social work degree, or the doctorate accepted under the applicable licensure statute.
Exam window
Pass the required examination within two calendar years after approval to sit under 20 CSR 2263-2.051; otherwise the application expires and reapplication is required.
Existing license
A valid active social work license in another state or territory, subject to Committee verification under 20 CSR 2263-2.060(1)(C).
Residency status
United States citizenship or legal resident alien status.
Suicide training
Complete two hours of suicide assessment, referral, treatment and management training within the two years before application.
Waiver boundary
This route applies only where a mandatory statutory examination waiver is not available; for example, licensure held for less than one year. A qualifying waiver applicant uses the waiver route instead.
Reciprocity with statutory qualification waiver
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the reciprocity application, fee, verification directly from every jurisdiction in which licensed, fingerprint background-check results and proof of two hours of suicide prevention training within two years. Current form MO 375-0901 (8-2025) expressly lists these five requirements.
Compact limit
Under current RSMo 324.009.11 this license is valid only in Missouri, does not establish compact eligibility, and an applicant licensed elsewhere pursuant to a compact is not eligible for this general reciprocity provision.
Fees
The statutory qualification waiver does not itself waive fees; applicable fee-waiver eligibility is separate.
Good standing
No disqualifying revocation, unresolved investigation, complaint, disciplinary action, lack of good standing or Missouri-disqualifying criminal record; any corrected disciplinary matter is evaluated by the Committee.
Prior license
Hold a valid current license at the same occupation and practice level for at least one year in an eligible United States jurisdiction or military branch; supply verification of current licensure and that period.
Qualification verification
The originating jurisdiction must verify that its minimum education and any applicable experience and supervision requirements were met; the Committee evaluates eligibility for the statutory waiver.
Review deadline
Ordinary statutory reciprocity waiver is determined within six months.
Unnamed state law examination
The statutes permit the Committee to require an examination specific to Missouri laws. This unnamed discretionary slot does not identify a separately registered examination; the current reciprocity checklist and 20 CSR 2263-2.060 specify no such examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial active license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the completed renewal form, required disclosures and renewal fee; do not practice after lapse.
Continuing education
30 acceptable CE hours including three ethics hours and two suicide assessment, referral, treatment and management hours; first-renewal prorating and permitted good-cause relief apply under 20 CSR 2263-2.082. The statutory trafficking-training subsection takes effect January 1, 2027 and does not apply on this evaluation date.
Existing license
Hold the applicable current Missouri social work license; renew before its expiration date.
Renewal cycle
Biennial renewal; the Committee states licenses expire September 30, with the particular expiration shown on the license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration within sixty days after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit completed renewal form, proof of satisfaction of CE requirements, renewal fee and delinquency fee.
Expiration
License expired for sixty days or less.
Practice restriction
Do not practice while the license is expired.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration after sixty days and before two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Additional ce
Complete additional lapse-period CE using months not renewed divided by 24, multiplied by 30 and rounded as the rule specifies, in addition to thirty renewal hours; proof accompanies the application.
Application
Submit completed renewal form, CE proof, renewal fee and restoration fee.
Expiration
License expired more than sixty days but less than two years.
Practice restriction
Do not practice while the license is expired.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam

Provider
Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB); administered on computer at Pearson test centers
Format
Computer-based multiple-choice examination (three- and four-option questions) in two 61-question sections, each with a two-hour time limit; scored and pretest questions are mixed together; results reported as pass/fail
Exam questions
122 multiple-choice questions: 110 scored and 12 unscored pretest questions
Time limit
4 hours (two sections, each with a two-hour time limit)
Passing score
Pass/fail; the number of correct answers required varies by exam form and generally ranges from 66 to 78 of the 110 scored questions
Exam fee
US$260 exam registration fee
Examination outline
  • I. VALUES AND ETHICS (35%) (35%)
    • IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Legal and ethical issues related to the practice of social work, including responsibility to clients/client systems, colleagues, the profession, and society
    • IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Professional values and principles (e.g., competence, social justice, integrity, dignity and worth of the person)
    • IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Legal and ethical issues regarding confidentiality, including limitations of confidentiality (e.g., HIPAA, PHI, privacy)
    • IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Principles and processes of obtaining informed consent
    • IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Identifying and resolving ethical dilemmas
    • IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Burnout, secondary trauma, and compassion fatigue
    • IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Social worker self-care principles
    • IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Importance of professional development activities to improve practice and maintain current professional knowledge (e.g., in-service training, licensing requirements, reviews of literature, workshops, on-going supervision, consultation)
    • IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Protecting and enhancing client/client system self-determination (e.g., medication, medical treatment, counseling, placement, right to refuse services)
    • IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Professional boundaries in the social worker-client/client system relationship (e.g., power differences, influence, privilege, conflicts of interest, self-disclosure, dual relationships)
    • IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Legal and ethical issues regarding documentation (e.g., maintaining client records)
    • IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Legal and ethical issues regarding mandatory reporting (e.g., abuse, threat of harm, impaired professionals, duty to warn)
    • IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Impact of governmental policies on service delivery (e.g., local, state, federal legislation and policy)
    • IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Legal and ethical issues related to death and dying
    • IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Responsible billing practices (e.g., managed care, insurance reimbursement, incident to billing)
    • IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Ethical issues in supervision and management
    • IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Ethical issues related to electronic practice
    • IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Research ethics (e.g., institutional review boards, use of human subjects, informed consent)
    • IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Legal and ethical issues regarding termination
    • IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Anti-oppressive and anti-racist approaches
    • IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Accessibility including language, physical, and cultural access (e.g., translation and interpretation, neurodiversity, American Sign Language)
    • IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Social, racial, environmental, and economic justice principles
    • IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Impact of culture, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, and intersectionality on behaviors, attitudes, and identity formation
    • IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Privilege and bias and their impact on client/client systems (e.g., implicit bias, microaggressions)
    • IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Cultural impacts of exploitation across marginalized communities (e.g., financial, immigration status, trafficking, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women)
    • IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Power differential and racial privilege (e.g., internalized racial and ethnic inferiority and superiority)
    • IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Social justice, truth and reconciliation, and restorative practices related to clients/client systems from historically oppressed and marginalized communities
    • IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Impact of globalization, immigration, and refugee or immigration status on clients/client systems and service delivery
  • II. ASSESSMENT AND PLANNING (33%) (33%)
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Indicators and impact of trauma, stressors, violence, and crises on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities (e.g., intergenerational, historical, and complex)
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Family dynamics and functioning and the effects on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Dynamics of interpersonal relationships and relationship development (e.g., family, couples, groups, polyamory)
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Impact of poverty on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities (e.g., social determinants of health)
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Indicators of mental and emotional illness throughout the lifespan
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Biopsychosocial assessment model and related components and factors
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Indicators, dynamics, and impact of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse and neglect on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Co-occurring disorders and conditions
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Characteristics of perpetrators of abuse, neglect, and exploitation
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Impact of caregiving on families
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Effects of physical and mental ability throughout the lifespan
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Impact of out-of-home placement (e.g., hospitalization, foster care, residential care, criminal justice system) on clients/client systems
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Indicators, dynamics, and impact of exploitation across the lifespan (e.g., financial, immigration status, trafficking)
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Impact of aging on the individual and family systems
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Racial, ethnic, cultural, and spiritual/faith development throughout the lifespan
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Indicators and impact of addiction and substance use and abuse on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Factors influencing self- and body-image (e.g., culture, race, religion/spirituality, age, ability, trauma, gender, sexuality, size)
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Typical and atypical physical, cognitive, emotional, and sexual development throughout the lifespan
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Factors of out-of-home displacement (e.g., homelessness, immigration, and refugee status) on clients/client systems
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Defense mechanisms and their effects on behavior and relationships
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — The influence and impact of technology, including social media, on client/client-systems (personal and professional)
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Impact of urbanization, globalization, environmental hazards, and climate change on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
    • IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Client/client system competence, self-determination, and self-monitoring techniques (e.g., financial decisions, treatment decisions, emancipation, age of consent, permanency planning)
    • IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods, techniques, and instruments for assessing client/client system strengths, resources, needs, and challenges
    • IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods of involving clients/client systems in problem identification, problem solving, and intervention planning
    • IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods of assessing risk of harm to self and others
    • IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Principles and techniques of interviewing (e.g., supporting, clarifying, confronting, validating, feedback, reflecting, language differences, use of interpreters)
    • IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods for assessing resilience and coping abilities
    • IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods for obtaining sensitive and/or confidential information (e.g., substance use, sexual abuse)
    • IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Indicators of and methods of assessing motivation, barriers, and readiness for change
    • IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods of assessing clients’/client systems’ communication skills
    • IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Components and function of the mental status examination
    • IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods of incorporating information from records and evaluations (e.g., employment, medical, psychological, school)
    • IIC. ASSESSMENT PRACTICES — Assessing the availability of and determining appropriate community resources
    • IIC. ASSESSMENT PRACTICES — Factors and processes used in goal planning, treatment planning, triage, and service plans
    • IIC. ASSESSMENT PRACTICES — Criteria used in the selection of intervention/treatment modalities (e.g., client/client system abilities, developmental level, culture, life stage)
    • IIC. ASSESSMENT PRACTICES — Cultural considerations in the creation of an intervention plan
    • IIC. ASSESSMENT PRACTICES — Use and side effects of common prescription, over-the-counter, and alternative medications
    • IIC. ASSESSMENT PRACTICES — Indicators of client/client system readiness for termination
  • III. INTERVENTION AND PRACTICE (32%) (32%)
    • IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — Strengths-based and empowerment strategies and interventions
    • IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — Interdisciplinary and intra-disciplinary team collaboration (e.g., co-therapy, care conference, IEP)
    • IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — The social worker’s role in the problem-solving process
    • IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — Principles and techniques for building and maintaining a helping relationship (e.g., acceptance, empathy, rapport)
    • IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — End of life practice (e.g., continuity of care, hospice, palliative care, stages of death and dying)
    • IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — Developing formal documents (e.g., grants, proposals, reports, evaluations)
    • IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — Policies, procedures, regulations, and legislation and their impact on social work practice and service delivery
    • IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — Permanency planning (e.g., child welfare)
    • IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — Community organizing, development, and mobilizing community participation
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Verbal and nonverbal communication (e.g., body language, congruence, feedback)
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Limit and boundary setting techniques
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Emotional regulation techniques
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Case management techniques (e.g., case recording, documentation, case presentation)
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Methods of teaching coping and other self-care skills to clients
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Evidence-based practices (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness based stress reduction, motivational interviewing, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing)
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Crisis intervention and treatment approaches
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Stress management techniques
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Methods and approaches for providing trauma-informed care for various types of trauma (e.g., complex, vicarious)
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Contracting and goal-setting techniques (e.g., partializing, measurable objectives)
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Methods for engaging and motivating voluntary and involuntary clients/client systems
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Approaches to and methods of advocacy for needed services and resources
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Principles of active listening and observation
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Problem-solving models and approaches
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Practice with clients experiencing loss, separation, and grief
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Harm reduction techniques
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Conflict resolution methods
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Establishing service networks or community resources
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Discharge, aftercare, wrap-around services, and follow-up
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Anger management techniques
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Psychoeducation methods
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Group work techniques and approaches (e.g., developing and managing group processes and cohesion)
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Family therapy models, interventions, and approaches
    • IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Techniques and methods for addiction intervention
    • IIIC. PRACTICE EVALUATION AND RESEARCH — Techniques for evaluating progress and effectiveness of intervention, treatment, and service plans
    • IIIC. PRACTICE EVALUATION AND RESEARCH — Methods, techniques, and instruments used to evaluate social work practice
    • IIIC. PRACTICE EVALUATION AND RESEARCH — Quality assurance (e.g., program reviews and audits by external sources)
    • IIIC. PRACTICE EVALUATION AND RESEARCH — Methods of establishing program objectives and outcomes
    • IIIC. PRACTICE EVALUATION AND RESEARCH — Program evaluation and related impact on services
    • IIIC. PRACTICE EVALUATION AND RESEARCH — Methods of evaluating agency programs (e.g., needs assessment, formative/summative assessment, cost-effectiveness, cost-benefit analysis, outcomes assessment)
    • IIIC. PRACTICE EVALUATION AND RESEARCH — Basic and applied research design and methods, data collection and analysis methods, and methods to assess reliability and validity in social work research (e.g., objective, subjective, qualitative, quantitative)
    • IIID. SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION — Leadership and management techniques
    • IIID. SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION — Methods for creating, implementing, and evaluating policies and procedures for safe, inclusive, and a healthy work environment
    • IIID. SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION — Methods for creating, implementing, and evaluating policies and procedures that minimize risk for individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
    • IIID. SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION — Transference and countertransference within supervisory relationships
    • IIID. SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION — Supervisee’s role in supervision (e.g., identifying learning needs, self-assessment, prioritizing)
    • IIID. SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION — Supervision and consultation models and techniques (e.g., individual, peer, group, case recording)
    • IIID. SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION — Organizational development, structure, and functioning (e.g., policies, procedures)
    • IIID. SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION — Employee recruitment, training, retention, performance appraisal, evaluation, and discipline
Examination sources

ASWB Bachelors Exam

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

ASWB Clinical Exam

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

ASWB Masters Exam

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