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New Mexico Social Work — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW)

Ordinary license at this statutory social work level; specialization may be listed but the Board does not license by specialization.

Licensing authority: New Mexico Board of Social Work Examiners · Application information

Initial licensure by examination
Application
Submit the completed online application and applicable fee, transcripts, supervision documentation when applicable, verification of current or former licenses, and official examination scores under 16.63.3.8 NMAC.
Child Support Compliance
Comply with a judgment and order for support under 16.63.20 NMAC.
Criminal History
Disclose potentially disqualifying convictions under 16.63.13.9 NMAC; § 61-31-8(O)–(P), effective May 20, 2026, requires the Board to prescribe fingerprint procedures and require initial applicants to submit fingerprints for state and national criminal-history reports.
Education
At least a CSWE-accredited bachelor degree in social work.
Jurisprudence Score
Pass with at least 70 percent; the July 2026 application manual allows three attempts before the application is held for Board contact.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years.
National Score
Submit an official passing ASWB score for the appropriate level; ASWB-defined passing scores are accepted under 16.63.4.11 NMAC.
New Mexico Cultures
Complete a three-credit New Mexico cultures course, a Board-approved course/workshop/seminar, or show previously passing the New Mexico cultural examination; that previously passed score is a training-evidence condition.
Open Exam Approval
The statute accepts a Board-approved examination including the specifically named ASWB level; an unidentified approved remainder is an applicant condition.
First renewal of expedited license and conversion to regular license
Bachelors exam
Board Exam Selection
Use the ASWB examination for this license level.
Existing License
Hold the expedited license at this New Mexico level.
National Timing
Under 16.63.18.12(B), pass the appropriate ASWB examination before renewal when the original licensing jurisdiction did not require it; the exception for applicants already examined is an applicant condition.
Renewal
Apply before expiration and satisfy the regular renewal requirements, including applicable continuing education and fees.
Restoration of license restricted under the Impaired Social Worker Program
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Evaluation
The Board refers the petition to evaluators; it may request a final evaluation on the advisory committee recommendation. Medical or psychological evaluations are applicant fitness conditions, not social work licensure examinations.
Existing License
The New Mexico license at this level was restricted voluntarily or by Board action under 16.63.19 NMAC.
Petition
Petition in writing at reasonable intervals and demonstrate the ability to practice competently with reasonable skill and safety.
Release
Discharge from the program follows a positive evaluator report and advisory committee agreement; this does not replace any separately applicable lapsed-license reinstatement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-10-07.

  • part19.html

    16.63.19.10 NMAC, complete reinstatement requirements

  • chapter61.zip

    61-31-19. NMSA 1978 [ZIP member: OEBPS/chunk-155.html]

Reinstatement after revocation for nonrenewal
Application
Pay previous penalties, submit a new application and pay a new application fee.
Board Exam Selection
Use the ASWB examination for this license level.
Continuing Education
Be current with all continuing education requirements.
Jurisprudence
Pass the jurisprudence examination as prescribed by the Board.
National Score
16.63.3.12 requires ASWB passing scores at the appropriate level for any issued non-provisional, non-expedited license; a currently offered examination passed before this application remains a leaf.
Previous License
A New Mexico license at this level was revoked for nonrenewal.
Regular biennial renewal, including renewal within the late renewal period
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
30 hours in the current biennial cycle, including six cultural-awareness and three professional-ethics hours; retain evidence for four years and provide it if audited.
Existing License
Hold the regular New Mexico license at this level.
Fees
Pay the applicable renewal fee and any late fee; this finding does not cover renewal after an expedited license or revocation for nonrenewal.
Renewal
Renew online no more than 75 days before expiration; licenses expire July 1. July 1–30 is a no-penalty grace period but practice on the expired license is prohibited; July 31–September 29 renewal attracts a late fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-10-07.

Reinstatement after suspension solely for support order noncompliance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Compliance
Present a subsequent certified statement of compliance; under 16.63.20.14 NMAC the order provides for reinstatement on that presentation.
Other Conditions
Comply with other conditions in the order necessary for Board reinstatement requirements; separate lapse or nonrenewal uses its own route.
Restriction
The license was disciplined solely for failure to comply with a judgment and order for support and has not separately lapsed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-10-07.

  • part20.html

    16.63.20.14 NMAC, mandatory reinstatement on compliance

Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW)

Expedited provisional form based on a license held elsewhere, conferring the same rights, privileges and responsibilities as the regular level.

Licensing authority: New Mexico Board of Social Work Examiners · Application information

Expedited licensure — eligible jurisdiction
Application
Submit the signed complete application, third-party license verification and applicable fee; complete applications are normally processed within 30 days.
Board Exam Selection
Use the ASWB examination for this license level.
Discipline
No pending disciplinary action or licensing-board investigation; potentially disqualifying convictions are considered by the Board and may prevent processing within 30 days.
Duration
Initial term follows the regular initial-license term, less than 24 months, aligned to the July 1 renewal cycle.
Existing License
Hold a current unrestricted license in good standing at the corresponding level in an eligible jurisdiction under 16.63.18.8 NMAC.
Fingerprints
Provide any state or national criminal background check and fingerprints required by applicable law and the Board.
Jurisprudence Implementation
The Board application manual for this level places the scored jurisprudence examination in the reciprocity/military application flow. The general expedited statute permits examination before renewal when the original jurisdiction did not require it; the Board portal states its examination step.
National Timing
If ASWB was not required by the original licensing jurisdiction, 16.63.18.12(B) requires passing the appropriate ASWB examination before first renewal; an already-passed current examination remains involved in the route.
Expedited licensure — lower level
Application
Submit the signed complete application, third-party license verification and applicable fee; complete applications are normally processed within 30 days.
Board Discretion
The Board considers the lower-level expedited application case by case under 16.63.18.8(I).
Board Exam Selection
Use the ASWB examination for this license level.
Discipline
No pending disciplinary action or licensing-board investigation; potentially disqualifying convictions are considered by the Board and may prevent processing within 30 days.
Duration
Initial term follows the regular initial-license term, less than 24 months, aligned to the July 1 renewal cycle.
Existing License
Hold a license at a higher level in an eligible jurisdiction but cannot qualify for expedited licensure at that higher level under 16.63.18.8; request this lower New Mexico license level.
Fingerprints
Provide any state or national criminal background check and fingerprints required by applicable law and the Board.
Jurisprudence Implementation
The Board application manual for this level places the scored jurisprudence examination in the reciprocity/military application flow. The general expedited statute permits examination before renewal when the original jurisdiction did not require it; the Board portal states its examination step.
National Timing
If ASWB was not required by the original licensing jurisdiction, 16.63.18.12(B) requires passing the appropriate ASWB examination before first renewal; an already-passed current examination remains involved in the route.
Expedited licensure — military
Application
Submit the signed complete application, third-party license verification and applicable fee; complete applications are normally processed within 30 days.
Board Exam Selection
Use the ASWB examination for this license level.
Discipline
No pending disciplinary action or licensing-board investigation; potentially disqualifying convictions are considered by the Board and may prevent processing within 30 days.
Duration
Initial term follows the regular initial-license term, less than 24 months, aligned to the July 1 renewal cycle.
Existing License
Hold a current license in good standing issued by another jurisdiction, including a United States armed-forces branch; the military statute does not restrict eligibility to the general approved-jurisdiction list.
Fee Waiver
No initial or renewal licensing fee during the first three years.
Fingerprints
Provide any state or national criminal background check and fingerprints required by applicable law and the Board.
Jurisprudence Implementation
The Board application manual for this level places the scored jurisprudence examination in the reciprocity/military application flow. The general expedited statute permits examination before renewal when the original jurisdiction did not require it; the Board portal states its examination step.
Military Eligibility
An active-duty or reserve/national-guard service member, qualifying spouse or surviving spouse, federally dependent child, or honorably discharged/separated veteran; provide the orders, marriage/dependency or honorable-discharge evidence specified by 16.63.18.11(A).
National Timing
If ASWB was not required by the original licensing jurisdiction, 16.63.18.12(B) requires passing the appropriate ASWB examination before first renewal; an already-passed current examination remains involved in the route.

Baccalaureate Social Worker — Inactive Status

Existing license in a non-practicing status; social work practice under this license is prohibited.

Licensing authority: Board of Social Work Examiners · Application information

Change existing license to inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
The status may be granted with unmet continuing education, but unmet hours must be completed before reinstatement.
Existing License
Hold the New Mexico social work license at this level.
Investigation
The Board does not accept inactive-status applications from licensees under investigation or with active complaints; an impaired licensee in an approved rehabilitation plan may apply.
Practice Prohibited
Practice under this inactive license is strictly prohibited.
Request
Notify the Board administrator in writing before the July 1 expiration; include evidence of completion of required continuing education.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-10-07.

New Mexico Baccalaureate Social Worker — Provisional License

Provisional license at the level sought, pending the licensure examination or required New Mexico cultures course.

Licensing authority: New Mexico Board of Social Work Examiners · Application information

Automatic provisional extension during a public health emergency
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Emergency
A declared federal or state public health emergency under the Public Health Emergency Response Act directly impacts the applicant.
Existing License
Hold the provisional license at this level.
Extension
The existing provisional license automatically extends throughout that emergency and for six months after it ends; this route changes duration and requires no new examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-10-07.

  • chapter61.zip

    61-31-11. NMSA 1978 [ZIP member: OEBPS/chunk-154.html]

Provisional issuance pending examination or cultural training
Application
Submit the completed online application and applicable fee, transcripts, supervision documentation when applicable, verification of current or former licenses, and official examination scores under 16.63.3.8 NMAC.
Child Support Compliance
Comply with a judgment and order for support under 16.63.20 NMAC.
Criminal History
Disclose potentially disqualifying convictions under 16.63.13.9 NMAC; § 61-31-8(O)–(P), effective May 20, 2026, requires the Board to prescribe fingerprint procedures and require initial applicants to submit fingerprints for state and national criminal-history reports.
Duration
12 months, one provisional license per license level; proof of passing the national examination and completing cultures training is due during that term, subject to the statutory public-health-emergency extension.
Education
At least a CSWE-accredited bachelor degree in social work.
Incomplete Items
All documentation for the level sought must be complete except the national licensure examination or New Mexico cultures course; issuance is discretionary.
Initial Examination Exception
§ 61-31-11 authorizes issuance before examination; the Board provisional application manual requires the jurisprudence step and shows an examination attempt and passing score.
Jurisprudence Score
Pass with at least 70 percent; the July 2026 application manual allows three attempts before the application is held for Board contact.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years.
National Score
Submit an official passing ASWB score for the appropriate level; ASWB-defined passing scores are accepted under 16.63.4.11 NMAC.
New Mexico Cultures
Complete a three-credit New Mexico cultures course, a Board-approved course/workshop/seminar, or show previously passing the New Mexico cultural examination; that previously passed score is a training-evidence condition.
Open Exam Approval
The statute accepts a Board-approved examination including the specifically named ASWB level; an unidentified approved remainder is an applicant condition.
Supervised Hours
Supervised practice hours under this provisional license count toward the non-provisional license, subject to the experience time limits.
Transcript
A registrar certification of completed degree requirements may be accepted initially; failure to provide the required official transcript invalidates the provisional license.

Baccalaureate Social Worker — Retirement Status

Existing license in a non-practicing status; social work practice under this license is prohibited.

Licensing authority: Board of Social Worker Examiners · Application information

Change existing license to retired status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
The status may be granted with unmet continuing education, but unmet hours must be completed before reinstatement.
Existing License
Hold the New Mexico social work license at this level.
Fees
After Board approval, renewal fees are waived beginning in the year after retirement.
Practice Prohibited
Practice under this retired license is strictly prohibited.
Request
Notify the Board administrator in writing before the July 1 expiration; include evidence of completion of required continuing education.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-10-07.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Ordinary license at this statutory social work level; specialization may be listed but the Board does not license by specialization.

Licensing authority: New Mexico Board of Social Work Examiners · Application information

Initial licensure by examination

All of the following:

Application
Submit the completed online application and applicable fee, transcripts, supervision documentation when applicable, verification of current or former licenses, and official examination scores under 16.63.3.8 NMAC.
Board Exam Selection
The statutory level names the clinical examination. 16.63.11.8(E) accepts clinical or advanced as determined by the Board; the Board determines the appropriate examination for this applicant.
Child Support Compliance
Comply with a judgment and order for support under 16.63.20 NMAC.
Criminal History
Disclose potentially disqualifying convictions under 16.63.13.9 NMAC; § 61-31-8(O)–(P), effective May 20, 2026, requires the Board to prescribe fingerprint procedures and require initial applicants to submit fingerprints for state and national criminal-history reports.
Education
At least a CSWE-accredited master degree in social work.
Existing License
Possess an LMSW license.
Jurisprudence Score
Pass with at least 70 percent; the July 2026 application manual allows three attempts before the application is held for Board contact.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years.
National Score
Submit an official passing ASWB score for the appropriate level; ASWB-defined passing scores are accepted under 16.63.4.11 NMAC.
New Mexico Cultures
Complete a three-credit New Mexico cultures course, a Board-approved course/workshop/seminar, or show previously passing the New Mexico cultural examination; that previously passed score is a training-evidence condition.
Open Exam Approval
The statute permits an examination approved by the Board in addition to the specifically named examination; an unidentified approved remainder is an applicant condition.
Postgraduate Experience
At least two years and 3,600 hours of licensed masters-level supervised social work experience accumulated over no more than 60 months.
Supervision
Document 100 hours, including one hour per 40 hours worked, at least 70 direct hours, no more than 50 group hours, and no more than 30 interdisciplinary hours; use Board-approved supervisors, groups of no more than eight, and the contract requirements of 16.63.1.7 NMAC.
Supervision Arithmetic
The 2025 rule states 100 total hours, at least 70 direct and at most 50 group; each published limit must be met along with the total.
First renewal of expedited license and conversion to regular license

At least one of the following alternatives:

Board Exam Selection
The statutory level names the clinical examination. 16.63.11.8(E) accepts clinical or advanced as determined by the Board; the Board determines the appropriate examination for this applicant.
Existing License
Hold the expedited license at this New Mexico level.
National Timing
Under 16.63.18.12(B), pass the appropriate ASWB examination before renewal when the original licensing jurisdiction did not require it; the exception for applicants already examined is an applicant condition.
Renewal
Apply before expiration and satisfy the regular renewal requirements, including applicable continuing education and fees.
Restoration of license restricted under the Impaired Social Worker Program
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Evaluation
The Board refers the petition to evaluators; it may request a final evaluation on the advisory committee recommendation. Medical or psychological evaluations are applicant fitness conditions, not social work licensure examinations.
Existing License
The New Mexico license at this level was restricted voluntarily or by Board action under 16.63.19 NMAC.
Petition
Petition in writing at reasonable intervals and demonstrate the ability to practice competently with reasonable skill and safety.
Release
Discharge from the program follows a positive evaluator report and advisory committee agreement; this does not replace any separately applicable lapsed-license reinstatement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-10-07.

  • part19.html

    16.63.19.10 NMAC, complete reinstatement requirements

  • chapter61.zip

    61-31-19. NMSA 1978 [ZIP member: OEBPS/chunk-155.html]

Reinstatement after revocation for nonrenewal

All of the following:

Application
Pay previous penalties, submit a new application and pay a new application fee.
Board Exam Selection
The statutory level names the clinical examination. 16.63.11.8(E) accepts clinical or advanced as determined by the Board; the Board determines the appropriate examination for this applicant.
Continuing Education
Be current with all continuing education requirements.
Jurisprudence
Pass the jurisprudence examination as prescribed by the Board.
National Score
16.63.3.12 requires ASWB passing scores at the appropriate level for any issued non-provisional, non-expedited license; a currently offered examination passed before this application remains a leaf.
Previous License
A New Mexico license at this level was revoked for nonrenewal.
Regular biennial renewal, including renewal within the late renewal period
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
30 hours in the current biennial cycle, including six cultural-awareness and three professional-ethics hours; retain evidence for four years and provide it if audited.
Existing License
Hold the regular New Mexico license at this level.
Fees
Pay the applicable renewal fee and any late fee; this finding does not cover renewal after an expedited license or revocation for nonrenewal.
Renewal
Renew online no more than 75 days before expiration; licenses expire July 1. July 1–30 is a no-penalty grace period but practice on the expired license is prohibited; July 31–September 29 renewal attracts a late fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-10-07.

Reinstatement after suspension solely for support order noncompliance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Compliance
Present a subsequent certified statement of compliance; under 16.63.20.14 NMAC the order provides for reinstatement on that presentation.
Other Conditions
Comply with other conditions in the order necessary for Board reinstatement requirements; separate lapse or nonrenewal uses its own route.
Restriction
The license was disciplined solely for failure to comply with a judgment and order for support and has not separately lapsed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-10-07.

  • part20.html

    16.63.20.14 NMAC, mandatory reinstatement on compliance

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Expedited provisional form based on a license held elsewhere, conferring the same rights, privileges and responsibilities as the regular level.

Licensing authority: New Mexico Board of Social Work Examiners · Application information

Expedited licensure — eligible jurisdiction

All of the following:

Application
Submit the signed complete application, third-party license verification and applicable fee; complete applications are normally processed within 30 days.
Board Exam Selection
The statutory level names the clinical examination. 16.63.11.8(E) accepts clinical or advanced as determined by the Board; the Board determines the appropriate examination for this applicant.
Discipline
No pending disciplinary action or licensing-board investigation; potentially disqualifying convictions are considered by the Board and may prevent processing within 30 days.
Duration
Initial term follows the regular initial-license term, less than 24 months, aligned to the July 1 renewal cycle.
Existing License
Hold a current unrestricted license in good standing at the corresponding level in an eligible jurisdiction under 16.63.18.8 NMAC.
Fingerprints
Provide any state or national criminal background check and fingerprints required by applicable law and the Board.
Jurisprudence Implementation
The Board application manual for this level places the scored jurisprudence examination in the reciprocity/military application flow. The general expedited statute permits examination before renewal when the original jurisdiction did not require it; the Board portal states its examination step.
National Timing
If ASWB was not required by the original licensing jurisdiction, 16.63.18.12(B) requires passing the appropriate ASWB examination before first renewal; an already-passed current examination remains involved in the route.
Expedited licensure — lower level

All of the following:

Application
Submit the signed complete application, third-party license verification and applicable fee; complete applications are normally processed within 30 days.
Board Discretion
The Board considers the lower-level expedited application case by case under 16.63.18.8(I).
Board Exam Selection
The statutory level names the clinical examination. 16.63.11.8(E) accepts clinical or advanced as determined by the Board; the Board determines the appropriate examination for this applicant.
Discipline
No pending disciplinary action or licensing-board investigation; potentially disqualifying convictions are considered by the Board and may prevent processing within 30 days.
Duration
Initial term follows the regular initial-license term, less than 24 months, aligned to the July 1 renewal cycle.
Existing License
Hold a license at a higher level in an eligible jurisdiction but cannot qualify for expedited licensure at that higher level under 16.63.18.8; request this lower New Mexico license level.
Fingerprints
Provide any state or national criminal background check and fingerprints required by applicable law and the Board.
Jurisprudence Implementation
The Board application manual for this level places the scored jurisprudence examination in the reciprocity/military application flow. The general expedited statute permits examination before renewal when the original jurisdiction did not require it; the Board portal states its examination step.
National Timing
If ASWB was not required by the original licensing jurisdiction, 16.63.18.12(B) requires passing the appropriate ASWB examination before first renewal; an already-passed current examination remains involved in the route.
Expedited licensure — military

All of the following:

Application
Submit the signed complete application, third-party license verification and applicable fee; complete applications are normally processed within 30 days.
Board Exam Selection
The statutory level names the clinical examination. 16.63.11.8(E) accepts clinical or advanced as determined by the Board; the Board determines the appropriate examination for this applicant.
Discipline
No pending disciplinary action or licensing-board investigation; potentially disqualifying convictions are considered by the Board and may prevent processing within 30 days.
Duration
Initial term follows the regular initial-license term, less than 24 months, aligned to the July 1 renewal cycle.
Existing License
Hold a current license in good standing issued by another jurisdiction, including a United States armed-forces branch; the military statute does not restrict eligibility to the general approved-jurisdiction list.
Fee Waiver
No initial or renewal licensing fee during the first three years.
Fingerprints
Provide any state or national criminal background check and fingerprints required by applicable law and the Board.
Jurisprudence Implementation
The Board application manual for this level places the scored jurisprudence examination in the reciprocity/military application flow. The general expedited statute permits examination before renewal when the original jurisdiction did not require it; the Board portal states its examination step.
Military Eligibility
An active-duty or reserve/national-guard service member, qualifying spouse or surviving spouse, federally dependent child, or honorably discharged/separated veteran; provide the orders, marriage/dependency or honorable-discharge evidence specified by 16.63.18.11(A).
National Timing
If ASWB was not required by the original licensing jurisdiction, 16.63.18.12(B) requires passing the appropriate ASWB examination before first renewal; an already-passed current examination remains involved in the route.

Clinical Social Worker — Inactive Status

Existing license in a non-practicing status; social work practice under this license is prohibited.

Licensing authority: Board of Social Work Examiners · Application information

Change existing license to inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
The status may be granted with unmet continuing education, but unmet hours must be completed before reinstatement.
Existing License
Hold the New Mexico social work license at this level.
Investigation
The Board does not accept inactive-status applications from licensees under investigation or with active complaints; an impaired licensee in an approved rehabilitation plan may apply.
Practice Prohibited
Practice under this inactive license is strictly prohibited.
Request
Notify the Board administrator in writing before the July 1 expiration; include evidence of completion of required continuing education.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-10-07.

Clinical Social Worker — Provisional License

Discretionary provisional license at the level sought pending completion of the licensure examination or required New Mexico cultures course, with other required documentation complete.

Licensing authority: New Mexico Board of Social Work Examiners · Application information

Automatic provisional extension during a public health emergency
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Emergency
A declared federal or state public health emergency under the Public Health Emergency Response Act directly impacts the applicant.
Existing License
Hold the provisional license at this level.
Extension
The existing provisional license automatically extends throughout that emergency and for six months after it ends; this route changes duration and requires no new examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-10-07.

  • chapter61.zip

    61-31-11. NMSA 1978 [ZIP member: OEBPS/chunk-154.html]

Provisional issuance pending examination or cultural training

All of the following:

Application
Submit the completed online application and applicable fee, transcripts, supervision documentation when applicable, verification of current or former licenses, and official examination scores under 16.63.3.8 NMAC.
Board Exam Selection
The statutory level names the clinical examination. 16.63.11.8(E) accepts clinical or advanced as determined by the Board; the Board determines the appropriate examination for this applicant.
Child Support Compliance
Comply with a judgment and order for support under 16.63.20 NMAC.
Criminal History
Disclose potentially disqualifying convictions under 16.63.13.9 NMAC; § 61-31-8(O)–(P), effective May 20, 2026, requires the Board to prescribe fingerprint procedures and require initial applicants to submit fingerprints for state and national criminal-history reports.
Duration
12 months, one provisional license per license level; proof of passing the national examination and completing cultures training is due during that term, subject to the statutory public-health-emergency extension.
Education
At least a CSWE-accredited master degree in social work.
Existing License
Possess an LMSW license.
Incomplete Items
All documentation for the level sought must be complete except the national licensure examination or New Mexico cultures course; issuance is discretionary.
Initial Examination Exception
§ 61-31-11 authorizes issuance before examination; the Board provisional application manual requires the jurisprudence step and shows an examination attempt and passing score.
Jurisprudence Score
Pass with at least 70 percent; the July 2026 application manual allows three attempts before the application is held for Board contact.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years.
National Score
Submit an official passing ASWB score for the appropriate level; ASWB-defined passing scores are accepted under 16.63.4.11 NMAC.
New Mexico Cultures
Complete a three-credit New Mexico cultures course, a Board-approved course/workshop/seminar, or show previously passing the New Mexico cultural examination; that previously passed score is a training-evidence condition.
Open Exam Approval
The statute permits an examination approved by the Board in addition to the specifically named examination; an unidentified approved remainder is an applicant condition.
Postgraduate Experience
At least two years and 3,600 hours of licensed masters-level supervised social work experience accumulated over no more than 60 months.
Supervised Hours
Supervised practice hours under this provisional license count toward the non-provisional license, subject to the experience time limits.
Supervision
Document 100 hours, including one hour per 40 hours worked, at least 70 direct hours, no more than 50 group hours, and no more than 30 interdisciplinary hours; use Board-approved supervisors, groups of no more than eight, and the contract requirements of 16.63.1.7 NMAC.
Supervision Arithmetic
The 2025 rule states 100 total hours, at least 70 direct and at most 50 group; each published limit must be met along with the total.
Transcript
A registrar certification of completed degree requirements may be accepted initially; failure to provide the required official transcript invalidates the provisional license.

Clinical Social Worker — Retirement Status

Existing license in a non-practicing status; social work practice under this license is prohibited.

Licensing authority: Board of Social Worker Examiners · Application information

Change existing license to retired status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
The status may be granted with unmet continuing education, but unmet hours must be completed before reinstatement.
Existing License
Hold the New Mexico social work license at this level.
Fees
After Board approval, renewal fees are waived beginning in the year after retirement.
Practice Prohibited
Practice under this retired license is strictly prohibited.
Request
Notify the Board administrator in writing before the July 1 expiration; include evidence of completion of required continuing education.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-10-07.

Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW)

Ordinary license at this statutory social work level; specialization may be listed but the Board does not license by specialization.

Licensing authority: New Mexico Board of Social Work Examiners · Application information

Initial licensure by examination

All of the following:

Application
Submit the completed online application and applicable fee, transcripts, supervision documentation when applicable, verification of current or former licenses, and official examination scores under 16.63.3.8 NMAC.
Board Exam Selection
The statutory level names the advanced generalist examination. 16.63.11.8(E) accepts clinical or advanced as determined by the Board; the Board determines the appropriate examination for this applicant.
Child Support Compliance
Comply with a judgment and order for support under 16.63.20 NMAC.
Criminal History
Disclose potentially disqualifying convictions under 16.63.13.9 NMAC; § 61-31-8(O)–(P), effective May 20, 2026, requires the Board to prescribe fingerprint procedures and require initial applicants to submit fingerprints for state and national criminal-history reports.
Education
At least a CSWE-accredited master degree in social work.
Existing License
Possess an LMSW license.
Jurisprudence Score
Pass with at least 70 percent; the July 2026 application manual allows three attempts before the application is held for Board contact.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years.
National Score
Submit an official passing ASWB score for the appropriate level; ASWB-defined passing scores are accepted under 16.63.4.11 NMAC.
New Mexico Cultures
Complete a three-credit New Mexico cultures course, a Board-approved course/workshop/seminar, or show previously passing the New Mexico cultural examination; that previously passed score is a training-evidence condition.
Open Exam Approval
The statute permits an examination approved by the Board in addition to the specifically named examination; an unidentified approved remainder is an applicant condition.
Postgraduate Experience
At least two years and 3,600 hours of licensed masters-level supervised social work experience accumulated over no more than 60 months.
Supervision
Document 100 hours, including one hour per 40 hours worked, at least 70 direct hours, no more than 50 group hours, and no more than 30 interdisciplinary hours; use Board-approved supervisors, groups of no more than eight, and the contract requirements of 16.63.1.7 NMAC.
Supervision Arithmetic
The 2025 rule states 100 total hours, at least 70 direct and at most 50 group; each published limit must be met along with the total.
First renewal of expedited license and conversion to regular license

At least one of the following alternatives:

Board Exam Selection
The statutory level names the advanced generalist examination. 16.63.11.8(E) accepts clinical or advanced as determined by the Board; the Board determines the appropriate examination for this applicant.
Existing License
Hold the expedited license at this New Mexico level.
National Timing
Under 16.63.18.12(B), pass the appropriate ASWB examination before renewal when the original licensing jurisdiction did not require it; the exception for applicants already examined is an applicant condition.
Renewal
Apply before expiration and satisfy the regular renewal requirements, including applicable continuing education and fees.
Restoration of license restricted under the Impaired Social Worker Program
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Evaluation
The Board refers the petition to evaluators; it may request a final evaluation on the advisory committee recommendation. Medical or psychological evaluations are applicant fitness conditions, not social work licensure examinations.
Existing License
The New Mexico license at this level was restricted voluntarily or by Board action under 16.63.19 NMAC.
Petition
Petition in writing at reasonable intervals and demonstrate the ability to practice competently with reasonable skill and safety.
Release
Discharge from the program follows a positive evaluator report and advisory committee agreement; this does not replace any separately applicable lapsed-license reinstatement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-10-07.

  • part19.html

    16.63.19.10 NMAC, complete reinstatement requirements

  • chapter61.zip

    61-31-19. NMSA 1978 [ZIP member: OEBPS/chunk-155.html]

Reinstatement after revocation for nonrenewal

All of the following:

Application
Pay previous penalties, submit a new application and pay a new application fee.
Board Exam Selection
The statutory level names the advanced generalist examination. 16.63.11.8(E) accepts clinical or advanced as determined by the Board; the Board determines the appropriate examination for this applicant.
Continuing Education
Be current with all continuing education requirements.
Jurisprudence
Pass the jurisprudence examination as prescribed by the Board.
National Score
16.63.3.12 requires ASWB passing scores at the appropriate level for any issued non-provisional, non-expedited license; a currently offered examination passed before this application remains a leaf.
Previous License
A New Mexico license at this level was revoked for nonrenewal.
Regular biennial renewal, including renewal within the late renewal period
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
30 hours in the current biennial cycle, including six cultural-awareness and three professional-ethics hours; retain evidence for four years and provide it if audited.
Existing License
Hold the regular New Mexico license at this level.
Fees
Pay the applicable renewal fee and any late fee; this finding does not cover renewal after an expedited license or revocation for nonrenewal.
Renewal
Renew online no more than 75 days before expiration; licenses expire July 1. July 1–30 is a no-penalty grace period but practice on the expired license is prohibited; July 31–September 29 renewal attracts a late fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-10-07.

Reinstatement after suspension solely for support order noncompliance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Compliance
Present a subsequent certified statement of compliance; under 16.63.20.14 NMAC the order provides for reinstatement on that presentation.
Other Conditions
Comply with other conditions in the order necessary for Board reinstatement requirements; separate lapse or nonrenewal uses its own route.
Restriction
The license was disciplined solely for failure to comply with a judgment and order for support and has not separately lapsed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-10-07.

  • part20.html

    16.63.20.14 NMAC, mandatory reinstatement on compliance

Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) — Expedited License

Expedited provisional form based on a license held elsewhere, conferring the same rights, privileges and responsibilities as the regular level.

Licensing authority: New Mexico Board of Social Work Examiners · Application information

Expedited licensure — eligible jurisdiction

All of the following:

Application
Submit the signed complete application, third-party license verification and applicable fee; complete applications are normally processed within 30 days.
Board Exam Selection
The statutory level names the advanced generalist examination. 16.63.11.8(E) accepts clinical or advanced as determined by the Board; the Board determines the appropriate examination for this applicant.
Discipline
No pending disciplinary action or licensing-board investigation; potentially disqualifying convictions are considered by the Board and may prevent processing within 30 days.
Duration
Initial term follows the regular initial-license term, less than 24 months, aligned to the July 1 renewal cycle.
Existing License
Hold a current unrestricted license in good standing at the corresponding level in an eligible jurisdiction under 16.63.18.8 NMAC.
Fingerprints
Provide any state or national criminal background check and fingerprints required by applicable law and the Board.
Jurisprudence Implementation
The Board application manual for this level places the scored jurisprudence examination in the reciprocity/military application flow. The general expedited statute permits examination before renewal when the original jurisdiction did not require it; the Board portal states its examination step.
National Timing
If ASWB was not required by the original licensing jurisdiction, 16.63.18.12(B) requires passing the appropriate ASWB examination before first renewal; an already-passed current examination remains involved in the route.
Expedited licensure — lower level

All of the following:

Application
Submit the signed complete application, third-party license verification and applicable fee; complete applications are normally processed within 30 days.
Board Discretion
The Board considers the lower-level expedited application case by case under 16.63.18.8(I).
Board Exam Selection
The statutory level names the advanced generalist examination. 16.63.11.8(E) accepts clinical or advanced as determined by the Board; the Board determines the appropriate examination for this applicant.
Discipline
No pending disciplinary action or licensing-board investigation; potentially disqualifying convictions are considered by the Board and may prevent processing within 30 days.
Duration
Initial term follows the regular initial-license term, less than 24 months, aligned to the July 1 renewal cycle.
Existing License
Hold a license at a higher level in an eligible jurisdiction but cannot qualify for expedited licensure at that higher level under 16.63.18.8; request this lower New Mexico license level.
Fingerprints
Provide any state or national criminal background check and fingerprints required by applicable law and the Board.
Jurisprudence Implementation
The Board application manual for this level places the scored jurisprudence examination in the reciprocity/military application flow. The general expedited statute permits examination before renewal when the original jurisdiction did not require it; the Board portal states its examination step.
National Timing
If ASWB was not required by the original licensing jurisdiction, 16.63.18.12(B) requires passing the appropriate ASWB examination before first renewal; an already-passed current examination remains involved in the route.
Expedited licensure — military

All of the following:

Application
Submit the signed complete application, third-party license verification and applicable fee; complete applications are normally processed within 30 days.
Board Exam Selection
The statutory level names the advanced generalist examination. 16.63.11.8(E) accepts clinical or advanced as determined by the Board; the Board determines the appropriate examination for this applicant.
Discipline
No pending disciplinary action or licensing-board investigation; potentially disqualifying convictions are considered by the Board and may prevent processing within 30 days.
Duration
Initial term follows the regular initial-license term, less than 24 months, aligned to the July 1 renewal cycle.
Existing License
Hold a current license in good standing issued by another jurisdiction, including a United States armed-forces branch; the military statute does not restrict eligibility to the general approved-jurisdiction list.
Fee Waiver
No initial or renewal licensing fee during the first three years.
Fingerprints
Provide any state or national criminal background check and fingerprints required by applicable law and the Board.
Jurisprudence Implementation
The Board application manual for this level places the scored jurisprudence examination in the reciprocity/military application flow. The general expedited statute permits examination before renewal when the original jurisdiction did not require it; the Board portal states its examination step.
Military Eligibility
An active-duty or reserve/national-guard service member, qualifying spouse or surviving spouse, federally dependent child, or honorably discharged/separated veteran; provide the orders, marriage/dependency or honorable-discharge evidence specified by 16.63.18.11(A).
National Timing
If ASWB was not required by the original licensing jurisdiction, 16.63.18.12(B) requires passing the appropriate ASWB examination before first renewal; an already-passed current examination remains involved in the route.

Independent Social Worker — Inactive Status

Existing license in a non-practicing status; social work practice under this license is prohibited.

Licensing authority: Board of Social Work Examiners · Application information

Change existing license to inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
The status may be granted with unmet continuing education, but unmet hours must be completed before reinstatement.
Existing License
Hold the New Mexico social work license at this level.
Investigation
The Board does not accept inactive-status applications from licensees under investigation or with active complaints; an impaired licensee in an approved rehabilitation plan may apply.
Practice Prohibited
Practice under this inactive license is strictly prohibited.
Request
Notify the Board administrator in writing before the July 1 expiration; include evidence of completion of required continuing education.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-10-07.

Independent Social Worker — Provisional License

Provisional license at the level sought when required documentation is complete except for the licensure examination or New Mexico cultures course.

Licensing authority: New Mexico Board of Social Work Examiners · Application information

Automatic provisional extension during a public health emergency
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Emergency
A declared federal or state public health emergency under the Public Health Emergency Response Act directly impacts the applicant.
Existing License
Hold the provisional license at this level.
Extension
The existing provisional license automatically extends throughout that emergency and for six months after it ends; this route changes duration and requires no new examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-10-07.

  • chapter61.zip

    61-31-11. NMSA 1978 [ZIP member: OEBPS/chunk-154.html]

Provisional issuance pending examination or cultural training

All of the following:

Application
Submit the completed online application and applicable fee, transcripts, supervision documentation when applicable, verification of current or former licenses, and official examination scores under 16.63.3.8 NMAC.
Board Exam Selection
The statutory level names the advanced generalist examination. 16.63.11.8(E) accepts clinical or advanced as determined by the Board; the Board determines the appropriate examination for this applicant.
Child Support Compliance
Comply with a judgment and order for support under 16.63.20 NMAC.
Criminal History
Disclose potentially disqualifying convictions under 16.63.13.9 NMAC; § 61-31-8(O)–(P), effective May 20, 2026, requires the Board to prescribe fingerprint procedures and require initial applicants to submit fingerprints for state and national criminal-history reports.
Duration
12 months, one provisional license per license level; proof of passing the national examination and completing cultures training is due during that term, subject to the statutory public-health-emergency extension.
Education
At least a CSWE-accredited master degree in social work.
Existing License
Possess an LMSW license.
Incomplete Items
All documentation for the level sought must be complete except the national licensure examination or New Mexico cultures course; issuance is discretionary.
Initial Examination Exception
§ 61-31-11 authorizes issuance before examination; the Board provisional application manual requires the jurisprudence step and shows an examination attempt and passing score.
Jurisprudence Score
Pass with at least 70 percent; the July 2026 application manual allows three attempts before the application is held for Board contact.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years.
National Score
Submit an official passing ASWB score for the appropriate level; ASWB-defined passing scores are accepted under 16.63.4.11 NMAC.
New Mexico Cultures
Complete a three-credit New Mexico cultures course, a Board-approved course/workshop/seminar, or show previously passing the New Mexico cultural examination; that previously passed score is a training-evidence condition.
Open Exam Approval
The statute permits an examination approved by the Board in addition to the specifically named examination; an unidentified approved remainder is an applicant condition.
Postgraduate Experience
At least two years and 3,600 hours of licensed masters-level supervised social work experience accumulated over no more than 60 months.
Supervised Hours
Supervised practice hours under this provisional license count toward the non-provisional license, subject to the experience time limits.
Supervision
Document 100 hours, including one hour per 40 hours worked, at least 70 direct hours, no more than 50 group hours, and no more than 30 interdisciplinary hours; use Board-approved supervisors, groups of no more than eight, and the contract requirements of 16.63.1.7 NMAC.
Supervision Arithmetic
The 2025 rule states 100 total hours, at least 70 direct and at most 50 group; each published limit must be met along with the total.
Transcript
A registrar certification of completed degree requirements may be accepted initially; failure to provide the required official transcript invalidates the provisional license.

Licensed Independent Social Worker — Retirement Status

Existing license in a non-practicing status; social work practice under this license is prohibited.

Licensing authority: Board of Social Worker Examiners · Application information

Change existing license to retired status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
The status may be granted with unmet continuing education, but unmet hours must be completed before reinstatement.
Existing License
Hold the New Mexico social work license at this level.
Fees
After Board approval, renewal fees are waived beginning in the year after retirement.
Practice Prohibited
Practice under this retired license is strictly prohibited.
Request
Notify the Board administrator in writing before the July 1 expiration; include evidence of completion of required continuing education.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-10-07.

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Ordinary license at this statutory social work level; specialization may be listed but the Board does not license by specialization.

Licensing authority: New Mexico Board of Social Work Examiners · Application information

Initial licensure by examination

All of the following:

Application
Submit the completed online application and applicable fee, transcripts, supervision documentation when applicable, verification of current or former licenses, and official examination scores under 16.63.3.8 NMAC.
Child Support Compliance
Comply with a judgment and order for support under 16.63.20 NMAC.
Criminal History
Disclose potentially disqualifying convictions under 16.63.13.9 NMAC; § 61-31-8(O)–(P), effective May 20, 2026, requires the Board to prescribe fingerprint procedures and require initial applicants to submit fingerprints for state and national criminal-history reports.
Education
At least a CSWE-accredited master degree in social work.
Jurisprudence Score
Pass with at least 70 percent; the July 2026 application manual allows three attempts before the application is held for Board contact.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years.
National Score
Submit an official passing ASWB score for the appropriate level; ASWB-defined passing scores are accepted under 16.63.4.11 NMAC.
New Mexico Cultures
Complete a three-credit New Mexico cultures course, a Board-approved course/workshop/seminar, or show previously passing the New Mexico cultural examination; that previously passed score is a training-evidence condition.
Open Exam Approval
The statute accepts a Board-approved examination including the specifically named ASWB level; an unidentified approved remainder is an applicant condition.
First renewal of expedited license and conversion to regular license
Masters exam
Board Exam Selection
Use the ASWB examination for this license level.
Existing License
Hold the expedited license at this New Mexico level.
National Timing
Under 16.63.18.12(B), pass the appropriate ASWB examination before renewal when the original licensing jurisdiction did not require it; the exception for applicants already examined is an applicant condition.
Renewal
Apply before expiration and satisfy the regular renewal requirements, including applicable continuing education and fees.
Restoration of license restricted under the Impaired Social Worker Program
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Evaluation
The Board refers the petition to evaluators; it may request a final evaluation on the advisory committee recommendation. Medical or psychological evaluations are applicant fitness conditions, not social work licensure examinations.
Existing License
The New Mexico license at this level was restricted voluntarily or by Board action under 16.63.19 NMAC.
Petition
Petition in writing at reasonable intervals and demonstrate the ability to practice competently with reasonable skill and safety.
Release
Discharge from the program follows a positive evaluator report and advisory committee agreement; this does not replace any separately applicable lapsed-license reinstatement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-10-07.

  • part19.html

    16.63.19.10 NMAC, complete reinstatement requirements

  • chapter61.zip

    61-31-19. NMSA 1978 [ZIP member: OEBPS/chunk-155.html]

Reinstatement after revocation for nonrenewal

All of the following:

Application
Pay previous penalties, submit a new application and pay a new application fee.
Board Exam Selection
Use the ASWB examination for this license level.
Continuing Education
Be current with all continuing education requirements.
Jurisprudence
Pass the jurisprudence examination as prescribed by the Board.
National Score
16.63.3.12 requires ASWB passing scores at the appropriate level for any issued non-provisional, non-expedited license; a currently offered examination passed before this application remains a leaf.
Previous License
A New Mexico license at this level was revoked for nonrenewal.
Regular biennial renewal, including renewal within the late renewal period
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
30 hours in the current biennial cycle, including six cultural-awareness and three professional-ethics hours; retain evidence for four years and provide it if audited.
Existing License
Hold the regular New Mexico license at this level.
Fees
Pay the applicable renewal fee and any late fee; this finding does not cover renewal after an expedited license or revocation for nonrenewal.
Renewal
Renew online no more than 75 days before expiration; licenses expire July 1. July 1–30 is a no-penalty grace period but practice on the expired license is prohibited; July 31–September 29 renewal attracts a late fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-10-07.

Reinstatement after suspension solely for support order noncompliance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Compliance
Present a subsequent certified statement of compliance; under 16.63.20.14 NMAC the order provides for reinstatement on that presentation.
Other Conditions
Comply with other conditions in the order necessary for Board reinstatement requirements; separate lapse or nonrenewal uses its own route.
Restriction
The license was disciplined solely for failure to comply with a judgment and order for support and has not separately lapsed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-10-07.

  • part20.html

    16.63.20.14 NMAC, mandatory reinstatement on compliance

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Expedited provisional form based on a license held elsewhere, conferring the same rights, privileges and responsibilities as the regular level.

Licensing authority: New Mexico Board of Social Work Examiners · Application information

Expedited licensure — eligible jurisdiction

All of the following:

Application
Submit the signed complete application, third-party license verification and applicable fee; complete applications are normally processed within 30 days.
Board Exam Selection
Use the ASWB examination for this license level.
Discipline
No pending disciplinary action or licensing-board investigation; potentially disqualifying convictions are considered by the Board and may prevent processing within 30 days.
Duration
Initial term follows the regular initial-license term, less than 24 months, aligned to the July 1 renewal cycle.
Existing License
Hold a current unrestricted license in good standing at the corresponding level in an eligible jurisdiction under 16.63.18.8 NMAC.
Fingerprints
Provide any state or national criminal background check and fingerprints required by applicable law and the Board.
Jurisprudence Implementation
The Board application manual for this level places the scored jurisprudence examination in the reciprocity/military application flow. The general expedited statute permits examination before renewal when the original jurisdiction did not require it; the Board portal states its examination step.
National Timing
If ASWB was not required by the original licensing jurisdiction, 16.63.18.12(B) requires passing the appropriate ASWB examination before first renewal; an already-passed current examination remains involved in the route.
Expedited licensure — lower level

All of the following:

Application
Submit the signed complete application, third-party license verification and applicable fee; complete applications are normally processed within 30 days.
Board Discretion
The Board considers the lower-level expedited application case by case under 16.63.18.8(I).
Board Exam Selection
Use the ASWB examination for this license level.
Discipline
No pending disciplinary action or licensing-board investigation; potentially disqualifying convictions are considered by the Board and may prevent processing within 30 days.
Duration
Initial term follows the regular initial-license term, less than 24 months, aligned to the July 1 renewal cycle.
Existing License
Hold a license at a higher level in an eligible jurisdiction but cannot qualify for expedited licensure at that higher level under 16.63.18.8; request this lower New Mexico license level.
Fingerprints
Provide any state or national criminal background check and fingerprints required by applicable law and the Board.
Jurisprudence Implementation
The Board application manual for this level places the scored jurisprudence examination in the reciprocity/military application flow. The general expedited statute permits examination before renewal when the original jurisdiction did not require it; the Board portal states its examination step.
National Timing
If ASWB was not required by the original licensing jurisdiction, 16.63.18.12(B) requires passing the appropriate ASWB examination before first renewal; an already-passed current examination remains involved in the route.
Expedited licensure — military

All of the following:

Application
Submit the signed complete application, third-party license verification and applicable fee; complete applications are normally processed within 30 days.
Board Exam Selection
Use the ASWB examination for this license level.
Discipline
No pending disciplinary action or licensing-board investigation; potentially disqualifying convictions are considered by the Board and may prevent processing within 30 days.
Duration
Initial term follows the regular initial-license term, less than 24 months, aligned to the July 1 renewal cycle.
Existing License
Hold a current license in good standing issued by another jurisdiction, including a United States armed-forces branch; the military statute does not restrict eligibility to the general approved-jurisdiction list.
Fee Waiver
No initial or renewal licensing fee during the first three years.
Fingerprints
Provide any state or national criminal background check and fingerprints required by applicable law and the Board.
Jurisprudence Implementation
The Board application manual for this level places the scored jurisprudence examination in the reciprocity/military application flow. The general expedited statute permits examination before renewal when the original jurisdiction did not require it; the Board portal states its examination step.
Military Eligibility
An active-duty or reserve/national-guard service member, qualifying spouse or surviving spouse, federally dependent child, or honorably discharged/separated veteran; provide the orders, marriage/dependency or honorable-discharge evidence specified by 16.63.18.11(A).
National Timing
If ASWB was not required by the original licensing jurisdiction, 16.63.18.12(B) requires passing the appropriate ASWB examination before first renewal; an already-passed current examination remains involved in the route.

New Mexico Master Social Worker — Inactive Status

Existing license in a non-practicing status; social work practice under this license is prohibited.

Licensing authority: Board of Social Work Examiners · Application information

Change existing license to inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
The status may be granted with unmet continuing education, but unmet hours must be completed before reinstatement.
Existing License
Hold the New Mexico social work license at this level.
Investigation
The Board does not accept inactive-status applications from licensees under investigation or with active complaints; an impaired licensee in an approved rehabilitation plan may apply.
Practice Prohibited
Practice under this inactive license is strictly prohibited.
Request
Notify the Board administrator in writing before the July 1 expiration; include evidence of completion of required continuing education.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-10-07.

New Mexico Master Social Worker — Provisional License

Discretionary provisional license at the level sought when required documentation is complete except the licensure exam or required New Mexico cultures course.

Licensing authority: New Mexico Board of Social Work Examiners · Application information

Automatic provisional extension during a public health emergency
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Emergency
A declared federal or state public health emergency under the Public Health Emergency Response Act directly impacts the applicant.
Existing License
Hold the provisional license at this level.
Extension
The existing provisional license automatically extends throughout that emergency and for six months after it ends; this route changes duration and requires no new examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-10-07.

  • chapter61.zip

    61-31-11. NMSA 1978 [ZIP member: OEBPS/chunk-154.html]

Provisional issuance pending examination or cultural training

All of the following:

Application
Submit the completed online application and applicable fee, transcripts, supervision documentation when applicable, verification of current or former licenses, and official examination scores under 16.63.3.8 NMAC.
Child Support Compliance
Comply with a judgment and order for support under 16.63.20 NMAC.
Criminal History
Disclose potentially disqualifying convictions under 16.63.13.9 NMAC; § 61-31-8(O)–(P), effective May 20, 2026, requires the Board to prescribe fingerprint procedures and require initial applicants to submit fingerprints for state and national criminal-history reports.
Duration
12 months, one provisional license per license level; proof of passing the national examination and completing cultures training is due during that term, subject to the statutory public-health-emergency extension.
Education
At least a CSWE-accredited master degree in social work.
Incomplete Items
All documentation for the level sought must be complete except the national licensure examination or New Mexico cultures course; issuance is discretionary.
Initial Examination Exception
§ 61-31-11 authorizes issuance before examination; the Board provisional application manual requires the jurisprudence step and shows an examination attempt and passing score.
Jurisprudence Score
Pass with at least 70 percent; the July 2026 application manual allows three attempts before the application is held for Board contact.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years.
National Score
Submit an official passing ASWB score for the appropriate level; ASWB-defined passing scores are accepted under 16.63.4.11 NMAC.
New Mexico Cultures
Complete a three-credit New Mexico cultures course, a Board-approved course/workshop/seminar, or show previously passing the New Mexico cultural examination; that previously passed score is a training-evidence condition.
Open Exam Approval
The statute accepts a Board-approved examination including the specifically named ASWB level; an unidentified approved remainder is an applicant condition.
Supervised Hours
Supervised practice hours under this provisional license count toward the non-provisional license, subject to the experience time limits.
Transcript
A registrar certification of completed degree requirements may be accepted initially; failure to provide the required official transcript invalidates the provisional license.

New Mexico Master Social Worker — Retirement Status

Existing license in a non-practicing status; social work practice under this license is prohibited.

Licensing authority: board of social worker examiners · Application information

Change existing license to retired status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
The status may be granted with unmet continuing education, but unmet hours must be completed before reinstatement.
Existing License
Hold the New Mexico social work license at this level.
Fees
After Board approval, renewal fees are waived beginning in the year after retirement.
Practice Prohibited
Practice under this retired license is strictly prohibited.
Request
Notify the Board administrator in writing before the July 1 expiration; include evidence of completion of required continuing education.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-10-07.

Jurisprudence Exam

Provider
New Mexico Board of Social Work Examiners
Format
Online question examination within the licensing application portal
Passing score
70 percent or better
Practice scope

Inferred from the examination name; the authority has not published an examination outline.

  • Social Work Practice Act
  • 16.63.1 NMAC — General Provisions
  • 16.63.3 NMAC — Application for Licensure
  • 16.63.7 NMAC — Provisional License
  • 16.63.9 NMAC — Baccalaureate Social Worker
  • 16.63.10 NMAC — Master Social Worker
  • 16.63.11 NMAC — Clinical and Independent Social Workers
  • 16.63.12 NMAC — Continuing Education
  • 16.63.13 NMAC — Disciplinary Action
  • 16.63.14 NMAC — Inactive Status
  • 16.63.15 NMAC — Retirement
  • 16.63.16 NMAC — Code of Conduct
  • 16.63.18 NMAC — Expedited Licensure
  • 16.63.19 NMAC — Impaired Social Worker
  • 16.63.20 NMAC — Parental Responsibility Act Compliance
Examination sources

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

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

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

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