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Pennsylvania Social Work — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

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

Licensed Bachelor Social Worker

Pennsylvania Licensed Bachelor Social Worker credential; the ASWB Bachelors examination is the adopted examination for ordinary licensure.

Licensing authority: Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors · Application information

Licensure by endorsement under 63 Pa.C.S. § 3111 (Act 41)
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply through PALS, pay applicable fees and satisfy administrative/background requirements.
Child Abuse Training
Complete at least three hours of approved child-abuse recognition and reporting training, with electronic provider verification, unless the Board grants an applicable statutory exemption.
Competency
Demonstrate competency through Board-determined methods, including continuing education or at least two of the preceding five years of experience.
Conduct
No disqualifying act or discipline unless the Board determines it is not an impediment; be in good standing.
License Held
Hold the same or similar current license from another jurisdiction whose requirements the Board determines substantially equivalent to or higher than Pennsylvania requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation after deployment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Applicable continuing education may be extended up to six months after deployment; other renewal requirements remain.
Deployment
Renewal expired during deployment outside Pennsylvania; seek reactivation within one month after deployment ends. The Board may reactivate without penalty.
Spouse
Also applies to a military spouse who resided with the servicemember during deployment.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal for deployed servicemembers and qualifying spouses
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete 30 Board-approved clock hours for the preceding biennium, including three ethics, two child-abuse recognition/reporting and one suicide-prevention hour; submit the required certification and retain documentation for four years.
Deployment
A servicemember may submit renewal requirements before deployment outside Pennsylvania; the Board processes the application when the next renewal opens.
Extension
Continuing-education or continued-competency requirements extend up to six months after deployment if all other renewal requirements are met.
Initial Renewal Exemption
The initial biennial renewal has the applicable 30-hour exemption under § 47.39(a); child-abuse training remains required.
Online Courses
The Board 2025 renewal guide states the removal of the live CE requirement was permanent effective November 19, 2019.
Renewal
Submit the PALS renewal and fee before biennial expiration; approved exemptions and extensions apply.
Spouse
Also applies to a military spouse residing with the servicemember during deployment.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Application
Submit the Board application, required fee, two certificates of recommendation and a signed affirmation of accuracy.
Background Checks
The Board licensure guide requires a fingerprint-based FBI background check and verification of every health-related license ever held.
Character
Good moral character; criminal convictions are considered under the current Act and 63 Pa.C.S. § 3113, including the applicable controlled-substance felony provisions.
Child Abuse Training
Complete at least three hours of approved child-abuse recognition and reporting training, with electronic provider verification, unless the Board grants an applicable statutory exemption.
Education
Bachelor degree from a CSWE-accredited social-work or social-welfare program.
Exam Administration
Obtain Board approval, apply to ASWB, pay its examination fee, and direct ASWB to report results to the Board.
Exceptional Waiver
Act § 6(6) permits an exceptional examination waiver in accordance with Board regulations; this discretion does not remove the currently offered examination from this route.
Practice Limits
Work under qualified direction; no independent or private-setting practice, psychotherapy, mental-illness diagnosis, clinical-social-work practice, or health-plan billing under this license.
Reactivation of an expired or lapsed license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Child Abuse Training
Complete applicable approved child-abuse recognition and reporting training.
Continuing Education
Show proof of continuing-education compliance for the preceding biennium under § 47.40.
Expired License
Pay all required fees and submit a sworn statement identifying the period without licensed title use or practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration from inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Child Abuse Training
Complete applicable approved child-abuse recognition and reporting training.
Continuing Education
Show proof of continuing-education compliance for the preceding biennium under § 47.40.
Inactive Status
Previously placed on inactive status after proper written notice; restore active status after meeting the Act and Chapter 47 conditions and paying required fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military applicant with education substitution
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Active Practice
At least two of the previous five years of active practice; relevant military service experience and official duties count.
Application
Submit the Board application, required fee, two certificates of recommendation and a signed affirmation of accuracy.
Background Checks
The Board licensure guide requires a fingerprint-based FBI background check and verification of every health-related license ever held.
Character
Good moral character; criminal convictions are considered under the current Act and 63 Pa.C.S. § 3113, including the applicable controlled-substance felony provisions.
Child Abuse Training
Complete at least three hours of approved child-abuse recognition and reporting training, with electronic provider verification, unless the Board grants an applicable statutory exemption.
Education Substitution
The Board may substitute relevant military education/training and experience under §§ 3303(a) and 3304 for incomplete education requirements.
Exam Administration
Obtain Board approval, apply to ASWB, pay its examination fee, and direct ASWB to report results to the Board.
Exceptional Waiver
Act § 6(6) permits an exceptional examination waiver in accordance with Board regulations; this discretion does not remove the currently offered examination from this route.
Military Applicant
Be a servicemember, veteran or military spouse and document that status.
Military Spouse Fee
No initial licensure fee for a military spouse relocating because of military orders.
Practice Limits
Work under qualified direction; no independent or private-setting practice, psychotherapy, mental-illness diagnosis, clinical-social-work practice, or health-plan billing under this license.
Remaining Requirements
Pass all required licensure examinations and meet every other noneducational requirement.
Licensure by reciprocity
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Accepted Scores
The Board accepts reported examination grades from another jurisdiction instead of retesting when the examination is similar and the score meets Pennsylvania passing requirements. An examination belonging to another jurisdiction is a condition; ASWB Bachelors is the currently offered adopted examination referenced here.
Application
Submit the Board application, required fee, two certificates of recommendation and a signed affirmation of accuracy.
Background Checks
The Board licensure guide requires a fingerprint-based FBI background check and verification of every health-related license ever held.
Character
Good moral character; criminal convictions are considered under the current Act and 63 Pa.C.S. § 3113, including the applicable controlled-substance felony provisions.
Child Abuse Training
Complete at least three hours of approved child-abuse recognition and reporting training, with electronic provider verification, unless the Board grants an applicable statutory exemption.
Education
Bachelor degree from a CSWE-accredited social-work or social-welfare program.
Exam Administration
Obtain Board approval, apply to ASWB, pay its examination fee, and direct ASWB to report results to the Board.
Exceptional Waiver
Act § 6(6) permits an exceptional examination waiver in accordance with Board regulations; this discretion does not remove the currently offered examination from this route.
Other Jurisdiction License
Hold the corresponding license or certification and submit good-standing and disciplinary-history certification. Qualifications must equal or exceed Pennsylvania requirements.
Practice Limits
Work under qualified direction; no independent or private-setting practice, psychotherapy, mental-illness diagnosis, clinical-social-work practice, or health-plan billing under this license.
Reciprocal Treatment
The issuing jurisdiction must afford reciprocal licensing treatment to Pennsylvania residents holding this license.
Reinstatement after revocation
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Application
Submit the Board application, required fee, two certificates of recommendation and a signed affirmation of accuracy.
Background Checks
The Board licensure guide requires a fingerprint-based FBI background check and verification of every health-related license ever held.
Character
Good moral character; criminal convictions are considered under the current Act and 63 Pa.C.S. § 3113, including the applicable controlled-substance felony provisions.
Child Abuse Training
Complete at least three hours of approved child-abuse recognition and reporting training, with electronic provider verification, unless the Board grants an applicable statutory exemption.
Court Order
Act § 12 excepts reinstatement ordered by Commonwealth Court or an appeal therefrom; the applicant must comply with the order.
Education
Bachelor degree from a CSWE-accredited social-work or social-welfare program.
Exam Administration
Obtain Board approval, apply to ASWB, pay its examination fee, and direct ASWB to report results to the Board.
Exceptional Waiver
Act § 6(6) permits an exceptional examination waiver in accordance with Board regulations; this discretion does not remove the currently offered examination from this route.
Practice Limits
Work under qualified direction; no independent or private-setting practice, psychotherapy, mental-illness diagnosis, clinical-social-work practice, or health-plan billing under this license.
Revocation
After at least five years following license revocation, meet all licensing qualifications including the examination requirement.
Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete 30 Board-approved clock hours for the preceding biennium, including three ethics, two child-abuse recognition/reporting and one suicide-prevention hour; submit the required certification and retain documentation for four years.
Initial Renewal Exemption
The initial biennial renewal has the applicable 30-hour exemption under § 47.39(a); child-abuse training remains required.
Online Courses
The Board 2025 renewal guide states the removal of the live CE requirement was permanent effective November 19, 2019.
Renewal
Submit the PALS renewal and fee before biennial expiration; approved exemptions and extensions apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Pennsylvania Licensed Clinical Social Worker credential; the ASWB Clinical examination is the adopted examination for ordinary licensure.

Licensing authority: Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors · Application information

Licensure by endorsement under 63 Pa.C.S. § 3111 (Act 41)
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply through PALS, pay applicable fees and satisfy administrative/background requirements.
Board Experience Statement
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Frequently Asked Questions (November 2019, linked on the current resources page), Act 41 procedure: A: You will need to for the license on-line at www.pals.pa.gov. Please note that you must hold a license in good standing as a clinical social worker in another state and have been actively engaged in the practice of clinical social work for 2 of the last 5 years in any state or territory in the United States immediately preceding the filing of this application for licensure by endorsement under Act 41. All applicants from another country will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Child Abuse Training
Complete at least three hours of approved child-abuse recognition and reporting training, with electronic provider verification, unless the Board grants an applicable statutory exemption.
Competency
Demonstrate competency through Board-determined methods, including continuing education or at least two of the preceding five years of experience.
Conduct
No disqualifying act or discipline unless the Board determines it is not an impediment; be in good standing.
License Held
Hold the same or similar current license from another jurisdiction whose requirements the Board determines substantially equivalent to or higher than Pennsylvania requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation after deployment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Applicable continuing education may be extended up to six months after deployment; other renewal requirements remain.
Deployment
Renewal expired during deployment outside Pennsylvania; seek reactivation within one month after deployment ends. The Board may reactivate without penalty.
Spouse
Also applies to a military spouse who resided with the servicemember during deployment.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal for deployed servicemembers and qualifying spouses
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete 30 Board-approved clock hours for the preceding biennium, including three ethics, two child-abuse recognition/reporting and one suicide-prevention hour; submit the required certification and retain documentation for four years.
Deployment
A servicemember may submit renewal requirements before deployment outside Pennsylvania; the Board processes the application when the next renewal opens.
Extension
Continuing-education or continued-competency requirements extend up to six months after deployment if all other renewal requirements are met.
Initial Renewal Exemption
The initial biennial renewal has the applicable 30-hour exemption under § 47.39(a); child-abuse training remains required.
Online Courses
The Board 2025 renewal guide states the removal of the live CE requirement was permanent effective November 19, 2019.
Renewal
Submit the PALS renewal and fee before biennial expiration; approved exemptions and extensions apply.
Spouse
Also applies to a military spouse residing with the servicemember during deployment.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Submit the Board application, required fee, two certificates of recommendation and a signed affirmation of accuracy.
Background Checks
The Board licensure guide requires a fingerprint-based FBI background check and verification of every health-related license ever held.
Character
Good moral character; criminal convictions are considered under the current Act and 63 Pa.C.S. § 3113, including the applicable controlled-substance felony provisions.
Child Abuse Training
Complete at least three hours of approved child-abuse recognition and reporting training, with electronic provider verification, unless the Board grants an applicable statutory exemption.
Clinical Experience
Complete at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience after the master degree under § 47.12c(b), or hold the qualifying ACSW certificate issued before January 1, 2001.
Education
CSWE-accredited social-work/social-welfare master degree or social-work doctorate; CSWE evaluation for foreign credentials.
Exam Administration
Obtain Board approval, apply to ASWB, pay its examination fee, and direct ASWB to report results to the Board.
Exceptional Waiver
Act § 6(6) permits an exceptional examination waiver in accordance with Board regulations; this discretion does not remove the currently offered examination from this route.
Existing Pennsylvania License
Hold a Pennsylvania social-worker license; that held credential is an applicant condition, not an extra examination leaf of this clinical-license route.
Experience Period
Complete the experience in two to six years, in a qualifying work setting and weekly-hours schedule. The Board FAQ states: "The Board has waived the requirement that no less than 500 hours and no more than 1,800 hours may be credited in any 12-month period."
Supervision
At least half the experience is the designated clinical services and at least half the hours use a qualifying clinical-social-worker supervisor; meet supervisor, client-disclosure, documentation and supervision-session requirements of §§ 47.1a, 47.12c and 47.12d.
Reactivation of an expired or lapsed license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Child Abuse Training
Complete applicable approved child-abuse recognition and reporting training.
Continuing Education
Show proof of continuing-education compliance for the preceding biennium under § 47.40.
Expired License
Pay all required fees and submit a sworn statement identifying the period without licensed title use or practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration from inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Child Abuse Training
Complete applicable approved child-abuse recognition and reporting training.
Continuing Education
Show proof of continuing-education compliance for the preceding biennium under § 47.40.
Inactive Status
Previously placed on inactive status after proper written notice; restore active status after meeting the Act and Chapter 47 conditions and paying required fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military applicant with education substitution
ASWB Clinical Exam
Active Practice
At least two of the previous five years of active practice; relevant military service experience and official duties count.
Application
Submit the Board application, required fee, two certificates of recommendation and a signed affirmation of accuracy.
Background Checks
The Board licensure guide requires a fingerprint-based FBI background check and verification of every health-related license ever held.
Character
Good moral character; criminal convictions are considered under the current Act and 63 Pa.C.S. § 3113, including the applicable controlled-substance felony provisions.
Child Abuse Training
Complete at least three hours of approved child-abuse recognition and reporting training, with electronic provider verification, unless the Board grants an applicable statutory exemption.
Clinical Experience
Complete at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience after the master degree under § 47.12c(b), or hold the qualifying ACSW certificate issued before January 1, 2001.
Education Substitution
The Board may substitute relevant military education/training and experience under §§ 3303(a) and 3304 for incomplete education requirements.
Exam Administration
Obtain Board approval, apply to ASWB, pay its examination fee, and direct ASWB to report results to the Board.
Exceptional Waiver
Act § 6(6) permits an exceptional examination waiver in accordance with Board regulations; this discretion does not remove the currently offered examination from this route.
Existing Pennsylvania License
Hold a Pennsylvania social-worker license; that held credential is an applicant condition, not an extra examination leaf of this clinical-license route.
Experience Period
Complete the experience in two to six years, in a qualifying work setting and weekly-hours schedule. The Board FAQ states: "The Board has waived the requirement that no less than 500 hours and no more than 1,800 hours may be credited in any 12-month period."
Military Applicant
Be a servicemember, veteran or military spouse and document that status.
Military Spouse Fee
No initial licensure fee for a military spouse relocating because of military orders.
Remaining Requirements
Pass all required licensure examinations and meet every other noneducational requirement.
Supervision
At least half the experience is the designated clinical services and at least half the hours use a qualifying clinical-social-worker supervisor; meet supervisor, client-disclosure, documentation and supervision-session requirements of §§ 47.1a, 47.12c and 47.12d.
Licensure by reciprocity
ASWB Clinical Exam
Accepted Scores
The Board accepts reported examination grades from another jurisdiction instead of retesting when the examination is similar and the score meets Pennsylvania passing requirements. An examination belonging to another jurisdiction is a condition; ASWB Clinical is the currently offered adopted examination referenced here.
Application
Submit the Board application, required fee, two certificates of recommendation and a signed affirmation of accuracy.
Background Checks
The Board licensure guide requires a fingerprint-based FBI background check and verification of every health-related license ever held.
Character
Good moral character; criminal convictions are considered under the current Act and 63 Pa.C.S. § 3113, including the applicable controlled-substance felony provisions.
Child Abuse Training
Complete at least three hours of approved child-abuse recognition and reporting training, with electronic provider verification, unless the Board grants an applicable statutory exemption.
Clinical Experience
Complete at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience after the master degree under § 47.12c(b), or hold the qualifying ACSW certificate issued before January 1, 2001.
Education
CSWE-accredited social-work/social-welfare master degree or social-work doctorate; CSWE evaluation for foreign credentials.
Exam Administration
Obtain Board approval, apply to ASWB, pay its examination fee, and direct ASWB to report results to the Board.
Exceptional Waiver
Act § 6(6) permits an exceptional examination waiver in accordance with Board regulations; this discretion does not remove the currently offered examination from this route.
Existing Pennsylvania License
Hold a Pennsylvania social-worker license; that held credential is an applicant condition, not an extra examination leaf of this clinical-license route.
Experience Period
Complete the experience in two to six years, in a qualifying work setting and weekly-hours schedule. The Board FAQ states: "The Board has waived the requirement that no less than 500 hours and no more than 1,800 hours may be credited in any 12-month period."
Other Jurisdiction License
Hold the corresponding license or certification and submit good-standing and disciplinary-history certification. Qualifications must equal or exceed Pennsylvania requirements.
Reciprocal Treatment
The issuing jurisdiction must afford reciprocal licensing treatment to Pennsylvania residents holding this license.
Supervision
At least half the experience is the designated clinical services and at least half the hours use a qualifying clinical-social-worker supervisor; meet supervisor, client-disclosure, documentation and supervision-session requirements of §§ 47.1a, 47.12c and 47.12d.
Reinstatement after revocation
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Submit the Board application, required fee, two certificates of recommendation and a signed affirmation of accuracy.
Background Checks
The Board licensure guide requires a fingerprint-based FBI background check and verification of every health-related license ever held.
Character
Good moral character; criminal convictions are considered under the current Act and 63 Pa.C.S. § 3113, including the applicable controlled-substance felony provisions.
Child Abuse Training
Complete at least three hours of approved child-abuse recognition and reporting training, with electronic provider verification, unless the Board grants an applicable statutory exemption.
Clinical Experience
Complete at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience after the master degree under § 47.12c(b), or hold the qualifying ACSW certificate issued before January 1, 2001.
Court Order
Act § 12 excepts reinstatement ordered by Commonwealth Court or an appeal therefrom; the applicant must comply with the order.
Education
CSWE-accredited social-work/social-welfare master degree or social-work doctorate; CSWE evaluation for foreign credentials.
Exam Administration
Obtain Board approval, apply to ASWB, pay its examination fee, and direct ASWB to report results to the Board.
Exceptional Waiver
Act § 6(6) permits an exceptional examination waiver in accordance with Board regulations; this discretion does not remove the currently offered examination from this route.
Existing Pennsylvania License
Hold a Pennsylvania social-worker license; that held credential is an applicant condition, not an extra examination leaf of this clinical-license route.
Experience Period
Complete the experience in two to six years, in a qualifying work setting and weekly-hours schedule. The Board FAQ states: "The Board has waived the requirement that no less than 500 hours and no more than 1,800 hours may be credited in any 12-month period."
Revocation
After at least five years following license revocation, meet all licensing qualifications including the examination requirement.
Supervision
At least half the experience is the designated clinical services and at least half the hours use a qualifying clinical-social-worker supervisor; meet supervisor, client-disclosure, documentation and supervision-session requirements of §§ 47.1a, 47.12c and 47.12d.
Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete 30 Board-approved clock hours for the preceding biennium, including three ethics, two child-abuse recognition/reporting and one suicide-prevention hour; submit the required certification and retain documentation for four years.
Initial Renewal Exemption
The initial biennial renewal has the applicable 30-hour exemption under § 47.39(a); child-abuse training remains required.
Online Courses
The Board 2025 renewal guide states the removal of the live CE requirement was permanent effective November 19, 2019.
Renewal
Submit the PALS renewal and fee before biennial expiration; approved exemptions and extensions apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Traditional clinical licensure by endorsement under Act § 10.1(a)
ASWB Clinical Exam
Accepted Examination
Prior clinical examination must be Board-acceptable, similar to the Commonwealth adopted examination and passed at a score at least equal to Pennsylvania passing requirements. The ASWB Clinical examination remains a leaf; other jurisdictions own examinations are applicant conditions.
Education
Accredited social-work/social-welfare master degree or social-work doctorate; CSWE evaluates foreign credentials.
General Requirements
Satisfy the general Board qualifications, child-abuse training, fee and application requirements.
License Held
Hold a clinical-social-work license in good standing and provide licensure and disciplinary-history certification.
Supervised Experience
At least 3,000 supervised clinical hours conforming to the issuing jurisdiction requirements and acceptable to the Board.

Licensed Social Worker

Pennsylvania Licensed Social Worker credential; the ASWB Masters examination is the adopted examination for ordinary licensure.

Licensing authority: Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors · Application information

Licensure by endorsement under 63 Pa.C.S. § 3111 (Act 41)
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply through PALS, pay applicable fees and satisfy administrative/background requirements.
Board Experience Statement
Licensed Social Worker Frequently Asked Questions (November 2019, linked on the current resources page), Act 41 procedure: A: You will need to for the license on-line at www.pals.pa.gov. Please note that you must hold a license in good standing as a social worker in another state and have been actively engaged in the practice of clinical social work for 2 of the last 5 years in any state or territory in the United States immediately preceding the filing of this application for licensure by endorsement under Act 41. All applicants from another country will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Child Abuse Training
Complete at least three hours of approved child-abuse recognition and reporting training, with electronic provider verification, unless the Board grants an applicable statutory exemption.
Competency
Demonstrate competency through Board-determined methods, including continuing education or at least two of the preceding five years of experience.
Conduct
No disqualifying act or discipline unless the Board determines it is not an impediment; be in good standing.
License Held
Hold the same or similar current license from another jurisdiction whose requirements the Board determines substantially equivalent to or higher than Pennsylvania requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation after deployment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Applicable continuing education may be extended up to six months after deployment; other renewal requirements remain.
Deployment
Renewal expired during deployment outside Pennsylvania; seek reactivation within one month after deployment ends. The Board may reactivate without penalty.
Spouse
Also applies to a military spouse who resided with the servicemember during deployment.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal for deployed servicemembers and qualifying spouses
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete 30 Board-approved clock hours for the preceding biennium, including three ethics, two child-abuse recognition/reporting and one suicide-prevention hour; submit the required certification and retain documentation for four years.
Deployment
A servicemember may submit renewal requirements before deployment outside Pennsylvania; the Board processes the application when the next renewal opens.
Extension
Continuing-education or continued-competency requirements extend up to six months after deployment if all other renewal requirements are met.
Initial Renewal Exemption
The initial biennial renewal has the applicable 30-hour exemption under § 47.39(a); child-abuse training remains required.
Online Courses
The Board 2025 renewal guide states the removal of the live CE requirement was permanent effective November 19, 2019.
Renewal
Submit the PALS renewal and fee before biennial expiration; approved exemptions and extensions apply.
Spouse
Also applies to a military spouse residing with the servicemember during deployment.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination
ASWB Masters Exam
Application
Submit the Board application, required fee, two certificates of recommendation and a signed affirmation of accuracy.
Background Checks
The Board licensure guide requires a fingerprint-based FBI background check and verification of every health-related license ever held.
Character
Good moral character; criminal convictions are considered under the current Act and 63 Pa.C.S. § 3113, including the applicable controlled-substance felony provisions.
Child Abuse Training
Complete at least three hours of approved child-abuse recognition and reporting training, with electronic provider verification, unless the Board grants an applicable statutory exemption.
Education
Accredited social-work/social-welfare master degree or a doctoral degree in social work. CSWE evaluates foreign master credentials; a program in accreditation candidacy may apply after accreditation.
Exam Administration
Obtain Board approval, apply to ASWB, pay its examination fee, and direct ASWB to report results to the Board.
Exceptional Waiver
Act § 6(6) permits an exceptional examination waiver in accordance with Board regulations; this discretion does not remove the currently offered examination from this route.
Final Semester Exam Approval
The Board may approve the ASWB Masters examination during the final semester; the conferred degree and official transcript are required before license issuance. The guide states a six-month examination-eligibility period.
Pre1952Credentials
A graduate or equivalent degree or certificate granted before July 1, 1952 receives individual Board review under § 47.12a(d).
Reactivation of an expired or lapsed license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Child Abuse Training
Complete applicable approved child-abuse recognition and reporting training.
Continuing Education
Show proof of continuing-education compliance for the preceding biennium under § 47.40.
Expired License
Pay all required fees and submit a sworn statement identifying the period without licensed title use or practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration from inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Child Abuse Training
Complete applicable approved child-abuse recognition and reporting training.
Continuing Education
Show proof of continuing-education compliance for the preceding biennium under § 47.40.
Inactive Status
Previously placed on inactive status after proper written notice; restore active status after meeting the Act and Chapter 47 conditions and paying required fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military applicant with education substitution
ASWB Masters Exam
Active Practice
At least two of the previous five years of active practice; relevant military service experience and official duties count.
Application
Submit the Board application, required fee, two certificates of recommendation and a signed affirmation of accuracy.
Background Checks
The Board licensure guide requires a fingerprint-based FBI background check and verification of every health-related license ever held.
Character
Good moral character; criminal convictions are considered under the current Act and 63 Pa.C.S. § 3113, including the applicable controlled-substance felony provisions.
Child Abuse Training
Complete at least three hours of approved child-abuse recognition and reporting training, with electronic provider verification, unless the Board grants an applicable statutory exemption.
Education Substitution
The Board may substitute relevant military education/training and experience under §§ 3303(a) and 3304 for incomplete education requirements.
Exam Administration
Obtain Board approval, apply to ASWB, pay its examination fee, and direct ASWB to report results to the Board.
Exceptional Waiver
Act § 6(6) permits an exceptional examination waiver in accordance with Board regulations; this discretion does not remove the currently offered examination from this route.
Final Semester Exam Approval
The Board may approve the ASWB Masters examination during the final semester; the conferred degree and official transcript are required before license issuance. The guide states a six-month examination-eligibility period.
Military Applicant
Be a servicemember, veteran or military spouse and document that status.
Military Spouse Fee
No initial licensure fee for a military spouse relocating because of military orders.
Pre1952Credentials
A graduate or equivalent degree or certificate granted before July 1, 1952 receives individual Board review under § 47.12a(d).
Remaining Requirements
Pass all required licensure examinations and meet every other noneducational requirement.
Licensure by reciprocity
ASWB Masters Exam
Accepted Scores
The Board accepts reported examination grades from another jurisdiction instead of retesting when the examination is similar and the score meets Pennsylvania passing requirements. An examination belonging to another jurisdiction is a condition; ASWB Masters is the currently offered adopted examination referenced here.
Application
Submit the Board application, required fee, two certificates of recommendation and a signed affirmation of accuracy.
Background Checks
The Board licensure guide requires a fingerprint-based FBI background check and verification of every health-related license ever held.
Character
Good moral character; criminal convictions are considered under the current Act and 63 Pa.C.S. § 3113, including the applicable controlled-substance felony provisions.
Child Abuse Training
Complete at least three hours of approved child-abuse recognition and reporting training, with electronic provider verification, unless the Board grants an applicable statutory exemption.
Education
Accredited social-work/social-welfare master degree or a doctoral degree in social work. CSWE evaluates foreign master credentials; a program in accreditation candidacy may apply after accreditation.
Exam Administration
Obtain Board approval, apply to ASWB, pay its examination fee, and direct ASWB to report results to the Board.
Exceptional Waiver
Act § 6(6) permits an exceptional examination waiver in accordance with Board regulations; this discretion does not remove the currently offered examination from this route.
Final Semester Exam Approval
The Board may approve the ASWB Masters examination during the final semester; the conferred degree and official transcript are required before license issuance. The guide states a six-month examination-eligibility period.
Other Jurisdiction License
Hold the corresponding license or certification and submit good-standing and disciplinary-history certification. Qualifications must equal or exceed Pennsylvania requirements.
Pre1952Credentials
A graduate or equivalent degree or certificate granted before July 1, 1952 receives individual Board review under § 47.12a(d).
Reciprocal Treatment
The issuing jurisdiction must afford reciprocal licensing treatment to Pennsylvania residents holding this license.
Reinstatement after revocation
ASWB Masters Exam
Application
Submit the Board application, required fee, two certificates of recommendation and a signed affirmation of accuracy.
Background Checks
The Board licensure guide requires a fingerprint-based FBI background check and verification of every health-related license ever held.
Character
Good moral character; criminal convictions are considered under the current Act and 63 Pa.C.S. § 3113, including the applicable controlled-substance felony provisions.
Child Abuse Training
Complete at least three hours of approved child-abuse recognition and reporting training, with electronic provider verification, unless the Board grants an applicable statutory exemption.
Court Order
Act § 12 excepts reinstatement ordered by Commonwealth Court or an appeal therefrom; the applicant must comply with the order.
Education
Accredited social-work/social-welfare master degree or a doctoral degree in social work. CSWE evaluates foreign master credentials; a program in accreditation candidacy may apply after accreditation.
Exam Administration
Obtain Board approval, apply to ASWB, pay its examination fee, and direct ASWB to report results to the Board.
Exceptional Waiver
Act § 6(6) permits an exceptional examination waiver in accordance with Board regulations; this discretion does not remove the currently offered examination from this route.
Final Semester Exam Approval
The Board may approve the ASWB Masters examination during the final semester; the conferred degree and official transcript are required before license issuance. The guide states a six-month examination-eligibility period.
Pre1952Credentials
A graduate or equivalent degree or certificate granted before July 1, 1952 receives individual Board review under § 47.12a(d).
Revocation
After at least five years following license revocation, meet all licensing qualifications including the examination requirement.
Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete 30 Board-approved clock hours for the preceding biennium, including three ethics, two child-abuse recognition/reporting and one suicide-prevention hour; submit the required certification and retain documentation for four years.
Initial Renewal Exemption
The initial biennial renewal has the applicable 30-hour exemption under § 47.39(a); child-abuse training remains required.
Online Courses
The Board 2025 renewal guide states the removal of the live CE requirement was permanent effective November 19, 2019.
Renewal
Submit the PALS renewal and fee before biennial expiration; approved exemptions and extensions apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

ASWB Bachelors Exam

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

ASWB Clinical Exam

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

ASWB Masters Exam

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