South Carolina Social Work — Requirements & Free Practice
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Licensed Independent Social Worker—Advanced Practice (LISW-AP)
South Carolina social-work license at the stated practice level.
Licensing authority: South Carolina Board of Social Work Examiners · Application information
Restoration after automatic suspension for adjudicated mental incompetence
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Court adjudication
- A court of competent jurisdiction must adjudge the licensee competent; automatic suspension lasts until that adjudication.
- Examination
- § 40-63-110(C) specifies the court adjudication and identifies no examination.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- sc-social-work-practice-act.html
S.C. Code § 40-63-110 (C)
Licensure for an applicant currently licensed in another jurisdiction
- Application
- Submit the prescribed completed application and applicable fees; the Board lists a $45 nonrefundable application fee.
- Background check
- Initial licensure requires applicant-paid fingerprint-supported SLED and FBI criminal-records checks under S.C. Code § 40-63-32.
- Character
- The practice act requires good moral character; criminal-history decisions remain subject to S.C. Code § 40-1-140.
- Current license
- Currently licensed in another jurisdiction at the equivalent designation; § 40-63-260(B) permits only that equivalent South Carolina designation.
- Disciplinary history
- No professional license may have been suspended, revoked, or restricted except for nonrenewal or failure to obtain required continuing education.
- Disclosures
- A yes answer to an application disclosure question requires a written explanation, applicable pleadings and final dispositions, further requested information, and a Board appearance if requested.
- Education
- A masters or doctorate social-work degree from a nationally accredited or Board-approved equivalent program; the implementing requirements specify CSWE accreditation.
- Good standing
- All social-work licenses must be current and in good standing.
- Identity documents
- Provide government photo identification, Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence verification, and legal name-change documentation when applicable.
- Independent license equivalence
- The Board determines equivalence of the existing independent license and submitted education and supervision documentation; clinical and advanced-practice designations are distinct.
- License verifications
- Have official verification sent directly from every jurisdiction in which the applicant is or has been licensed.
- Military training credit
- Under § 40-1-640, qualifying military education, training, and experience must be credited favorably on satisfactory evidence; this does not automatically waive examination or other licensure requirements.
- Minimum age
- At least 21 years old.
- Prior examination
- The examination remains a requirement even when already passed; have ASWB send the official score report directly to the Board.
- Transcripts
- Official degree transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the Board.
Initial licensure by examination
- Application
- Submit the prescribed completed application and applicable fees; the Board lists a $45 nonrefundable application fee.
- Background check
- Initial licensure requires applicant-paid fingerprint-supported SLED and FBI criminal-records checks under S.C. Code § 40-63-32.
- Character
- The practice act requires good moral character; criminal-history decisions remain subject to S.C. Code § 40-1-140.
- Disclosures
- A yes answer to an application disclosure question requires a written explanation, applicable pleadings and final dispositions, further requested information, and a Board appearance if requested.
- Education
- A masters or doctorate social-work degree from a nationally accredited or Board-approved equivalent program; the implementing requirements specify CSWE accreditation.
- Ethics education
- During supervision obtain 15 academic contact hours or 20 continuing education contact hours in professional ethics, or complete a Board-sponsored specialty ethics course.
- Group supervision
- The Board permits up to 50 percent group supervision with no more than six supervisees; an existing contract must be amended in writing to use it.
- Identity documents
- Provide government photo identification, Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence verification, and legal name-change documentation when applicable.
- License verifications
- Have official verification sent directly from every jurisdiction in which the applicant is or has been licensed.
- Military training credit
- Under § 40-1-640, qualifying military education, training, and experience must be credited favorably on satisfactory evidence; this does not automatically waive examination or other licensure requirements.
- Minimum age
- At least 21 years old.
- Passing score
- Pass the ASWB Advanced Generalist examination; the Board sends registration approval after completed coursework and supervision. Existing passing scores must be sent directly by ASWB.
- Prior license
- The supervised practice must occur after licensure as a Masters Social Worker.
- Specialized coursework
- At least 90 academic contact hours in advanced social-work practice with communities and organizations, documented by official transcript.
- Supervised practice
- Complete 3,000 hours of advanced-practice social work over at least two and at most four years, with at least 100 equitably distributed hours of direct face-to-face advanced-practice supervision; the Board may accept equivalent supervised experience and consider extraordinary circumstances.
- Supervision plan
- File and obtain approval of the LISW supervision contract before supervision starts; amend supervisory changes and provide a termination evaluation and Report of Supervised Experience.
- Supervision setting
- Board instructions require supervised experience in a recognized, organized social, medical, or governmental agency.
- Transcripts
- Official degree transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the Board.
Reinstatement of authorization suspended for dishonored fee payment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Examination
- § 40-1-50(G) reinstates on payment and identifies no examination.
- Fee payment
- Pay the fee and penalties required by statute or regulation after notice of suspension for dishonored payment.
Reinstatement after failure to renew
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Additional education
- The Board may impose further educational requirements.
- Continuing education
- Provide proof of 40 continuing education hours; the reinstatement packet specifies at least 20 from trained social workers and no more than 20 from other professions.
- Documents
- Submit identification, Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence verification, any name-change evidence, and requested disclosure explanations.
- Explanation
- Provide a satisfactory explanation of failure to renew.
- Fees
- Pay the reinstatement fee and current renewal fee; the application states $190 total reinstatement and renewal/late fee.
- Lapse duration
- Lapsed more than one year but no more than two years.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- sc-social-work-practice-act.html
S.C. Code § 40-63-250 (F)
- reinstatement.pdf
Reinstatement application, page 1, conditions
- reinstatement.pdf
Reinstatement application, page 1, document checklist
- reinstatement.pdf
Reinstatement application, page 2, continuing education
Reinstatement after failure to renew
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Additional education
- No additional education solely on the ground of exceeding one year.
- Continuing education
- Provide proof of 40 continuing education hours; the reinstatement packet specifies at least 20 from trained social workers and no more than 20 from other professions.
- Documents
- Submit identification, Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence verification, any name-change evidence, and requested disclosure explanations.
- Explanation
- Provide a satisfactory explanation of failure to renew.
- Fees
- Pay the reinstatement fee and current renewal fee; the application states $190 total reinstatement and renewal/late fee.
- Lapse duration
- Lapsed no more than one year.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- sc-social-work-practice-act.html
S.C. Code § 40-63-250 (F)
- reinstatement.pdf
Reinstatement application, page 1, conditions
- reinstatement.pdf
Reinstatement application, page 1, document checklist
- reinstatement.pdf
Reinstatement application, page 2, continuing education
Expedited ordinary licensure for a relocating military spouse
- Application
- Submit the prescribed completed application and applicable fees; the Board lists a $45 nonrefundable application fee.
- Background check
- Initial licensure requires applicant-paid fingerprint-supported SLED and FBI criminal-records checks under S.C. Code § 40-63-32.
- Character
- The practice act requires good moral character; criminal-history decisions remain subject to S.C. Code § 40-1-140.
- Current license
- Currently licensed in another jurisdiction at the equivalent designation; § 40-63-260(B) permits only that equivalent South Carolina designation.
- Disciplinary history
- No professional license may have been suspended, revoked, or restricted except for nonrenewal or failure to obtain required continuing education.
- Disclosures
- A yes answer to an application disclosure question requires a written explanation, applicable pleadings and final dispositions, further requested information, and a Board appearance if requested.
- Education
- A masters or doctorate social-work degree from a nationally accredited or Board-approved equivalent program; the implementing requirements specify CSWE accreditation.
- Good standing
- All social-work licenses must be current and in good standing.
- Identity documents
- Provide government photo identification, Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence verification, and legal name-change documentation when applicable.
- Independent license equivalence
- The Board determines equivalence of the existing independent license and submitted education and supervision documentation; clinical and advanced-practice designations are distinct.
- License verifications
- Have official verification sent directly from every jurisdiction in which the applicant is or has been licensed.
- Military spouse
- Married to and living with an active-duty Armed Forces member relocated to and stationed in South Carolina under official orders; submit those orders, marriage license and verification from every licensing jurisdiction.
- Military training credit
- Under § 40-1-640, qualifying military education, training, and experience must be credited favorably on satisfactory evidence; this does not automatically waive examination or other licensure requirements.
- Minimum age
- At least 21 years old.
- Prior examination
- The examination remains a requirement even when already passed; have ASWB send the official score report directly to the Board.
- Processing
- LLR prioritizes the application; expedited processing does not remove statutory examination or equivalence requirements.
- Transcripts
- Official degree transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the Board.
Reapplication after a license lapse exceeding two years
- Application
- Submit the prescribed completed application and applicable fees; the Board lists a $45 nonrefundable application fee.
- Background check
- Initial licensure requires applicant-paid fingerprint-supported SLED and FBI criminal-records checks under S.C. Code § 40-63-32.
- Character
- The practice act requires good moral character; criminal-history decisions remain subject to S.C. Code § 40-1-140.
- Disclosures
- A yes answer to an application disclosure question requires a written explanation, applicable pleadings and final dispositions, further requested information, and a Board appearance if requested.
- Education
- A masters or doctorate social-work degree from a nationally accredited or Board-approved equivalent program; the implementing requirements specify CSWE accreditation.
- Ethics education
- During supervision obtain 15 academic contact hours or 20 continuing education contact hours in professional ethics, or complete a Board-sponsored specialty ethics course.
- Existing score
- The Board accepts official scores of an already passed appropriate ASWB examination; reapplication is not an automatic retesting demand.
- Group supervision
- The Board permits up to 50 percent group supervision with no more than six supervisees; an existing contract must be amended in writing to use it.
- Identity documents
- Provide government photo identification, Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence verification, and legal name-change documentation when applicable.
- Lapse duration
- A lapse exceeding two years requires reapplication for licensure under § 40-63-250(F).
- License verifications
- Have official verification sent directly from every jurisdiction in which the applicant is or has been licensed.
- Military training credit
- Under § 40-1-640, qualifying military education, training, and experience must be credited favorably on satisfactory evidence; this does not automatically waive examination or other licensure requirements.
- Minimum age
- At least 21 years old.
- Passing score
- Pass the ASWB Advanced Generalist examination; the Board sends registration approval after completed coursework and supervision. Existing passing scores must be sent directly by ASWB.
- Prior license
- The supervised practice must occur after licensure as a Masters Social Worker.
- Specialized coursework
- At least 90 academic contact hours in advanced social-work practice with communities and organizations, documented by official transcript.
- Supervised practice
- Complete 3,000 hours of advanced-practice social work over at least two and at most four years, with at least 100 equitably distributed hours of direct face-to-face advanced-practice supervision; the Board may accept equivalent supervised experience and consider extraordinary circumstances.
- Supervision plan
- File and obtain approval of the LISW supervision contract before supervision starts; amend supervisory changes and provide a termination evaluation and Report of Supervised Experience.
- Supervision setting
- Board instructions require supervised experience in a recognized, organized social, medical, or governmental agency.
- Transcripts
- Official degree transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the Board.
Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Continuing education
- 40 contact hours per biennial period, including at least one hour in suicide assessment, treatment and management; accepted courses and Board approval rules apply.
- Military exemptions
- Active military service exempts the licensee from continuing education and from the license fee for a calendar year including active duty under §§ 40-1-610 and 40-1-620.
- Renewal
- Pay the renewal fee and complete accepted continuing education; statutory renewal imposes no examination.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- sc-social-work-practice-act.html
S.C. Code § 40-63-250 (D)
- sc-social-work-regulations-ch110.pdf
Regulation 110-1(B)-(C), biennial continuing education
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code § 40-1-610
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code § 40-1-620
Reinstatement after voluntary surrender
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Board action
- The Board must reinstate the surrendered authorization by majority vote before practice resumes.
- Board conditions
- Comply with any reinstatement conditions imposed by the Board; the defining statute does not identify an examination requirement.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- sc-social-work-practice-act.html
S.C. Code § 40-63-150
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code § 40-1-150
Licensed Independent Social Worker—Advanced Practice Supervisor
Board-approved supervisor qualification attached to the corresponding current South Carolina independent license.
Licensing authority: South Carolina Board of Social Work Examiners · Application information
Qualification as an approved independent social work supervisor
- Application
- Submit the supervisor application, $45 nonrefundable fee, photo identification, applicable name-change documentation, and proof of experience and supervision education.
- Current license
- Hold a current South Carolina LISW-AP or LISW-DUAL license.
- Disclosures
- Submit a detailed explanation and supporting documents for any yes answer to the supervisor disciplinary questions.
- Passing examination
- § 40-63-240 requires having passed the Board-prescribed examination; the corresponding ASWB examination is retained even when passed before supervisor application.
- Practice experience
- At least 4,500 hours of corresponding practice over not less than three years after the independent license.
- Supervision education
- 45 academic contact hours or 45 continuing education contact hours in supervision.
Restoration after automatic suspension for adjudicated mental incompetence
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Court adjudication
- A court of competent jurisdiction must adjudge the licensee competent; automatic suspension lasts until that adjudication.
- Examination
- § 40-63-110(C) specifies the court adjudication and identifies no examination.
- Underlying license
- Maintain or restore the current corresponding South Carolina LISW-AP or LISW-DUAL license, which the supervisor application requires.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- sc-social-work-practice-act.html
S.C. Code § 40-63-110 (C)
- supervisor.pdf
Supervisor application, page 1, qualification bullets
Reinstatement of authorization suspended for dishonored fee payment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Examination
- § 40-1-50(G) reinstates on payment and identifies no examination.
- Fee payment
- Pay the fee and penalties required by statute or regulation after notice of suspension for dishonored payment.
- Underlying license
- Maintain or restore the current corresponding South Carolina LISW-AP or LISW-DUAL license, which the supervisor application requires.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code § 40-1-50 (G)
- supervisor.pdf
Supervisor application, page 1, qualification bullets
Reinstatement after failure to renew
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Additional education
- The Board may impose further educational requirements.
- Continuing education
- Provide proof of 40 continuing education hours; the reinstatement packet specifies at least 20 from trained social workers and no more than 20 from other professions.
- Documents
- Submit identification, Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence verification, any name-change evidence, and requested disclosure explanations.
- Explanation
- Provide a satisfactory explanation of failure to renew.
- Fees
- Pay the reinstatement fee and current renewal fee; the application states $190 total reinstatement and renewal/late fee.
- Lapse duration
- Lapsed more than one year but no more than two years.
- Underlying license
- Maintain or restore the current corresponding South Carolina LISW-AP or LISW-DUAL license, which the supervisor application requires.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- sc-social-work-practice-act.html
S.C. Code § 40-63-250 (F)
- reinstatement.pdf
Reinstatement application, page 1, conditions
- reinstatement.pdf
Reinstatement application, page 1, document checklist
- reinstatement.pdf
Reinstatement application, page 2, continuing education
- supervisor.pdf
Supervisor application, page 1, qualification bullets
Reinstatement after failure to renew
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Additional education
- No additional education solely on the ground of exceeding one year.
- Continuing education
- Provide proof of 40 continuing education hours; the reinstatement packet specifies at least 20 from trained social workers and no more than 20 from other professions.
- Documents
- Submit identification, Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence verification, any name-change evidence, and requested disclosure explanations.
- Explanation
- Provide a satisfactory explanation of failure to renew.
- Fees
- Pay the reinstatement fee and current renewal fee; the application states $190 total reinstatement and renewal/late fee.
- Lapse duration
- Lapsed no more than one year.
- Underlying license
- Maintain or restore the current corresponding South Carolina LISW-AP or LISW-DUAL license, which the supervisor application requires.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- sc-social-work-practice-act.html
S.C. Code § 40-63-250 (F)
- reinstatement.pdf
Reinstatement application, page 1, conditions
- reinstatement.pdf
Reinstatement application, page 1, document checklist
- reinstatement.pdf
Reinstatement application, page 2, continuing education
- supervisor.pdf
Supervisor application, page 1, qualification bullets
Reapplication for supervisor qualification after a license lapse exceeding two years
- Application
- Submit the supervisor application, $45 nonrefundable fee, photo identification, applicable name-change documentation, and proof of experience and supervision education.
- Current license
- Hold a current South Carolina LISW-AP or LISW-DUAL license.
- Disclosures
- Submit a detailed explanation and supporting documents for any yes answer to the supervisor disciplinary questions.
- Lapse duration
- A license lapse exceeding two years requires reapplication under § 40-63-250(F); restore the qualifying current independent license and document supervisor qualifications.
- Passing examination
- § 40-63-240 requires having passed the Board-prescribed examination; the corresponding ASWB examination is retained even when passed before supervisor application.
- Practice experience
- At least 4,500 hours of corresponding practice over not less than three years after the independent license.
- Supervision education
- 45 academic contact hours or 45 continuing education contact hours in supervision.
Continued supervisor qualification through biennial license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Continuing education
- Complete 40 accepted continuing education contact hours, including suicide assessment, treatment and management, subject to active-military exemptions.
- Examination
- Biennial renewal imposes no examination; the supervisor qualification is attached to the independent license.
- Underlying license
- Maintain the current corresponding South Carolina independent license and renew it under § 40-63-250 and Regulation 110-1.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- sc-social-work-practice-act.html
S.C. Code § 40-63-250 (D)
- sc-social-work-regulations-ch110.pdf
Regulation 110-1(B), renewal continuing education
- supervisor.pdf
Supervisor application, current underlying license requirement
Reinstatement after voluntary surrender
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Board action
- The Board must reinstate the surrendered authorization by majority vote before practice resumes.
- Board conditions
- Comply with any reinstatement conditions imposed by the Board; the defining statute does not identify an examination requirement.
- Underlying license
- Maintain or restore the current corresponding South Carolina LISW-AP or LISW-DUAL license, which the supervisor application requires.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- sc-social-work-practice-act.html
S.C. Code § 40-63-150
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code § 40-1-150
- supervisor.pdf
Supervisor application, page 1, qualification bullets
Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW)
South Carolina social-work license at the stated practice level.
Licensing authority: South Carolina Board of Social Work Examiners · Application information
Restoration after automatic suspension for adjudicated mental incompetence
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Court adjudication
- A court of competent jurisdiction must adjudge the licensee competent; automatic suspension lasts until that adjudication.
- Examination
- § 40-63-110(C) specifies the court adjudication and identifies no examination.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- sc-social-work-practice-act.html
S.C. Code § 40-63-110 (C)
Licensure for an applicant currently licensed in another jurisdiction
- Application
- Submit the prescribed completed application and applicable fees; the Board lists a $45 nonrefundable application fee.
- Background check
- Initial licensure requires applicant-paid fingerprint-supported SLED and FBI criminal-records checks under S.C. Code § 40-63-32.
- Character
- The practice act requires good moral character; criminal-history decisions remain subject to S.C. Code § 40-1-140.
- Current license
- Currently licensed in another jurisdiction at the equivalent designation; § 40-63-260(B) permits only that equivalent South Carolina designation.
- Disciplinary history
- No professional license may have been suspended, revoked, or restricted except for nonrenewal or failure to obtain required continuing education.
- Disclosures
- A yes answer to an application disclosure question requires a written explanation, applicable pleadings and final dispositions, further requested information, and a Board appearance if requested.
- Education
- A baccalaureate social-work degree from a nationally accredited or Board-approved equivalent program; the implementing requirements specify CSWE accreditation.
- Good standing
- All social-work licenses must be current and in good standing.
- Identity documents
- Provide government photo identification, Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence verification, and legal name-change documentation when applicable.
- License verifications
- Have official verification sent directly from every jurisdiction in which the applicant is or has been licensed.
- Military training credit
- Under § 40-1-640, qualifying military education, training, and experience must be credited favorably on satisfactory evidence; this does not automatically waive examination or other licensure requirements.
- Minimum age
- At least 21 years old.
- Prior examination
- The examination remains a requirement even when already passed; have ASWB send the official score report directly to the Board.
- Transcripts
- Official degree transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the Board.
Initial licensure by examination
- Application
- Submit the prescribed completed application and applicable fees; the Board lists a $45 nonrefundable application fee.
- Background check
- Initial licensure requires applicant-paid fingerprint-supported SLED and FBI criminal-records checks under S.C. Code § 40-63-32.
- Character
- The practice act requires good moral character; criminal-history decisions remain subject to S.C. Code § 40-1-140.
- Disclosures
- A yes answer to an application disclosure question requires a written explanation, applicable pleadings and final dispositions, further requested information, and a Board appearance if requested.
- Early testing
- The Board may permit testing in the final semester on a letter from the program Dean; licensure still requires a transcript showing the conferred degree.
- Education
- A baccalaureate social-work degree from a nationally accredited or Board-approved equivalent program; the implementing requirements specify CSWE accreditation.
- Identity documents
- Provide government photo identification, Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence verification, and legal name-change documentation when applicable.
- License verifications
- Have official verification sent directly from every jurisdiction in which the applicant is or has been licensed.
- Military training credit
- Under § 40-1-640, qualifying military education, training, and experience must be credited favorably on satisfactory evidence; this does not automatically waive examination or other licensure requirements.
- Minimum age
- At least 21 years old.
- Passing score
- Take and pass the ASWB Bachelors examination; a previously passed examination is carried by an official ASWB score report and need not be retaken solely because the application is later.
- Transcripts
- Official degree transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the Board.
Reinstatement of authorization suspended for dishonored fee payment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Examination
- § 40-1-50(G) reinstates on payment and identifies no examination.
- Fee payment
- Pay the fee and penalties required by statute or regulation after notice of suspension for dishonored payment.
Reinstatement after failure to renew
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Additional education
- The Board may impose further educational requirements.
- Continuing education
- Provide proof of 40 continuing education hours; the reinstatement packet specifies at least 20 from trained social workers and no more than 20 from other professions.
- Documents
- Submit identification, Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence verification, any name-change evidence, and requested disclosure explanations.
- Explanation
- Provide a satisfactory explanation of failure to renew.
- Fees
- Pay the reinstatement fee and current renewal fee; the application states $190 total reinstatement and renewal/late fee.
- Lapse duration
- Lapsed more than one year but no more than two years.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- sc-social-work-practice-act.html
S.C. Code § 40-63-250 (F)
- reinstatement.pdf
Reinstatement application, page 1, conditions
- reinstatement.pdf
Reinstatement application, page 1, document checklist
- reinstatement.pdf
Reinstatement application, page 2, continuing education
Reinstatement after failure to renew
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Additional education
- No additional education solely on the ground of exceeding one year.
- Continuing education
- Provide proof of 40 continuing education hours; the reinstatement packet specifies at least 20 from trained social workers and no more than 20 from other professions.
- Documents
- Submit identification, Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence verification, any name-change evidence, and requested disclosure explanations.
- Explanation
- Provide a satisfactory explanation of failure to renew.
- Fees
- Pay the reinstatement fee and current renewal fee; the application states $190 total reinstatement and renewal/late fee.
- Lapse duration
- Lapsed no more than one year.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- sc-social-work-practice-act.html
S.C. Code § 40-63-250 (F)
- reinstatement.pdf
Reinstatement application, page 1, conditions
- reinstatement.pdf
Reinstatement application, page 1, document checklist
- reinstatement.pdf
Reinstatement application, page 2, continuing education
Expedited ordinary licensure for a relocating military spouse
- Application
- Submit the prescribed completed application and applicable fees; the Board lists a $45 nonrefundable application fee.
- Background check
- Initial licensure requires applicant-paid fingerprint-supported SLED and FBI criminal-records checks under S.C. Code § 40-63-32.
- Character
- The practice act requires good moral character; criminal-history decisions remain subject to S.C. Code § 40-1-140.
- Current license
- Currently licensed in another jurisdiction at the equivalent designation; § 40-63-260(B) permits only that equivalent South Carolina designation.
- Disciplinary history
- No professional license may have been suspended, revoked, or restricted except for nonrenewal or failure to obtain required continuing education.
- Disclosures
- A yes answer to an application disclosure question requires a written explanation, applicable pleadings and final dispositions, further requested information, and a Board appearance if requested.
- Education
- A baccalaureate social-work degree from a nationally accredited or Board-approved equivalent program; the implementing requirements specify CSWE accreditation.
- Good standing
- All social-work licenses must be current and in good standing.
- Identity documents
- Provide government photo identification, Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence verification, and legal name-change documentation when applicable.
- License verifications
- Have official verification sent directly from every jurisdiction in which the applicant is or has been licensed.
- Military spouse
- Married to and living with an active-duty Armed Forces member relocated to and stationed in South Carolina under official orders; submit those orders, marriage license and verification from every licensing jurisdiction.
- Military training credit
- Under § 40-1-640, qualifying military education, training, and experience must be credited favorably on satisfactory evidence; this does not automatically waive examination or other licensure requirements.
- Minimum age
- At least 21 years old.
- Prior examination
- The examination remains a requirement even when already passed; have ASWB send the official score report directly to the Board.
- Processing
- LLR prioritizes the application; expedited processing does not remove statutory examination or equivalence requirements.
- Transcripts
- Official degree transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the Board.
Reapplication after a license lapse exceeding two years
- Application
- Submit the prescribed completed application and applicable fees; the Board lists a $45 nonrefundable application fee.
- Background check
- Initial licensure requires applicant-paid fingerprint-supported SLED and FBI criminal-records checks under S.C. Code § 40-63-32.
- Character
- The practice act requires good moral character; criminal-history decisions remain subject to S.C. Code § 40-1-140.
- Disclosures
- A yes answer to an application disclosure question requires a written explanation, applicable pleadings and final dispositions, further requested information, and a Board appearance if requested.
- Early testing
- The Board may permit testing in the final semester on a letter from the program Dean; licensure still requires a transcript showing the conferred degree.
- Education
- A baccalaureate social-work degree from a nationally accredited or Board-approved equivalent program; the implementing requirements specify CSWE accreditation.
- Existing score
- The Board accepts official scores of an already passed appropriate ASWB examination; reapplication is not an automatic retesting demand.
- Identity documents
- Provide government photo identification, Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence verification, and legal name-change documentation when applicable.
- Lapse duration
- A lapse exceeding two years requires reapplication for licensure under § 40-63-250(F).
- License verifications
- Have official verification sent directly from every jurisdiction in which the applicant is or has been licensed.
- Military training credit
- Under § 40-1-640, qualifying military education, training, and experience must be credited favorably on satisfactory evidence; this does not automatically waive examination or other licensure requirements.
- Minimum age
- At least 21 years old.
- Passing score
- Take and pass the ASWB Bachelors examination; a previously passed examination is carried by an official ASWB score report and need not be retaken solely because the application is later.
- Transcripts
- Official degree transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the Board.
Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Continuing education
- 40 contact hours per biennial period, including at least one hour in suicide assessment, treatment and management; accepted courses and Board approval rules apply.
- Military exemptions
- Active military service exempts the licensee from continuing education and from the license fee for a calendar year including active duty under §§ 40-1-610 and 40-1-620.
- Renewal
- Pay the renewal fee and complete accepted continuing education; statutory renewal imposes no examination.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- sc-social-work-practice-act.html
S.C. Code § 40-63-250 (D)
- sc-social-work-regulations-ch110.pdf
Regulation 110-1(B)-(C), biennial continuing education
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code § 40-1-610
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code § 40-1-620
Reinstatement after voluntary surrender
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Board action
- The Board must reinstate the surrendered authorization by majority vote before practice resumes.
- Board conditions
- Comply with any reinstatement conditions imposed by the Board; the defining statute does not identify an examination requirement.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- sc-social-work-practice-act.html
S.C. Code § 40-63-150
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code § 40-1-150
Licensed Independent Social Worker—Clinical Practice (LISW-CP)
South Carolina social-work license at the stated practice level.
Licensing authority: South Carolina Board of Social Work Examiners · Application information
Restoration after automatic suspension for adjudicated mental incompetence
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Court adjudication
- A court of competent jurisdiction must adjudge the licensee competent; automatic suspension lasts until that adjudication.
- Examination
- § 40-63-110(C) specifies the court adjudication and identifies no examination.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- sc-social-work-practice-act.html
S.C. Code § 40-63-110 (C)
Licensure for an applicant currently licensed in another jurisdiction
- Application
- Submit the prescribed completed application and applicable fees; the Board lists a $45 nonrefundable application fee.
- Background check
- Initial licensure requires applicant-paid fingerprint-supported SLED and FBI criminal-records checks under S.C. Code § 40-63-32.
- Character
- The practice act requires good moral character; criminal-history decisions remain subject to S.C. Code § 40-1-140.
- Current license
- Currently licensed in another jurisdiction at the equivalent designation; § 40-63-260(B) permits only that equivalent South Carolina designation.
- Disciplinary history
- No professional license may have been suspended, revoked, or restricted except for nonrenewal or failure to obtain required continuing education.
- Disclosures
- A yes answer to an application disclosure question requires a written explanation, applicable pleadings and final dispositions, further requested information, and a Board appearance if requested.
- Education
- A masters or doctorate social-work degree from a nationally accredited or Board-approved equivalent program; the implementing requirements specify CSWE accreditation.
- Good standing
- All social-work licenses must be current and in good standing.
- Identity documents
- Provide government photo identification, Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence verification, and legal name-change documentation when applicable.
- Independent license equivalence
- The Board determines equivalence of the existing independent license and submitted education and supervision documentation; clinical and advanced-practice designations are distinct.
- License verifications
- Have official verification sent directly from every jurisdiction in which the applicant is or has been licensed.
- Military training credit
- Under § 40-1-640, qualifying military education, training, and experience must be credited favorably on satisfactory evidence; this does not automatically waive examination or other licensure requirements.
- Minimum age
- At least 21 years old.
- Prior examination
- The examination remains a requirement even when already passed; have ASWB send the official score report directly to the Board.
- Transcripts
- Official degree transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the Board.
Initial licensure by examination
- Application
- Submit the prescribed completed application and applicable fees; the Board lists a $45 nonrefundable application fee.
- Background check
- Initial licensure requires applicant-paid fingerprint-supported SLED and FBI criminal-records checks under S.C. Code § 40-63-32.
- Character
- The practice act requires good moral character; criminal-history decisions remain subject to S.C. Code § 40-1-140.
- Disclosures
- A yes answer to an application disclosure question requires a written explanation, applicable pleadings and final dispositions, further requested information, and a Board appearance if requested.
- Education
- A masters or doctorate social-work degree from a nationally accredited or Board-approved equivalent program; the implementing requirements specify CSWE accreditation.
- Ethics education
- During supervision obtain 15 academic contact hours or 20 continuing education contact hours in professional ethics, or complete a Board-sponsored specialty ethics course.
- Group supervision
- The Board permits up to 50 percent group supervision with no more than six supervisees; an existing contract must be amended in writing to use it.
- Identity documents
- Provide government photo identification, Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence verification, and legal name-change documentation when applicable.
- License verifications
- Have official verification sent directly from every jurisdiction in which the applicant is or has been licensed.
- Military training credit
- Under § 40-1-640, qualifying military education, training, and experience must be credited favorably on satisfactory evidence; this does not automatically waive examination or other licensure requirements.
- Minimum age
- At least 21 years old.
- Passing score
- Pass the ASWB Clinical examination; the Board sends registration approval after completed coursework and supervision. Existing passing scores must be sent directly by ASWB.
- Prior license
- The supervised practice must occur after licensure as a Masters Social Worker.
- Specialized coursework
- At least 45 academic contact hours each in psychopathology and psychodiagnostics, documented by official transcript.
- Supervised practice
- Complete 3,000 hours of clinical social-work practice over at least two and at most four years, with at least 100 equitably distributed hours of direct face-to-face clinical supervision; the Board may accept equivalent supervised experience and consider extraordinary circumstances.
- Supervision plan
- File and obtain approval of the LISW supervision contract before supervision starts; amend supervisory changes and provide a termination evaluation and Report of Supervised Experience.
- Supervision setting
- Board instructions require supervised experience in a recognized, organized social, medical, or governmental agency.
- Transcripts
- Official degree transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the Board.
Reinstatement of authorization suspended for dishonored fee payment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Examination
- § 40-1-50(G) reinstates on payment and identifies no examination.
- Fee payment
- Pay the fee and penalties required by statute or regulation after notice of suspension for dishonored payment.
Reinstatement after failure to renew
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Additional education
- The Board may impose further educational requirements.
- Continuing education
- Provide proof of 40 continuing education hours; the reinstatement packet specifies at least 20 from trained social workers and no more than 20 from other professions.
- Documents
- Submit identification, Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence verification, any name-change evidence, and requested disclosure explanations.
- Explanation
- Provide a satisfactory explanation of failure to renew.
- Fees
- Pay the reinstatement fee and current renewal fee; the application states $190 total reinstatement and renewal/late fee.
- Lapse duration
- Lapsed more than one year but no more than two years.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- sc-social-work-practice-act.html
S.C. Code § 40-63-250 (F)
- reinstatement.pdf
Reinstatement application, page 1, conditions
- reinstatement.pdf
Reinstatement application, page 1, document checklist
- reinstatement.pdf
Reinstatement application, page 2, continuing education
Reinstatement after failure to renew
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Additional education
- No additional education solely on the ground of exceeding one year.
- Continuing education
- Provide proof of 40 continuing education hours; the reinstatement packet specifies at least 20 from trained social workers and no more than 20 from other professions.
- Documents
- Submit identification, Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence verification, any name-change evidence, and requested disclosure explanations.
- Explanation
- Provide a satisfactory explanation of failure to renew.
- Fees
- Pay the reinstatement fee and current renewal fee; the application states $190 total reinstatement and renewal/late fee.
- Lapse duration
- Lapsed no more than one year.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- sc-social-work-practice-act.html
S.C. Code § 40-63-250 (F)
- reinstatement.pdf
Reinstatement application, page 1, conditions
- reinstatement.pdf
Reinstatement application, page 1, document checklist
- reinstatement.pdf
Reinstatement application, page 2, continuing education
Expedited ordinary licensure for a relocating military spouse
- Application
- Submit the prescribed completed application and applicable fees; the Board lists a $45 nonrefundable application fee.
- Background check
- Initial licensure requires applicant-paid fingerprint-supported SLED and FBI criminal-records checks under S.C. Code § 40-63-32.
- Character
- The practice act requires good moral character; criminal-history decisions remain subject to S.C. Code § 40-1-140.
- Current license
- Currently licensed in another jurisdiction at the equivalent designation; § 40-63-260(B) permits only that equivalent South Carolina designation.
- Disciplinary history
- No professional license may have been suspended, revoked, or restricted except for nonrenewal or failure to obtain required continuing education.
- Disclosures
- A yes answer to an application disclosure question requires a written explanation, applicable pleadings and final dispositions, further requested information, and a Board appearance if requested.
- Education
- A masters or doctorate social-work degree from a nationally accredited or Board-approved equivalent program; the implementing requirements specify CSWE accreditation.
- Good standing
- All social-work licenses must be current and in good standing.
- Identity documents
- Provide government photo identification, Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence verification, and legal name-change documentation when applicable.
- Independent license equivalence
- The Board determines equivalence of the existing independent license and submitted education and supervision documentation; clinical and advanced-practice designations are distinct.
- License verifications
- Have official verification sent directly from every jurisdiction in which the applicant is or has been licensed.
- Military spouse
- Married to and living with an active-duty Armed Forces member relocated to and stationed in South Carolina under official orders; submit those orders, marriage license and verification from every licensing jurisdiction.
- Military training credit
- Under § 40-1-640, qualifying military education, training, and experience must be credited favorably on satisfactory evidence; this does not automatically waive examination or other licensure requirements.
- Minimum age
- At least 21 years old.
- Prior examination
- The examination remains a requirement even when already passed; have ASWB send the official score report directly to the Board.
- Processing
- LLR prioritizes the application; expedited processing does not remove statutory examination or equivalence requirements.
- Transcripts
- Official degree transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the Board.
Reapplication after a license lapse exceeding two years
- Application
- Submit the prescribed completed application and applicable fees; the Board lists a $45 nonrefundable application fee.
- Background check
- Initial licensure requires applicant-paid fingerprint-supported SLED and FBI criminal-records checks under S.C. Code § 40-63-32.
- Character
- The practice act requires good moral character; criminal-history decisions remain subject to S.C. Code § 40-1-140.
- Disclosures
- A yes answer to an application disclosure question requires a written explanation, applicable pleadings and final dispositions, further requested information, and a Board appearance if requested.
- Education
- A masters or doctorate social-work degree from a nationally accredited or Board-approved equivalent program; the implementing requirements specify CSWE accreditation.
- Ethics education
- During supervision obtain 15 academic contact hours or 20 continuing education contact hours in professional ethics, or complete a Board-sponsored specialty ethics course.
- Existing score
- The Board accepts official scores of an already passed appropriate ASWB examination; reapplication is not an automatic retesting demand.
- Group supervision
- The Board permits up to 50 percent group supervision with no more than six supervisees; an existing contract must be amended in writing to use it.
- Identity documents
- Provide government photo identification, Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence verification, and legal name-change documentation when applicable.
- Lapse duration
- A lapse exceeding two years requires reapplication for licensure under § 40-63-250(F).
- License verifications
- Have official verification sent directly from every jurisdiction in which the applicant is or has been licensed.
- Military training credit
- Under § 40-1-640, qualifying military education, training, and experience must be credited favorably on satisfactory evidence; this does not automatically waive examination or other licensure requirements.
- Minimum age
- At least 21 years old.
- Passing score
- Pass the ASWB Clinical examination; the Board sends registration approval after completed coursework and supervision. Existing passing scores must be sent directly by ASWB.
- Prior license
- The supervised practice must occur after licensure as a Masters Social Worker.
- Specialized coursework
- At least 45 academic contact hours each in psychopathology and psychodiagnostics, documented by official transcript.
- Supervised practice
- Complete 3,000 hours of clinical social-work practice over at least two and at most four years, with at least 100 equitably distributed hours of direct face-to-face clinical supervision; the Board may accept equivalent supervised experience and consider extraordinary circumstances.
- Supervision plan
- File and obtain approval of the LISW supervision contract before supervision starts; amend supervisory changes and provide a termination evaluation and Report of Supervised Experience.
- Supervision setting
- Board instructions require supervised experience in a recognized, organized social, medical, or governmental agency.
- Transcripts
- Official degree transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the Board.
Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Continuing education
- 40 contact hours per biennial period, including at least one hour in suicide assessment, treatment and management; accepted courses and Board approval rules apply.
- Military exemptions
- Active military service exempts the licensee from continuing education and from the license fee for a calendar year including active duty under §§ 40-1-610 and 40-1-620.
- Renewal
- Pay the renewal fee and complete accepted continuing education; statutory renewal imposes no examination.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- sc-social-work-practice-act.html
S.C. Code § 40-63-250 (D)
- sc-social-work-regulations-ch110.pdf
Regulation 110-1(B)-(C), biennial continuing education
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code § 40-1-610
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code § 40-1-620
Reinstatement after voluntary surrender
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Board action
- The Board must reinstate the surrendered authorization by majority vote before practice resumes.
- Board conditions
- Comply with any reinstatement conditions imposed by the Board; the defining statute does not identify an examination requirement.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- sc-social-work-practice-act.html
S.C. Code § 40-63-150
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code § 40-1-150
Licensed Independent Social Worker—Clinical Practice Supervisor
Board-approved supervisor qualification attached to the corresponding current South Carolina independent license.
Licensing authority: South Carolina Board of Social Work Examiners · Application information
Qualification as an approved independent social work supervisor
- Application
- Submit the supervisor application, $45 nonrefundable fee, photo identification, applicable name-change documentation, and proof of experience and supervision education.
- Current license
- Hold a current South Carolina LISW-CP or LISW-DUAL license.
- Disclosures
- Submit a detailed explanation and supporting documents for any yes answer to the supervisor disciplinary questions.
- Passing examination
- § 40-63-240 requires having passed the Board-prescribed examination; the corresponding ASWB examination is retained even when passed before supervisor application.
- Practice experience
- At least 4,500 hours of corresponding practice over not less than three years after the independent license.
- Supervision education
- 45 academic contact hours or 45 continuing education contact hours in supervision.
Restoration after automatic suspension for adjudicated mental incompetence
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Court adjudication
- A court of competent jurisdiction must adjudge the licensee competent; automatic suspension lasts until that adjudication.
- Examination
- § 40-63-110(C) specifies the court adjudication and identifies no examination.
- Underlying license
- Maintain or restore the current corresponding South Carolina LISW-CP or LISW-DUAL license, which the supervisor application requires.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- sc-social-work-practice-act.html
S.C. Code § 40-63-110 (C)
- supervisor.pdf
Supervisor application, page 1, qualification bullets
Reinstatement of authorization suspended for dishonored fee payment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Examination
- § 40-1-50(G) reinstates on payment and identifies no examination.
- Fee payment
- Pay the fee and penalties required by statute or regulation after notice of suspension for dishonored payment.
- Underlying license
- Maintain or restore the current corresponding South Carolina LISW-CP or LISW-DUAL license, which the supervisor application requires.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code § 40-1-50 (G)
- supervisor.pdf
Supervisor application, page 1, qualification bullets
Reinstatement after failure to renew
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Additional education
- The Board may impose further educational requirements.
- Continuing education
- Provide proof of 40 continuing education hours; the reinstatement packet specifies at least 20 from trained social workers and no more than 20 from other professions.
- Documents
- Submit identification, Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence verification, any name-change evidence, and requested disclosure explanations.
- Explanation
- Provide a satisfactory explanation of failure to renew.
- Fees
- Pay the reinstatement fee and current renewal fee; the application states $190 total reinstatement and renewal/late fee.
- Lapse duration
- Lapsed more than one year but no more than two years.
- Underlying license
- Maintain or restore the current corresponding South Carolina LISW-CP or LISW-DUAL license, which the supervisor application requires.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- sc-social-work-practice-act.html
S.C. Code § 40-63-250 (F)
- reinstatement.pdf
Reinstatement application, page 1, conditions
- reinstatement.pdf
Reinstatement application, page 1, document checklist
- reinstatement.pdf
Reinstatement application, page 2, continuing education
- supervisor.pdf
Supervisor application, page 1, qualification bullets
Reinstatement after failure to renew
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Additional education
- No additional education solely on the ground of exceeding one year.
- Continuing education
- Provide proof of 40 continuing education hours; the reinstatement packet specifies at least 20 from trained social workers and no more than 20 from other professions.
- Documents
- Submit identification, Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence verification, any name-change evidence, and requested disclosure explanations.
- Explanation
- Provide a satisfactory explanation of failure to renew.
- Fees
- Pay the reinstatement fee and current renewal fee; the application states $190 total reinstatement and renewal/late fee.
- Lapse duration
- Lapsed no more than one year.
- Underlying license
- Maintain or restore the current corresponding South Carolina LISW-CP or LISW-DUAL license, which the supervisor application requires.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- sc-social-work-practice-act.html
S.C. Code § 40-63-250 (F)
- reinstatement.pdf
Reinstatement application, page 1, conditions
- reinstatement.pdf
Reinstatement application, page 1, document checklist
- reinstatement.pdf
Reinstatement application, page 2, continuing education
- supervisor.pdf
Supervisor application, page 1, qualification bullets
Reapplication for supervisor qualification after a license lapse exceeding two years
- Application
- Submit the supervisor application, $45 nonrefundable fee, photo identification, applicable name-change documentation, and proof of experience and supervision education.
- Current license
- Hold a current South Carolina LISW-CP or LISW-DUAL license.
- Disclosures
- Submit a detailed explanation and supporting documents for any yes answer to the supervisor disciplinary questions.
- Lapse duration
- A license lapse exceeding two years requires reapplication under § 40-63-250(F); restore the qualifying current independent license and document supervisor qualifications.
- Passing examination
- § 40-63-240 requires having passed the Board-prescribed examination; the corresponding ASWB examination is retained even when passed before supervisor application.
- Practice experience
- At least 4,500 hours of corresponding practice over not less than three years after the independent license.
- Supervision education
- 45 academic contact hours or 45 continuing education contact hours in supervision.
Continued supervisor qualification through biennial license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Continuing education
- Complete 40 accepted continuing education contact hours, including suicide assessment, treatment and management, subject to active-military exemptions.
- Examination
- Biennial renewal imposes no examination; the supervisor qualification is attached to the independent license.
- Underlying license
- Maintain the current corresponding South Carolina independent license and renew it under § 40-63-250 and Regulation 110-1.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- sc-social-work-practice-act.html
S.C. Code § 40-63-250 (D)
- sc-social-work-regulations-ch110.pdf
Regulation 110-1(B), renewal continuing education
- supervisor.pdf
Supervisor application, current underlying license requirement
Reinstatement after voluntary surrender
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Board action
- The Board must reinstate the surrendered authorization by majority vote before practice resumes.
- Board conditions
- Comply with any reinstatement conditions imposed by the Board; the defining statute does not identify an examination requirement.
- Underlying license
- Maintain or restore the current corresponding South Carolina LISW-CP or LISW-DUAL license, which the supervisor application requires.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- sc-social-work-practice-act.html
S.C. Code § 40-63-150
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code § 40-1-150
- supervisor.pdf
Supervisor application, page 1, qualification bullets
Licensed Independent Social Worker CP & AP
South Carolina combined clinical and advanced-practice independent license, retaining both statutory sets of qualifications.
Licensing authority: South Carolina Board of Social Work Examiners · Application information
Add advanced practice designation to an existing independent license
- Application
- Submit the prescribed completed application and applicable fees; the Board lists a $45 nonrefundable application fee.
- Background check
- Initial licensure requires applicant-paid fingerprint-supported SLED and FBI criminal-records checks under S.C. Code § 40-63-32.
- Character
- The practice act requires good moral character; criminal-history decisions remain subject to S.C. Code § 40-1-140.
- Disclosures
- A yes answer to an application disclosure question requires a written explanation, applicable pleadings and final dispositions, further requested information, and a Board appearance if requested.
- Education
- A masters or doctorate social-work degree from a nationally accredited or Board-approved equivalent program; the implementing requirements specify CSWE accreditation.
- Ethics education
- During supervision obtain 15 academic contact hours or 20 continuing education contact hours in professional ethics, or complete a Board-sponsored specialty ethics course.
- Existing designation
- Holds a current LISW-CP and seeks both CP and AP designations; the new designation requires its own statutory qualifications.
- Existing exam
- The examination for the held designation was already satisfied through that license; this route identifies the examination prescribed for the added designation.
- Group supervision
- The Board permits up to 50 percent group supervision with no more than six supervisees; an existing contract must be amended in writing to use it.
- Identity documents
- Provide government photo identification, Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence verification, and legal name-change documentation when applicable.
- License verifications
- Have official verification sent directly from every jurisdiction in which the applicant is or has been licensed.
- Military training credit
- Under § 40-1-640, qualifying military education, training, and experience must be credited favorably on satisfactory evidence; this does not automatically waive examination or other licensure requirements.
- Minimum age
- At least 21 years old.
- Passing score
- Pass the ASWB Advanced Generalist examination; the Board sends registration approval after completed coursework and supervision. Existing passing scores must be sent directly by ASWB.
- Prior license
- The supervised practice must occur after licensure as a Masters Social Worker.
- Specialized coursework
- At least 90 academic contact hours in advanced social-work practice with communities and organizations, documented by official transcript.
- Supervised practice
- Complete 3,000 hours of advanced-practice social work over at least two and at most four years, with at least 100 equitably distributed hours of direct face-to-face advanced-practice supervision; the Board may accept equivalent supervised experience and consider extraordinary circumstances.
- Supervision plan
- File and obtain approval of the LISW supervision contract before supervision starts; amend supervisory changes and provide a termination evaluation and Report of Supervised Experience.
- Supervision setting
- Board instructions require supervised experience in a recognized, organized social, medical, or governmental agency.
- Transcripts
- Official degree transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the Board.
Add clinical designation to an existing independent license
- Application
- Submit the prescribed completed application and applicable fees; the Board lists a $45 nonrefundable application fee.
- Background check
- Initial licensure requires applicant-paid fingerprint-supported SLED and FBI criminal-records checks under S.C. Code § 40-63-32.
- Character
- The practice act requires good moral character; criminal-history decisions remain subject to S.C. Code § 40-1-140.
- Disclosures
- A yes answer to an application disclosure question requires a written explanation, applicable pleadings and final dispositions, further requested information, and a Board appearance if requested.
- Education
- A masters or doctorate social-work degree from a nationally accredited or Board-approved equivalent program; the implementing requirements specify CSWE accreditation.
- Ethics education
- During supervision obtain 15 academic contact hours or 20 continuing education contact hours in professional ethics, or complete a Board-sponsored specialty ethics course.
- Existing designation
- Holds a current LISW-AP and seeks both CP and AP designations; the new designation requires its own statutory qualifications.
- Existing exam
- The examination for the held designation was already satisfied through that license; this route identifies the examination prescribed for the added designation.
- Group supervision
- The Board permits up to 50 percent group supervision with no more than six supervisees; an existing contract must be amended in writing to use it.
- Identity documents
- Provide government photo identification, Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence verification, and legal name-change documentation when applicable.
- License verifications
- Have official verification sent directly from every jurisdiction in which the applicant is or has been licensed.
- Military training credit
- Under § 40-1-640, qualifying military education, training, and experience must be credited favorably on satisfactory evidence; this does not automatically waive examination or other licensure requirements.
- Minimum age
- At least 21 years old.
- Passing score
- Pass the ASWB Clinical examination; the Board sends registration approval after completed coursework and supervision. Existing passing scores must be sent directly by ASWB.
- Prior license
- The supervised practice must occur after licensure as a Masters Social Worker.
- Specialized coursework
- At least 45 academic contact hours each in psychopathology and psychodiagnostics, documented by official transcript.
- Supervised practice
- Complete 3,000 hours of clinical social-work practice over at least two and at most four years, with at least 100 equitably distributed hours of direct face-to-face clinical supervision; the Board may accept equivalent supervised experience and consider extraordinary circumstances.
- Supervision plan
- File and obtain approval of the LISW supervision contract before supervision starts; amend supervisory changes and provide a termination evaluation and Report of Supervised Experience.
- Supervision setting
- Board instructions require supervised experience in a recognized, organized social, medical, or governmental agency.
- Transcripts
- Official degree transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the Board.
Restoration after automatic suspension for adjudicated mental incompetence
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Court adjudication
- A court of competent jurisdiction must adjudge the licensee competent; automatic suspension lasts until that adjudication.
- Examination
- § 40-63-110(C) specifies the court adjudication and identifies no examination.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- sc-social-work-practice-act.html
S.C. Code § 40-63-110 (C)
Licensure for an applicant currently licensed in another jurisdiction
All of the following:
- Application
- Submit the prescribed completed application and applicable fees; the Board lists a $45 nonrefundable application fee.
- Background check
- Initial licensure requires applicant-paid fingerprint-supported SLED and FBI criminal-records checks under S.C. Code § 40-63-32.
- Character
- The practice act requires good moral character; criminal-history decisions remain subject to S.C. Code § 40-1-140.
- Current license
- Currently licensed in another jurisdiction at the equivalent designation; § 40-63-260(B) permits only that equivalent South Carolina designation.
- Disciplinary history
- No professional license may have been suspended, revoked, or restricted except for nonrenewal or failure to obtain required continuing education.
- Disclosures
- A yes answer to an application disclosure question requires a written explanation, applicable pleadings and final dispositions, further requested information, and a Board appearance if requested.
- Education
- A masters or doctorate social-work degree from a nationally accredited or Board-approved equivalent program; the implementing requirements specify CSWE accreditation.
- Good standing
- All social-work licenses must be current and in good standing.
- Identity documents
- Provide government photo identification, Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence verification, and legal name-change documentation when applicable.
- Independent license equivalence
- The Board determines equivalence of the existing independent license and submitted education and supervision documentation; clinical and advanced-practice designations are distinct.
- License verifications
- Have official verification sent directly from every jurisdiction in which the applicant is or has been licensed.
- Military training credit
- Under § 40-1-640, qualifying military education, training, and experience must be credited favorably on satisfactory evidence; this does not automatically waive examination or other licensure requirements.
- Minimum age
- At least 21 years old.
- Prior examination
- The examination remains a requirement even when already passed; have ASWB send the official score report directly to the Board.
- Transcripts
- Official degree transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the Board.
Initial licensure by examination
All of the following:
- Application
- Submit the prescribed completed application and applicable fees; the Board lists a $45 nonrefundable application fee.
- Background check
- Initial licensure requires applicant-paid fingerprint-supported SLED and FBI criminal-records checks under S.C. Code § 40-63-32.
- Character
- The practice act requires good moral character; criminal-history decisions remain subject to S.C. Code § 40-1-140.
- Disclosures
- A yes answer to an application disclosure question requires a written explanation, applicable pleadings and final dispositions, further requested information, and a Board appearance if requested.
- Education ap
- A masters or doctorate social-work degree from a nationally accredited or Board-approved equivalent program; the implementing requirements specify CSWE accreditation.
- Education cp
- A masters or doctorate social-work degree from a nationally accredited or Board-approved equivalent program; the implementing requirements specify CSWE accreditation.
- Ethics education ap
- During supervision obtain 15 academic contact hours or 20 continuing education contact hours in professional ethics, or complete a Board-sponsored specialty ethics course.
- Ethics education cp
- During supervision obtain 15 academic contact hours or 20 continuing education contact hours in professional ethics, or complete a Board-sponsored specialty ethics course.
- Group supervision ap
- The Board permits up to 50 percent group supervision with no more than six supervisees; an existing contract must be amended in writing to use it.
- Group supervision cp
- The Board permits up to 50 percent group supervision with no more than six supervisees; an existing contract must be amended in writing to use it.
- Identity documents
- Provide government photo identification, Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence verification, and legal name-change documentation when applicable.
- License verifications
- Have official verification sent directly from every jurisdiction in which the applicant is or has been licensed.
- Military training credit
- Under § 40-1-640, qualifying military education, training, and experience must be credited favorably on satisfactory evidence; this does not automatically waive examination or other licensure requirements.
- Minimum age
- At least 21 years old.
- Passing score ap
- Pass the ASWB Advanced Generalist examination; the Board sends registration approval after completed coursework and supervision. Existing passing scores must be sent directly by ASWB.
- Passing score cp
- Pass the ASWB Clinical examination; the Board sends registration approval after completed coursework and supervision. Existing passing scores must be sent directly by ASWB.
- Prior license ap
- The supervised practice must occur after licensure as a Masters Social Worker.
- Prior license cp
- The supervised practice must occur after licensure as a Masters Social Worker.
- Specialized coursework ap
- At least 90 academic contact hours in advanced social-work practice with communities and organizations, documented by official transcript.
- Specialized coursework cp
- At least 45 academic contact hours each in psychopathology and psychodiagnostics, documented by official transcript.
- Supervised practice ap
- Complete 3,000 hours of advanced-practice social work over at least two and at most four years, with at least 100 equitably distributed hours of direct face-to-face advanced-practice supervision; the Board may accept equivalent supervised experience and consider extraordinary circumstances.
- Supervised practice cp
- Complete 3,000 hours of clinical social-work practice over at least two and at most four years, with at least 100 equitably distributed hours of direct face-to-face clinical supervision; the Board may accept equivalent supervised experience and consider extraordinary circumstances.
- Supervision plan ap
- File and obtain approval of the LISW supervision contract before supervision starts; amend supervisory changes and provide a termination evaluation and Report of Supervised Experience.
- Supervision plan cp
- File and obtain approval of the LISW supervision contract before supervision starts; amend supervisory changes and provide a termination evaluation and Report of Supervised Experience.
- Supervision setting ap
- Board instructions require supervised experience in a recognized, organized social, medical, or governmental agency.
- Supervision setting cp
- Board instructions require supervised experience in a recognized, organized social, medical, or governmental agency.
- Transcripts
- Official degree transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the Board.
Reinstatement of authorization suspended for dishonored fee payment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Examination
- § 40-1-50(G) reinstates on payment and identifies no examination.
- Fee payment
- Pay the fee and penalties required by statute or regulation after notice of suspension for dishonored payment.
Reinstatement after failure to renew
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Additional education
- The Board may impose further educational requirements.
- Continuing education
- Provide proof of 40 continuing education hours; the reinstatement packet specifies at least 20 from trained social workers and no more than 20 from other professions.
- Documents
- Submit identification, Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence verification, any name-change evidence, and requested disclosure explanations.
- Explanation
- Provide a satisfactory explanation of failure to renew.
- Fees
- Pay the reinstatement fee and current renewal fee; the application states $190 total reinstatement and renewal/late fee.
- Lapse duration
- Lapsed more than one year but no more than two years.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- sc-social-work-practice-act.html
S.C. Code § 40-63-250 (F)
- reinstatement.pdf
Reinstatement application, page 1, conditions
- reinstatement.pdf
Reinstatement application, page 1, document checklist
- reinstatement.pdf
Reinstatement application, page 2, continuing education
Reinstatement after failure to renew
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Additional education
- No additional education solely on the ground of exceeding one year.
- Continuing education
- Provide proof of 40 continuing education hours; the reinstatement packet specifies at least 20 from trained social workers and no more than 20 from other professions.
- Documents
- Submit identification, Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence verification, any name-change evidence, and requested disclosure explanations.
- Explanation
- Provide a satisfactory explanation of failure to renew.
- Fees
- Pay the reinstatement fee and current renewal fee; the application states $190 total reinstatement and renewal/late fee.
- Lapse duration
- Lapsed no more than one year.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- sc-social-work-practice-act.html
S.C. Code § 40-63-250 (F)
- reinstatement.pdf
Reinstatement application, page 1, conditions
- reinstatement.pdf
Reinstatement application, page 1, document checklist
- reinstatement.pdf
Reinstatement application, page 2, continuing education
Expedited ordinary licensure for a relocating military spouse
All of the following:
- Application
- Submit the prescribed completed application and applicable fees; the Board lists a $45 nonrefundable application fee.
- Background check
- Initial licensure requires applicant-paid fingerprint-supported SLED and FBI criminal-records checks under S.C. Code § 40-63-32.
- Character
- The practice act requires good moral character; criminal-history decisions remain subject to S.C. Code § 40-1-140.
- Current license
- Currently licensed in another jurisdiction at the equivalent designation; § 40-63-260(B) permits only that equivalent South Carolina designation.
- Disciplinary history
- No professional license may have been suspended, revoked, or restricted except for nonrenewal or failure to obtain required continuing education.
- Disclosures
- A yes answer to an application disclosure question requires a written explanation, applicable pleadings and final dispositions, further requested information, and a Board appearance if requested.
- Education
- A masters or doctorate social-work degree from a nationally accredited or Board-approved equivalent program; the implementing requirements specify CSWE accreditation.
- Good standing
- All social-work licenses must be current and in good standing.
- Identity documents
- Provide government photo identification, Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence verification, and legal name-change documentation when applicable.
- Independent license equivalence
- The Board determines equivalence of the existing independent license and submitted education and supervision documentation; clinical and advanced-practice designations are distinct.
- License verifications
- Have official verification sent directly from every jurisdiction in which the applicant is or has been licensed.
- Military spouse
- Married to and living with an active-duty Armed Forces member relocated to and stationed in South Carolina under official orders; submit those orders, marriage license and verification from every licensing jurisdiction.
- Military training credit
- Under § 40-1-640, qualifying military education, training, and experience must be credited favorably on satisfactory evidence; this does not automatically waive examination or other licensure requirements.
- Minimum age
- At least 21 years old.
- Prior examination
- The examination remains a requirement even when already passed; have ASWB send the official score report directly to the Board.
- Processing
- LLR prioritizes the application; expedited processing does not remove statutory examination or equivalence requirements.
- Transcripts
- Official degree transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the Board.
Reapplication after a license lapse exceeding two years
All of the following:
- Application
- Submit the prescribed completed application and applicable fees; the Board lists a $45 nonrefundable application fee.
- Background check
- Initial licensure requires applicant-paid fingerprint-supported SLED and FBI criminal-records checks under S.C. Code § 40-63-32.
- Character
- The practice act requires good moral character; criminal-history decisions remain subject to S.C. Code § 40-1-140.
- Disclosures
- A yes answer to an application disclosure question requires a written explanation, applicable pleadings and final dispositions, further requested information, and a Board appearance if requested.
- Education ap
- A masters or doctorate social-work degree from a nationally accredited or Board-approved equivalent program; the implementing requirements specify CSWE accreditation.
- Education cp
- A masters or doctorate social-work degree from a nationally accredited or Board-approved equivalent program; the implementing requirements specify CSWE accreditation.
- Ethics education ap
- During supervision obtain 15 academic contact hours or 20 continuing education contact hours in professional ethics, or complete a Board-sponsored specialty ethics course.
- Ethics education cp
- During supervision obtain 15 academic contact hours or 20 continuing education contact hours in professional ethics, or complete a Board-sponsored specialty ethics course.
- Existing score
- The Board accepts official scores of an already passed appropriate ASWB examination; reapplication is not an automatic retesting demand.
- Group supervision ap
- The Board permits up to 50 percent group supervision with no more than six supervisees; an existing contract must be amended in writing to use it.
- Group supervision cp
- The Board permits up to 50 percent group supervision with no more than six supervisees; an existing contract must be amended in writing to use it.
- Identity documents
- Provide government photo identification, Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence verification, and legal name-change documentation when applicable.
- Lapse duration
- A lapse exceeding two years requires reapplication for licensure under § 40-63-250(F).
- License verifications
- Have official verification sent directly from every jurisdiction in which the applicant is or has been licensed.
- Military training credit
- Under § 40-1-640, qualifying military education, training, and experience must be credited favorably on satisfactory evidence; this does not automatically waive examination or other licensure requirements.
- Minimum age
- At least 21 years old.
- Passing score ap
- Pass the ASWB Advanced Generalist examination; the Board sends registration approval after completed coursework and supervision. Existing passing scores must be sent directly by ASWB.
- Passing score cp
- Pass the ASWB Clinical examination; the Board sends registration approval after completed coursework and supervision. Existing passing scores must be sent directly by ASWB.
- Prior license ap
- The supervised practice must occur after licensure as a Masters Social Worker.
- Prior license cp
- The supervised practice must occur after licensure as a Masters Social Worker.
- Specialized coursework ap
- At least 90 academic contact hours in advanced social-work practice with communities and organizations, documented by official transcript.
- Specialized coursework cp
- At least 45 academic contact hours each in psychopathology and psychodiagnostics, documented by official transcript.
- Supervised practice ap
- Complete 3,000 hours of advanced-practice social work over at least two and at most four years, with at least 100 equitably distributed hours of direct face-to-face advanced-practice supervision; the Board may accept equivalent supervised experience and consider extraordinary circumstances.
- Supervised practice cp
- Complete 3,000 hours of clinical social-work practice over at least two and at most four years, with at least 100 equitably distributed hours of direct face-to-face clinical supervision; the Board may accept equivalent supervised experience and consider extraordinary circumstances.
- Supervision plan ap
- File and obtain approval of the LISW supervision contract before supervision starts; amend supervisory changes and provide a termination evaluation and Report of Supervised Experience.
- Supervision plan cp
- File and obtain approval of the LISW supervision contract before supervision starts; amend supervisory changes and provide a termination evaluation and Report of Supervised Experience.
- Supervision setting ap
- Board instructions require supervised experience in a recognized, organized social, medical, or governmental agency.
- Supervision setting cp
- Board instructions require supervised experience in a recognized, organized social, medical, or governmental agency.
- Transcripts
- Official degree transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the Board.
Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Continuing education
- 40 contact hours per biennial period, including at least one hour in suicide assessment, treatment and management; accepted courses and Board approval rules apply.
- Military exemptions
- Active military service exempts the licensee from continuing education and from the license fee for a calendar year including active duty under §§ 40-1-610 and 40-1-620.
- Renewal
- Pay the renewal fee and complete accepted continuing education; statutory renewal imposes no examination.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- sc-social-work-practice-act.html
S.C. Code § 40-63-250 (D)
- sc-social-work-regulations-ch110.pdf
Regulation 110-1(B)-(C), biennial continuing education
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code § 40-1-610
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code § 40-1-620
Reinstatement after voluntary surrender
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Board action
- The Board must reinstate the surrendered authorization by majority vote before practice resumes.
- Board conditions
- Comply with any reinstatement conditions imposed by the Board; the defining statute does not identify an examination requirement.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- sc-social-work-practice-act.html
S.C. Code § 40-63-150
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code § 40-1-150
Temporary Professional License (Social Work)
One-year nonrenewable temporary social-work authorization required by the military-spouse statute; state-law qualifications remain applicable.
Licensing authority: South Carolina Board of Social Work Examiners · Application information
Reinstatement of authorization suspended for dishonored fee payment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Examination
- § 40-1-50(G) reinstates on payment and identifies no examination.
- Fee payment
- Pay the fee and penalties required by statute or regulation after notice of suspension for dishonored payment.
- Term
- Restoration remains subject to the original one-year nonrenewable temporary-license term and does not extend it.
Reinstatement after voluntary surrender
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Board action
- The Board must reinstate the surrendered authorization by majority vote before practice resumes.
- Board conditions
- Comply with any reinstatement conditions imposed by the Board; the defining statute does not identify an examination requirement.
- Term
- Restoration remains subject to the original one-year nonrenewable temporary-license term and does not extend it.
Temporary military spouse license at the AP designation
- Application
- Submit the prescribed completed application and applicable fees; the Board lists a $45 nonrefundable application fee.
- Background check
- Initial licensure requires applicant-paid fingerprint-supported SLED and FBI criminal-records checks under S.C. Code § 40-63-32.
- Board statement
- The Board electronic instructions (November 17, 2023, page 3) state: "South Carolina Board of Social Work does not issue temporary or provisional licenses." This lower-ranked implementation statement does not remove the statutory temporary-license path; applicants must address it with the Board.
- Character
- The practice act requires good moral character; criminal-history decisions remain subject to S.C. Code § 40-1-140.
- Current license
- Currently licensed in another jurisdiction at the equivalent designation; § 40-63-260(B) permits only that equivalent South Carolina designation.
- Disciplinary history
- No professional license may have been suspended, revoked, or restricted except for nonrenewal or failure to obtain required continuing education.
- Disclosures
- A yes answer to an application disclosure question requires a written explanation, applicable pleadings and final dispositions, further requested information, and a Board appearance if requested.
- Education
- A masters or doctorate social-work degree from a nationally accredited or Board-approved equivalent program; the implementing requirements specify CSWE accreditation.
- Ethics education
- During supervision obtain 15 academic contact hours or 20 continuing education contact hours in professional ethics, or complete a Board-sponsored specialty ethics course.
- Fingerprints
- Submit applicant-paid SLED and FBI fingerprint checks when ordinary licensure requires the same checks.
- Good standing
- All social-work licenses must be current and in good standing.
- Group supervision
- The Board permits up to 50 percent group supervision with no more than six supervisees; an existing contract must be amended in writing to use it.
- Identity documents
- Provide government photo identification, Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence verification, and legal name-change documentation when applicable.
- License evidence
- Provide a valid out-of-state, District of Columbia, United States possession/territory, or foreign-jurisdiction professional license and certificate of good standing.
- License verifications
- Have official verification sent directly from every jurisdiction in which the applicant is or has been licensed.
- Military spouse
- Married to an active-duty United States Armed Forces member assigned to a South Carolina duty station under official orders.
- Military training credit
- Under § 40-1-640, qualifying military education, training, and experience must be credited favorably on satisfactory evidence; this does not automatically waive examination or other licensure requirements.
- Minimum age
- At least 21 years old.
- Passing score
- Pass the ASWB Advanced Generalist examination; the Board sends registration approval after completed coursework and supervision. Existing passing scores must be sent directly by ASWB.
- Prior examination
- The examination remains a requirement even when already passed; have ASWB send the official score report directly to the Board.
- Prior license
- The supervised practice must occur after licensure as a Masters Social Worker.
- Specialized coursework
- At least 90 academic contact hours in advanced social-work practice with communities and organizations, documented by official transcript.
- State qualifications
- § 40-1-630(A) does not waive state-law licensure qualifications, including the appropriate examination.
- Supervised practice
- Complete 3,000 hours of advanced-practice social work over at least two and at most four years, with at least 100 equitably distributed hours of direct face-to-face advanced-practice supervision; the Board may accept equivalent supervised experience and consider extraordinary circumstances.
- Supervision plan
- File and obtain approval of the LISW supervision contract before supervision starts; amend supervisory changes and provide a termination evaluation and Report of Supervised Experience.
- Supervision setting
- Board instructions require supervised experience in a recognized, organized social, medical, or governmental agency.
- Term
- Expires one year from issuance and may not be renewed.
- Transcripts
- Official degree transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the Board.
Temporary military spouse license at the BSW designation
- Application
- Submit the prescribed completed application and applicable fees; the Board lists a $45 nonrefundable application fee.
- Background check
- Initial licensure requires applicant-paid fingerprint-supported SLED and FBI criminal-records checks under S.C. Code § 40-63-32.
- Board statement
- The Board electronic instructions (November 17, 2023, page 3) state: "South Carolina Board of Social Work does not issue temporary or provisional licenses." This lower-ranked implementation statement does not remove the statutory temporary-license path; applicants must address it with the Board.
- Character
- The practice act requires good moral character; criminal-history decisions remain subject to S.C. Code § 40-1-140.
- Current license
- Currently licensed in another jurisdiction at the equivalent designation; § 40-63-260(B) permits only that equivalent South Carolina designation.
- Disciplinary history
- No professional license may have been suspended, revoked, or restricted except for nonrenewal or failure to obtain required continuing education.
- Disclosures
- A yes answer to an application disclosure question requires a written explanation, applicable pleadings and final dispositions, further requested information, and a Board appearance if requested.
- Early testing
- The Board may permit testing in the final semester on a letter from the program Dean; licensure still requires a transcript showing the conferred degree.
- Education
- A baccalaureate social-work degree from a nationally accredited or Board-approved equivalent program; the implementing requirements specify CSWE accreditation.
- Fingerprints
- Submit applicant-paid SLED and FBI fingerprint checks when ordinary licensure requires the same checks.
- Good standing
- All social-work licenses must be current and in good standing.
- Identity documents
- Provide government photo identification, Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence verification, and legal name-change documentation when applicable.
- License evidence
- Provide a valid out-of-state, District of Columbia, United States possession/territory, or foreign-jurisdiction professional license and certificate of good standing.
- License verifications
- Have official verification sent directly from every jurisdiction in which the applicant is or has been licensed.
- Military spouse
- Married to an active-duty United States Armed Forces member assigned to a South Carolina duty station under official orders.
- Military training credit
- Under § 40-1-640, qualifying military education, training, and experience must be credited favorably on satisfactory evidence; this does not automatically waive examination or other licensure requirements.
- Minimum age
- At least 21 years old.
- Passing score
- Take and pass the ASWB Bachelors examination; a previously passed examination is carried by an official ASWB score report and need not be retaken solely because the application is later.
- Prior examination
- The examination remains a requirement even when already passed; have ASWB send the official score report directly to the Board.
- State qualifications
- § 40-1-630(A) does not waive state-law licensure qualifications, including the appropriate examination.
- Term
- Expires one year from issuance and may not be renewed.
- Transcripts
- Official degree transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the Board.
Temporary military spouse license at the CP designation
- Application
- Submit the prescribed completed application and applicable fees; the Board lists a $45 nonrefundable application fee.
- Background check
- Initial licensure requires applicant-paid fingerprint-supported SLED and FBI criminal-records checks under S.C. Code § 40-63-32.
- Board statement
- The Board electronic instructions (November 17, 2023, page 3) state: "South Carolina Board of Social Work does not issue temporary or provisional licenses." This lower-ranked implementation statement does not remove the statutory temporary-license path; applicants must address it with the Board.
- Character
- The practice act requires good moral character; criminal-history decisions remain subject to S.C. Code § 40-1-140.
- Current license
- Currently licensed in another jurisdiction at the equivalent designation; § 40-63-260(B) permits only that equivalent South Carolina designation.
- Disciplinary history
- No professional license may have been suspended, revoked, or restricted except for nonrenewal or failure to obtain required continuing education.
- Disclosures
- A yes answer to an application disclosure question requires a written explanation, applicable pleadings and final dispositions, further requested information, and a Board appearance if requested.
- Education
- A masters or doctorate social-work degree from a nationally accredited or Board-approved equivalent program; the implementing requirements specify CSWE accreditation.
- Ethics education
- During supervision obtain 15 academic contact hours or 20 continuing education contact hours in professional ethics, or complete a Board-sponsored specialty ethics course.
- Fingerprints
- Submit applicant-paid SLED and FBI fingerprint checks when ordinary licensure requires the same checks.
- Good standing
- All social-work licenses must be current and in good standing.
- Group supervision
- The Board permits up to 50 percent group supervision with no more than six supervisees; an existing contract must be amended in writing to use it.
- Identity documents
- Provide government photo identification, Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence verification, and legal name-change documentation when applicable.
- License evidence
- Provide a valid out-of-state, District of Columbia, United States possession/territory, or foreign-jurisdiction professional license and certificate of good standing.
- License verifications
- Have official verification sent directly from every jurisdiction in which the applicant is or has been licensed.
- Military spouse
- Married to an active-duty United States Armed Forces member assigned to a South Carolina duty station under official orders.
- Military training credit
- Under § 40-1-640, qualifying military education, training, and experience must be credited favorably on satisfactory evidence; this does not automatically waive examination or other licensure requirements.
- Minimum age
- At least 21 years old.
- Passing score
- Pass the ASWB Clinical examination; the Board sends registration approval after completed coursework and supervision. Existing passing scores must be sent directly by ASWB.
- Prior examination
- The examination remains a requirement even when already passed; have ASWB send the official score report directly to the Board.
- Prior license
- The supervised practice must occur after licensure as a Masters Social Worker.
- Specialized coursework
- At least 45 academic contact hours each in psychopathology and psychodiagnostics, documented by official transcript.
- State qualifications
- § 40-1-630(A) does not waive state-law licensure qualifications, including the appropriate examination.
- Supervised practice
- Complete 3,000 hours of clinical social-work practice over at least two and at most four years, with at least 100 equitably distributed hours of direct face-to-face clinical supervision; the Board may accept equivalent supervised experience and consider extraordinary circumstances.
- Supervision plan
- File and obtain approval of the LISW supervision contract before supervision starts; amend supervisory changes and provide a termination evaluation and Report of Supervised Experience.
- Supervision setting
- Board instructions require supervised experience in a recognized, organized social, medical, or governmental agency.
- Term
- Expires one year from issuance and may not be renewed.
- Transcripts
- Official degree transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the Board.
Temporary military spouse license at the DUAL designation
All of the following:
- Application
- Submit the prescribed completed application and applicable fees; the Board lists a $45 nonrefundable application fee.
- Background check
- Initial licensure requires applicant-paid fingerprint-supported SLED and FBI criminal-records checks under S.C. Code § 40-63-32.
- Board statement
- The Board electronic instructions (November 17, 2023, page 3) state: "South Carolina Board of Social Work does not issue temporary or provisional licenses." This lower-ranked implementation statement does not remove the statutory temporary-license path; applicants must address it with the Board.
- Character
- The practice act requires good moral character; criminal-history decisions remain subject to S.C. Code § 40-1-140.
- Current license
- Currently licensed in another jurisdiction at the equivalent designation; § 40-63-260(B) permits only that equivalent South Carolina designation.
- Disciplinary history
- No professional license may have been suspended, revoked, or restricted except for nonrenewal or failure to obtain required continuing education.
- Disclosures
- A yes answer to an application disclosure question requires a written explanation, applicable pleadings and final dispositions, further requested information, and a Board appearance if requested.
- Education ap
- A masters or doctorate social-work degree from a nationally accredited or Board-approved equivalent program; the implementing requirements specify CSWE accreditation.
- Education cp
- A masters or doctorate social-work degree from a nationally accredited or Board-approved equivalent program; the implementing requirements specify CSWE accreditation.
- Ethics education ap
- During supervision obtain 15 academic contact hours or 20 continuing education contact hours in professional ethics, or complete a Board-sponsored specialty ethics course.
- Ethics education cp
- During supervision obtain 15 academic contact hours or 20 continuing education contact hours in professional ethics, or complete a Board-sponsored specialty ethics course.
- Fingerprints
- Submit applicant-paid SLED and FBI fingerprint checks when ordinary licensure requires the same checks.
- Good standing
- All social-work licenses must be current and in good standing.
- Group supervision ap
- The Board permits up to 50 percent group supervision with no more than six supervisees; an existing contract must be amended in writing to use it.
- Group supervision cp
- The Board permits up to 50 percent group supervision with no more than six supervisees; an existing contract must be amended in writing to use it.
- Identity documents
- Provide government photo identification, Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence verification, and legal name-change documentation when applicable.
- License evidence
- Provide a valid out-of-state, District of Columbia, United States possession/territory, or foreign-jurisdiction professional license and certificate of good standing.
- License verifications
- Have official verification sent directly from every jurisdiction in which the applicant is or has been licensed.
- Military spouse
- Married to an active-duty United States Armed Forces member assigned to a South Carolina duty station under official orders.
- Military training credit
- Under § 40-1-640, qualifying military education, training, and experience must be credited favorably on satisfactory evidence; this does not automatically waive examination or other licensure requirements.
- Minimum age
- At least 21 years old.
- Passing score ap
- Pass the ASWB Advanced Generalist examination; the Board sends registration approval after completed coursework and supervision. Existing passing scores must be sent directly by ASWB.
- Passing score cp
- Pass the ASWB Clinical examination; the Board sends registration approval after completed coursework and supervision. Existing passing scores must be sent directly by ASWB.
- Prior examination
- The examination remains a requirement even when already passed; have ASWB send the official score report directly to the Board.
- Prior license ap
- The supervised practice must occur after licensure as a Masters Social Worker.
- Prior license cp
- The supervised practice must occur after licensure as a Masters Social Worker.
- Specialized coursework ap
- At least 90 academic contact hours in advanced social-work practice with communities and organizations, documented by official transcript.
- Specialized coursework cp
- At least 45 academic contact hours each in psychopathology and psychodiagnostics, documented by official transcript.
- State qualifications
- § 40-1-630(A) does not waive state-law licensure qualifications, including the appropriate examination.
- Supervised practice ap
- Complete 3,000 hours of advanced-practice social work over at least two and at most four years, with at least 100 equitably distributed hours of direct face-to-face advanced-practice supervision; the Board may accept equivalent supervised experience and consider extraordinary circumstances.
- Supervised practice cp
- Complete 3,000 hours of clinical social-work practice over at least two and at most four years, with at least 100 equitably distributed hours of direct face-to-face clinical supervision; the Board may accept equivalent supervised experience and consider extraordinary circumstances.
- Supervision plan ap
- File and obtain approval of the LISW supervision contract before supervision starts; amend supervisory changes and provide a termination evaluation and Report of Supervised Experience.
- Supervision plan cp
- File and obtain approval of the LISW supervision contract before supervision starts; amend supervisory changes and provide a termination evaluation and Report of Supervised Experience.
- Supervision setting ap
- Board instructions require supervised experience in a recognized, organized social, medical, or governmental agency.
- Supervision setting cp
- Board instructions require supervised experience in a recognized, organized social, medical, or governmental agency.
- Term
- Expires one year from issuance and may not be renewed.
- Transcripts
- Official degree transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the Board.
Temporary military spouse license at the MSW designation
- Application
- Submit the prescribed completed application and applicable fees; the Board lists a $45 nonrefundable application fee.
- Background check
- Initial licensure requires applicant-paid fingerprint-supported SLED and FBI criminal-records checks under S.C. Code § 40-63-32.
- Board statement
- The Board electronic instructions (November 17, 2023, page 3) state: "South Carolina Board of Social Work does not issue temporary or provisional licenses." This lower-ranked implementation statement does not remove the statutory temporary-license path; applicants must address it with the Board.
- Character
- The practice act requires good moral character; criminal-history decisions remain subject to S.C. Code § 40-1-140.
- Current license
- Currently licensed in another jurisdiction at the equivalent designation; § 40-63-260(B) permits only that equivalent South Carolina designation.
- Disciplinary history
- No professional license may have been suspended, revoked, or restricted except for nonrenewal or failure to obtain required continuing education.
- Disclosures
- A yes answer to an application disclosure question requires a written explanation, applicable pleadings and final dispositions, further requested information, and a Board appearance if requested.
- Early testing
- The Board may permit testing in the final semester on a letter from the program Dean; licensure still requires a transcript showing the conferred degree.
- Education
- A masters or doctorate social-work degree from a nationally accredited or Board-approved equivalent program; the implementing requirements specify CSWE accreditation.
- Fingerprints
- Submit applicant-paid SLED and FBI fingerprint checks when ordinary licensure requires the same checks.
- Good standing
- All social-work licenses must be current and in good standing.
- Identity documents
- Provide government photo identification, Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence verification, and legal name-change documentation when applicable.
- License evidence
- Provide a valid out-of-state, District of Columbia, United States possession/territory, or foreign-jurisdiction professional license and certificate of good standing.
- License verifications
- Have official verification sent directly from every jurisdiction in which the applicant is or has been licensed.
- Military spouse
- Married to an active-duty United States Armed Forces member assigned to a South Carolina duty station under official orders.
- Military training credit
- Under § 40-1-640, qualifying military education, training, and experience must be credited favorably on satisfactory evidence; this does not automatically waive examination or other licensure requirements.
- Minimum age
- At least 21 years old.
- Passing score
- Take and pass the ASWB Masters examination; a previously passed examination is carried by an official ASWB score report and need not be retaken solely because the application is later.
- Prior examination
- The examination remains a requirement even when already passed; have ASWB send the official score report directly to the Board.
- State qualifications
- § 40-1-630(A) does not waive state-law licensure qualifications, including the appropriate examination.
- Term
- Expires one year from issuance and may not be renewed.
- Transcripts
- Official degree transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the Board.
Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW)
South Carolina social-work license at the stated practice level.
Licensing authority: South Carolina Board of Social Work Examiners · Application information
Restoration after automatic suspension for adjudicated mental incompetence
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Court adjudication
- A court of competent jurisdiction must adjudge the licensee competent; automatic suspension lasts until that adjudication.
- Examination
- § 40-63-110(C) specifies the court adjudication and identifies no examination.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- sc-social-work-practice-act.html
S.C. Code § 40-63-110 (C)
Licensure for an applicant currently licensed in another jurisdiction
- Application
- Submit the prescribed completed application and applicable fees; the Board lists a $45 nonrefundable application fee.
- Background check
- Initial licensure requires applicant-paid fingerprint-supported SLED and FBI criminal-records checks under S.C. Code § 40-63-32.
- Character
- The practice act requires good moral character; criminal-history decisions remain subject to S.C. Code § 40-1-140.
- Current license
- Currently licensed in another jurisdiction at the equivalent designation; § 40-63-260(B) permits only that equivalent South Carolina designation.
- Disciplinary history
- No professional license may have been suspended, revoked, or restricted except for nonrenewal or failure to obtain required continuing education.
- Disclosures
- A yes answer to an application disclosure question requires a written explanation, applicable pleadings and final dispositions, further requested information, and a Board appearance if requested.
- Education
- A masters or doctorate social-work degree from a nationally accredited or Board-approved equivalent program; the implementing requirements specify CSWE accreditation.
- Good standing
- All social-work licenses must be current and in good standing.
- Identity documents
- Provide government photo identification, Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence verification, and legal name-change documentation when applicable.
- License verifications
- Have official verification sent directly from every jurisdiction in which the applicant is or has been licensed.
- Military training credit
- Under § 40-1-640, qualifying military education, training, and experience must be credited favorably on satisfactory evidence; this does not automatically waive examination or other licensure requirements.
- Minimum age
- At least 21 years old.
- Prior examination
- The examination remains a requirement even when already passed; have ASWB send the official score report directly to the Board.
- Transcripts
- Official degree transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the Board.
Initial licensure by examination
- Application
- Submit the prescribed completed application and applicable fees; the Board lists a $45 nonrefundable application fee.
- Background check
- Initial licensure requires applicant-paid fingerprint-supported SLED and FBI criminal-records checks under S.C. Code § 40-63-32.
- Character
- The practice act requires good moral character; criminal-history decisions remain subject to S.C. Code § 40-1-140.
- Disclosures
- A yes answer to an application disclosure question requires a written explanation, applicable pleadings and final dispositions, further requested information, and a Board appearance if requested.
- Early testing
- The Board may permit testing in the final semester on a letter from the program Dean; licensure still requires a transcript showing the conferred degree.
- Education
- A masters or doctorate social-work degree from a nationally accredited or Board-approved equivalent program; the implementing requirements specify CSWE accreditation.
- Identity documents
- Provide government photo identification, Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence verification, and legal name-change documentation when applicable.
- License verifications
- Have official verification sent directly from every jurisdiction in which the applicant is or has been licensed.
- Military training credit
- Under § 40-1-640, qualifying military education, training, and experience must be credited favorably on satisfactory evidence; this does not automatically waive examination or other licensure requirements.
- Minimum age
- At least 21 years old.
- Passing score
- Take and pass the ASWB Masters examination; a previously passed examination is carried by an official ASWB score report and need not be retaken solely because the application is later.
- Transcripts
- Official degree transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the Board.
Reinstatement of authorization suspended for dishonored fee payment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Examination
- § 40-1-50(G) reinstates on payment and identifies no examination.
- Fee payment
- Pay the fee and penalties required by statute or regulation after notice of suspension for dishonored payment.
Reinstatement after failure to renew
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Additional education
- The Board may impose further educational requirements.
- Continuing education
- Provide proof of 40 continuing education hours; the reinstatement packet specifies at least 20 from trained social workers and no more than 20 from other professions.
- Documents
- Submit identification, Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence verification, any name-change evidence, and requested disclosure explanations.
- Explanation
- Provide a satisfactory explanation of failure to renew.
- Fees
- Pay the reinstatement fee and current renewal fee; the application states $190 total reinstatement and renewal/late fee.
- Lapse duration
- Lapsed more than one year but no more than two years.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- sc-social-work-practice-act.html
S.C. Code § 40-63-250 (F)
- reinstatement.pdf
Reinstatement application, page 1, conditions
- reinstatement.pdf
Reinstatement application, page 1, document checklist
- reinstatement.pdf
Reinstatement application, page 2, continuing education
Reinstatement after failure to renew
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Additional education
- No additional education solely on the ground of exceeding one year.
- Continuing education
- Provide proof of 40 continuing education hours; the reinstatement packet specifies at least 20 from trained social workers and no more than 20 from other professions.
- Documents
- Submit identification, Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence verification, any name-change evidence, and requested disclosure explanations.
- Explanation
- Provide a satisfactory explanation of failure to renew.
- Fees
- Pay the reinstatement fee and current renewal fee; the application states $190 total reinstatement and renewal/late fee.
- Lapse duration
- Lapsed no more than one year.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- sc-social-work-practice-act.html
S.C. Code § 40-63-250 (F)
- reinstatement.pdf
Reinstatement application, page 1, conditions
- reinstatement.pdf
Reinstatement application, page 1, document checklist
- reinstatement.pdf
Reinstatement application, page 2, continuing education
Expedited ordinary licensure for a relocating military spouse
- Application
- Submit the prescribed completed application and applicable fees; the Board lists a $45 nonrefundable application fee.
- Background check
- Initial licensure requires applicant-paid fingerprint-supported SLED and FBI criminal-records checks under S.C. Code § 40-63-32.
- Character
- The practice act requires good moral character; criminal-history decisions remain subject to S.C. Code § 40-1-140.
- Current license
- Currently licensed in another jurisdiction at the equivalent designation; § 40-63-260(B) permits only that equivalent South Carolina designation.
- Disciplinary history
- No professional license may have been suspended, revoked, or restricted except for nonrenewal or failure to obtain required continuing education.
- Disclosures
- A yes answer to an application disclosure question requires a written explanation, applicable pleadings and final dispositions, further requested information, and a Board appearance if requested.
- Education
- A masters or doctorate social-work degree from a nationally accredited or Board-approved equivalent program; the implementing requirements specify CSWE accreditation.
- Good standing
- All social-work licenses must be current and in good standing.
- Identity documents
- Provide government photo identification, Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence verification, and legal name-change documentation when applicable.
- License verifications
- Have official verification sent directly from every jurisdiction in which the applicant is or has been licensed.
- Military spouse
- Married to and living with an active-duty Armed Forces member relocated to and stationed in South Carolina under official orders; submit those orders, marriage license and verification from every licensing jurisdiction.
- Military training credit
- Under § 40-1-640, qualifying military education, training, and experience must be credited favorably on satisfactory evidence; this does not automatically waive examination or other licensure requirements.
- Minimum age
- At least 21 years old.
- Prior examination
- The examination remains a requirement even when already passed; have ASWB send the official score report directly to the Board.
- Processing
- LLR prioritizes the application; expedited processing does not remove statutory examination or equivalence requirements.
- Transcripts
- Official degree transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the Board.
Reapplication after a license lapse exceeding two years
- Application
- Submit the prescribed completed application and applicable fees; the Board lists a $45 nonrefundable application fee.
- Background check
- Initial licensure requires applicant-paid fingerprint-supported SLED and FBI criminal-records checks under S.C. Code § 40-63-32.
- Character
- The practice act requires good moral character; criminal-history decisions remain subject to S.C. Code § 40-1-140.
- Disclosures
- A yes answer to an application disclosure question requires a written explanation, applicable pleadings and final dispositions, further requested information, and a Board appearance if requested.
- Early testing
- The Board may permit testing in the final semester on a letter from the program Dean; licensure still requires a transcript showing the conferred degree.
- Education
- A masters or doctorate social-work degree from a nationally accredited or Board-approved equivalent program; the implementing requirements specify CSWE accreditation.
- Existing score
- The Board accepts official scores of an already passed appropriate ASWB examination; reapplication is not an automatic retesting demand.
- Identity documents
- Provide government photo identification, Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence verification, and legal name-change documentation when applicable.
- Lapse duration
- A lapse exceeding two years requires reapplication for licensure under § 40-63-250(F).
- License verifications
- Have official verification sent directly from every jurisdiction in which the applicant is or has been licensed.
- Military training credit
- Under § 40-1-640, qualifying military education, training, and experience must be credited favorably on satisfactory evidence; this does not automatically waive examination or other licensure requirements.
- Minimum age
- At least 21 years old.
- Passing score
- Take and pass the ASWB Masters examination; a previously passed examination is carried by an official ASWB score report and need not be retaken solely because the application is later.
- Transcripts
- Official degree transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the Board.
Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Continuing education
- 40 contact hours per biennial period, including at least one hour in suicide assessment, treatment and management; accepted courses and Board approval rules apply.
- Military exemptions
- Active military service exempts the licensee from continuing education and from the license fee for a calendar year including active duty under §§ 40-1-610 and 40-1-620.
- Renewal
- Pay the renewal fee and complete accepted continuing education; statutory renewal imposes no examination.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- sc-social-work-practice-act.html
S.C. Code § 40-63-250 (D)
- sc-social-work-regulations-ch110.pdf
Regulation 110-1(B)-(C), biennial continuing education
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code § 40-1-610
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code § 40-1-620
Reinstatement after voluntary surrender
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
- Board action
- The Board must reinstate the surrendered authorization by majority vote before practice resumes.
- Board conditions
- Comply with any reinstatement conditions imposed by the Board; the defining statute does not identify an examination requirement.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- sc-social-work-practice-act.html
S.C. Code § 40-63-150
- title40-ch1.html
S.C. Code § 40-1-150
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)
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)