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Nebraska Social Work — Requirements & Free Practice

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Certified Master Social Worker

Certification for master social-work practice, either alone or associated with a mental-health license. Associated certification authorizes the protected clinical social-work title; it does not create a separate license.

Licensing authority: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Board of Mental Health Practice · Application information

Placement on inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age and character
At least 19 years old and of good character under section 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(A).
Application
Submit a complete attested application, required supporting documentation and applicable fee; statutory fee waivers may apply.
Credential and conduct disclosures
Disclose all other credentials, denials, disciplinary actions, convictions and prior Nebraska practice as required by 172 NAC 10; provide direct credential verification and supporting dispositions.
Duration
May remain inactive indefinitely; resuming active status requires the reinstatement route.
Lawful presence
Provide U.S. citizenship or lawful-presence evidence and the requested Social Security or Alien Registration number.
Status request
Notify the Department in writing and obtain acceptance; no practice while inactive, but the person may represent an inactive credential.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial associated certification
ASWB Clinical Exam
Age and character
At least 19 years old and of good character under section 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(A).
Application
Submit a complete attested application, required supporting documentation and applicable fee; statutory fee waivers may apply.
Credential and conduct disclosures
Disclose all other credentials, denials, disciplinary actions, convictions and prior Nebraska practice as required by 172 NAC 10; provide direct credential verification and supporting dispositions.
Education
Master or doctoral degree in social work from an approved program; CSWE-approved graduate social-work education or a recognized GADE doctoral program under 172 NAC 94-007.05.
Lawful presence
Provide U.S. citizenship or lawful-presence evidence and the requested Social Security or Alien Registration number.
Mental health license
Hold or qualify for an LMHP or LIMHP license; associated certification protects the social-work title.
Supervised experience
At least 3,000 postdegree social-work experience hours supervised by a qualified CMSW under sections 38-2127 and 38-2128; hold a provisional certificate while earning hours in Nebraska.
Initial standalone certification

At least one of the following alternatives:

Age and character
At least 19 years old and of good character under section 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(A).
Application
Submit a complete attested application, required supporting documentation and applicable fee; statutory fee waivers may apply.
Credential and conduct disclosures
Disclose all other credentials, denials, disciplinary actions, convictions and prior Nebraska practice as required by 172 NAC 10; provide direct credential verification and supporting dispositions.
Education
Master or doctoral degree in social work from an approved program; CSWE-approved graduate social-work education or a recognized GADE doctoral program under 172 NAC 94-007.05.
Lawful presence
Provide U.S. citizenship or lawful-presence evidence and the requested Social Security or Alien Registration number.
Mental health license
CMSW certificate alone permits social-work activities, including private autonomous social work, but not mental-health therapy.
Supervised experience
At least 3,000 postdegree social-work experience hours supervised by a qualified CMSW under sections 38-2127 and 38-2128; hold a provisional certificate while earning hours in Nebraska.
Reactivation inactive
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age and character
At least 19 years old and of good character under section 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(A).
Application
Submit a complete attested application, required supporting documentation and applicable fee; statutory fee waivers may apply.
Continuing education
32 acceptable mental-health CE hours in the prior 24 months, including four ethics hours; LIMHP also requires six hours on diagnosis/treatment of major mental disorders.
Credential and conduct disclosures
Disclose all other credentials, denials, disciplinary actions, convictions and prior Nebraska practice as required by 172 NAC 10; provide direct credential verification and supporting dispositions.
Fees
Pay the applicable renewal and, for reinstatement, reinstatement fees unless waived.
Lawful presence
Provide U.S. citizenship or lawful-presence evidence and the requested Social Security or Alien Registration number.
Prior credential
Previously held this Nebraska credential.
Status
Voluntarily inactive credential; return to active practice.
Waivers
Military-service and first-credential-period continuing competency waivers under 172 NAC 10-004.03 may apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reciprocity, substantially equivalent associated certification
ASWB Clinical Exam
Age and character
At least 19 years old and of good character under section 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(A).
Application
Submit a complete attested application, required supporting documentation and applicable fee; statutory fee waivers may apply.
Approval
Department issuance is subject to the Board recommendation and its equivalency determination.
Credential and conduct disclosures
Disclose all other credentials, denials, disciplinary actions, convictions and prior Nebraska practice as required by 172 NAC 10; provide direct credential verification and supporting dispositions.
Education
Master or doctoral degree in social work from an approved program; CSWE-approved graduate social-work education or a recognized GADE doctoral program under 172 NAC 94-007.05.
Equivalency
Show substantially equivalent standards under section 38-2130 and 172 NAC 94-006(B); the applicable ASWB examination is still involved.
Lawful presence
Provide U.S. citizenship or lawful-presence evidence and the requested Social Security or Alien Registration number.
Mental health license
Hold or qualify for an LMHP or LIMHP license; associated certification protects the social-work title.
Other jurisdiction credential
Hold a current comparable nonprovisional credential in another jurisdiction; provide direct verification of that credential and of all credentials ever held.
Supervised experience
At least 3,000 postdegree social-work experience hours supervised by a qualified CMSW under sections 38-2127 and 38-2128; hold a provisional certificate while earning hours in Nebraska.
Reciprocity, substantially equivalent standalone certification

At least one of the following alternatives:

Age and character
At least 19 years old and of good character under section 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(A).
Application
Submit a complete attested application, required supporting documentation and applicable fee; statutory fee waivers may apply.
Approval
Department issuance is subject to the Board recommendation and its equivalency determination.
Credential and conduct disclosures
Disclose all other credentials, denials, disciplinary actions, convictions and prior Nebraska practice as required by 172 NAC 10; provide direct credential verification and supporting dispositions.
Education
Master or doctoral degree in social work from an approved program; CSWE-approved graduate social-work education or a recognized GADE doctoral program under 172 NAC 94-007.05.
Equivalency
Show substantially equivalent standards under section 38-2130 and 172 NAC 94-006(B); the applicable ASWB examination is still involved.
Lawful presence
Provide U.S. citizenship or lawful-presence evidence and the requested Social Security or Alien Registration number.
Mental health license
CMSW certificate alone permits social-work activities, including private autonomous social work, but not mental-health therapy.
Other jurisdiction credential
Hold a current comparable nonprovisional credential in another jurisdiction; provide direct verification of that credential and of all credentials ever held.
Supervised experience
At least 3,000 postdegree social-work experience hours supervised by a qualified CMSW under sections 38-2127 and 38-2128; hold a provisional certificate while earning hours in Nebraska.
Five year reciprocity, associated certification
Nebraska Mental Health Jurisprudence Examination (practice unavailable)
Active practice
At least five years of active practice in the appropriate discipline following initial licensure or certification; training/provisional credentials do not qualify.
Age and character
At least 19 years old and of good character under section 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(A).
Application
Submit a complete attested application, required supporting documentation and applicable fee; statutory fee waivers may apply.
Approval
Department issuance is subject to the Board recommendation and its equivalency determination.
Credential and conduct disclosures
Disclose all other credentials, denials, disciplinary actions, convictions and prior Nebraska practice as required by 172 NAC 10; provide direct credential verification and supporting dispositions.
Education
Master degree or above for the LMHP, LIMHP and CMSW application; CSW five-year application does not require a transcript.
Lawful presence
Provide U.S. citizenship or lawful-presence evidence and the requested Social Security or Alien Registration number.
Mental health license
Hold or concurrently seek Nebraska LMHP/LIMHP licensure and CMSW certification.
Other jurisdiction credential
Hold a current comparable nonprovisional credential in another jurisdiction; provide direct verification of that credential and of all credentials ever held.
Score
Pass the applicable Nebraska jurisprudence examination with at least 75%; national exam, education and experience documentation under 172 NAC 94-006(A)/(B) is waived for the five-year route.
Five year reciprocity, standalone certification
Nebraska Social Work Jurisprudence Examination (practice unavailable)
Active practice
At least five years of active practice in the appropriate discipline following initial licensure or certification; training/provisional credentials do not qualify.
Age and character
At least 19 years old and of good character under section 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(A).
Application
Submit a complete attested application, required supporting documentation and applicable fee; statutory fee waivers may apply.
Approval
Department issuance is subject to the Board recommendation and its equivalency determination.
Credential and conduct disclosures
Disclose all other credentials, denials, disciplinary actions, convictions and prior Nebraska practice as required by 172 NAC 10; provide direct credential verification and supporting dispositions.
Education
Master degree or above for the LMHP, LIMHP and CMSW application; CSW five-year application does not require a transcript.
Lawful presence
Provide U.S. citizenship or lawful-presence evidence and the requested Social Security or Alien Registration number.
Mental health license
Only CMSW certification is sought; no Nebraska mental-health license or mental-health therapy.
Other jurisdiction credential
Hold a current comparable nonprovisional credential in another jurisdiction; provide direct verification of that credential and of all credentials ever held.
Score
Pass the applicable Nebraska jurisprudence examination with at least 75%; national exam, education and experience documentation under 172 NAC 94-006(A)/(B) is waived for the five-year route.
Reinstatement expired
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age and character
At least 19 years old and of good character under section 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(A).
Application
Submit a complete attested application, required supporting documentation and applicable fee; statutory fee waivers may apply.
Continuing education
32 acceptable mental-health CE hours in the prior 24 months, including four ethics hours; LIMHP also requires six hours on diagnosis/treatment of major mental disorders.
Credential and conduct disclosures
Disclose all other credentials, denials, disciplinary actions, convictions and prior Nebraska practice as required by 172 NAC 10; provide direct credential verification and supporting dispositions.
Fees
Pay the applicable renewal and, for reinstatement, reinstatement fees unless waived.
Lawful presence
Provide U.S. citizenship or lawful-presence evidence and the requested Social Security or Alien Registration number.
Prior credential
Previously held this Nebraska credential.
Status
Expired credential
Waivers
Military-service and first-credential-period continuing competency waivers under 172 NAC 10-004.03 may apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age and character
At least 19 years old and of good character under section 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(A).
Application
Submit a complete attested application, required supporting documentation and applicable fee; statutory fee waivers may apply.
Continuing education
32 acceptable mental-health CE hours in the prior 24 months, including four ethics hours; LIMHP also requires six hours on diagnosis/treatment of major mental disorders.
Credential and conduct disclosures
Disclose all other credentials, denials, disciplinary actions, convictions and prior Nebraska practice as required by 172 NAC 10; provide direct credential verification and supporting dispositions.
Deadline
Submit before the September 1 even-year expiration date.
Fees
Pay the applicable renewal and, for reinstatement, reinstatement fees unless waived.
Lawful presence
Provide U.S. citizenship or lawful-presence evidence and the requested Social Security or Alien Registration number.
Prior credential
Previously held this Nebraska credential.
Waivers
Military-service and first-credential-period continuing competency waivers under 172 NAC 10-004.03 may apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Voluntary limitation of an existing credential
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age and character
At least 19 years old and of good character under section 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(A).
Application
Submit a complete attested application, required supporting documentation and applicable fee; statutory fee waivers may apply.
Credential and conduct disclosures
Disclose all other credentials, denials, disciplinary actions, convictions and prior Nebraska practice as required by 172 NAC 10; provide direct credential verification and supporting dispositions.
Existing credential
Hold this Nebraska credential and submit a written offer identifying the requested limitations, time period and reasons; Department acceptance and the resulting order govern the permitted practice.
Lawful presence
Provide U.S. citizenship or lawful-presence evidence and the requested Social Security or Alien Registration number.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner

Independent mental-health practice license. This survey records social-work-degree pathways; the independent clinical social-worker title additionally requires CMSW certification under section 38-2116(3)(a).

Licensing authority: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Board of Mental Health Practice · Application information

Placement on inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age and character
At least 19 years old and of good character under section 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(A).
Application
Submit a complete attested application, required supporting documentation and applicable fee; statutory fee waivers may apply.
Credential and conduct disclosures
Disclose all other credentials, denials, disciplinary actions, convictions and prior Nebraska practice as required by 172 NAC 10; provide direct credential verification and supporting dispositions.
Duration
May remain inactive indefinitely; resuming active status requires the reinstatement route.
Lawful presence
Provide U.S. citizenship or lawful-presence evidence and the requested Social Security or Alien Registration number.
Status request
Notify the Department in writing and obtain acceptance; no practice while inactive, but the person may represent an inactive credential.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial independent licensure, accredited program, existing LMHP
ASWB Clinical Exam
Age and character
At least 19 years old and of good character under section 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(A).
Application
Submit a complete attested application, required supporting documentation and applicable fee; statutory fee waivers may apply.
Credential and conduct disclosures
Disclose all other credentials, denials, disciplinary actions, convictions and prior Nebraska practice as required by 172 NAC 10; provide direct credential verification and supporting dispositions.
Criminal background check
Submit fingerprints and an FBI criminal background check under section 38-131.
Degree scope
Applicant has a social-work degree or its equivalent; other disciplinary degree pathways are outside this social-work survey.
Education
Approved therapeutic mental-health graduate degree with practicum/internship; after September 1, 1995 at least 300 direct-client-contact practicum hours. Board-equivalent programs must meet 172 NAC 94-007.02, including 60 graduate semester hours and prescribed coursework.
Examination score
Submit the appropriate ASWB Clinical passing score; this remains a currently offered exam even when passed before the independent-license application.
Lawful presence
Provide U.S. citizenship or lawful-presence evidence and the requested Social Security or Alien Registration number.
Prior license
Hold a Nebraska mental-health practitioner license.
Program category
Master or doctoral program accredited by CSWE at graduation or within four years after graduation.
Social work title
CMSW certification is required in addition to mental-health licensure to use the clinical social-worker title; it does not confer an additional clinical scope.
Supervised experience
3,000 supervised hours; at least half with clients diagnosed with major mental illness/disorder. Supervision must be by a qualified licensed physician, psychologist or independent mental-health practitioner; provide the supervisor affidavit.
Initial independent licensure, accredited program, existing PLMHP
ASWB Clinical Exam
Age and character
At least 19 years old and of good character under section 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(A).
Application
Submit a complete attested application, required supporting documentation and applicable fee; statutory fee waivers may apply.
Credential and conduct disclosures
Disclose all other credentials, denials, disciplinary actions, convictions and prior Nebraska practice as required by 172 NAC 10; provide direct credential verification and supporting dispositions.
Criminal background check
Submit fingerprints and an FBI criminal background check under section 38-131.
Degree scope
Applicant has a social-work degree or its equivalent; other disciplinary degree pathways are outside this social-work survey.
Education
Approved therapeutic mental-health graduate degree with practicum/internship; after September 1, 1995 at least 300 direct-client-contact practicum hours. Board-equivalent programs must meet 172 NAC 94-007.02, including 60 graduate semester hours and prescribed coursework.
Examination score
Submit the appropriate ASWB Clinical passing score; this remains a currently offered exam even when passed before the independent-license application.
Lawful presence
Provide U.S. citizenship or lawful-presence evidence and the requested Social Security or Alien Registration number.
Prior license
Hold a Nebraska provisional mental-health practitioner license.
Program category
Master or doctoral program accredited by CSWE at graduation or within four years after graduation.
Social work title
CMSW certification is required in addition to mental-health licensure to use the clinical social-worker title; it does not confer an additional clinical scope.
Supervised experience
3,000 supervised hours; at least half with clients diagnosed with major mental illness/disorder. Supervision must be by a qualified licensed physician, psychologist or independent mental-health practitioner; provide the supervisor affidavit.
Initial independent licensure, board equivalent program, existing LMHP
ASWB Clinical Exam
Age and character
At least 19 years old and of good character under section 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(A).
Application
Submit a complete attested application, required supporting documentation and applicable fee; statutory fee waivers may apply.
Credential and conduct disclosures
Disclose all other credentials, denials, disciplinary actions, convictions and prior Nebraska practice as required by 172 NAC 10; provide direct credential verification and supporting dispositions.
Criminal background check
Submit fingerprints and an FBI criminal background check under section 38-131.
Degree scope
Applicant has a social-work degree or its equivalent; other disciplinary degree pathways are outside this social-work survey.
Education
Approved therapeutic mental-health graduate degree with practicum/internship; after September 1, 1995 at least 300 direct-client-contact practicum hours. Board-equivalent programs must meet 172 NAC 94-007.02, including 60 graduate semester hours and prescribed coursework.
Examination score
Submit the appropriate ASWB Clinical passing score; this remains a currently offered exam even when passed before the independent-license application.
Lawful presence
Provide U.S. citizenship or lawful-presence evidence and the requested Social Security or Alien Registration number.
Prior license
Hold a Nebraska mental-health practitioner license.
Program category
Master or doctoral program deemed by the Board equivalent in didactic content and supervised clinical experience to an accredited program.
Social work title
CMSW certification is required in addition to mental-health licensure to use the clinical social-worker title; it does not confer an additional clinical scope.
Supervised experience
3,000 supervised hours; at least half with clients diagnosed with major mental illness/disorder. Supervision must be by a qualified licensed physician, psychologist or independent mental-health practitioner; provide the supervisor affidavit.
Initial independent licensure, board equivalent program, existing PLMHP
ASWB Clinical Exam
Age and character
At least 19 years old and of good character under section 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(A).
Application
Submit a complete attested application, required supporting documentation and applicable fee; statutory fee waivers may apply.
Credential and conduct disclosures
Disclose all other credentials, denials, disciplinary actions, convictions and prior Nebraska practice as required by 172 NAC 10; provide direct credential verification and supporting dispositions.
Criminal background check
Submit fingerprints and an FBI criminal background check under section 38-131.
Degree scope
Applicant has a social-work degree or its equivalent; other disciplinary degree pathways are outside this social-work survey.
Education
Approved therapeutic mental-health graduate degree with practicum/internship; after September 1, 1995 at least 300 direct-client-contact practicum hours. Board-equivalent programs must meet 172 NAC 94-007.02, including 60 graduate semester hours and prescribed coursework.
Examination score
Submit the appropriate ASWB Clinical passing score; this remains a currently offered exam even when passed before the independent-license application.
Lawful presence
Provide U.S. citizenship or lawful-presence evidence and the requested Social Security or Alien Registration number.
Prior license
Hold a Nebraska provisional mental-health practitioner license.
Program category
Master or doctoral program deemed by the Board equivalent in didactic content and supervised clinical experience to an accredited program.
Social work title
CMSW certification is required in addition to mental-health licensure to use the clinical social-worker title; it does not confer an additional clinical scope.
Supervised experience
3,000 supervised hours; at least half with clients diagnosed with major mental illness/disorder. Supervision must be by a qualified licensed physician, psychologist or independent mental-health practitioner; provide the supervisor affidavit.
Initial independent licensure, nonqualifying program, existing LMHP
ASWB Clinical Exam
Age and character
At least 19 years old and of good character under section 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(A).
Application
Submit a complete attested application, required supporting documentation and applicable fee; statutory fee waivers may apply.
Credential and conduct disclosures
Disclose all other credentials, denials, disciplinary actions, convictions and prior Nebraska practice as required by 172 NAC 10; provide direct credential verification and supporting dispositions.
Criminal background check
Submit fingerprints and an FBI criminal background check under section 38-131.
Degree scope
Applicant has a social-work degree or its equivalent; other disciplinary degree pathways are outside this social-work survey.
Education
Approved therapeutic mental-health graduate degree with practicum/internship; after September 1, 1995 at least 300 direct-client-contact practicum hours. Board-equivalent programs must meet 172 NAC 94-007.02, including 60 graduate semester hours and prescribed coursework.
Examination score
Submit the appropriate ASWB Clinical passing score; this remains a currently offered exam even when passed before the independent-license application.
Lawful presence
Provide U.S. citizenship or lawful-presence evidence and the requested Social Security or Alien Registration number.
Prior license
Hold a Nebraska mental-health practitioner license.
Program category
Graduate program does not meet section 38-2124(1)(a)(i).
Social work title
CMSW certification is required in addition to mental-health licensure to use the clinical social-worker title; it does not confer an additional clinical scope.
Supervised experience
7,000 supervised hours over no less than ten years; at least half with clients diagnosed with major mental illness/disorder. Supervision must be by a qualified licensed physician, psychologist or independent mental-health practitioner; provide the supervisor affidavit.
Initial independent licensure, nonqualifying program, existing PLMHP
ASWB Clinical Exam
Age and character
At least 19 years old and of good character under section 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(A).
Application
Submit a complete attested application, required supporting documentation and applicable fee; statutory fee waivers may apply.
Credential and conduct disclosures
Disclose all other credentials, denials, disciplinary actions, convictions and prior Nebraska practice as required by 172 NAC 10; provide direct credential verification and supporting dispositions.
Criminal background check
Submit fingerprints and an FBI criminal background check under section 38-131.
Degree scope
Applicant has a social-work degree or its equivalent; other disciplinary degree pathways are outside this social-work survey.
Education
Approved therapeutic mental-health graduate degree with practicum/internship; after September 1, 1995 at least 300 direct-client-contact practicum hours. Board-equivalent programs must meet 172 NAC 94-007.02, including 60 graduate semester hours and prescribed coursework.
Examination score
Submit the appropriate ASWB Clinical passing score; this remains a currently offered exam even when passed before the independent-license application.
Lawful presence
Provide U.S. citizenship or lawful-presence evidence and the requested Social Security or Alien Registration number.
Prior license
Hold a Nebraska provisional mental-health practitioner license.
Program category
Graduate program does not meet section 38-2124(1)(a)(i).
Social work title
CMSW certification is required in addition to mental-health licensure to use the clinical social-worker title; it does not confer an additional clinical scope.
Supervised experience
7,000 supervised hours over no less than ten years; at least half with clients diagnosed with major mental illness/disorder. Supervision must be by a qualified licensed physician, psychologist or independent mental-health practitioner; provide the supervisor affidavit.
Reactivation inactive
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age and character
At least 19 years old and of good character under section 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(A).
Application
Submit a complete attested application, required supporting documentation and applicable fee; statutory fee waivers may apply.
Continuing education
32 acceptable mental-health CE hours in the prior 24 months, including four ethics hours; LIMHP also requires six hours on diagnosis/treatment of major mental disorders.
Credential and conduct disclosures
Disclose all other credentials, denials, disciplinary actions, convictions and prior Nebraska practice as required by 172 NAC 10; provide direct credential verification and supporting dispositions.
Fees
Pay the applicable renewal and, for reinstatement, reinstatement fees unless waived.
Lawful presence
Provide U.S. citizenship or lawful-presence evidence and the requested Social Security or Alien Registration number.
Prior credential
Previously held this Nebraska credential.
Status
Voluntarily inactive credential; return to active practice.
Waivers
Military-service and first-credential-period continuing competency waivers under 172 NAC 10-004.03 may apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reciprocity based on equivalent social work licensing standards
ASWB Clinical Exam
Age and character
At least 19 years old and of good character under section 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(A).
Application
Submit a complete attested application, required supporting documentation and applicable fee; statutory fee waivers may apply.
Approval
Department issuance is subject to the Board recommendation and its equivalency determination.
Credential and conduct disclosures
Disclose all other credentials, denials, disciplinary actions, convictions and prior Nebraska practice as required by 172 NAC 10; provide direct credential verification and supporting dispositions.
Criminal background check
Fingerprint-based FBI check is required for LIMHP; not required for LMHP by the cited application.
Degree scope
Applicant has a social-work degree or its equivalent; other disciplinary degree pathways are outside this social-work survey.
Education
Approved therapeutic mental-health graduate degree with practicum/internship; after September 1, 1995 at least 300 direct-client-contact practicum hours. Board-equivalent programs must meet 172 NAC 94-007.02, including 60 graduate semester hours and prescribed coursework.
Equivalency
Meet the applicable Nebraska initial-license standards or Board-determined substantially equivalent requirements under section 38-2125(1)(a) and 172 NAC 94-006(A).
Lawful presence
Provide U.S. citizenship or lawful-presence evidence and the requested Social Security or Alien Registration number.
Other jurisdiction credential
Hold a current comparable nonprovisional credential in another jurisdiction; provide direct verification of that credential and of all credentials ever held.
Social work title
CMSW certification is required in addition to mental-health licensure to use the clinical social-worker title; it does not confer an additional clinical scope.
Supervised experience
Provide documentation of the supervised experience required for the requested LMHP or LIMHP license.
Reciprocity based on five years of social work practice
Nebraska Mental Health Jurisprudence Examination (practice unavailable)
Active practice
At least five years of active practice in the appropriate discipline following initial licensure or certification; training/provisional credentials do not qualify.
Age and character
At least 19 years old and of good character under section 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(A).
Application
Submit a complete attested application, required supporting documentation and applicable fee; statutory fee waivers may apply.
Approval
Department issuance is subject to the Board recommendation and its equivalency determination.
Credential and conduct disclosures
Disclose all other credentials, denials, disciplinary actions, convictions and prior Nebraska practice as required by 172 NAC 10; provide direct credential verification and supporting dispositions.
Criminal background check
Fingerprint-based FBI check is required for LIMHP; not required for LMHP by the cited application.
Degree scope
Applicant has a social-work degree or its equivalent; other disciplinary degree pathways are outside this social-work survey.
Education
Master degree or above for the LMHP, LIMHP and CMSW application; CSW five-year application does not require a transcript.
Lawful presence
Provide U.S. citizenship or lawful-presence evidence and the requested Social Security or Alien Registration number.
Other jurisdiction credential
Hold a current comparable nonprovisional credential in another jurisdiction; provide direct verification of that credential and of all credentials ever held.
Requested scope
Comparable credential must authorize major mental-illness diagnosis for LIMHP; LMHP has the consultation limitations in section 38-2115.
Score
Pass the applicable Nebraska jurisprudence examination with at least 75%; national exam, education and experience documentation under 172 NAC 94-006(A)/(B) is waived for the five-year route.
Social work title
CMSW certification is required in addition to mental-health licensure to use the clinical social-worker title; it does not confer an additional clinical scope.
Reinstatement expired
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age and character
At least 19 years old and of good character under section 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(A).
Application
Submit a complete attested application, required supporting documentation and applicable fee; statutory fee waivers may apply.
Continuing education
32 acceptable mental-health CE hours in the prior 24 months, including four ethics hours; LIMHP also requires six hours on diagnosis/treatment of major mental disorders.
Credential and conduct disclosures
Disclose all other credentials, denials, disciplinary actions, convictions and prior Nebraska practice as required by 172 NAC 10; provide direct credential verification and supporting dispositions.
Fees
Pay the applicable renewal and, for reinstatement, reinstatement fees unless waived.
Lawful presence
Provide U.S. citizenship or lawful-presence evidence and the requested Social Security or Alien Registration number.
Prior credential
Previously held this Nebraska credential.
Status
Expired credential
Waivers
Military-service and first-credential-period continuing competency waivers under 172 NAC 10-004.03 may apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age and character
At least 19 years old and of good character under section 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(A).
Application
Submit a complete attested application, required supporting documentation and applicable fee; statutory fee waivers may apply.
Continuing education
32 acceptable mental-health CE hours in the prior 24 months, including four ethics hours; LIMHP also requires six hours on diagnosis/treatment of major mental disorders.
Credential and conduct disclosures
Disclose all other credentials, denials, disciplinary actions, convictions and prior Nebraska practice as required by 172 NAC 10; provide direct credential verification and supporting dispositions.
Deadline
Submit before the September 1 even-year expiration date.
Fees
Pay the applicable renewal and, for reinstatement, reinstatement fees unless waived.
Lawful presence
Provide U.S. citizenship or lawful-presence evidence and the requested Social Security or Alien Registration number.
Prior credential
Previously held this Nebraska credential.
Waivers
Military-service and first-credential-period continuing competency waivers under 172 NAC 10-004.03 may apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Voluntary limitation of an existing credential
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age and character
At least 19 years old and of good character under section 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(A).
Application
Submit a complete attested application, required supporting documentation and applicable fee; statutory fee waivers may apply.
Credential and conduct disclosures
Disclose all other credentials, denials, disciplinary actions, convictions and prior Nebraska practice as required by 172 NAC 10; provide direct credential verification and supporting dispositions.
Existing credential
Hold this Nebraska credential and submit a written offer identifying the requested limitations, time period and reasons; Department acceptance and the resulting order govern the permitted practice.
Lawful presence
Provide U.S. citizenship or lawful-presence evidence and the requested Social Security or Alien Registration number.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensed Mental Health Practitioner

Mental-health practice license. This survey records the social-work-degree pathways; the clinical social-worker title additionally requires CMSW certification under section 38-2116(2)(a).

Licensing authority: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Board of Mental Health Practice · Application information

Placement on inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age and character
At least 19 years old and of good character under section 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(A).
Application
Submit a complete attested application, required supporting documentation and applicable fee; statutory fee waivers may apply.
Credential and conduct disclosures
Disclose all other credentials, denials, disciplinary actions, convictions and prior Nebraska practice as required by 172 NAC 10; provide direct credential verification and supporting dispositions.
Duration
May remain inactive indefinitely; resuming active status requires the reinstatement route.
Lawful presence
Provide U.S. citizenship or lawful-presence evidence and the requested Social Security or Alien Registration number.
Status request
Notify the Department in writing and obtain acceptance; no practice while inactive, but the person may represent an inactive credential.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure for a social work graduate
ASWB Clinical Exam
Age and character
At least 19 years old and of good character under section 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(A).
Application
Submit a complete attested application, required supporting documentation and applicable fee; statutory fee waivers may apply.
Credential and conduct disclosures
Disclose all other credentials, denials, disciplinary actions, convictions and prior Nebraska practice as required by 172 NAC 10; provide direct credential verification and supporting dispositions.
Degree scope
Applicant has a social-work degree or its equivalent; other disciplinary degree pathways are outside this social-work survey.
Education
Approved therapeutic mental-health graduate degree with practicum/internship; after September 1, 1995 at least 300 direct-client-contact practicum hours. Board-equivalent programs must meet 172 NAC 94-007.02, including 60 graduate semester hours and prescribed coursework.
Examination score
ASWB passing score 75 as specified in 172 NAC 94-010.02(E)(iv).
Lawful presence
Provide U.S. citizenship or lawful-presence evidence and the requested Social Security or Alien Registration number.
Social work title
CMSW certification is required in addition to mental-health licensure to use the clinical social-worker title; it does not confer an additional clinical scope.
Supervised experience
3,000 postdegree supervised mental-health hours, including 1,500 direct-client-contact hours, with at least one hour of face-to-face supervisory evaluation per week; a provisional Nebraska license is required for Nebraska hours.
Reactivation inactive
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age and character
At least 19 years old and of good character under section 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(A).
Application
Submit a complete attested application, required supporting documentation and applicable fee; statutory fee waivers may apply.
Continuing education
32 acceptable mental-health CE hours in the prior 24 months, including four ethics hours; LIMHP also requires six hours on diagnosis/treatment of major mental disorders.
Credential and conduct disclosures
Disclose all other credentials, denials, disciplinary actions, convictions and prior Nebraska practice as required by 172 NAC 10; provide direct credential verification and supporting dispositions.
Fees
Pay the applicable renewal and, for reinstatement, reinstatement fees unless waived.
Lawful presence
Provide U.S. citizenship or lawful-presence evidence and the requested Social Security or Alien Registration number.
Prior credential
Previously held this Nebraska credential.
Status
Voluntarily inactive credential; return to active practice.
Waivers
Military-service and first-credential-period continuing competency waivers under 172 NAC 10-004.03 may apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reciprocity based on equivalent social work licensing standards
ASWB Clinical Exam
Age and character
At least 19 years old and of good character under section 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(A).
Application
Submit a complete attested application, required supporting documentation and applicable fee; statutory fee waivers may apply.
Approval
Department issuance is subject to the Board recommendation and its equivalency determination.
Credential and conduct disclosures
Disclose all other credentials, denials, disciplinary actions, convictions and prior Nebraska practice as required by 172 NAC 10; provide direct credential verification and supporting dispositions.
Criminal background check
Fingerprint-based FBI check is required for LIMHP; not required for LMHP by the cited application.
Degree scope
Applicant has a social-work degree or its equivalent; other disciplinary degree pathways are outside this social-work survey.
Education
Approved therapeutic mental-health graduate degree with practicum/internship; after September 1, 1995 at least 300 direct-client-contact practicum hours. Board-equivalent programs must meet 172 NAC 94-007.02, including 60 graduate semester hours and prescribed coursework.
Equivalency
Meet the applicable Nebraska initial-license standards or Board-determined substantially equivalent requirements under section 38-2125(1)(a) and 172 NAC 94-006(A).
Lawful presence
Provide U.S. citizenship or lawful-presence evidence and the requested Social Security or Alien Registration number.
Other jurisdiction credential
Hold a current comparable nonprovisional credential in another jurisdiction; provide direct verification of that credential and of all credentials ever held.
Social work title
CMSW certification is required in addition to mental-health licensure to use the clinical social-worker title; it does not confer an additional clinical scope.
Supervised experience
Provide documentation of the supervised experience required for the requested LMHP or LIMHP license.
Reciprocity based on five years of social work practice
Nebraska Mental Health Jurisprudence Examination (practice unavailable)
Active practice
At least five years of active practice in the appropriate discipline following initial licensure or certification; training/provisional credentials do not qualify.
Age and character
At least 19 years old and of good character under section 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(A).
Application
Submit a complete attested application, required supporting documentation and applicable fee; statutory fee waivers may apply.
Approval
Department issuance is subject to the Board recommendation and its equivalency determination.
Credential and conduct disclosures
Disclose all other credentials, denials, disciplinary actions, convictions and prior Nebraska practice as required by 172 NAC 10; provide direct credential verification and supporting dispositions.
Criminal background check
Fingerprint-based FBI check is required for LIMHP; not required for LMHP by the cited application.
Degree scope
Applicant has a social-work degree or its equivalent; other disciplinary degree pathways are outside this social-work survey.
Education
Master degree or above for the LMHP, LIMHP and CMSW application; CSW five-year application does not require a transcript.
Lawful presence
Provide U.S. citizenship or lawful-presence evidence and the requested Social Security or Alien Registration number.
Other jurisdiction credential
Hold a current comparable nonprovisional credential in another jurisdiction; provide direct verification of that credential and of all credentials ever held.
Requested scope
Comparable credential must authorize major mental-illness diagnosis for LIMHP; LMHP has the consultation limitations in section 38-2115.
Score
Pass the applicable Nebraska jurisprudence examination with at least 75%; national exam, education and experience documentation under 172 NAC 94-006(A)/(B) is waived for the five-year route.
Social work title
CMSW certification is required in addition to mental-health licensure to use the clinical social-worker title; it does not confer an additional clinical scope.
Reinstatement expired
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age and character
At least 19 years old and of good character under section 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(A).
Application
Submit a complete attested application, required supporting documentation and applicable fee; statutory fee waivers may apply.
Continuing education
32 acceptable mental-health CE hours in the prior 24 months, including four ethics hours; LIMHP also requires six hours on diagnosis/treatment of major mental disorders.
Credential and conduct disclosures
Disclose all other credentials, denials, disciplinary actions, convictions and prior Nebraska practice as required by 172 NAC 10; provide direct credential verification and supporting dispositions.
Fees
Pay the applicable renewal and, for reinstatement, reinstatement fees unless waived.
Lawful presence
Provide U.S. citizenship or lawful-presence evidence and the requested Social Security or Alien Registration number.
Prior credential
Previously held this Nebraska credential.
Status
Expired credential
Waivers
Military-service and first-credential-period continuing competency waivers under 172 NAC 10-004.03 may apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age and character
At least 19 years old and of good character under section 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(A).
Application
Submit a complete attested application, required supporting documentation and applicable fee; statutory fee waivers may apply.
Continuing education
32 acceptable mental-health CE hours in the prior 24 months, including four ethics hours; LIMHP also requires six hours on diagnosis/treatment of major mental disorders.
Credential and conduct disclosures
Disclose all other credentials, denials, disciplinary actions, convictions and prior Nebraska practice as required by 172 NAC 10; provide direct credential verification and supporting dispositions.
Deadline
Submit before the September 1 even-year expiration date.
Fees
Pay the applicable renewal and, for reinstatement, reinstatement fees unless waived.
Lawful presence
Provide U.S. citizenship or lawful-presence evidence and the requested Social Security or Alien Registration number.
Prior credential
Previously held this Nebraska credential.
Waivers
Military-service and first-credential-period continuing competency waivers under 172 NAC 10-004.03 may apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Voluntary limitation of an existing credential
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age and character
At least 19 years old and of good character under section 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(A).
Application
Submit a complete attested application, required supporting documentation and applicable fee; statutory fee waivers may apply.
Credential and conduct disclosures
Disclose all other credentials, denials, disciplinary actions, convictions and prior Nebraska practice as required by 172 NAC 10; provide direct credential verification and supporting dispositions.
Existing credential
Hold this Nebraska credential and submit a written offer identifying the requested limitations, time period and reasons; Department acceptance and the resulting order govern the permitted practice.
Lawful presence
Provide U.S. citizenship or lawful-presence evidence and the requested Social Security or Alien Registration number.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Nebraska Mental Health Jurisprudence Examination

Provider
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Board of Mental Health Practice
Format
Online multiple-choice examination
Exam questions
50 multiple-choice questions
Passing score
75% or above
Examination outline
  • 172 NAC 94 — Independent Mental Health Practitioners, Mental Health Practitioners, Marriage and Family Therapists, Professional Counselors, and Social Workers
  • Mental Health Practice Act
  • Uniform Credentialing Act
  • Social Worker Licensure Compact
  • Licensed Professional Counselors Interstate Compact
Examination sources

Nebraska Social Work Jurisprudence Examination

Provider
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Board of Mental Health Practice
Format
Online multiple-choice examination
Exam questions
50 multiple-choice questions
Passing score
75% or above
Examination outline
  • 172 NAC 94 — Independent Mental Health Practitioners, Mental Health Practitioners, Marriage and Family Therapists, Professional Counselors, and Social Workers
  • Mental Health Practice Act
  • Uniform Credentialing Act
  • Social Worker Licensure Compact
Examination sources

ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam

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

ASWB Clinical Exam

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

ASWB Masters Exam

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