Oklahoma Social Work — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Ordinary Oklahoma social-work license at the LCSW designation.

Licensing authority: Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Social Workers · Application information

Expedited reciprocal or comity licensure for active duty personnel and spouses

ASWB Clinical Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Direct client contact: The Board rules require 3,000 hours of direct client contact under an LCSW supervisor; administrative activities, case management, travel and training do not count as direct client contact.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Equivalence: Present equivalent education, training and experience; the other license must be in good standing and reasonably equivalent. Section 4100.8(B) requires issuance within 30 days; application and first-period license fees are waived.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB clinical examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Existing license: Hold a current good-standing social-work license at the equivalent designation; verify current and previous professional licenses and disclose restrictions.
Initial qualifications: Possess at initial licensure the qualifications necessary for eligibility in Oklahoma.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Military orders: Active-duty military personnel or spouse holding a valid occupational license elsewhere may apply before transfer or honorable discharge to Oklahoma.
Missing documents: If required documentation is lacking, §4100.8(C) authorizes a temporary credential while the documents are obtained.
Prior license: Hold LSWA or LMSW licensure before Board approval of postgraduate supervision under 59 O.S. §1261.1(G).
Score transfer: Present a passing designated licensure-exam score and arrange ASWB score transfer as applicable; another jurisdiction's own examination, or a more stringent exam that is not identified as a registered U.S. exam, is applicant evidence rather than an invented leaf.
Supervised experience: Complete 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised clinical social work experience. The 2026 Board rules also require 100 educational supervision hours and satisfactory evaluations.
Supervision contract: Obtain Board approval of the supervision contract before accruing qualifying hours; submit the required logs and evaluations.

Reapplication after 4,000 additional supervised practice hours

ASWB Clinical Exam

Additional practice: Complete 4,000 additional hours of supervised practice with a Board-approved supervisor; the Board may then approve up to two additional examination-testing years.
Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Direct client contact: The Board rules require 3,000 hours of direct client contact under an LCSW supervisor; administrative activities, case management, travel and training do not count as direct client contact.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB clinical examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Final limit: Any applicant failing after five total approval years permanently loses application eligibility.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Prior failures: Unable to pass the appropriate examination during the provisional year and two subsequent approval years.
Prior license: Hold LSWA or LMSW licensure before Board approval of postgraduate supervision under 59 O.S. §1261.1(G).
Supervised experience: Complete 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised clinical social work experience. The 2026 Board rules also require 100 educational supervision hours and satisfactory evaluations.
Supervision contract: Obtain Board approval of the supervision contract before accruing qualifying hours; submit the required logs and evaluations.

Renewal of expired license after continuous licensed practice elsewhere

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Board instruction: The Board's 2026 rule §675:10-1-13 says licenses lapsed beyond 90 days must meet all current requirements including re-examination. The exception in the higher-ranked §1261.1a(D) controls; the applicant should present the continuous-practice documentation to the Board.
Prior license: Previously licensed under Oklahoma law; after expiration continuously practiced social work under a license issued by another jurisdiction.
Renewal: Complete Board-required continuing education and pay the designated fee; the statute excepts this applicant from initial reapplication and the current-exam requirement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §1261.1a(D), continuous out-of-state practice exception, page 970
Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §1261.1a(D), continuous out-of-state practice exception, page 971
Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §1261.1a(A)-(C), renewal requirements

Licensure by endorsement

ASWB Clinical Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Direct client contact: The Board rules require 3,000 hours of direct client contact under an LCSW supervisor; administrative activities, case management, travel and training do not count as direct client contact.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Endorsement: When reciprocity does not exist, the Board may endorse another licensing board's action upon documentation of Oklahoma-equivalent educational and supervisory requirements and passage of the same or a more stringent examination.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB clinical examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Existing license: Hold a current good-standing social-work license at the equivalent designation; verify current and previous professional licenses and disclose restrictions.
Initial qualifications: Possess at initial licensure the qualifications necessary for eligibility in Oklahoma.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Prior license: Hold LSWA or LMSW licensure before Board approval of postgraduate supervision under 59 O.S. §1261.1(G).
Score transfer: Present a passing designated licensure-exam score and arrange ASWB score transfer as applicable; another jurisdiction's own examination, or a more stringent exam that is not identified as a registered U.S. exam, is applicant evidence rather than an invented leaf.
Supervised experience: Complete 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised clinical social work experience. The 2026 Board rules also require 100 educational supervision hours and satisfactory evaluations.
Supervision contract: Obtain Board approval of the supervision contract before accruing qualifying hours; submit the required logs and evaluations.

Licensure by examination

ASWB Clinical Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Direct client contact: The Board rules require 3,000 hours of direct client contact under an LCSW supervisor; administrative activities, case management, travel and training do not count as direct client contact.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB clinical examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Prior license: Hold LSWA or LMSW licensure before Board approval of postgraduate supervision under 59 O.S. §1261.1(G).
Supervised experience: Complete 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised clinical social work experience. The 2026 Board rules also require 100 educational supervision hours and satisfactory evaluations.
Supervision contract: Obtain Board approval of the supervision contract before accruing qualifying hours; submit the required logs and evaluations.

Reapplication after license lapse exceeding 90 days

ASWB Clinical Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Criminal history: An expired license after January 1, 2012 requires a new national criminal history check under §1261.1a(E).
Direct client contact: The Board rules require 3,000 hours of direct client contact under an LCSW supervisor; administrative activities, case management, travel and training do not count as direct client contact.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB clinical examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Lapse: If renewal is not sought within 90 days after expiration, reapply as an initial applicant and pass the current licensure examination.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Prior license: Hold LSWA or LMSW licensure before Board approval of postgraduate supervision under 59 O.S. §1261.1(G).
Supervised experience: Complete 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised clinical social work experience. The 2026 Board rules also require 100 educational supervision hours and satisfactory evaluations.
Supervision contract: Obtain Board approval of the supervision contract before accruing qualifying hours; submit the required logs and evaluations.

Renewal within 90 days after expiration

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Criminal history: If the license expired after January 1, 2012, submit the national criminal history check and fee; satisfy the fingerprint deadline under §1261.1a(E).
Deadline: Submit a complete renewal within 90 days of January 1; pay the renewal and late fees and verify continuing education.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §1261.1a(A)-(C), renewal requirements
Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §1261.1a(D), initial reapplication and current exam after 90-day lapse

Activation following military service extension

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Activation: Activate the retained credential for employment during the reasonable post-service period under §4100.6(A); applicable Board renewal and military-waiver documentation remains required.
Service extension: Board rule §675:25-1-2 places the active-duty license on inactive status during service and for one year afterward unless the licensee maintains good standing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §4100.6(A)-(B), inactive extension and activation
Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §4100.6(C)-(D), military renewal and continuation

Renewal or continuation during active duty military service

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Status: Hold an Oklahoma license in good standing when activated for military service.
Waivers: During deployment and for at least one year after discharge, renewal may be allowed without fees and without continuing education or other acts when the statutory waiver conditions apply. Board rule §675:25-1-2 provides the extension and military waiver procedure.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §4100.6(C)-(D), military renewal and continuation

Expedited endorsement for military spouses

ASWB Clinical Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Direct client contact: The Board rules require 3,000 hours of direct client contact under an LCSW supervisor; administrative activities, case management, travel and training do not count as direct client contact.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB clinical examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Existing license: Hold a current good-standing social-work license at the equivalent designation; verify current and previous professional licenses and disclose restrictions.
Initial qualifications: Possess at initial licensure the qualifications necessary for eligibility in Oklahoma.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Military spouse: Hold an out-of-state professional license and accompany an active-duty spouse transferred to Oklahoma, leaving employment elsewhere; the Board determines substantial equivalence under §4100.5. Applicable examination qualifications remain subject to §4100.7.
Prior license: Hold LSWA or LMSW licensure before Board approval of postgraduate supervision under 59 O.S. §1261.1(G).
Score transfer: Present a passing designated licensure-exam score and arrange ASWB score transfer as applicable; another jurisdiction's own examination, or a more stringent exam that is not identified as a registered U.S. exam, is applicant evidence rather than an invented leaf.
Supervised experience: Complete 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised clinical social work experience. The 2026 Board rules also require 100 educational supervision hours and satisfactory evaluations.
Supervision contract: Obtain Board approval of the supervision contract before accruing qualifying hours; submit the required logs and evaluations.

Licensure using equivalent military education, training and experience

ASWB Clinical Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Direct client contact: The Board rules require 3,000 hours of direct client contact under an LCSW supervisor; administrative activities, case management, travel and training do not count as direct client contact.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB clinical examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Military equivalence: Present satisfactory evidence of equivalent military education, training and experience; the Board applies it favorably toward qualifications. This recognition does not automatically waive examination or other eligibility requirements.
Prior license: Hold LSWA or LMSW licensure before Board approval of postgraduate supervision under 59 O.S. §1261.1(G).
Supervised experience: Complete 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised clinical social work experience. The 2026 Board rules also require 100 educational supervision hours and satisfactory evaluations.
Supervision contract: Obtain Board approval of the supervision contract before accruing qualifying hours; submit the required logs and evaluations.

Reapplication after failure during the provisional year

ASWB Clinical Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Approval year limit: After the provisional year and two subsequent approval years without a pass, the applicant cannot apply again until completing 4,000 additional Board-supervised practice hours. Failure after five total approval years permanently ends eligibility.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Direct client contact: The Board rules require 3,000 hours of direct client contact under an LCSW supervisor; administrative activities, case management, travel and training do not count as direct client contact.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB clinical examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Expired provisional: The provisional license is automatically revoked if the exam is not passed within one year. Submit a new application and obtain new Board examination approval; no second provisional license is issued.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Prior license: Hold LSWA or LMSW licensure before Board approval of postgraduate supervision under 59 O.S. §1261.1(G).
Supervised experience: Complete 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised clinical social work experience. The 2026 Board rules also require 100 educational supervision hours and satisfactory evaluations.
Supervision after failure: For LCSW, LSW-ADM and LSW, resume or maintain Board-approved supervision before reapplication and until the Board confirms a passing score.
Supervision contract: Obtain Board approval of the supervision contract before accruing qualifying hours; submit the required logs and evaluations.

Replacement of provisional license with permanent license

ASWB Clinical Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Direct client contact: The Board rules require 3,000 hours of direct client contact under an LCSW supervisor; administrative activities, case management, travel and training do not count as direct client contact.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB clinical examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Prior license: Hold LSWA or LMSW licensure before Board approval of postgraduate supervision under 59 O.S. §1261.1(G).
Provisional status: Hold the provisional license at this designation; the Board must receive and record the passing ASWB score before issuing the permanent license.
Supervised experience: Complete 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised clinical social work experience. The 2026 Board rules also require 100 educational supervision hours and satisfactory evaluations.
Supervision contract: Obtain Board approval of the supervision contract before accruing qualifying hours; submit the required logs and evaluations.

Licensure by reciprocity

ASWB Clinical Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Direct client contact: The Board rules require 3,000 hours of direct client contact under an LCSW supervisor; administrative activities, case management, travel and training do not count as direct client contact.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB clinical examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Existing license: Hold a current good-standing social-work license at the equivalent designation; verify current and previous professional licenses and disclose restrictions.
Initial qualifications: Possess at initial licensure the qualifications necessary for eligibility in Oklahoma.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Prior license: Hold LSWA or LMSW licensure before Board approval of postgraduate supervision under 59 O.S. §1261.1(G).
Reciprocity: 59 O.S. §1261.4(A) concerns an applicant becoming an Oklahoma resident from a jurisdiction granting reciprocal privilege. The Board's 2026 rule §675:10-1-15(a) also describes nonresident applicants; this does not remove the statutory examination-score requirement.
Score transfer: Present a passing designated licensure-exam score and arrange ASWB score transfer as applicable; another jurisdiction's own examination, or a more stringent exam that is not identified as a registered U.S. exam, is applicant evidence rather than an invented leaf.
Supervised experience: Complete 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised clinical social work experience. The 2026 Board rules also require 100 educational supervision hours and satisfactory evaluations.
Supervision contract: Obtain Board approval of the supervision contract before accruing qualifying hours; submit the required logs and evaluations.

Annual license renewal

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Continuing education: Complete at least 16 continuing-education hours annually, including three ethics hours. The Board may allow applicable hardship or other rule-based waivers.
Exam year waiver: Board rules waive continuing education in the calendar year the licensure examination was passed.
Renewal application: Complete renewal using the Board online licensee portal and pay the applicable renewal fee by December 31.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §1261.1a(A)-(C), renewal requirements
Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Social Workers, Frequently Asked Questions
License Renewal, How many hours are required?

Licensure after three continuous years of out of state full licensure

ASWB Clinical Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Continuous licensure: Have held the equivalent LSWA, LMSW, LSW, LCSW or LSW-ADM license in good standing continually for at least three years since initial full licensure after the provisional term; comply with all other Oklahoma requirements.
Direct client contact: The Board rules require 3,000 hours of direct client contact under an LCSW supervisor; administrative activities, case management, travel and training do not count as direct client contact.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB clinical examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Existing license: Hold a current good-standing social-work license at the equivalent designation; verify current and previous professional licenses and disclose restrictions.
Initial qualifications: Possess at initial licensure the qualifications necessary for eligibility in Oklahoma.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Prior license: Hold LSWA or LMSW licensure before Board approval of postgraduate supervision under 59 O.S. §1261.1(G).
Score transfer: Present a passing designated licensure-exam score and arrange ASWB score transfer as applicable; another jurisdiction's own examination, or a more stringent exam that is not identified as a registered U.S. exam, is applicant evidence rather than an invented leaf.
Supervised experience: Complete 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised clinical social work experience. The 2026 Board rules also require 100 educational supervision hours and satisfactory evaluations.
Supervision contract: Obtain Board approval of the supervision contract before accruing qualifying hours; submit the required logs and evaluations.

Provisional Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

One-time provisional form of the LCSW license pending passage of the required examination.

Licensing authority: Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Social Workers · Application information

Provisional licensure pending examination

ASWB Clinical Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Attempts: Statute §1261.5 permits retesting every 90 days during the provisional year. The Board rules permit an ASWB appeal for a waiting-period waiver after failure by 10 points or less.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Direct client contact: The Board rules require 3,000 hours of direct client contact under an LCSW supervisor; administrative activities, case management, travel and training do not count as direct client contact.
Duration: A provisional license is issued once and is not renewable. The Board rules allow a longer period only for Board-determined extenuating circumstances.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB clinical examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Examination timing: Meet every qualification except examination passage at issuance. Pass the corresponding ASWB exam within one year to replace this provisional license with the permanent license.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Prior license: Hold LSWA or LMSW licensure before Board approval of postgraduate supervision under 59 O.S. §1261.1(G).
Supervised experience: Complete 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised clinical social work experience. The 2026 Board rules also require 100 educational supervision hours and satisfactory evaluations.
Supervision contract: Obtain Board approval of the supervision contract before accruing qualifying hours; submit the required logs and evaluations.

Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW)

Ordinary Oklahoma social-work license at the LMSW designation.

Licensing authority: Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Social Workers · Application information

Expedited reciprocal or comity licensure for active duty personnel and spouses

ASWB Masters Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Equivalence: Present equivalent education, training and experience; the other license must be in good standing and reasonably equivalent. Section 4100.8(B) requires issuance within 30 days; application and first-period license fees are waived.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB masters examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Existing license: Hold a current good-standing social-work license at the equivalent designation; verify current and previous professional licenses and disclose restrictions.
Initial qualifications: Possess at initial licensure the qualifications necessary for eligibility in Oklahoma.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Military orders: Active-duty military personnel or spouse holding a valid occupational license elsewhere may apply before transfer or honorable discharge to Oklahoma.
Missing documents: If required documentation is lacking, §4100.8(C) authorizes a temporary credential while the documents are obtained.
Score transfer: Present a passing designated licensure-exam score and arrange ASWB score transfer as applicable; another jurisdiction's own examination, or a more stringent exam that is not identified as a registered U.S. exam, is applicant evidence rather than an invented leaf.

Reapplication after 4,000 additional supervised practice hours

ASWB Masters Exam

Additional practice: Complete 4,000 additional hours of supervised practice with a Board-approved supervisor; the Board may then approve up to two additional examination-testing years.
Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB masters examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Final limit: Any applicant failing after five total approval years permanently loses application eligibility.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Prior failures: Unable to pass the appropriate examination during the provisional year and two subsequent approval years.

Renewal of expired license after continuous licensed practice elsewhere

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Board instruction: The Board's 2026 rule §675:10-1-13 says licenses lapsed beyond 90 days must meet all current requirements including re-examination. The exception in the higher-ranked §1261.1a(D) controls; the applicant should present the continuous-practice documentation to the Board.
Prior license: Previously licensed under Oklahoma law; after expiration continuously practiced social work under a license issued by another jurisdiction.
Renewal: Complete Board-required continuing education and pay the designated fee; the statute excepts this applicant from initial reapplication and the current-exam requirement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §1261.1a(D), continuous out-of-state practice exception, page 970
Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §1261.1a(D), continuous out-of-state practice exception, page 971
Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §1261.1a(A)-(C), renewal requirements

Licensure by endorsement

ASWB Masters Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Endorsement: When reciprocity does not exist, the Board may endorse another licensing board's action upon documentation of Oklahoma-equivalent educational and supervisory requirements and passage of the same or a more stringent examination.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB masters examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Existing license: Hold a current good-standing social-work license at the equivalent designation; verify current and previous professional licenses and disclose restrictions.
Initial qualifications: Possess at initial licensure the qualifications necessary for eligibility in Oklahoma.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Score transfer: Present a passing designated licensure-exam score and arrange ASWB score transfer as applicable; another jurisdiction's own examination, or a more stringent exam that is not identified as a registered U.S. exam, is applicant evidence rather than an invented leaf.

Licensure by examination

ASWB Masters Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB masters examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.

Reapplication after license lapse exceeding 90 days

ASWB Masters Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Criminal history: An expired license after January 1, 2012 requires a new national criminal history check under §1261.1a(E).
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB masters examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Lapse: If renewal is not sought within 90 days after expiration, reapply as an initial applicant and pass the current licensure examination.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.

Renewal within 90 days after expiration

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Criminal history: If the license expired after January 1, 2012, submit the national criminal history check and fee; satisfy the fingerprint deadline under §1261.1a(E).
Deadline: Submit a complete renewal within 90 days of January 1; pay the renewal and late fees and verify continuing education.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §1261.1a(A)-(C), renewal requirements
Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §1261.1a(D), initial reapplication and current exam after 90-day lapse

Activation following military service extension

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Activation: Activate the retained credential for employment during the reasonable post-service period under §4100.6(A); applicable Board renewal and military-waiver documentation remains required.
Service extension: Board rule §675:25-1-2 places the active-duty license on inactive status during service and for one year afterward unless the licensee maintains good standing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §4100.6(A)-(B), inactive extension and activation
Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §4100.6(C)-(D), military renewal and continuation

Renewal or continuation during active duty military service

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Status: Hold an Oklahoma license in good standing when activated for military service.
Waivers: During deployment and for at least one year after discharge, renewal may be allowed without fees and without continuing education or other acts when the statutory waiver conditions apply. Board rule §675:25-1-2 provides the extension and military waiver procedure.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §4100.6(C)-(D), military renewal and continuation

Expedited endorsement for military spouses

ASWB Masters Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB masters examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Existing license: Hold a current good-standing social-work license at the equivalent designation; verify current and previous professional licenses and disclose restrictions.
Initial qualifications: Possess at initial licensure the qualifications necessary for eligibility in Oklahoma.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Military spouse: Hold an out-of-state professional license and accompany an active-duty spouse transferred to Oklahoma, leaving employment elsewhere; the Board determines substantial equivalence under §4100.5. Applicable examination qualifications remain subject to §4100.7.
Score transfer: Present a passing designated licensure-exam score and arrange ASWB score transfer as applicable; another jurisdiction's own examination, or a more stringent exam that is not identified as a registered U.S. exam, is applicant evidence rather than an invented leaf.

Licensure using equivalent military education, training and experience

ASWB Masters Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB masters examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Military equivalence: Present satisfactory evidence of equivalent military education, training and experience; the Board applies it favorably toward qualifications. This recognition does not automatically waive examination or other eligibility requirements.

Reapplication after failure during the provisional year

ASWB Masters Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Approval year limit: After the provisional year and two subsequent approval years without a pass, the applicant cannot apply again until completing 4,000 additional Board-supervised practice hours. Failure after five total approval years permanently ends eligibility.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB masters examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Expired provisional: The provisional license is automatically revoked if the exam is not passed within one year. Submit a new application and obtain new Board examination approval; no second provisional license is issued.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Supervision after failure: For LCSW, LSW-ADM and LSW, resume or maintain Board-approved supervision before reapplication and until the Board confirms a passing score.

Replacement of provisional license with permanent license

ASWB Masters Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB masters examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Provisional status: Hold the provisional license at this designation; the Board must receive and record the passing ASWB score before issuing the permanent license.

Licensure by reciprocity

ASWB Masters Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB masters examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Existing license: Hold a current good-standing social-work license at the equivalent designation; verify current and previous professional licenses and disclose restrictions.
Initial qualifications: Possess at initial licensure the qualifications necessary for eligibility in Oklahoma.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Reciprocity: 59 O.S. §1261.4(A) concerns an applicant becoming an Oklahoma resident from a jurisdiction granting reciprocal privilege. The Board's 2026 rule §675:10-1-15(a) also describes nonresident applicants; this does not remove the statutory examination-score requirement.
Score transfer: Present a passing designated licensure-exam score and arrange ASWB score transfer as applicable; another jurisdiction's own examination, or a more stringent exam that is not identified as a registered U.S. exam, is applicant evidence rather than an invented leaf.

Annual license renewal

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Continuing education: Complete at least 16 continuing-education hours annually, including three ethics hours. The Board may allow applicable hardship or other rule-based waivers.
Exam year waiver: Board rules waive continuing education in the calendar year the licensure examination was passed.
Renewal application: Complete renewal using the Board online licensee portal and pay the applicable renewal fee by December 31.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §1261.1a(A)-(C), renewal requirements
Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Social Workers, Frequently Asked Questions
License Renewal, How many hours are required?

Licensure after three continuous years of out of state full licensure

ASWB Masters Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Continuous licensure: Have held the equivalent LSWA, LMSW, LSW, LCSW or LSW-ADM license in good standing continually for at least three years since initial full licensure after the provisional term; comply with all other Oklahoma requirements.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB masters examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Existing license: Hold a current good-standing social-work license at the equivalent designation; verify current and previous professional licenses and disclose restrictions.
Initial qualifications: Possess at initial licensure the qualifications necessary for eligibility in Oklahoma.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Score transfer: Present a passing designated licensure-exam score and arrange ASWB score transfer as applicable; another jurisdiction's own examination, or a more stringent exam that is not identified as a registered U.S. exam, is applicant evidence rather than an invented leaf.

Provisional Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW)

One-time provisional form of the LMSW license pending passage of the required examination.

Licensing authority: Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Social Workers · Application information

Provisional licensure pending examination

ASWB Masters Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Attempts: Statute §1261.5 permits retesting every 90 days during the provisional year. The Board rules permit an ASWB appeal for a waiting-period waiver after failure by 10 points or less.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Duration: A provisional license is issued once and is not renewable. The Board rules allow a longer period only for Board-determined extenuating circumstances.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB masters examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Examination timing: Meet every qualification except examination passage at issuance. Pass the corresponding ASWB exam within one year to replace this provisional license with the permanent license.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.

Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

Ordinary Oklahoma social-work license at the LSW designation.

Licensing authority: Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Social Workers · Application information

Expedited reciprocal or comity licensure for active duty personnel and spouses

ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Equivalence: Present equivalent education, training and experience; the other license must be in good standing and reasonably equivalent. Section 4100.8(B) requires issuance within 30 days; application and first-period license fees are waived.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB advanced generalist examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Existing license: Hold a current good-standing social-work license at the equivalent designation; verify current and previous professional licenses and disclose restrictions.
Initial qualifications: Possess at initial licensure the qualifications necessary for eligibility in Oklahoma.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Military orders: Active-duty military personnel or spouse holding a valid occupational license elsewhere may apply before transfer or honorable discharge to Oklahoma.
Missing documents: If required documentation is lacking, §4100.8(C) authorizes a temporary credential while the documents are obtained.
Prior license: Hold LSWA or LMSW licensure before Board approval of postgraduate supervision under 59 O.S. §1261.1(G).
Score transfer: Present a passing designated licensure-exam score and arrange ASWB score transfer as applicable; another jurisdiction's own examination, or a more stringent exam that is not identified as a registered U.S. exam, is applicant evidence rather than an invented leaf.
Supervised experience: Complete 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised social work experience. The 2026 Board rules also require 100 educational supervision hours and satisfactory evaluations.
Supervision contract: Obtain Board approval of the supervision contract before accruing qualifying hours; submit the required logs and evaluations.

Reapplication after 4,000 additional supervised practice hours

ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam

Additional practice: Complete 4,000 additional hours of supervised practice with a Board-approved supervisor; the Board may then approve up to two additional examination-testing years.
Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB advanced generalist examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Final limit: Any applicant failing after five total approval years permanently loses application eligibility.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Prior failures: Unable to pass the appropriate examination during the provisional year and two subsequent approval years.
Prior license: Hold LSWA or LMSW licensure before Board approval of postgraduate supervision under 59 O.S. §1261.1(G).
Supervised experience: Complete 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised social work experience. The 2026 Board rules also require 100 educational supervision hours and satisfactory evaluations.
Supervision contract: Obtain Board approval of the supervision contract before accruing qualifying hours; submit the required logs and evaluations.

Renewal of expired license after continuous licensed practice elsewhere

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Board instruction: The Board's 2026 rule §675:10-1-13 says licenses lapsed beyond 90 days must meet all current requirements including re-examination. The exception in the higher-ranked §1261.1a(D) controls; the applicant should present the continuous-practice documentation to the Board.
Prior license: Previously licensed under Oklahoma law; after expiration continuously practiced social work under a license issued by another jurisdiction.
Renewal: Complete Board-required continuing education and pay the designated fee; the statute excepts this applicant from initial reapplication and the current-exam requirement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §1261.1a(D), continuous out-of-state practice exception, page 970
Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §1261.1a(D), continuous out-of-state practice exception, page 971
Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §1261.1a(A)-(C), renewal requirements

Licensure by endorsement

ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Endorsement: When reciprocity does not exist, the Board may endorse another licensing board's action upon documentation of Oklahoma-equivalent educational and supervisory requirements and passage of the same or a more stringent examination.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB advanced generalist examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Existing license: Hold a current good-standing social-work license at the equivalent designation; verify current and previous professional licenses and disclose restrictions.
Initial qualifications: Possess at initial licensure the qualifications necessary for eligibility in Oklahoma.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Prior license: Hold LSWA or LMSW licensure before Board approval of postgraduate supervision under 59 O.S. §1261.1(G).
Score transfer: Present a passing designated licensure-exam score and arrange ASWB score transfer as applicable; another jurisdiction's own examination, or a more stringent exam that is not identified as a registered U.S. exam, is applicant evidence rather than an invented leaf.
Supervised experience: Complete 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised social work experience. The 2026 Board rules also require 100 educational supervision hours and satisfactory evaluations.
Supervision contract: Obtain Board approval of the supervision contract before accruing qualifying hours; submit the required logs and evaluations.

Licensure by examination

ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB advanced generalist examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Prior license: Hold LSWA or LMSW licensure before Board approval of postgraduate supervision under 59 O.S. §1261.1(G).
Supervised experience: Complete 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised social work experience. The 2026 Board rules also require 100 educational supervision hours and satisfactory evaluations.
Supervision contract: Obtain Board approval of the supervision contract before accruing qualifying hours; submit the required logs and evaluations.

Reapplication after license lapse exceeding 90 days

ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Criminal history: An expired license after January 1, 2012 requires a new national criminal history check under §1261.1a(E).
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB advanced generalist examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Lapse: If renewal is not sought within 90 days after expiration, reapply as an initial applicant and pass the current licensure examination.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Prior license: Hold LSWA or LMSW licensure before Board approval of postgraduate supervision under 59 O.S. §1261.1(G).
Supervised experience: Complete 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised social work experience. The 2026 Board rules also require 100 educational supervision hours and satisfactory evaluations.
Supervision contract: Obtain Board approval of the supervision contract before accruing qualifying hours; submit the required logs and evaluations.

Renewal within 90 days after expiration

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Criminal history: If the license expired after January 1, 2012, submit the national criminal history check and fee; satisfy the fingerprint deadline under §1261.1a(E).
Deadline: Submit a complete renewal within 90 days of January 1; pay the renewal and late fees and verify continuing education.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §1261.1a(A)-(C), renewal requirements
Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §1261.1a(D), initial reapplication and current exam after 90-day lapse

Activation following military service extension

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Activation: Activate the retained credential for employment during the reasonable post-service period under §4100.6(A); applicable Board renewal and military-waiver documentation remains required.
Service extension: Board rule §675:25-1-2 places the active-duty license on inactive status during service and for one year afterward unless the licensee maintains good standing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §4100.6(A)-(B), inactive extension and activation
Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §4100.6(C)-(D), military renewal and continuation

Renewal or continuation during active duty military service

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Status: Hold an Oklahoma license in good standing when activated for military service.
Waivers: During deployment and for at least one year after discharge, renewal may be allowed without fees and without continuing education or other acts when the statutory waiver conditions apply. Board rule §675:25-1-2 provides the extension and military waiver procedure.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §4100.6(C)-(D), military renewal and continuation

Expedited endorsement for military spouses

ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB advanced generalist examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Existing license: Hold a current good-standing social-work license at the equivalent designation; verify current and previous professional licenses and disclose restrictions.
Initial qualifications: Possess at initial licensure the qualifications necessary for eligibility in Oklahoma.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Military spouse: Hold an out-of-state professional license and accompany an active-duty spouse transferred to Oklahoma, leaving employment elsewhere; the Board determines substantial equivalence under §4100.5. Applicable examination qualifications remain subject to §4100.7.
Prior license: Hold LSWA or LMSW licensure before Board approval of postgraduate supervision under 59 O.S. §1261.1(G).
Score transfer: Present a passing designated licensure-exam score and arrange ASWB score transfer as applicable; another jurisdiction's own examination, or a more stringent exam that is not identified as a registered U.S. exam, is applicant evidence rather than an invented leaf.
Supervised experience: Complete 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised social work experience. The 2026 Board rules also require 100 educational supervision hours and satisfactory evaluations.
Supervision contract: Obtain Board approval of the supervision contract before accruing qualifying hours; submit the required logs and evaluations.

Licensure using equivalent military education, training and experience

ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB advanced generalist examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Military equivalence: Present satisfactory evidence of equivalent military education, training and experience; the Board applies it favorably toward qualifications. This recognition does not automatically waive examination or other eligibility requirements.
Prior license: Hold LSWA or LMSW licensure before Board approval of postgraduate supervision under 59 O.S. §1261.1(G).
Supervised experience: Complete 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised social work experience. The 2026 Board rules also require 100 educational supervision hours and satisfactory evaluations.
Supervision contract: Obtain Board approval of the supervision contract before accruing qualifying hours; submit the required logs and evaluations.

Reapplication after failure during the provisional year

ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Approval year limit: After the provisional year and two subsequent approval years without a pass, the applicant cannot apply again until completing 4,000 additional Board-supervised practice hours. Failure after five total approval years permanently ends eligibility.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB advanced generalist examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Expired provisional: The provisional license is automatically revoked if the exam is not passed within one year. Submit a new application and obtain new Board examination approval; no second provisional license is issued.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Prior license: Hold LSWA or LMSW licensure before Board approval of postgraduate supervision under 59 O.S. §1261.1(G).
Supervised experience: Complete 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised social work experience. The 2026 Board rules also require 100 educational supervision hours and satisfactory evaluations.
Supervision after failure: For LCSW, LSW-ADM and LSW, resume or maintain Board-approved supervision before reapplication and until the Board confirms a passing score.
Supervision contract: Obtain Board approval of the supervision contract before accruing qualifying hours; submit the required logs and evaluations.

Replacement of provisional license with permanent license

ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB advanced generalist examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Prior license: Hold LSWA or LMSW licensure before Board approval of postgraduate supervision under 59 O.S. §1261.1(G).
Provisional status: Hold the provisional license at this designation; the Board must receive and record the passing ASWB score before issuing the permanent license.
Supervised experience: Complete 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised social work experience. The 2026 Board rules also require 100 educational supervision hours and satisfactory evaluations.
Supervision contract: Obtain Board approval of the supervision contract before accruing qualifying hours; submit the required logs and evaluations.

Licensure by reciprocity

ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB advanced generalist examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Existing license: Hold a current good-standing social-work license at the equivalent designation; verify current and previous professional licenses and disclose restrictions.
Initial qualifications: Possess at initial licensure the qualifications necessary for eligibility in Oklahoma.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Prior license: Hold LSWA or LMSW licensure before Board approval of postgraduate supervision under 59 O.S. §1261.1(G).
Reciprocity: 59 O.S. §1261.4(A) concerns an applicant becoming an Oklahoma resident from a jurisdiction granting reciprocal privilege. The Board's 2026 rule §675:10-1-15(a) also describes nonresident applicants; this does not remove the statutory examination-score requirement.
Score transfer: Present a passing designated licensure-exam score and arrange ASWB score transfer as applicable; another jurisdiction's own examination, or a more stringent exam that is not identified as a registered U.S. exam, is applicant evidence rather than an invented leaf.
Supervised experience: Complete 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised social work experience. The 2026 Board rules also require 100 educational supervision hours and satisfactory evaluations.
Supervision contract: Obtain Board approval of the supervision contract before accruing qualifying hours; submit the required logs and evaluations.

Annual license renewal

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Continuing education: Complete at least 16 continuing-education hours annually, including three ethics hours. The Board may allow applicable hardship or other rule-based waivers.
Exam year waiver: Board rules waive continuing education in the calendar year the licensure examination was passed.
Renewal application: Complete renewal using the Board online licensee portal and pay the applicable renewal fee by December 31.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §1261.1a(A)-(C), renewal requirements
Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Social Workers, Frequently Asked Questions
License Renewal, How many hours are required?

Licensure after three continuous years of out of state full licensure

ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Continuous licensure: Have held the equivalent LSWA, LMSW, LSW, LCSW or LSW-ADM license in good standing continually for at least three years since initial full licensure after the provisional term; comply with all other Oklahoma requirements.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB advanced generalist examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Existing license: Hold a current good-standing social-work license at the equivalent designation; verify current and previous professional licenses and disclose restrictions.
Initial qualifications: Possess at initial licensure the qualifications necessary for eligibility in Oklahoma.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Prior license: Hold LSWA or LMSW licensure before Board approval of postgraduate supervision under 59 O.S. §1261.1(G).
Score transfer: Present a passing designated licensure-exam score and arrange ASWB score transfer as applicable; another jurisdiction's own examination, or a more stringent exam that is not identified as a registered U.S. exam, is applicant evidence rather than an invented leaf.
Supervised experience: Complete 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised social work experience. The 2026 Board rules also require 100 educational supervision hours and satisfactory evaluations.
Supervision contract: Obtain Board approval of the supervision contract before accruing qualifying hours; submit the required logs and evaluations.

Licensed Social Worker with Administration Specialty (LSW-ADM)

Ordinary Oklahoma social-work license at the LSW-ADM designation.

Licensing authority: Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Social Workers · Application information

Expedited reciprocal or comity licensure for active duty personnel and spouses

ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Equivalence: Present equivalent education, training and experience; the other license must be in good standing and reasonably equivalent. Section 4100.8(B) requires issuance within 30 days; application and first-period license fees are waived.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB advanced generalist examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Existing license: Hold a current good-standing social-work license at the equivalent designation; verify current and previous professional licenses and disclose restrictions.
Initial qualifications: Possess at initial licensure the qualifications necessary for eligibility in Oklahoma.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Military orders: Active-duty military personnel or spouse holding a valid occupational license elsewhere may apply before transfer or honorable discharge to Oklahoma.
Missing documents: If required documentation is lacking, §4100.8(C) authorizes a temporary credential while the documents are obtained.
Prior license: Hold LSWA or LMSW licensure before Board approval of postgraduate supervision under 59 O.S. §1261.1(G).
Score transfer: Present a passing designated licensure-exam score and arrange ASWB score transfer as applicable; another jurisdiction's own examination, or a more stringent exam that is not identified as a registered U.S. exam, is applicant evidence rather than an invented leaf.
Supervised experience: Complete 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised administrative social work experience. The 2026 Board rules also require 100 educational supervision hours and satisfactory evaluations.
Supervision contract: Obtain Board approval of the supervision contract before accruing qualifying hours; submit the required logs and evaluations.

Reapplication after 4,000 additional supervised practice hours

ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam

Additional practice: Complete 4,000 additional hours of supervised practice with a Board-approved supervisor; the Board may then approve up to two additional examination-testing years.
Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB advanced generalist examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Final limit: Any applicant failing after five total approval years permanently loses application eligibility.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Prior failures: Unable to pass the appropriate examination during the provisional year and two subsequent approval years.
Prior license: Hold LSWA or LMSW licensure before Board approval of postgraduate supervision under 59 O.S. §1261.1(G).
Supervised experience: Complete 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised administrative social work experience. The 2026 Board rules also require 100 educational supervision hours and satisfactory evaluations.
Supervision contract: Obtain Board approval of the supervision contract before accruing qualifying hours; submit the required logs and evaluations.

Renewal of expired license after continuous licensed practice elsewhere

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Board instruction: The Board's 2026 rule §675:10-1-13 says licenses lapsed beyond 90 days must meet all current requirements including re-examination. The exception in the higher-ranked §1261.1a(D) controls; the applicant should present the continuous-practice documentation to the Board.
Prior license: Previously licensed under Oklahoma law; after expiration continuously practiced social work under a license issued by another jurisdiction.
Renewal: Complete Board-required continuing education and pay the designated fee; the statute excepts this applicant from initial reapplication and the current-exam requirement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §1261.1a(D), continuous out-of-state practice exception, page 970
Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §1261.1a(D), continuous out-of-state practice exception, page 971
Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §1261.1a(A)-(C), renewal requirements

Licensure by endorsement

ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Endorsement: When reciprocity does not exist, the Board may endorse another licensing board's action upon documentation of Oklahoma-equivalent educational and supervisory requirements and passage of the same or a more stringent examination.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB advanced generalist examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Existing license: Hold a current good-standing social-work license at the equivalent designation; verify current and previous professional licenses and disclose restrictions.
Initial qualifications: Possess at initial licensure the qualifications necessary for eligibility in Oklahoma.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Prior license: Hold LSWA or LMSW licensure before Board approval of postgraduate supervision under 59 O.S. §1261.1(G).
Score transfer: Present a passing designated licensure-exam score and arrange ASWB score transfer as applicable; another jurisdiction's own examination, or a more stringent exam that is not identified as a registered U.S. exam, is applicant evidence rather than an invented leaf.
Supervised experience: Complete 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised administrative social work experience. The 2026 Board rules also require 100 educational supervision hours and satisfactory evaluations.
Supervision contract: Obtain Board approval of the supervision contract before accruing qualifying hours; submit the required logs and evaluations.

Licensure by examination

ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB advanced generalist examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Prior license: Hold LSWA or LMSW licensure before Board approval of postgraduate supervision under 59 O.S. §1261.1(G).
Supervised experience: Complete 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised administrative social work experience. The 2026 Board rules also require 100 educational supervision hours and satisfactory evaluations.
Supervision contract: Obtain Board approval of the supervision contract before accruing qualifying hours; submit the required logs and evaluations.

Reapplication after license lapse exceeding 90 days

ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Criminal history: An expired license after January 1, 2012 requires a new national criminal history check under §1261.1a(E).
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB advanced generalist examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Lapse: If renewal is not sought within 90 days after expiration, reapply as an initial applicant and pass the current licensure examination.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Prior license: Hold LSWA or LMSW licensure before Board approval of postgraduate supervision under 59 O.S. §1261.1(G).
Supervised experience: Complete 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised administrative social work experience. The 2026 Board rules also require 100 educational supervision hours and satisfactory evaluations.
Supervision contract: Obtain Board approval of the supervision contract before accruing qualifying hours; submit the required logs and evaluations.

Renewal within 90 days after expiration

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Criminal history: If the license expired after January 1, 2012, submit the national criminal history check and fee; satisfy the fingerprint deadline under §1261.1a(E).
Deadline: Submit a complete renewal within 90 days of January 1; pay the renewal and late fees and verify continuing education.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §1261.1a(A)-(C), renewal requirements
Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §1261.1a(D), initial reapplication and current exam after 90-day lapse

Activation following military service extension

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Activation: Activate the retained credential for employment during the reasonable post-service period under §4100.6(A); applicable Board renewal and military-waiver documentation remains required.
Service extension: Board rule §675:25-1-2 places the active-duty license on inactive status during service and for one year afterward unless the licensee maintains good standing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §4100.6(A)-(B), inactive extension and activation
Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §4100.6(C)-(D), military renewal and continuation

Renewal or continuation during active duty military service

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Status: Hold an Oklahoma license in good standing when activated for military service.
Waivers: During deployment and for at least one year after discharge, renewal may be allowed without fees and without continuing education or other acts when the statutory waiver conditions apply. Board rule §675:25-1-2 provides the extension and military waiver procedure.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §4100.6(C)-(D), military renewal and continuation

Expedited endorsement for military spouses

ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB advanced generalist examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Existing license: Hold a current good-standing social-work license at the equivalent designation; verify current and previous professional licenses and disclose restrictions.
Initial qualifications: Possess at initial licensure the qualifications necessary for eligibility in Oklahoma.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Military spouse: Hold an out-of-state professional license and accompany an active-duty spouse transferred to Oklahoma, leaving employment elsewhere; the Board determines substantial equivalence under §4100.5. Applicable examination qualifications remain subject to §4100.7.
Prior license: Hold LSWA or LMSW licensure before Board approval of postgraduate supervision under 59 O.S. §1261.1(G).
Score transfer: Present a passing designated licensure-exam score and arrange ASWB score transfer as applicable; another jurisdiction's own examination, or a more stringent exam that is not identified as a registered U.S. exam, is applicant evidence rather than an invented leaf.
Supervised experience: Complete 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised administrative social work experience. The 2026 Board rules also require 100 educational supervision hours and satisfactory evaluations.
Supervision contract: Obtain Board approval of the supervision contract before accruing qualifying hours; submit the required logs and evaluations.

Licensure using equivalent military education, training and experience

ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB advanced generalist examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Military equivalence: Present satisfactory evidence of equivalent military education, training and experience; the Board applies it favorably toward qualifications. This recognition does not automatically waive examination or other eligibility requirements.
Prior license: Hold LSWA or LMSW licensure before Board approval of postgraduate supervision under 59 O.S. §1261.1(G).
Supervised experience: Complete 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised administrative social work experience. The 2026 Board rules also require 100 educational supervision hours and satisfactory evaluations.
Supervision contract: Obtain Board approval of the supervision contract before accruing qualifying hours; submit the required logs and evaluations.

Reapplication after failure during the provisional year

ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Approval year limit: After the provisional year and two subsequent approval years without a pass, the applicant cannot apply again until completing 4,000 additional Board-supervised practice hours. Failure after five total approval years permanently ends eligibility.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB advanced generalist examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Expired provisional: The provisional license is automatically revoked if the exam is not passed within one year. Submit a new application and obtain new Board examination approval; no second provisional license is issued.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Prior license: Hold LSWA or LMSW licensure before Board approval of postgraduate supervision under 59 O.S. §1261.1(G).
Supervised experience: Complete 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised administrative social work experience. The 2026 Board rules also require 100 educational supervision hours and satisfactory evaluations.
Supervision after failure: For LCSW, LSW-ADM and LSW, resume or maintain Board-approved supervision before reapplication and until the Board confirms a passing score.
Supervision contract: Obtain Board approval of the supervision contract before accruing qualifying hours; submit the required logs and evaluations.

Replacement of provisional license with permanent license

ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB advanced generalist examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Prior license: Hold LSWA or LMSW licensure before Board approval of postgraduate supervision under 59 O.S. §1261.1(G).
Provisional status: Hold the provisional license at this designation; the Board must receive and record the passing ASWB score before issuing the permanent license.
Supervised experience: Complete 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised administrative social work experience. The 2026 Board rules also require 100 educational supervision hours and satisfactory evaluations.
Supervision contract: Obtain Board approval of the supervision contract before accruing qualifying hours; submit the required logs and evaluations.

Licensure by reciprocity

ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB advanced generalist examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Existing license: Hold a current good-standing social-work license at the equivalent designation; verify current and previous professional licenses and disclose restrictions.
Initial qualifications: Possess at initial licensure the qualifications necessary for eligibility in Oklahoma.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Prior license: Hold LSWA or LMSW licensure before Board approval of postgraduate supervision under 59 O.S. §1261.1(G).
Reciprocity: 59 O.S. §1261.4(A) concerns an applicant becoming an Oklahoma resident from a jurisdiction granting reciprocal privilege. The Board's 2026 rule §675:10-1-15(a) also describes nonresident applicants; this does not remove the statutory examination-score requirement.
Score transfer: Present a passing designated licensure-exam score and arrange ASWB score transfer as applicable; another jurisdiction's own examination, or a more stringent exam that is not identified as a registered U.S. exam, is applicant evidence rather than an invented leaf.
Supervised experience: Complete 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised administrative social work experience. The 2026 Board rules also require 100 educational supervision hours and satisfactory evaluations.
Supervision contract: Obtain Board approval of the supervision contract before accruing qualifying hours; submit the required logs and evaluations.

Annual license renewal

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Continuing education: Complete at least 16 continuing-education hours annually, including three ethics hours. The Board may allow applicable hardship or other rule-based waivers.
Exam year waiver: Board rules waive continuing education in the calendar year the licensure examination was passed.
Renewal application: Complete renewal using the Board online licensee portal and pay the applicable renewal fee by December 31.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §1261.1a(A)-(C), renewal requirements
Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Social Workers, Frequently Asked Questions
License Renewal, How many hours are required?

Licensure after three continuous years of out of state full licensure

ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Continuous licensure: Have held the equivalent LSWA, LMSW, LSW, LCSW or LSW-ADM license in good standing continually for at least three years since initial full licensure after the provisional term; comply with all other Oklahoma requirements.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB advanced generalist examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Existing license: Hold a current good-standing social-work license at the equivalent designation; verify current and previous professional licenses and disclose restrictions.
Initial qualifications: Possess at initial licensure the qualifications necessary for eligibility in Oklahoma.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Prior license: Hold LSWA or LMSW licensure before Board approval of postgraduate supervision under 59 O.S. §1261.1(G).
Score transfer: Present a passing designated licensure-exam score and arrange ASWB score transfer as applicable; another jurisdiction's own examination, or a more stringent exam that is not identified as a registered U.S. exam, is applicant evidence rather than an invented leaf.
Supervised experience: Complete 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised administrative social work experience. The 2026 Board rules also require 100 educational supervision hours and satisfactory evaluations.
Supervision contract: Obtain Board approval of the supervision contract before accruing qualifying hours; submit the required logs and evaluations.

Provisional Licensed Social Worker with Administration Specialty (LSW-ADM)

One-time provisional form of the LSW-ADM license pending passage of the required examination.

Licensing authority: Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Social Workers · Application information

Provisional licensure pending examination

ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Attempts: Statute §1261.5 permits retesting every 90 days during the provisional year. The Board rules permit an ASWB appeal for a waiting-period waiver after failure by 10 points or less.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Duration: A provisional license is issued once and is not renewable. The Board rules allow a longer period only for Board-determined extenuating circumstances.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB advanced generalist examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Examination timing: Meet every qualification except examination passage at issuance. Pass the corresponding ASWB exam within one year to replace this provisional license with the permanent license.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Prior license: Hold LSWA or LMSW licensure before Board approval of postgraduate supervision under 59 O.S. §1261.1(G).
Supervised experience: Complete 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised administrative social work experience. The 2026 Board rules also require 100 educational supervision hours and satisfactory evaluations.
Supervision contract: Obtain Board approval of the supervision contract before accruing qualifying hours; submit the required logs and evaluations.

Provisional Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

One-time provisional form of the LSW license pending passage of the required examination.

Licensing authority: Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Social Workers · Application information

Provisional licensure pending examination

ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Attempts: Statute §1261.5 permits retesting every 90 days during the provisional year. The Board rules permit an ASWB appeal for a waiting-period waiver after failure by 10 points or less.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Duration: A provisional license is issued once and is not renewable. The Board rules allow a longer period only for Board-determined extenuating circumstances.
Education: A master's degree in social work from an accredited institution or a Board-approved social-work program is required.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB advanced generalist examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Examination timing: Meet every qualification except examination passage at issuance. Pass the corresponding ASWB exam within one year to replace this provisional license with the permanent license.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Prior license: Hold LSWA or LMSW licensure before Board approval of postgraduate supervision under 59 O.S. §1261.1(G).
Supervised experience: Complete 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised social work experience. The 2026 Board rules also require 100 educational supervision hours and satisfactory evaluations.
Supervision contract: Obtain Board approval of the supervision contract before accruing qualifying hours; submit the required logs and evaluations.

Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA)

Ordinary Oklahoma social-work license at the LSWA designation.

Licensing authority: Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Social Workers · Application information

Expedited reciprocal or comity licensure for active duty personnel and spouses

ASWB Bachelors Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Education: A baccalaureate degree in social work from an accredited institution or Board-approved program, or a doctoral or master's degree in social work from an institution with an accredited approved program, is accepted by 59 O.S. §1261.1(C)(1). The 2026 Board rules §675:10-1-3 state a bachelor's degree requirement; the statutory eligibility controls.
Equivalence: Present equivalent education, training and experience; the other license must be in good standing and reasonably equivalent. Section 4100.8(B) requires issuance within 30 days; application and first-period license fees are waived.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB bachelors examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Existing license: Hold a current good-standing social-work license at the equivalent designation; verify current and previous professional licenses and disclose restrictions.
Initial qualifications: Possess at initial licensure the qualifications necessary for eligibility in Oklahoma.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Military orders: Active-duty military personnel or spouse holding a valid occupational license elsewhere may apply before transfer or honorable discharge to Oklahoma.
Missing documents: If required documentation is lacking, §4100.8(C) authorizes a temporary credential while the documents are obtained.
Score transfer: Present a passing designated licensure-exam score and arrange ASWB score transfer as applicable; another jurisdiction's own examination, or a more stringent exam that is not identified as a registered U.S. exam, is applicant evidence rather than an invented leaf.

Reapplication after 4,000 additional supervised practice hours

ASWB Bachelors Exam

Additional practice: Complete 4,000 additional hours of supervised practice with a Board-approved supervisor; the Board may then approve up to two additional examination-testing years.
Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Education: A baccalaureate degree in social work from an accredited institution or Board-approved program, or a doctoral or master's degree in social work from an institution with an accredited approved program, is accepted by 59 O.S. §1261.1(C)(1). The 2026 Board rules §675:10-1-3 state a bachelor's degree requirement; the statutory eligibility controls.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB bachelors examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Final limit: Any applicant failing after five total approval years permanently loses application eligibility.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Prior failures: Unable to pass the appropriate examination during the provisional year and two subsequent approval years.

Renewal of expired license after continuous licensed practice elsewhere

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Board instruction: The Board's 2026 rule §675:10-1-13 says licenses lapsed beyond 90 days must meet all current requirements including re-examination. The exception in the higher-ranked §1261.1a(D) controls; the applicant should present the continuous-practice documentation to the Board.
Prior license: Previously licensed under Oklahoma law; after expiration continuously practiced social work under a license issued by another jurisdiction.
Renewal: Complete Board-required continuing education and pay the designated fee; the statute excepts this applicant from initial reapplication and the current-exam requirement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §1261.1a(D), continuous out-of-state practice exception, page 970
Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §1261.1a(D), continuous out-of-state practice exception, page 971
Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §1261.1a(A)-(C), renewal requirements

Licensure by endorsement

ASWB Bachelors Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Education: A baccalaureate degree in social work from an accredited institution or Board-approved program, or a doctoral or master's degree in social work from an institution with an accredited approved program, is accepted by 59 O.S. §1261.1(C)(1). The 2026 Board rules §675:10-1-3 state a bachelor's degree requirement; the statutory eligibility controls.
Endorsement: When reciprocity does not exist, the Board may endorse another licensing board's action upon documentation of Oklahoma-equivalent educational and supervisory requirements and passage of the same or a more stringent examination.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB bachelors examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Existing license: Hold a current good-standing social-work license at the equivalent designation; verify current and previous professional licenses and disclose restrictions.
Initial qualifications: Possess at initial licensure the qualifications necessary for eligibility in Oklahoma.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Score transfer: Present a passing designated licensure-exam score and arrange ASWB score transfer as applicable; another jurisdiction's own examination, or a more stringent exam that is not identified as a registered U.S. exam, is applicant evidence rather than an invented leaf.

Licensure by examination

ASWB Bachelors Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Education: A baccalaureate degree in social work from an accredited institution or Board-approved program, or a doctoral or master's degree in social work from an institution with an accredited approved program, is accepted by 59 O.S. §1261.1(C)(1). The 2026 Board rules §675:10-1-3 state a bachelor's degree requirement; the statutory eligibility controls.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB bachelors examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.

Reapplication after license lapse exceeding 90 days

ASWB Bachelors Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Criminal history: An expired license after January 1, 2012 requires a new national criminal history check under §1261.1a(E).
Education: A baccalaureate degree in social work from an accredited institution or Board-approved program, or a doctoral or master's degree in social work from an institution with an accredited approved program, is accepted by 59 O.S. §1261.1(C)(1). The 2026 Board rules §675:10-1-3 state a bachelor's degree requirement; the statutory eligibility controls.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB bachelors examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Lapse: If renewal is not sought within 90 days after expiration, reapply as an initial applicant and pass the current licensure examination.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.

Renewal within 90 days after expiration

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Criminal history: If the license expired after January 1, 2012, submit the national criminal history check and fee; satisfy the fingerprint deadline under §1261.1a(E).
Deadline: Submit a complete renewal within 90 days of January 1; pay the renewal and late fees and verify continuing education.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §1261.1a(A)-(C), renewal requirements
Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §1261.1a(D), initial reapplication and current exam after 90-day lapse

Activation following military service extension

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Activation: Activate the retained credential for employment during the reasonable post-service period under §4100.6(A); applicable Board renewal and military-waiver documentation remains required.
Service extension: Board rule §675:25-1-2 places the active-duty license on inactive status during service and for one year afterward unless the licensee maintains good standing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §4100.6(A)-(B), inactive extension and activation
Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §4100.6(C)-(D), military renewal and continuation

Renewal or continuation during active duty military service

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Status: Hold an Oklahoma license in good standing when activated for military service.
Waivers: During deployment and for at least one year after discharge, renewal may be allowed without fees and without continuing education or other acts when the statutory waiver conditions apply. Board rule §675:25-1-2 provides the extension and military waiver procedure.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §4100.6(C)-(D), military renewal and continuation

Expedited endorsement for military spouses

ASWB Bachelors Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Education: A baccalaureate degree in social work from an accredited institution or Board-approved program, or a doctoral or master's degree in social work from an institution with an accredited approved program, is accepted by 59 O.S. §1261.1(C)(1). The 2026 Board rules §675:10-1-3 state a bachelor's degree requirement; the statutory eligibility controls.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB bachelors examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Existing license: Hold a current good-standing social-work license at the equivalent designation; verify current and previous professional licenses and disclose restrictions.
Initial qualifications: Possess at initial licensure the qualifications necessary for eligibility in Oklahoma.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Military spouse: Hold an out-of-state professional license and accompany an active-duty spouse transferred to Oklahoma, leaving employment elsewhere; the Board determines substantial equivalence under §4100.5. Applicable examination qualifications remain subject to §4100.7.
Score transfer: Present a passing designated licensure-exam score and arrange ASWB score transfer as applicable; another jurisdiction's own examination, or a more stringent exam that is not identified as a registered U.S. exam, is applicant evidence rather than an invented leaf.

Licensure using equivalent military education, training and experience

ASWB Bachelors Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Education: A baccalaureate degree in social work from an accredited institution or Board-approved program, or a doctoral or master's degree in social work from an institution with an accredited approved program, is accepted by 59 O.S. §1261.1(C)(1). The 2026 Board rules §675:10-1-3 state a bachelor's degree requirement; the statutory eligibility controls.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB bachelors examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Military equivalence: Present satisfactory evidence of equivalent military education, training and experience; the Board applies it favorably toward qualifications. This recognition does not automatically waive examination or other eligibility requirements.

Reapplication after failure during the provisional year

ASWB Bachelors Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Approval year limit: After the provisional year and two subsequent approval years without a pass, the applicant cannot apply again until completing 4,000 additional Board-supervised practice hours. Failure after five total approval years permanently ends eligibility.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Education: A baccalaureate degree in social work from an accredited institution or Board-approved program, or a doctoral or master's degree in social work from an institution with an accredited approved program, is accepted by 59 O.S. §1261.1(C)(1). The 2026 Board rules §675:10-1-3 state a bachelor's degree requirement; the statutory eligibility controls.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB bachelors examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Expired provisional: The provisional license is automatically revoked if the exam is not passed within one year. Submit a new application and obtain new Board examination approval; no second provisional license is issued.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Supervision after failure: For LCSW, LSW-ADM and LSW, resume or maintain Board-approved supervision before reapplication and until the Board confirms a passing score.

Replacement of provisional license with permanent license

ASWB Bachelors Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Education: A baccalaureate degree in social work from an accredited institution or Board-approved program, or a doctoral or master's degree in social work from an institution with an accredited approved program, is accepted by 59 O.S. §1261.1(C)(1). The 2026 Board rules §675:10-1-3 state a bachelor's degree requirement; the statutory eligibility controls.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB bachelors examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Provisional status: Hold the provisional license at this designation; the Board must receive and record the passing ASWB score before issuing the permanent license.

Licensure by reciprocity

ASWB Bachelors Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Education: A baccalaureate degree in social work from an accredited institution or Board-approved program, or a doctoral or master's degree in social work from an institution with an accredited approved program, is accepted by 59 O.S. §1261.1(C)(1). The 2026 Board rules §675:10-1-3 state a bachelor's degree requirement; the statutory eligibility controls.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB bachelors examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Existing license: Hold a current good-standing social-work license at the equivalent designation; verify current and previous professional licenses and disclose restrictions.
Initial qualifications: Possess at initial licensure the qualifications necessary for eligibility in Oklahoma.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Reciprocity: 59 O.S. §1261.4(A) concerns an applicant becoming an Oklahoma resident from a jurisdiction granting reciprocal privilege. The Board's 2026 rule §675:10-1-15(a) also describes nonresident applicants; this does not remove the statutory examination-score requirement.
Score transfer: Present a passing designated licensure-exam score and arrange ASWB score transfer as applicable; another jurisdiction's own examination, or a more stringent exam that is not identified as a registered U.S. exam, is applicant evidence rather than an invented leaf.

Annual license renewal

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Continuing education: Complete at least 16 continuing-education hours annually, including three ethics hours. The Board may allow applicable hardship or other rule-based waivers.
Exam year waiver: Board rules waive continuing education in the calendar year the licensure examination was passed.
Renewal application: Complete renewal using the Board online licensee portal and pay the applicable renewal fee by December 31.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Statutes Title 59
59 O.S. §1261.1a(A)-(C), renewal requirements
Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Social Workers, Frequently Asked Questions
License Renewal, How many hours are required?

Licensure after three continuous years of out of state full licensure

ASWB Bachelors Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Continuous licensure: Have held the equivalent LSWA, LMSW, LSW, LCSW or LSW-ADM license in good standing continually for at least three years since initial full licensure after the provisional term; comply with all other Oklahoma requirements.
Education: A baccalaureate degree in social work from an accredited institution or Board-approved program, or a doctoral or master's degree in social work from an institution with an accredited approved program, is accepted by 59 O.S. §1261.1(C)(1). The 2026 Board rules §675:10-1-3 state a bachelor's degree requirement; the statutory eligibility controls.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB bachelors examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Existing license: Hold a current good-standing social-work license at the equivalent designation; verify current and previous professional licenses and disclose restrictions.
Initial qualifications: Possess at initial licensure the qualifications necessary for eligibility in Oklahoma.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
Score transfer: Present a passing designated licensure-exam score and arrange ASWB score transfer as applicable; another jurisdiction's own examination, or a more stringent exam that is not identified as a registered U.S. exam, is applicant evidence rather than an invented leaf.

Provisional Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA)

One-time provisional form of the LSWA license pending passage of the required examination.

Licensing authority: Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Social Workers · Application information

Provisional licensure pending examination

ASWB Bachelors Exam

Age: The applicant must have attained the age of majority.
Application: Submit the Board application and required fees; provide the degree and other supporting documentation required by the Board.
Attempts: Statute §1261.5 permits retesting every 90 days during the provisional year. The Board rules permit an ASWB appeal for a waiting-period waiver after failure by 10 points or less.
Background check: Submit to the national criminal history record check and pay its cost; disqualifying felony convictions may cause disapproval under 59 O.S. §1261.1(B).
Character: Meet the Board rules' good moral character requirement.
Duration: A provisional license is issued once and is not renewable. The Board rules allow a longer period only for Board-determined extenuating circumstances.
Education: A baccalaureate degree in social work from an accredited institution or Board-approved program, or a doctoral or master's degree in social work from an institution with an accredited approved program, is accepted by 59 O.S. §1261.1(C)(1). The 2026 Board rules §675:10-1-3 state a bachelor's degree requirement; the statutory eligibility controls.
Examination: Pass the designated ASWB bachelors examination; a previously passed currently offered examination is retained as a requirement under this survey contract.
Examination timing: Meet every qualification except examination passage at issuance. Pass the corresponding ASWB exam within one year to replace this provisional license with the permanent license.
Legal status: Submit the Board affidavit verifying U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.

ASWB Clinical Exam

Provider: Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB); administered on computer at Pearson test centers
Format: Computer-based multiple-choice examination (three- and four-option questions) in two 61-question sections, each with a two-hour time limit; scored and pretest questions are mixed together; results reported as pass/fail
Exam questions: 122 multiple-choice questions: 110 scored and 12 unscored pretest questions
Time limit: 4 hours (two sections, each with a two-hour time limit)
Passing score: Pass/fail; the number of correct answers required varies by exam form and generally ranges from 66 to 78 of the 110 scored questions
Exam fee: US$260 exam registration fee

Examination outline

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

Examination sources

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

ASWB Masters Exam

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

Examination outline

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

Examination sources

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

ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam

Provider: Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB); administered on computer at Pearson test centers
Format: Computer-based multiple-choice examination (three- and four-option questions) in two 61-question sections, each with a two-hour time limit; scored and pretest questions are mixed together; results reported as pass/fail
Exam questions: 122 multiple-choice questions: 110 scored and 12 unscored pretest questions
Time limit: 4 hours (two sections, each with a two-hour time limit)
Passing score: Pass/fail; the number of correct answers required varies by exam form and generally ranges from 66 to 78 of the 110 scored questions
Exam fee: US$260 exam registration fee

Examination outline

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

Examination sources

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

ASWB Bachelors Exam

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

Examination outline

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

Examination sources

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