Nevada Social Work — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Nevada social work license under NRS Chapter 641B.

Licensing authority: Nevada Board of Examiners for Social Workers · Application information

Reinstatement after child support suspension

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Existing license: Hold the corresponding Nevada license.
Fees: Submit the applicable completed Board application and all required fees and information.
Release document: The Board receives the public agency letter establishing compliance with the subpoena or warrant or satisfaction of arrearage under NRS 641B.405(2).
Restoration fee: Pay the fee for restoring the suspended license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

NRS Chapter 641B - Social Workers
NRS 641B.405

Renewal during delinquency

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Continuing education: Submit required continuing education evidence; each two-year reporting period requires 30 hours for associate/LSW/LMSW or 36 for LISW/LCSW, including four ethics hours, six cultural-competency/diversity hours, and field-of-practice hours; the implementing rule also requires two suicide-prevention hours. NRS 641B.280 changed July 1, 2026, while R103-23 section 18 retains the Board suicide-prevention requirement.
Existing license: Hold the corresponding Nevada license.
Fees: Submit the applicable completed Board application and all required fees and information.
Time limit: Renew within 60 days after delinquency and pay the additional delinquent fee; do not practice while delinquent.
Waivers: The Board may waive eligible continuing education for good cause, degree enrollment, or a retired licensee aged at least 60; the nonwaivable subjects remain governed by R103-23 section 18.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

NRS Chapter 641B - Social Workers
NRS 641B.290
NRS Chapter 641B - Social Workers
NRS 641B.280(1), effective July 1, 2026
NAC Chapter 641B - Social Workers
NAC 641B.110

Licensure by endorsement

All of the following:

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Application expiry: Endorsement application expires six months after receipt (NAC 641B.090(10)).
Disciplinary history: The Board reviews any prior restriction, suspension or revocation under NAC 641B.126(3).
Education: A masters or doctoral degree in social work and at least 3,000 hours of postgraduate internship.
Equivalence: The Board must deem the originating licensing requirements substantially equivalent under NRS 641B.270.
Exam scores: The Board 2026 explanation requires having passed the equivalent ASWB examination; taking it again may be waived. Its stated minimum qualifications for advanced licenses include Masters plus the advanced-level score.
Exam waiver: NAC 641B.090(8) permits the Board to waive taking the required examination after an applicant passed an at least equivalent examination; the passed, currently offered ASWB examination remains a requirement reference.
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
License held elsewhere: Hold a corresponding current unrestricted license in another US jurisdiction and provide verification of all current and prior licenses.
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
Other testing administrator: NAC 641B.105(1) allows another Board-approved testing administrator; an unnamed additional examination is an applicant condition, not an invented examination identity.

Licensure by expedited endorsement

All of the following:

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Application expiry: Endorsement application expires six months after receipt (NAC 641B.090(10)).
Decision period: Additional-information notice within 15 business days; absent good-cause denial, issue within 45 days after receiving all required information.
Disciplinary history: The Board reviews any prior restriction, suspension or revocation under NAC 641B.126(3).
Education: A masters or doctoral degree in social work and at least 3,000 hours of postgraduate internship.
Exam scores: The Board 2026 explanation requires having passed the equivalent ASWB examination; taking it again may be waived. Its stated minimum qualifications for advanced licenses include Masters plus the advanced-level score.
Exam waiver: NAC 641B.090(8) permits the Board to waive taking the required examination after an applicant passed an at least equivalent examination; the passed, currently offered ASWB examination remains a requirement reference.
Expedited eligibility: A corresponding valid unrestricted US license; no discipline or investigation by the corresponding regulatory authority and no civil or criminal malpractice liability; submit affidavit, fingerprints, permission, fee and other Board-required information (NRS 641B.272).
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
License held elsewhere: Hold a corresponding current unrestricted license in another US jurisdiction and provide verification of all current and prior licenses.
Military discount: Qualifying active service members, spouses, veterans and surviving spouses have the statutory endorsement fee discount.
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
Other testing administrator: NAC 641B.105(1) allows another Board-approved testing administrator; an unnamed additional examination is an applicant condition, not an invented examination identity.

Placement on inactive status

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Eligibility: License is in good standing and all issuance or renewal requirements are met.
Existing license: Hold the corresponding Nevada license.
Fees: Submit the applicable completed Board application and all required fees and information.
Inactive period: Inactive status lasts five years; no continuing education is required while inactive.
Practice: No Nevada social work practice while inactive.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

NRS Chapter 641B - Social Workers
NRS 641B.295
Approved Regulation R103-23
R103-23 section 3(1) (PDF page 7)

Renewal of inactive license

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Existing license: Hold the corresponding Nevada license.
Fees: Submit the applicable completed Board application and all required fees and information.
Inactive status: Maintain inactive status during its five-year maximum; no practice and no continuing education while inactive.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

NRS Chapter 641B - Social Workers
NRS 641B.295
NRS Chapter 641B - Social Workers
NRS 641B.280(1), effective July 1, 2026
Approved Regulation R103-23
R103-23 section 13, inactive annual renewal (PDF page 19)

Initial advanced licensure after postgraduate internship

All of the following:

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Clinical hours: At least 2,000 hours in psychotherapeutic methods and techniques, and at least 1,000 hours supervised by an approved LCSW; remaining supervision may meet amended NAC 641B.150(5).
Completion window: Obtain the advanced license within three years after the end of the internship program or the Board disallows its hours.
Education: A masters or doctoral degree in social work under NRS 641B.240.
Exam waiver: NAC 641B.090(8) permits the Board to waive taking the required examination after an applicant passed an at least equivalent examination; the passed, currently offered ASWB examination remains a requirement reference.
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
Internship: Complete at least 3,000 hours in a Board-approved postgraduate internship with approved setting, supervisor and supervision plan; minimum two years and normally no more than three years, with Board extensions for good cause.
Internship examination: NAC 641B.140/150 allows an examination if deemed necessary by the Board; no particular additional examination is identified.
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
Other testing administrator: NAC 641B.105(1) allows another Board-approved testing administrator; an unnamed additional examination is an applicant condition, not an invented examination identity.
Practice during internship: Amended NAC 641B.140/150 prohibits a concurrent postgraduate internship in another jurisdiction or practice outside Nevada while participating in the Nevada internship.
Prior license: The Board requires a current Nevada LMSW license and passing ASWB Masters score before an approved postgraduate internship.

Authorization to make mental health admission certifications

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Submit the Board-approved authorization form and satisfactory evidence of eligibility.
Discipline: No currently revoked or suspended professional credential elsewhere and no current Board or other-jurisdiction disciplinary action.
Existing license: Hold a current LCSW license.
Experience: No lapse in clinical licensure or clinical practice for at least five years, and at least three years postlicensure clinical practice or supervision in a mental health setting.
Insurance: Maintain professional liability insurance unless already covered by a policy.
Scope: This is an additional authorization attached to the existing clinical license, not a newly invented standalone license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

NRS Chapter 641B - Social Workers
NRS 641B.160
Approved Regulation R103-23
R103-23 section 7, NAC 641B.093(1)-(3) (PDF page 9)

Initial licensure with accepted postgraduate clinical experience

All of the following:

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Clinical hours: At least 2,000 hours in psychotherapeutic methods and techniques, and at least 1,000 hours supervised by an approved LCSW; remaining supervision may meet amended NAC 641B.150(5).
Completion window: Obtain the advanced license within three years after the end of the internship program or the Board disallows its hours.
Education: A masters or doctoral degree in social work under NRS 641B.240.
Exam waiver: NAC 641B.090(8) permits the Board to waive taking the required examination after an applicant passed an at least equivalent examination; the passed, currently offered ASWB examination remains a requirement reference.
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
Internship: Complete at least 3,000 hours in a Board-approved postgraduate internship with approved setting, supervisor and supervision plan; minimum two years and normally no more than three years, with Board extensions for good cause.
Internship examination: NAC 641B.140/150 allows an examination if deemed necessary by the Board; no particular additional examination is identified.
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
Other testing administrator: NAC 641B.105(1) allows another Board-approved testing administrator; an unnamed additional examination is an applicant condition, not an invented examination identity.
Practice during internship: Amended NAC 641B.140/150 prohibits a concurrent postgraduate internship in another jurisdiction or practice outside Nevada while participating in the Nevada internship.
Prior license: The Board requires a current Nevada LMSW license and passing ASWB Masters score before an approved postgraduate internship.
Prior supervised experience: An applicant not already licensed as a clinical social worker may submit supervised postgraduate clinical work performed elsewhere within the preceding three years; the licensing board that accepted the work must verify its hours directly to Nevada. Board acceptance is part of the approved internship.

Return of inactive license to active status

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Complete the Board form and all requested information.
Continuing education: Provide proof of compliance with the relevant NAC 641B.187 continuing education requirements completed within the 12 months preceding application.
Existing license: Hold the corresponding Nevada license.
Fees: Submit the applicable completed Board application and all required fees and information.
Time limit: Apply before the five-year inactive period ends.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

NRS Chapter 641B - Social Workers
NRS 641B.295
Approved Regulation R103-23
R103-23 section 3(3), inactive license reinstatement (PDF page 7)
Approved Regulation R103-23
R103-23 section 3(3)(b)-(c), continuation (PDF page 8)

Reapplication after expiry

All of the following:

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Education: Meet the corresponding current initial-license educational requirements.
Exam score transfer: The Board restoration page requires an ASWB exam score transfer on reapplication and states that verification allows the applicant not to retest.
Exam waiver: NAC 641B.090(8) permits the Board to waive taking the required examination after an applicant passed an at least equivalent examination; the passed, currently offered ASWB examination remains a requirement reference.
Expiry: License expired more than one year ago.
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
Other testing administrator: NAC 641B.105(1) allows another Board-approved testing administrator; an unnamed additional examination is an applicant condition, not an invented examination identity.
Prior license: Previously held this Nevada license at the corresponding level.

Reapplication after inactive expiry

All of the following:

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Education: Meet the corresponding current initial-license educational requirements.
Exam score transfer: The Board restoration page requires an ASWB exam score transfer on reapplication and states that verification allows the applicant not to retest.
Exam waiver: NAC 641B.090(8) permits the Board to waive taking the required examination after an applicant passed an at least equivalent examination; the passed, currently offered ASWB examination remains a requirement reference.
Expiry: Five-year inactive status has expired.
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
Other testing administrator: NAC 641B.105(1) allows another Board-approved testing administrator; an unnamed additional examination is an applicant condition, not an invented examination identity.
Prior license: Previously held this Nevada license at the corresponding level.

Annual renewal

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Continuing education: Submit required continuing education evidence; each two-year reporting period requires 30 hours for associate/LSW/LMSW or 36 for LISW/LCSW, including four ethics hours, six cultural-competency/diversity hours, and field-of-practice hours; the implementing rule also requires two suicide-prevention hours. NRS 641B.280 changed July 1, 2026, while R103-23 section 18 retains the Board suicide-prevention requirement.
Deadline: Renew on or before the last day of the birth month.
Existing license: Hold the corresponding Nevada license.
Fees: Submit the applicable completed Board application and all required fees and information.
Waivers: The Board may waive eligible continuing education for good cause, degree enrollment, or a retired licensee aged at least 60; the nonwaivable subjects remain governed by R103-23 section 18.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

NRS Chapter 641B - Social Workers
NRS 641B.280(1), effective July 1, 2026
NAC Chapter 641B - Social Workers
NAC 641B.110
Approved Regulation R103-23
R103-23 section 18, NAC 641B.187(1)(a)(3) (PDF page 32)

Revoked reinstatement

All of the following:

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Board discretion: NRS 641B.450 leaves acceptance to the Board and permits an examination as a condition; an unidentified additional slot remains an applicant condition.
Education: Meet the corresponding current initial-license educational requirements.
Exam score transfer: The Board restoration page requires an ASWB exam score transfer on reapplication and states that verification allows the applicant not to retest.
Exam waiver: NAC 641B.090(8) permits the Board to waive taking the required examination after an applicant passed an at least equivalent examination; the passed, currently offered ASWB examination remains a requirement reference.
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
Other testing administrator: NAC 641B.105(1) allows another Board-approved testing administrator; an unnamed additional examination is an applicant condition, not an invented examination identity.
Prior license: Previously held this Nevada license at the corresponding level.
Revocation: Wait the reinstatement prohibition fixed in the final revocation order (one to ten years), meet all current initial-license requirements, submit statutory attestations of compliance and any additional requirements.

Licensed Independent Social Worker

Nevada social work license under NRS Chapter 641B.

Licensing authority: Nevada Board of Examiners for Social Workers · Application information

Reinstatement after child support suspension

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Existing license: Hold the corresponding Nevada license.
Fees: Submit the applicable completed Board application and all required fees and information.
Release document: The Board receives the public agency letter establishing compliance with the subpoena or warrant or satisfaction of arrearage under NRS 641B.405(2).
Restoration fee: Pay the fee for restoring the suspended license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

NRS Chapter 641B - Social Workers
NRS 641B.405

Renewal during delinquency

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Continuing education: Submit required continuing education evidence; each two-year reporting period requires 30 hours for associate/LSW/LMSW or 36 for LISW/LCSW, including four ethics hours, six cultural-competency/diversity hours, and field-of-practice hours; the implementing rule also requires two suicide-prevention hours. NRS 641B.280 changed July 1, 2026, while R103-23 section 18 retains the Board suicide-prevention requirement.
Existing license: Hold the corresponding Nevada license.
Fees: Submit the applicable completed Board application and all required fees and information.
Time limit: Renew within 60 days after delinquency and pay the additional delinquent fee; do not practice while delinquent.
Waivers: The Board may waive eligible continuing education for good cause, degree enrollment, or a retired licensee aged at least 60; the nonwaivable subjects remain governed by R103-23 section 18.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

NRS Chapter 641B - Social Workers
NRS 641B.290
NRS Chapter 641B - Social Workers
NRS 641B.280(1), effective July 1, 2026
NAC Chapter 641B - Social Workers
NAC 641B.110

Licensure by endorsement

All of the following:

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Application expiry: Endorsement application expires six months after receipt (NAC 641B.090(10)).
Disciplinary history: The Board reviews any prior restriction, suspension or revocation under NAC 641B.126(3).
Education: A masters or doctoral degree in social work and at least 3,000 hours of postgraduate internship.
Equivalence: The Board must deem the originating licensing requirements substantially equivalent under NRS 641B.270.
Exam scores: The Board 2026 explanation requires having passed the equivalent ASWB examination; taking it again may be waived. Its stated minimum qualifications for advanced licenses include Masters plus the advanced-level score.
Exam waiver: NAC 641B.090(8) permits the Board to waive taking the required examination after an applicant passed an at least equivalent examination; the passed, currently offered ASWB examination remains a requirement reference.
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
License held elsewhere: Hold a corresponding current unrestricted license in another US jurisdiction and provide verification of all current and prior licenses.
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
Other testing administrator: NAC 641B.105(1) allows another Board-approved testing administrator; an unnamed additional examination is an applicant condition, not an invented examination identity.

Licensure by expedited endorsement

All of the following:

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Application expiry: Endorsement application expires six months after receipt (NAC 641B.090(10)).
Decision period: Additional-information notice within 15 business days; absent good-cause denial, issue within 45 days after receiving all required information.
Disciplinary history: The Board reviews any prior restriction, suspension or revocation under NAC 641B.126(3).
Education: A masters or doctoral degree in social work and at least 3,000 hours of postgraduate internship.
Exam scores: The Board 2026 explanation requires having passed the equivalent ASWB examination; taking it again may be waived. Its stated minimum qualifications for advanced licenses include Masters plus the advanced-level score.
Exam waiver: NAC 641B.090(8) permits the Board to waive taking the required examination after an applicant passed an at least equivalent examination; the passed, currently offered ASWB examination remains a requirement reference.
Expedited eligibility: A corresponding valid unrestricted US license; no discipline or investigation by the corresponding regulatory authority and no civil or criminal malpractice liability; submit affidavit, fingerprints, permission, fee and other Board-required information (NRS 641B.272).
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
License held elsewhere: Hold a corresponding current unrestricted license in another US jurisdiction and provide verification of all current and prior licenses.
Military discount: Qualifying active service members, spouses, veterans and surviving spouses have the statutory endorsement fee discount.
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
Other testing administrator: NAC 641B.105(1) allows another Board-approved testing administrator; an unnamed additional examination is an applicant condition, not an invented examination identity.

Placement on inactive status

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Eligibility: License is in good standing and all issuance or renewal requirements are met.
Existing license: Hold the corresponding Nevada license.
Fees: Submit the applicable completed Board application and all required fees and information.
Inactive period: Inactive status lasts five years; no continuing education is required while inactive.
Practice: No Nevada social work practice while inactive.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

NRS Chapter 641B - Social Workers
NRS 641B.295
Approved Regulation R103-23
R103-23 section 3(1) (PDF page 7)

Renewal of inactive license

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Existing license: Hold the corresponding Nevada license.
Fees: Submit the applicable completed Board application and all required fees and information.
Inactive status: Maintain inactive status during its five-year maximum; no practice and no continuing education while inactive.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

NRS Chapter 641B - Social Workers
NRS 641B.295
NRS Chapter 641B - Social Workers
NRS 641B.280(1), effective July 1, 2026
Approved Regulation R103-23
R103-23 section 13, inactive annual renewal (PDF page 19)

Initial advanced licensure after postgraduate internship

All of the following:

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Completion window: Obtain the advanced license within three years after the end of the internship program or the Board disallows its hours.
Education: A masters or doctoral degree in social work under NRS 641B.230.
Exam waiver: NAC 641B.090(8) permits the Board to waive taking the required examination after an applicant passed an at least equivalent examination; the passed, currently offered ASWB examination remains a requirement reference.
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
Internship: Complete at least 3,000 hours in a Board-approved postgraduate internship with approved setting, supervisor and supervision plan; minimum two years and normally no more than three years, with Board extensions for good cause.
Internship examination: NAC 641B.140/150 allows an examination if deemed necessary by the Board; no particular additional examination is identified.
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
Other testing administrator: NAC 641B.105(1) allows another Board-approved testing administrator; an unnamed additional examination is an applicant condition, not an invented examination identity.
Practice during internship: Amended NAC 641B.140/150 prohibits a concurrent postgraduate internship in another jurisdiction or practice outside Nevada while participating in the Nevada internship.
Prior license: The Board requires a current Nevada LMSW license and passing ASWB Masters score before an approved postgraduate internship.

Return of inactive license to active status

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Complete the Board form and all requested information.
Continuing education: Provide proof of compliance with the relevant NAC 641B.187 continuing education requirements completed within the 12 months preceding application.
Existing license: Hold the corresponding Nevada license.
Fees: Submit the applicable completed Board application and all required fees and information.
Time limit: Apply before the five-year inactive period ends.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

NRS Chapter 641B - Social Workers
NRS 641B.295
Approved Regulation R103-23
R103-23 section 3(3), inactive license reinstatement (PDF page 7)
Approved Regulation R103-23
R103-23 section 3(3)(b)-(c), continuation (PDF page 8)

Reapplication after expiry

All of the following:

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Education: Meet the corresponding current initial-license educational requirements.
Exam score transfer: The Board restoration page requires an ASWB exam score transfer on reapplication and states that verification allows the applicant not to retest.
Exam waiver: NAC 641B.090(8) permits the Board to waive taking the required examination after an applicant passed an at least equivalent examination; the passed, currently offered ASWB examination remains a requirement reference.
Expiry: License expired more than one year ago.
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
Other testing administrator: NAC 641B.105(1) allows another Board-approved testing administrator; an unnamed additional examination is an applicant condition, not an invented examination identity.
Prior license: Previously held this Nevada license at the corresponding level.

Reapplication after inactive expiry

All of the following:

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Education: Meet the corresponding current initial-license educational requirements.
Exam score transfer: The Board restoration page requires an ASWB exam score transfer on reapplication and states that verification allows the applicant not to retest.
Exam waiver: NAC 641B.090(8) permits the Board to waive taking the required examination after an applicant passed an at least equivalent examination; the passed, currently offered ASWB examination remains a requirement reference.
Expiry: Five-year inactive status has expired.
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
Other testing administrator: NAC 641B.105(1) allows another Board-approved testing administrator; an unnamed additional examination is an applicant condition, not an invented examination identity.
Prior license: Previously held this Nevada license at the corresponding level.

Annual renewal

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Continuing education: Submit required continuing education evidence; each two-year reporting period requires 30 hours for associate/LSW/LMSW or 36 for LISW/LCSW, including four ethics hours, six cultural-competency/diversity hours, and field-of-practice hours; the implementing rule also requires two suicide-prevention hours. NRS 641B.280 changed July 1, 2026, while R103-23 section 18 retains the Board suicide-prevention requirement.
Deadline: Renew on or before the last day of the birth month.
Existing license: Hold the corresponding Nevada license.
Fees: Submit the applicable completed Board application and all required fees and information.
Waivers: The Board may waive eligible continuing education for good cause, degree enrollment, or a retired licensee aged at least 60; the nonwaivable subjects remain governed by R103-23 section 18.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

NRS Chapter 641B - Social Workers
NRS 641B.280(1), effective July 1, 2026
NAC Chapter 641B - Social Workers
NAC 641B.110
Approved Regulation R103-23
R103-23 section 18, NAC 641B.187(1)(a)(3) (PDF page 32)

Revoked reinstatement

All of the following:

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Board discretion: NRS 641B.450 leaves acceptance to the Board and permits an examination as a condition; an unidentified additional slot remains an applicant condition.
Education: Meet the corresponding current initial-license educational requirements.
Exam score transfer: The Board restoration page requires an ASWB exam score transfer on reapplication and states that verification allows the applicant not to retest.
Exam waiver: NAC 641B.090(8) permits the Board to waive taking the required examination after an applicant passed an at least equivalent examination; the passed, currently offered ASWB examination remains a requirement reference.
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
Other testing administrator: NAC 641B.105(1) allows another Board-approved testing administrator; an unnamed additional examination is an applicant condition, not an invented examination identity.
Prior license: Previously held this Nevada license at the corresponding level.
Revocation: Wait the reinstatement prohibition fixed in the final revocation order (one to ten years), meet all current initial-license requirements, submit statutory attestations of compliance and any additional requirements.

Licensed Master Social Worker

Nevada social work license under NRS Chapter 641B.

Licensing authority: Nevada Board of Examiners for Social Workers · Application information

Reinstatement after child support suspension

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Existing license: Hold the corresponding Nevada license.
Fees: Submit the applicable completed Board application and all required fees and information.
Release document: The Board receives the public agency letter establishing compliance with the subpoena or warrant or satisfaction of arrearage under NRS 641B.405(2).
Restoration fee: Pay the fee for restoring the suspended license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

NRS Chapter 641B - Social Workers
NRS 641B.405

Renewal during delinquency

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Continuing education: Submit required continuing education evidence; each two-year reporting period requires 30 hours for associate/LSW/LMSW or 36 for LISW/LCSW, including four ethics hours, six cultural-competency/diversity hours, and field-of-practice hours; the implementing rule also requires two suicide-prevention hours. NRS 641B.280 changed July 1, 2026, while R103-23 section 18 retains the Board suicide-prevention requirement.
Existing license: Hold the corresponding Nevada license.
Fees: Submit the applicable completed Board application and all required fees and information.
Time limit: Renew within 60 days after delinquency and pay the additional delinquent fee; do not practice while delinquent.
Waivers: The Board may waive eligible continuing education for good cause, degree enrollment, or a retired licensee aged at least 60; the nonwaivable subjects remain governed by R103-23 section 18.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

NRS Chapter 641B - Social Workers
NRS 641B.290
NRS Chapter 641B - Social Workers
NRS 641B.280(1), effective July 1, 2026
NAC Chapter 641B - Social Workers
NAC 641B.110

Licensure by endorsement

ASWB Masters Exam

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Application expiry: Endorsement application expires six months after receipt (NAC 641B.090(10)).
Disciplinary history: The Board reviews any prior restriction, suspension or revocation under NAC 641B.126(3).
Education: A masters or doctoral degree in social work as specified in NRS 641B.225(1).
Equivalence: The Board must deem the originating licensing requirements substantially equivalent under NRS 641B.270.
Exam scores: The Board 2026 explanation requires having passed the equivalent ASWB examination; taking it again may be waived. Its stated minimum qualifications for advanced licenses include Masters plus the advanced-level score.
Exam waiver: NAC 641B.090(8) permits the Board to waive taking the required examination after an applicant passed an at least equivalent examination; the passed, currently offered ASWB examination remains a requirement reference.
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
License held elsewhere: Hold a corresponding current unrestricted license in another US jurisdiction and provide verification of all current and prior licenses.
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
Other testing administrator: NAC 641B.105(1) allows another Board-approved testing administrator; an unnamed additional examination is an applicant condition, not an invented examination identity.

Licensure by expedited endorsement

ASWB Masters Exam

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Application expiry: Endorsement application expires six months after receipt (NAC 641B.090(10)).
Decision period: Additional-information notice within 15 business days; absent good-cause denial, issue within 45 days after receiving all required information.
Disciplinary history: The Board reviews any prior restriction, suspension or revocation under NAC 641B.126(3).
Education: A masters or doctoral degree in social work as specified in NRS 641B.225(1).
Exam scores: The Board 2026 explanation requires having passed the equivalent ASWB examination; taking it again may be waived. Its stated minimum qualifications for advanced licenses include Masters plus the advanced-level score.
Exam waiver: NAC 641B.090(8) permits the Board to waive taking the required examination after an applicant passed an at least equivalent examination; the passed, currently offered ASWB examination remains a requirement reference.
Expedited eligibility: A corresponding valid unrestricted US license; no discipline or investigation by the corresponding regulatory authority and no civil or criminal malpractice liability; submit affidavit, fingerprints, permission, fee and other Board-required information (NRS 641B.272).
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
License held elsewhere: Hold a corresponding current unrestricted license in another US jurisdiction and provide verification of all current and prior licenses.
Military discount: Qualifying active service members, spouses, veterans and surviving spouses have the statutory endorsement fee discount.
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
Other testing administrator: NAC 641B.105(1) allows another Board-approved testing administrator; an unnamed additional examination is an applicant condition, not an invented examination identity.

Placement on inactive status

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Eligibility: License is in good standing and all issuance or renewal requirements are met.
Existing license: Hold the corresponding Nevada license.
Fees: Submit the applicable completed Board application and all required fees and information.
Inactive period: Inactive status lasts five years; no continuing education is required while inactive.
Practice: No Nevada social work practice while inactive.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

NRS Chapter 641B - Social Workers
NRS 641B.295
Approved Regulation R103-23
R103-23 section 3(1) (PDF page 7)

Renewal of inactive license

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Existing license: Hold the corresponding Nevada license.
Fees: Submit the applicable completed Board application and all required fees and information.
Inactive status: Maintain inactive status during its five-year maximum; no practice and no continuing education while inactive.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

NRS Chapter 641B - Social Workers
NRS 641B.295
NRS Chapter 641B - Social Workers
NRS 641B.280(1), effective July 1, 2026
Approved Regulation R103-23
R103-23 section 13, inactive annual renewal (PDF page 19)

Initial licensure by examination

ASWB Masters Exam

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Board exam approval: Obtain Board approval before examination. The initial application expires nine months after initial examination approval (NAC 641B.090(9)); amended NAC 641B.105(4) requires LSW/LMSW examination passage within nine months after satisfying eligibility.
Education: A masters or doctoral degree in social work as specified in NRS 641B.225(1).
Exam waiver: NAC 641B.090(8) permits the Board to waive taking the required examination after an applicant passed an at least equivalent examination; the passed, currently offered ASWB examination remains a requirement reference.
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
Last semester: A social work student in the final semester may take the examination before the degree is awarded; the degree remains required for full licensure.
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
Other testing administrator: NAC 641B.105(1) allows another Board-approved testing administrator; an unnamed additional examination is an applicant condition, not an invented examination identity.
Retesting: A failed examination may be retaken after 90 days, or sooner if the testing administrator provides such a process (R103-23 section 9).

Return of inactive license to active status

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Complete the Board form and all requested information.
Continuing education: Provide proof of compliance with the relevant NAC 641B.187 continuing education requirements completed within the 12 months preceding application.
Existing license: Hold the corresponding Nevada license.
Fees: Submit the applicable completed Board application and all required fees and information.
Time limit: Apply before the five-year inactive period ends.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

NRS Chapter 641B - Social Workers
NRS 641B.295
Approved Regulation R103-23
R103-23 section 3(3), inactive license reinstatement (PDF page 7)
Approved Regulation R103-23
R103-23 section 3(3)(b)-(c), continuation (PDF page 8)

Reapplication after expiry

ASWB Masters Exam

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Education: Meet the corresponding current initial-license educational requirements.
Exam score transfer: The Board restoration page requires an ASWB exam score transfer on reapplication and states that verification allows the applicant not to retest.
Exam waiver: NAC 641B.090(8) permits the Board to waive taking the required examination after an applicant passed an at least equivalent examination; the passed, currently offered ASWB examination remains a requirement reference.
Expiry: License expired more than one year ago.
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
Other testing administrator: NAC 641B.105(1) allows another Board-approved testing administrator; an unnamed additional examination is an applicant condition, not an invented examination identity.
Prior license: Previously held this Nevada license at the corresponding level.

Reapplication after inactive expiry

ASWB Masters Exam

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Education: Meet the corresponding current initial-license educational requirements.
Exam score transfer: The Board restoration page requires an ASWB exam score transfer on reapplication and states that verification allows the applicant not to retest.
Exam waiver: NAC 641B.090(8) permits the Board to waive taking the required examination after an applicant passed an at least equivalent examination; the passed, currently offered ASWB examination remains a requirement reference.
Expiry: Five-year inactive status has expired.
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
Other testing administrator: NAC 641B.105(1) allows another Board-approved testing administrator; an unnamed additional examination is an applicant condition, not an invented examination identity.
Prior license: Previously held this Nevada license at the corresponding level.

Annual renewal

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Continuing education: Submit required continuing education evidence; each two-year reporting period requires 30 hours for associate/LSW/LMSW or 36 for LISW/LCSW, including four ethics hours, six cultural-competency/diversity hours, and field-of-practice hours; the implementing rule also requires two suicide-prevention hours. NRS 641B.280 changed July 1, 2026, while R103-23 section 18 retains the Board suicide-prevention requirement.
Deadline: Renew on or before the last day of the birth month.
Existing license: Hold the corresponding Nevada license.
Fees: Submit the applicable completed Board application and all required fees and information.
Waivers: The Board may waive eligible continuing education for good cause, degree enrollment, or a retired licensee aged at least 60; the nonwaivable subjects remain governed by R103-23 section 18.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

NRS Chapter 641B - Social Workers
NRS 641B.280(1), effective July 1, 2026
NAC Chapter 641B - Social Workers
NAC 641B.110
Approved Regulation R103-23
R103-23 section 18, NAC 641B.187(1)(a)(3) (PDF page 32)

Revoked reinstatement

ASWB Masters Exam

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Board discretion: NRS 641B.450 leaves acceptance to the Board and permits an examination as a condition; an unidentified additional slot remains an applicant condition.
Education: Meet the corresponding current initial-license educational requirements.
Exam score transfer: The Board restoration page requires an ASWB exam score transfer on reapplication and states that verification allows the applicant not to retest.
Exam waiver: NAC 641B.090(8) permits the Board to waive taking the required examination after an applicant passed an at least equivalent examination; the passed, currently offered ASWB examination remains a requirement reference.
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
Other testing administrator: NAC 641B.105(1) allows another Board-approved testing administrator; an unnamed additional examination is an applicant condition, not an invented examination identity.
Prior license: Previously held this Nevada license at the corresponding level.
Revocation: Wait the reinstatement prohibition fixed in the final revocation order (one to ten years), meet all current initial-license requirements, submit statutory attestations of compliance and any additional requirements.

Licensed Social Worker

Nevada social work license under NRS Chapter 641B.

Licensing authority: Nevada Board of Examiners for Social Workers · Application information

Conversion of a grandfathered associate license

ASWB Bachelors Exam

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Education: A baccalaureate or masters degree, or equivalent coursework, in a Board-approved related field.
Employment: Complete 3,000 hours of employment in Nevada as an associate (NRS 641B.220(2)).
Exam level: The Board identifies the Bachelors examination for the LSW level; the unnamed related-field testing slot is recorded using that current implementing requirement.
Exam waiver: NAC 641B.090(8) permits the Board to waive taking the required examination after an applicant passed an at least equivalent examination; the passed, currently offered ASWB examination remains a requirement reference.
Existing license: Hold a grandfathered associate license.
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
Other testing administrator: NAC 641B.105(1) allows another Board-approved testing administrator; an unnamed additional examination is an applicant condition, not an invented examination identity.

Reinstatement after child support suspension

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Existing license: Hold the corresponding Nevada license.
Fees: Submit the applicable completed Board application and all required fees and information.
Release document: The Board receives the public agency letter establishing compliance with the subpoena or warrant or satisfaction of arrearage under NRS 641B.405(2).
Restoration fee: Pay the fee for restoring the suspended license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

NRS Chapter 641B - Social Workers
NRS 641B.405

Renewal during delinquency

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Continuing education: Submit required continuing education evidence; each two-year reporting period requires 30 hours for associate/LSW/LMSW or 36 for LISW/LCSW, including four ethics hours, six cultural-competency/diversity hours, and field-of-practice hours; the implementing rule also requires two suicide-prevention hours. NRS 641B.280 changed July 1, 2026, while R103-23 section 18 retains the Board suicide-prevention requirement.
Existing license: Hold the corresponding Nevada license.
Fees: Submit the applicable completed Board application and all required fees and information.
Time limit: Renew within 60 days after delinquency and pay the additional delinquent fee; do not practice while delinquent.
Waivers: The Board may waive eligible continuing education for good cause, degree enrollment, or a retired licensee aged at least 60; the nonwaivable subjects remain governed by R103-23 section 18.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

NRS Chapter 641B - Social Workers
NRS 641B.290
NRS Chapter 641B - Social Workers
NRS 641B.280(1), effective July 1, 2026
NAC Chapter 641B - Social Workers
NAC 641B.110

Licensure by endorsement

ASWB Bachelors Exam

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Application expiry: Endorsement application expires six months after receipt (NAC 641B.090(10)).
Disciplinary history: The Board reviews any prior restriction, suspension or revocation under NAC 641B.126(3).
Education: A baccalaureate degree in social work as specified in NRS 641B.220(1).
Equivalence: The Board must deem the originating licensing requirements substantially equivalent under NRS 641B.270.
Exam scores: The Board 2026 explanation requires having passed the equivalent ASWB examination; taking it again may be waived. Its stated minimum qualifications for advanced licenses include Masters plus the advanced-level score.
Exam waiver: NAC 641B.090(8) permits the Board to waive taking the required examination after an applicant passed an at least equivalent examination; the passed, currently offered ASWB examination remains a requirement reference.
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
License held elsewhere: Hold a corresponding current unrestricted license in another US jurisdiction and provide verification of all current and prior licenses.
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
Other testing administrator: NAC 641B.105(1) allows another Board-approved testing administrator; an unnamed additional examination is an applicant condition, not an invented examination identity.

Licensure by endorsement

ASWB Masters Exam

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Application expiry: Endorsement application expires six months after receipt (NAC 641B.090(10)).
Disciplinary history: The Board reviews any prior restriction, suspension or revocation under NAC 641B.126(3).
Education: A masters degree in social work as specified in NRS 641B.220(1).
Equivalence: The Board must deem the originating licensing requirements substantially equivalent under NRS 641B.270.
Exam scores: The Board 2026 explanation requires having passed the equivalent ASWB examination; taking it again may be waived. Its stated minimum qualifications for advanced licenses include Masters plus the advanced-level score.
Exam waiver: NAC 641B.090(8) permits the Board to waive taking the required examination after an applicant passed an at least equivalent examination; the passed, currently offered ASWB examination remains a requirement reference.
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
License held elsewhere: Hold a corresponding current unrestricted license in another US jurisdiction and provide verification of all current and prior licenses.
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
Other testing administrator: NAC 641B.105(1) allows another Board-approved testing administrator; an unnamed additional examination is an applicant condition, not an invented examination identity.

Licensure by expedited endorsement

ASWB Bachelors Exam

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Application expiry: Endorsement application expires six months after receipt (NAC 641B.090(10)).
Decision period: Additional-information notice within 15 business days; absent good-cause denial, issue within 45 days after receiving all required information.
Disciplinary history: The Board reviews any prior restriction, suspension or revocation under NAC 641B.126(3).
Education: A baccalaureate degree in social work as specified in NRS 641B.220(1).
Exam scores: The Board 2026 explanation requires having passed the equivalent ASWB examination; taking it again may be waived. Its stated minimum qualifications for advanced licenses include Masters plus the advanced-level score.
Exam waiver: NAC 641B.090(8) permits the Board to waive taking the required examination after an applicant passed an at least equivalent examination; the passed, currently offered ASWB examination remains a requirement reference.
Expedited eligibility: A corresponding valid unrestricted US license; no discipline or investigation by the corresponding regulatory authority and no civil or criminal malpractice liability; submit affidavit, fingerprints, permission, fee and other Board-required information (NRS 641B.272).
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
License held elsewhere: Hold a corresponding current unrestricted license in another US jurisdiction and provide verification of all current and prior licenses.
Military discount: Qualifying active service members, spouses, veterans and surviving spouses have the statutory endorsement fee discount.
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
Other testing administrator: NAC 641B.105(1) allows another Board-approved testing administrator; an unnamed additional examination is an applicant condition, not an invented examination identity.

Licensure by expedited endorsement

ASWB Masters Exam

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Application expiry: Endorsement application expires six months after receipt (NAC 641B.090(10)).
Decision period: Additional-information notice within 15 business days; absent good-cause denial, issue within 45 days after receiving all required information.
Disciplinary history: The Board reviews any prior restriction, suspension or revocation under NAC 641B.126(3).
Education: A masters degree in social work as specified in NRS 641B.220(1).
Exam scores: The Board 2026 explanation requires having passed the equivalent ASWB examination; taking it again may be waived. Its stated minimum qualifications for advanced licenses include Masters plus the advanced-level score.
Exam waiver: NAC 641B.090(8) permits the Board to waive taking the required examination after an applicant passed an at least equivalent examination; the passed, currently offered ASWB examination remains a requirement reference.
Expedited eligibility: A corresponding valid unrestricted US license; no discipline or investigation by the corresponding regulatory authority and no civil or criminal malpractice liability; submit affidavit, fingerprints, permission, fee and other Board-required information (NRS 641B.272).
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
License held elsewhere: Hold a corresponding current unrestricted license in another US jurisdiction and provide verification of all current and prior licenses.
Military discount: Qualifying active service members, spouses, veterans and surviving spouses have the statutory endorsement fee discount.
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
Other testing administrator: NAC 641B.105(1) allows another Board-approved testing administrator; an unnamed additional examination is an applicant condition, not an invented examination identity.

Placement on inactive status

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Eligibility: License is in good standing and all issuance or renewal requirements are met.
Existing license: Hold the corresponding Nevada license.
Fees: Submit the applicable completed Board application and all required fees and information.
Inactive period: Inactive status lasts five years; no continuing education is required while inactive.
Practice: No Nevada social work practice while inactive.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

NRS Chapter 641B - Social Workers
NRS 641B.295
Approved Regulation R103-23
R103-23 section 3(1) (PDF page 7)

Renewal of inactive license

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Existing license: Hold the corresponding Nevada license.
Fees: Submit the applicable completed Board application and all required fees and information.
Inactive status: Maintain inactive status during its five-year maximum; no practice and no continuing education while inactive.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

NRS Chapter 641B - Social Workers
NRS 641B.295
NRS Chapter 641B - Social Workers
NRS 641B.280(1), effective July 1, 2026
Approved Regulation R103-23
R103-23 section 13, inactive annual renewal (PDF page 19)

Initial licensure by examination

ASWB Bachelors Exam

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Board exam approval: Obtain Board approval before examination. The initial application expires nine months after initial examination approval (NAC 641B.090(9)); amended NAC 641B.105(4) requires LSW/LMSW examination passage within nine months after satisfying eligibility.
Education: A baccalaureate degree in social work as specified in NRS 641B.220(1).
Exam waiver: NAC 641B.090(8) permits the Board to waive taking the required examination after an applicant passed an at least equivalent examination; the passed, currently offered ASWB examination remains a requirement reference.
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
Last semester: A social work student in the final semester may take the examination before the degree is awarded; the degree remains required for full licensure.
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
Other testing administrator: NAC 641B.105(1) allows another Board-approved testing administrator; an unnamed additional examination is an applicant condition, not an invented examination identity.
Retesting: A failed examination may be retaken after 90 days, or sooner if the testing administrator provides such a process (R103-23 section 9).

Initial licensure by examination

ASWB Masters Exam

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Board application instruction: The Board New Applicants page says: "SPECIAL NOTE: THIS APPLICATION IS ONLY FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH A BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN SOCIAL WORK (BSW)." NRS 641B.220 and amended NAC 641B.105 still provide the masters-degree LSW pathway; contact the Board about its application process.
Board exam approval: Obtain Board approval before examination. The initial application expires nine months after initial examination approval (NAC 641B.090(9)); amended NAC 641B.105(4) requires LSW/LMSW examination passage within nine months after satisfying eligibility.
Education: A masters degree in social work as specified in NRS 641B.220(1).
Exam waiver: NAC 641B.090(8) permits the Board to waive taking the required examination after an applicant passed an at least equivalent examination; the passed, currently offered ASWB examination remains a requirement reference.
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
Last semester: A social work student in the final semester may take the examination before the degree is awarded; the degree remains required for full licensure.
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
Other testing administrator: NAC 641B.105(1) allows another Board-approved testing administrator; an unnamed additional examination is an applicant condition, not an invented examination identity.
Retesting: A failed examination may be retaken after 90 days, or sooner if the testing administrator provides such a process (R103-23 section 9).

Return of inactive license to active status

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Complete the Board form and all requested information.
Continuing education: Provide proof of compliance with the relevant NAC 641B.187 continuing education requirements completed within the 12 months preceding application.
Existing license: Hold the corresponding Nevada license.
Fees: Submit the applicable completed Board application and all required fees and information.
Time limit: Apply before the five-year inactive period ends.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

NRS Chapter 641B - Social Workers
NRS 641B.295
Approved Regulation R103-23
R103-23 section 3(3), inactive license reinstatement (PDF page 7)
Approved Regulation R103-23
R103-23 section 3(3)(b)-(c), continuation (PDF page 8)

Reapplication after expiry

ASWB Bachelors Exam

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Education: Meet the corresponding current initial-license educational requirements with a bachelors social work degree.
Exam score transfer: The Board restoration page requires an ASWB exam score transfer on reapplication and states that verification allows the applicant not to retest.
Exam waiver: NAC 641B.090(8) permits the Board to waive taking the required examination after an applicant passed an at least equivalent examination; the passed, currently offered ASWB examination remains a requirement reference.
Expiry: License expired more than one year ago.
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
Other testing administrator: NAC 641B.105(1) allows another Board-approved testing administrator; an unnamed additional examination is an applicant condition, not an invented examination identity.
Prior license: Previously held this Nevada license at the corresponding level.

Reapplication after expiry

ASWB Masters Exam

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Education: Meet the corresponding current initial-license educational requirements with a masters social work degree.
Exam score transfer: The Board restoration page requires an ASWB exam score transfer on reapplication and states that verification allows the applicant not to retest.
Exam waiver: NAC 641B.090(8) permits the Board to waive taking the required examination after an applicant passed an at least equivalent examination; the passed, currently offered ASWB examination remains a requirement reference.
Expiry: License expired more than one year ago.
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
Other testing administrator: NAC 641B.105(1) allows another Board-approved testing administrator; an unnamed additional examination is an applicant condition, not an invented examination identity.
Prior license: Previously held this Nevada license at the corresponding level.

Reapplication after inactive expiry

ASWB Bachelors Exam

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Education: Meet the corresponding current initial-license educational requirements with a bachelors social work degree.
Exam score transfer: The Board restoration page requires an ASWB exam score transfer on reapplication and states that verification allows the applicant not to retest.
Exam waiver: NAC 641B.090(8) permits the Board to waive taking the required examination after an applicant passed an at least equivalent examination; the passed, currently offered ASWB examination remains a requirement reference.
Expiry: Five-year inactive status has expired.
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
Other testing administrator: NAC 641B.105(1) allows another Board-approved testing administrator; an unnamed additional examination is an applicant condition, not an invented examination identity.
Prior license: Previously held this Nevada license at the corresponding level.

Reapplication after inactive expiry

ASWB Masters Exam

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Education: Meet the corresponding current initial-license educational requirements with a masters social work degree.
Exam score transfer: The Board restoration page requires an ASWB exam score transfer on reapplication and states that verification allows the applicant not to retest.
Exam waiver: NAC 641B.090(8) permits the Board to waive taking the required examination after an applicant passed an at least equivalent examination; the passed, currently offered ASWB examination remains a requirement reference.
Expiry: Five-year inactive status has expired.
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
Other testing administrator: NAC 641B.105(1) allows another Board-approved testing administrator; an unnamed additional examination is an applicant condition, not an invented examination identity.
Prior license: Previously held this Nevada license at the corresponding level.

Annual renewal

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Continuing education: Submit required continuing education evidence; each two-year reporting period requires 30 hours for associate/LSW/LMSW or 36 for LISW/LCSW, including four ethics hours, six cultural-competency/diversity hours, and field-of-practice hours; the implementing rule also requires two suicide-prevention hours. NRS 641B.280 changed July 1, 2026, while R103-23 section 18 retains the Board suicide-prevention requirement.
Deadline: Renew on or before the last day of the birth month.
Existing license: Hold the corresponding Nevada license.
Fees: Submit the applicable completed Board application and all required fees and information.
Waivers: The Board may waive eligible continuing education for good cause, degree enrollment, or a retired licensee aged at least 60; the nonwaivable subjects remain governed by R103-23 section 18.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

NRS Chapter 641B - Social Workers
NRS 641B.280(1), effective July 1, 2026
NAC Chapter 641B - Social Workers
NAC 641B.110
Approved Regulation R103-23
R103-23 section 18, NAC 641B.187(1)(a)(3) (PDF page 32)

Revoked reinstatement

ASWB Bachelors Exam

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Board discretion: NRS 641B.450 leaves acceptance to the Board and permits an examination as a condition; an unidentified additional slot remains an applicant condition.
Education: Meet the corresponding current initial-license educational requirements with a bachelors social work degree.
Exam score transfer: The Board restoration page requires an ASWB exam score transfer on reapplication and states that verification allows the applicant not to retest.
Exam waiver: NAC 641B.090(8) permits the Board to waive taking the required examination after an applicant passed an at least equivalent examination; the passed, currently offered ASWB examination remains a requirement reference.
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
Other testing administrator: NAC 641B.105(1) allows another Board-approved testing administrator; an unnamed additional examination is an applicant condition, not an invented examination identity.
Prior license: Previously held this Nevada license at the corresponding level.
Revocation: Wait the reinstatement prohibition fixed in the final revocation order (one to ten years), meet all current initial-license requirements, submit statutory attestations of compliance and any additional requirements.

Revoked reinstatement

ASWB Masters Exam

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Board discretion: NRS 641B.450 leaves acceptance to the Board and permits an examination as a condition; an unidentified additional slot remains an applicant condition.
Education: Meet the corresponding current initial-license educational requirements with a masters social work degree.
Exam score transfer: The Board restoration page requires an ASWB exam score transfer on reapplication and states that verification allows the applicant not to retest.
Exam waiver: NAC 641B.090(8) permits the Board to waive taking the required examination after an applicant passed an at least equivalent examination; the passed, currently offered ASWB examination remains a requirement reference.
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
Other testing administrator: NAC 641B.105(1) allows another Board-approved testing administrator; an unnamed additional examination is an applicant condition, not an invented examination identity.
Prior license: Previously held this Nevada license at the corresponding level.
Revocation: Wait the reinstatement prohibition fixed in the final revocation order (one to ten years), meet all current initial-license requirements, submit statutory attestations of compliance and any additional requirements.

Provisional Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Temporary or provisional form of the corresponding license; applicable applicant conditions and statutory authority are recorded per route.

Licensing authority: Nevada Board of Examiners for Social Workers · Application information

Provisional licensure pending endorsement decision

All of the following:

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Board discretion: Before final action, the Board may grant a provisional license for any reason under NRS 641B.272(5).
Duration: The provisional grant is subject to Board regulations and the individual provisional authorization; NRS 641B.272 itself states no examination or renewal deadline.
Endorsement: Applicant has a pending endorsement application, holds the corresponding valid unrestricted US license and meets NRS 641B.272 and Board endorsement qualifications.
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
Passed examination: The Board requires the equivalent passed ASWB score; advanced-level minima include Masters and the relevant advanced examination.

Provisional licensure pending examination

All of the following:

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Duration: NRS 641B.275 limits examination-pending licenses to no more than nine months; Board instructions specify the Provisional A period of 90 days.
Education: Meet corresponding full-license education and, where relevant, postgraduate internship requirements.
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
One provisional: An invalidated or revoked provisional license cannot be restored or reinstated; a prior recipient cannot obtain a second provisional license (amended NAC 641B.112(7)).
Previous failure: For the provisional LSW route under NRS 641B.275(1)(a), no failed prescribed examination within the preceding five years.
Provisional exam: Apply for the next available examination; the exam may follow provisional issuance. The Board Provisional A instructions require one passing opportunity within 90 days and close the application if failed or not passed.

Provisional Licensed Independent Social Worker

Temporary or provisional form of the corresponding license; applicable applicant conditions and statutory authority are recorded per route.

Licensing authority: Nevada Board of Examiners for Social Workers · Application information

Provisional licensure pending endorsement decision

All of the following:

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Board discretion: Before final action, the Board may grant a provisional license for any reason under NRS 641B.272(5).
Duration: The provisional grant is subject to Board regulations and the individual provisional authorization; NRS 641B.272 itself states no examination or renewal deadline.
Endorsement: Applicant has a pending endorsement application, holds the corresponding valid unrestricted US license and meets NRS 641B.272 and Board endorsement qualifications.
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
Passed examination: The Board requires the equivalent passed ASWB score; advanced-level minima include Masters and the relevant advanced examination.

Provisional licensure pending examination

All of the following:

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Duration: NRS 641B.275 limits examination-pending licenses to no more than nine months; Board instructions specify the Provisional A period of 90 days.
Education: Meet corresponding full-license education and, where relevant, postgraduate internship requirements.
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
One provisional: An invalidated or revoked provisional license cannot be restored or reinstated; a prior recipient cannot obtain a second provisional license (amended NAC 641B.112(7)).
Previous failure: For the provisional LSW route under NRS 641B.275(1)(a), no failed prescribed examination within the preceding five years.
Provisional exam: Apply for the next available examination; the exam may follow provisional issuance. The Board Provisional A instructions require one passing opportunity within 90 days and close the application if failed or not passed.

Provisional Licensed Master Social Worker

Temporary or provisional form of the corresponding license; applicable applicant conditions and statutory authority are recorded per route.

Licensing authority: Nevada Board of Examiners for Social Workers · Application information

Provisional licensure pending endorsement decision

ASWB Masters Exam

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Board discretion: Before final action, the Board may grant a provisional license for any reason under NRS 641B.272(5).
Duration: The provisional grant is subject to Board regulations and the individual provisional authorization; NRS 641B.272 itself states no examination or renewal deadline.
Endorsement: Applicant has a pending endorsement application, holds the corresponding valid unrestricted US license and meets NRS 641B.272 and Board endorsement qualifications.
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
Passed examination: The Board requires the equivalent passed ASWB score; advanced-level minima include Masters and the relevant advanced examination.

Provisional licensure pending examination

ASWB Masters Exam

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Duration: NRS 641B.275 limits examination-pending licenses to no more than nine months; Board instructions specify the Provisional A period of 90 days.
Education: Meet corresponding full-license education and, where relevant, postgraduate internship requirements.
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
One provisional: An invalidated or revoked provisional license cannot be restored or reinstated; a prior recipient cannot obtain a second provisional license (amended NAC 641B.112(7)).
Previous failure: For the provisional LSW route under NRS 641B.275(1)(a), no failed prescribed examination within the preceding five years.
Provisional exam: Apply for the next available examination; the exam may follow provisional issuance. The Board Provisional A instructions require one passing opportunity within 90 days and close the application if failed or not passed.

Provisional Licensed Social Worker

Temporary or provisional form of the corresponding license; applicable applicant conditions and statutory authority are recorded per route.

Licensing authority: Nevada Board of Examiners for Social Workers · Application information

Provisional licensure pending endorsement decision

ASWB Bachelors Exam

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Board discretion: Before final action, the Board may grant a provisional license for any reason under NRS 641B.272(5).
Duration: The provisional grant is subject to Board regulations and the individual provisional authorization; NRS 641B.272 itself states no examination or renewal deadline.
Endorsement: Applicant has a pending endorsement application, holds the corresponding valid unrestricted US license and meets NRS 641B.272 and Board endorsement qualifications.
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
Passed examination: The Board requires the equivalent passed ASWB score; advanced-level minima include Masters and the relevant advanced examination.

Provisional licensure pending endorsement decision

ASWB Masters Exam

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Board discretion: Before final action, the Board may grant a provisional license for any reason under NRS 641B.272(5).
Duration: The provisional grant is subject to Board regulations and the individual provisional authorization; NRS 641B.272 itself states no examination or renewal deadline.
Endorsement: Applicant has a pending endorsement application, holds the corresponding valid unrestricted US license and meets NRS 641B.272 and Board endorsement qualifications.
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
Passed examination: The Board requires the equivalent passed ASWB score; advanced-level minima include Masters and the relevant advanced examination.

Provisional licensure pending examination

ASWB Bachelors Exam

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Duration: NRS 641B.275 limits examination-pending licenses to no more than nine months; Board instructions specify the Provisional A period of 90 days.
Education: Meet corresponding full-license education and, where relevant, postgraduate internship requirements.
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
One provisional: An invalidated or revoked provisional license cannot be restored or reinstated; a prior recipient cannot obtain a second provisional license (amended NAC 641B.112(7)).
Previous failure: For the provisional LSW route under NRS 641B.275(1)(a), no failed prescribed examination within the preceding five years.
Provisional exam: Apply for the next available examination; the exam may follow provisional issuance. The Board Provisional A instructions require one passing opportunity within 90 days and close the application if failed or not passed.

Provisional licensure pending examination

ASWB Masters Exam

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Duration: NRS 641B.275 limits examination-pending licenses to no more than nine months; Board instructions specify the Provisional A period of 90 days.
Education: Meet corresponding full-license education and, where relevant, postgraduate internship requirements.
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
One provisional: An invalidated or revoked provisional license cannot be restored or reinstated; a prior recipient cannot obtain a second provisional license (amended NAC 641B.112(7)).
Previous failure: For the provisional LSW route under NRS 641B.275(1)(a), no failed prescribed examination within the preceding five years.
Provisional exam: Apply for the next available examination; the exam may follow provisional issuance. The Board Provisional A instructions require one passing opportunity within 90 days and close the application if failed or not passed.

Annual renewal of Provisional B license

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Deadline: Apply with the fee on or before the last day of the 12th month after initial issuance.
Enrollment: Cause the university to submit evidence of continued eligible enrollment and progress; remain within the three-year licensing period.
Exam distinction: This annual renewal itself requires enrollment evidence and fees, while completion of the provisional pathway has its separate examination requirement.
Existing provisional license: Hold Provisional B under NRS 641B.275(1)(b).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

NRS Chapter 641B - Social Workers
NRS 641B.275
Approved Regulation R103-23
R103-23 section 10, NAC 641B.110(2) (PDF page 13)
Approved Regulation R103-23
R103-23 section 12, NAC 641B.112(3)(b) (PDF page 17)

Provisional B licensure during social work education

ASWB Bachelors Exam

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Duration: No more than three years; annual renewal with continued enrollment evidence. The Board states expiration on the day of graduation and requires the relevant examination before graduation.
Enrollment: Formal admission and satisfactory completion of two semesters or four quarters in a Board-approved CSWE social work program; submit university enrollment evidence.
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
One provisional: No second provisional license and no reinstatement or restoration of an invalidated or revoked provisional license.
Related degree: Have a Board-approved baccalaureate or masters degree in a related field.
Target education: Pursuing a bachelors degree in social work; the corresponding LSW examination is bachelors.

Provisional B licensure during social work education

ASWB Masters Exam

Application: Submit a completed Board application, required documents and applicable fees; the Board may investigate or request a personal appearance (NAC 641B.090).
Duration: No more than three years; annual renewal with continued enrollment evidence. The Board states expiration on the day of graduation and requires the relevant examination before graduation.
Enrollment: Formal admission and satisfactory completion of two semesters or four quarters in a Board-approved CSWE social work program; submit university enrollment evidence.
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks (NRS 641B.202 and NAC 641B.090); the Board requires passing its background checks.
Fitness: Satisfy the licensing qualifications; the Board may deny an application on the grounds stated in NRS 641B.260.
Foreign education: Where applicable, submit the degree and CSWE equivalency documentation required by NRS 641B.204; transcripts are submitted directly by the university, with the official alternatives in NRS 641B.204 and 641B.205.
Identifier: The Board requires a Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number; submit the applicable child-support statement and comply with any support order (NRS 641B.206).
Minimum age: At least 21 years of age (NRS 641B.200).
One provisional: No second provisional license and no reinstatement or restoration of an invalidated or revoked provisional license.
Related degree: Have a Board-approved baccalaureate or masters degree in a related field.
Target education: Pursuing a masters degree in social work; the corresponding LSW examination is masters.

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 Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
Inside cover (PDF page 2), edition and applicability statement
ASWB news: New social work licensing exam begins August 3
News article, launch date of the 2026 exams
ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 6 (PDF page 8), Part 1, Creating an outline for the examinations (outline model)
ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 34 (PDF page 36), Part 4, Connecting exam questions and content areas
ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 66 (PDF page 68), Part 4, Clinical exam content outline heading
ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 6 (PDF page 8), Part 1, Examination construction (Clinical content-area percentages)
ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 4 (PDF page 6), Part 1, Exam format (pretest and scored questions)
ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 4 (PDF page 6), Part 1, Exam format (time limit and delivery)
ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 18 (PDF page 20), Part 2, After the exam, Exam scoring (pass/fail reporting)
ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 18 (PDF page 20), Part 2, After the exam, Exam scoring (validity by exam category)
ASWB Exam scoring web page
Exam scoring page, passing score paragraph
ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 9 (PDF page 11), Step 1, Make sure you are eligible
ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 10 (PDF page 12), Step 2, Payment of fees
ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 10 (PDF page 12), Step 2, Authorization to Test (one examination)
ASWB news: New social work licensing exam begins August 3
News article, launch of the 2026 exams (test date determines exam)

ASWB Masters Exam

Provider: Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB); administered on computer at Pearson test centers
Format: Computer-based multiple-choice examination (three- and four-option questions) in two 61-question sections, each with a two-hour time limit; scored and pretest questions are mixed together; results reported as pass/fail
Exam questions: 122 multiple-choice questions: 110 scored and 12 unscored pretest questions
Time limit: 4 hours (two sections, each with a two-hour time limit)
Passing score: Pass/fail; the number of correct answers required varies by exam form and generally ranges from 66 to 78 of the 110 scored questions
Exam fee: US$230 exam registration fee

Examination outline

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

Examination sources

ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
Inside cover (PDF page 2), edition and applicability statement
ASWB news: New social work licensing exam begins August 3
News article, launch date of the 2026 exams
ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 6 (PDF page 8), Part 1, Creating an outline for the examinations (outline model)
ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 34 (PDF page 36), Part 4, Connecting exam questions and content areas
ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 46 (PDF page 48), Part 4, Masters exam content outline heading
ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 4 (PDF page 6), Part 1, Exam format (pretest and scored questions)
ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 4 (PDF page 6), Part 1, Exam format (time limit and delivery)
ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 18 (PDF page 20), Part 2, After the exam, Exam scoring (pass/fail reporting)
ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 18 (PDF page 20), Part 2, After the exam, Exam scoring (validity by exam category)
ASWB Exam scoring web page
Exam scoring page, passing score paragraph
ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 9 (PDF page 11), Step 1, Make sure you are eligible
ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 10 (PDF page 12), Step 2, Payment of fees
ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 10 (PDF page 12), Step 2, Authorization to Test (one examination)
ASWB news: New social work licensing exam begins August 3
News article, launch of the 2026 exams (test date determines exam)

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 Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
Inside cover (PDF page 2), edition and applicability statement
ASWB news: New social work licensing exam begins August 3
News article, launch date of the 2026 exams
ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 6 (PDF page 8), Part 1, Creating an outline for the examinations (outline model)
ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 34 (PDF page 36), Part 4, Connecting exam questions and content areas
ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 58 (PDF page 60), Part 4, Advanced Generalist exam content outline heading
ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 4 (PDF page 6), Part 1, Exam format (pretest and scored questions)
ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 4 (PDF page 6), Part 1, Exam format (time limit and delivery)
ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 18 (PDF page 20), Part 2, After the exam, Exam scoring (pass/fail reporting)
ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 18 (PDF page 20), Part 2, After the exam, Exam scoring (validity by exam category)
ASWB Exam scoring web page
Exam scoring page, passing score paragraph
ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 9 (PDF page 11), Step 1, Make sure you are eligible
ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 10 (PDF page 12), Step 2, Payment of fees
ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 10 (PDF page 12), Step 2, Authorization to Test (one examination)
ASWB news: New social work licensing exam begins August 3
News article, launch of the 2026 exams (test date determines exam)

ASWB Bachelors Exam

Provider: Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB); administered on computer at Pearson test centers
Format: Computer-based multiple-choice examination (three- and four-option questions) in two 61-question sections, each with a two-hour time limit; scored and pretest questions are mixed together; results reported as pass/fail
Exam questions: 122 multiple-choice questions: 110 scored and 12 unscored pretest questions
Time limit: 4 hours (two sections, each with a two-hour time limit)
Passing score: Pass/fail; the number of correct answers required varies by exam form and generally ranges from 66 to 78 of the 110 scored questions
Exam fee: US$230 exam registration fee

Examination outline

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

Examination sources

ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
Inside cover (PDF page 2), edition and applicability statement
ASWB news: New social work licensing exam begins August 3
News article, launch date of the 2026 exams
ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 6 (PDF page 8), Part 1, Creating an outline for the examinations (outline model)
ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 34 (PDF page 36), Part 4, Connecting exam questions and content areas
ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 36 (PDF page 38), Part 4, Bachelors exam content outline heading
ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 4 (PDF page 6), Part 1, Exam format (pretest and scored questions)
ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 4 (PDF page 6), Part 1, Exam format (time limit and delivery)
ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 18 (PDF page 20), Part 2, After the exam, Exam scoring (pass/fail reporting)
ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 18 (PDF page 20), Part 2, After the exam, Exam scoring (validity by exam category)
ASWB Exam scoring web page
Exam scoring page, passing score paragraph
ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 9 (PDF page 11), Step 1, Make sure you are eligible
ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 10 (PDF page 12), Step 2, Payment of fees
ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 10 (PDF page 12), Step 2, Authorization to Test (one examination)
ASWB news: New social work licensing exam begins August 3
News article, launch of the 2026 exams (test date determines exam)