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South Dakota Social Work — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

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

Certified Social Worker

Ordinary Certified Social Worker license under SDCL chapter 36-26.

Licensing authority: South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners · Application information

Automatic reinstatement after the suspension period in a Board order
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Order
Available only when the suspension order expressly provides automatic reinstatement after a fixed period; comply with the order. An order requiring examination instead belongs to the Board-approved reinstatement route.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure from a CSWE candidacy status program
ASWB Masters Exam
Application
Submit the Board application and nonrefundable level-appropriate fee; the application is withdrawn if incomplete for one year (ARSD 20:59:01:02).
Automatic Expiration
The license automatically expires if the program loses candidacy or is denied accreditation; report changes in candidacy status.
Child Support
The current application asks whether the applicant owes $1,000 or more in past-due child support and states SDCL 25-7A-56 prohibits issuance or renewal at that threshold.
Disclosures
Complete the application disclosures about prior licenses, professional discipline and criminal proceedings and provide the specified supporting documents; sealed, expunged or pardoned records are excluded as the form states.
Education
Meet the level’s requirements except that the bachelor’s or master’s social-work program is in CSWE candidacy status.
Examination Level
The Board application lists Clinical/Masters/Bachelors/Associates and requires the ASWB examination at the appropriate level. This route uses the masters category corresponding to this license level.
References
The current December 2024 application requests three professional references who can attest to competency.
Transcripts
Submit notarized application and official transcripts sent directly by the institution (ARSD 20:59:01:07.01).
Board approved reinstatement or reissue after cancellation, suspension or revocation
ASWB Masters Exam
Application
Submit written application establishing compliance with existing licensing requirements and reasons the Board deems sufficient.
Board Discretion
For good cause, the Board may reinstate or reissue by majority vote under conditions it imposes.
Examination
Existing licensing requirements include the prescribed ASWB examination. A prior passing score remains a leaf; whether further examination is required for the applicant depends on the Board order and existing requirements.
Endorsement under SDCL 36 26 18
ASWB Masters Exam
Application
Submit the Board application and nonrefundable level-appropriate fee; the application is withdrawn if incomplete for one year (ARSD 20:59:01:02).
Child Support
The current application asks whether the applicant owes $1,000 or more in past-due child support and states SDCL 25-7A-56 prohibits issuance or renewal at that threshold.
Disclosures
Complete the application disclosures about prior licenses, professional discipline and criminal proceedings and provide the specified supporting documents; sealed, expunged or pardoned records are excluded as the form states.
Licensure
Hold an out-of-state or territorial license under substantially equivalent requirements; provide official verification of every current and former license and official transcripts.
Prior Examination
Have passed a similar examination; the current Board checklist accepts transferred ASWB scores when the level and test are verified, otherwise it requires a score report directly from ASWB.
References
The current December 2024 application requests three professional references who can attest to competency.
Transcripts
Submit notarized application and official transcripts sent directly by the institution (ARSD 20:59:01:07.01).
Waiver
SDCL 36-26-18 exempts eligible applicants from sitting another examination. The current ASWB score remains an examination reference even when already passed.
Licensure by examination
ASWB Masters Exam
Application
Submit the Board application and nonrefundable level-appropriate fee; the application is withdrawn if incomplete for one year (ARSD 20:59:01:02).
Child Support
The current application asks whether the applicant owes $1,000 or more in past-due child support and states SDCL 25-7A-56 prohibits issuance or renewal at that threshold.
Disclosures
Complete the application disclosures about prior licenses, professional discipline and criminal proceedings and provide the specified supporting documents; sealed, expunged or pardoned records are excluded as the form states.
Education
Doctorate or master’s degree from a school of social work accredited by CSWE (SDCL 36-26-14).
Examination Level
The Board application lists Clinical/Masters/Bachelors/Associates and requires the ASWB examination at the appropriate level. This route uses the masters category corresponding to this license level.
References
The current December 2024 application requests three professional references who can attest to competency.
Transcripts
Submit notarized application and official transcripts sent directly by the institution (ARSD 20:59:01:07.01).
Endorsement under SDCL 36 1D 1
ASWB Masters Exam
Application
Submit the Board application and nonrefundable level-appropriate fee; the application is withdrawn if incomplete for one year (ARSD 20:59:01:02).
Child Support
The current application asks whether the applicant owes $1,000 or more in past-due child support and states SDCL 25-7A-56 prohibits issuance or renewal at that threshold.
Competency
Demonstrate competency by Board-determined methods. The Board’s current application requires the appropriate ASWB level and recognizes passing-score waivers. Any other examination or foreign examination used for equivalency is an applicant condition.
Controlling Law
SDCL 36-1D-1 applies notwithstanding existing endorsement or reciprocity provisions; compacts are preserved by SDCL 36-1D-3.
Disclosures
Complete the application disclosures about prior licenses, professional discipline and criminal proceedings and provide the specified supporting documents; sealed, expunged or pardoned records are excluded as the form states.
Equivalency
Hold a current license from another state, territory or country whose requirements the Board finds substantially equivalent or greater.
Good Standing
Be in good standing without disqualifying acts or discipline, unless the Board determines that the act or discipline should not impede licensure.
Licensure
Hold an out-of-state or territorial license under substantially equivalent requirements; provide official verification of every current and former license and official transcripts.
Prior Examination
Have passed a similar examination; the current Board checklist accepts transferred ASWB scores when the level and test are verified, otherwise it requires a score report directly from ASWB.
References
The current December 2024 application requests three professional references who can attest to competency.
Transcripts
Submit notarized application and official transcripts sent directly by the institution (ARSD 20:59:01:07.01).
Waiver
SDCL 36-26-18 exempts eligible applicants from sitting another examination. The current ASWB score remains an examination reference even when already passed.
Relicensure after two consecutive years without renewal
ASWB Masters Exam
Application
Submit the Board application and nonrefundable level-appropriate fee; the application is withdrawn if incomplete for one year (ARSD 20:59:01:02).
Child Support
The current application asks whether the applicant owes $1,000 or more in past-due child support and states SDCL 25-7A-56 prohibits issuance or renewal at that threshold.
Disclosures
Complete the application disclosures about prior licenses, professional discipline and criminal proceedings and provide the specified supporting documents; sealed, expunged or pardoned records are excluded as the form states.
Education
Doctorate or master’s degree from a school of social work accredited by CSWE (SDCL 36-26-14).
Examination Level
The Board application lists Clinical/Masters/Bachelors/Associates and requires the ASWB examination at the appropriate level. This route uses the masters category corresponding to this license level.
Lapse
A license not renewed for two consecutive years, whether because of sickness, absence or another reason, requires the examination prescribed for a new applicant and compliance with applicant requirements (SDCL 36-26-28).
References
The current December 2024 application requests three professional references who can attest to competency.
Transcripts
Submit notarized application and official transcripts sent directly by the institution (ARSD 20:59:01:07.01).
Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Provide certificates for thirty continuing-education hours within the previous two-year period, including six hours in social-work ethics. A certified-illness waiver requires application at least thirty days before expiration (ARSD 20:59:04:04).
Fee
Submit renewal form and applicable fee.
License
Renew an existing license before forfeiture; statutory expiration is January 1 of the second succeeding year, and Board instructions describe the preceding December 31 as expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration after forfeiture before two consecutive years without renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Make written application, pay the current-term renewal fee and the late fee of fifty percent of that renewal fee (ARSD 20:59:01:10.07).
Continuing Education
Satisfy renewal continuing-education requirements or an authorized waiver.
Lapse
This route applies before the two-consecutive-year nonrenewal threshold in SDCL 36-26-28.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Certified Social Worker

Temporary license authorized by SDCL 36-26-44 while awaiting the next examination.

Licensing authority: South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners · Application information

Temporary licensure pending the next available examination
ASWB Masters Exam
Board Discretion
The Board may issue the temporary license.
Expiration
Valid until the Board receives results from the next available examination after application. Passing continues the license until regular issuance or denial; failure to take or pass automatically expires it.
Qualification
Doctorate or master’s degree from a school of social work accredited by CSWE (SDCL 36-26-14). Meet all requirements except having passed the examination.

Certified Social Worker in Private, Independent Practice

Ordinary Certified Social Worker in Private, Independent Practice license under SDCL chapter 36-26.

Licensing authority: South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners · Application information

Automatic reinstatement after the suspension period in a Board order
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Order
Available only when the suspension order expressly provides automatic reinstatement after a fixed period; comply with the order. An order requiring examination instead belongs to the Board-approved reinstatement route.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Board approved reinstatement or reissue after cancellation, suspension or revocation
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Submit written application establishing compliance with existing licensing requirements and reasons the Board deems sufficient.
Board Discretion
For good cause, the Board may reinstate or reissue by majority vote under conditions it imposes.
Examination
Existing licensing requirements include the prescribed ASWB examination. A prior passing score remains a leaf; whether further examination is required for the applicant depends on the Board order and existing requirements.
Endorsement under SDCL 36 26 18
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Submit the Board application and nonrefundable level-appropriate fee; the application is withdrawn if incomplete for one year (ARSD 20:59:01:02).
Child Support
The current application asks whether the applicant owes $1,000 or more in past-due child support and states SDCL 25-7A-56 prohibits issuance or renewal at that threshold.
Disclosures
Complete the application disclosures about prior licenses, professional discipline and criminal proceedings and provide the specified supporting documents; sealed, expunged or pardoned records are excluded as the form states.
Licensure
Hold an out-of-state or territorial license under substantially equivalent requirements; provide official verification of every current and former license and official transcripts.
Prior Examination
Have passed a similar examination; the current Board checklist accepts transferred ASWB scores when the level and test are verified, otherwise it requires a score report directly from ASWB.
References
The current December 2024 application requests three professional references who can attest to competency.
Supervision
Provide proof of supervision from the original licensing state; the Board may waive this proof if that state cannot supply it (SDCL 36-26-18(5)); substantial equivalence is required.
Transcripts
Submit notarized application and official transcripts sent directly by the institution (ARSD 20:59:01:07.01).
Waiver
SDCL 36-26-18 exempts eligible applicants from sitting another examination. The current ASWB score remains an examination reference even when already passed.
Licensure by examination
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Submit the Board application and nonrefundable level-appropriate fee; the application is withdrawn if incomplete for one year (ARSD 20:59:01:02).
Child Support
The current application asks whether the applicant owes $1,000 or more in past-due child support and states SDCL 25-7A-56 prohibits issuance or renewal at that threshold.
Disclosures
Complete the application disclosures about prior licenses, professional discipline and criminal proceedings and provide the specified supporting documents; sealed, expunged or pardoned records are excluded as the form states.
Education
Hold a Certified Social Worker license and complete two years of appropriate supervised experience in the specialization (SDCL 36-26-17).
Examination Level
The Board application lists Clinical/Masters/Bachelors/Associates and requires the ASWB examination at the appropriate level. This route uses the clinical category corresponding to this license level.
References
The current December 2024 application requests three professional references who can attest to competency.
Supervised Experience
Thirty or more weekly hours requires two years with four monthly supervision hours; eighteen to twenty-nine hours requires four years with two monthly hours; group supervision is limited to half of each six-month period. Reports are required every six months; the Board may authorize modifications based on adequacy, training and proficiency (ARSD 20:59:05:07).
Supervision Agreement
Board approval of a supervision agreement is required before supervision begins; material practice changes require approval of a new or amended agreement (ARSD 20:59:05:05).
Supervisor
Supervisor must be a South Dakota CSW-PIP, psychologist or psychiatrist licensed in good standing for at least two years, with six hours of initial and three hours of biennial supervisor education (ARSD 20:59:05:03).
Transcripts
Submit notarized application and official transcripts sent directly by the institution (ARSD 20:59:01:07.01).
Endorsement under SDCL 36 1D 1
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Submit the Board application and nonrefundable level-appropriate fee; the application is withdrawn if incomplete for one year (ARSD 20:59:01:02).
Child Support
The current application asks whether the applicant owes $1,000 or more in past-due child support and states SDCL 25-7A-56 prohibits issuance or renewal at that threshold.
Competency
Demonstrate competency by Board-determined methods. The Board’s current application requires the appropriate ASWB level and recognizes passing-score waivers. Any other examination or foreign examination used for equivalency is an applicant condition.
Controlling Law
SDCL 36-1D-1 applies notwithstanding existing endorsement or reciprocity provisions; compacts are preserved by SDCL 36-1D-3.
Disclosures
Complete the application disclosures about prior licenses, professional discipline and criminal proceedings and provide the specified supporting documents; sealed, expunged or pardoned records are excluded as the form states.
Equivalency
Hold a current license from another state, territory or country whose requirements the Board finds substantially equivalent or greater.
Good Standing
Be in good standing without disqualifying acts or discipline, unless the Board determines that the act or discipline should not impede licensure.
Licensure
Hold an out-of-state or territorial license under substantially equivalent requirements; provide official verification of every current and former license and official transcripts.
Prior Examination
Have passed a similar examination; the current Board checklist accepts transferred ASWB scores when the level and test are verified, otherwise it requires a score report directly from ASWB.
References
The current December 2024 application requests three professional references who can attest to competency.
Supervision
Provide proof of supervision from the original licensing state; the Board may waive this proof if that state cannot supply it (SDCL 36-26-18(5)); substantial equivalence is required.
Transcripts
Submit notarized application and official transcripts sent directly by the institution (ARSD 20:59:01:07.01).
Waiver
SDCL 36-26-18 exempts eligible applicants from sitting another examination. The current ASWB score remains an examination reference even when already passed.
Relicensure after two consecutive years without renewal
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Submit the Board application and nonrefundable level-appropriate fee; the application is withdrawn if incomplete for one year (ARSD 20:59:01:02).
Child Support
The current application asks whether the applicant owes $1,000 or more in past-due child support and states SDCL 25-7A-56 prohibits issuance or renewal at that threshold.
Disclosures
Complete the application disclosures about prior licenses, professional discipline and criminal proceedings and provide the specified supporting documents; sealed, expunged or pardoned records are excluded as the form states.
Education
Hold a Certified Social Worker license and complete two years of appropriate supervised experience in the specialization (SDCL 36-26-17).
Examination Level
The Board application lists Clinical/Masters/Bachelors/Associates and requires the ASWB examination at the appropriate level. This route uses the clinical category corresponding to this license level.
Lapse
A license not renewed for two consecutive years, whether because of sickness, absence or another reason, requires the examination prescribed for a new applicant and compliance with applicant requirements (SDCL 36-26-28).
References
The current December 2024 application requests three professional references who can attest to competency.
Supervised Experience
Thirty or more weekly hours requires two years with four monthly supervision hours; eighteen to twenty-nine hours requires four years with two monthly hours; group supervision is limited to half of each six-month period. Reports are required every six months; the Board may authorize modifications based on adequacy, training and proficiency (ARSD 20:59:05:07).
Supervision Agreement
Board approval of a supervision agreement is required before supervision begins; material practice changes require approval of a new or amended agreement (ARSD 20:59:05:05).
Supervisor
Supervisor must be a South Dakota CSW-PIP, psychologist or psychiatrist licensed in good standing for at least two years, with six hours of initial and three hours of biennial supervisor education (ARSD 20:59:05:03).
Transcripts
Submit notarized application and official transcripts sent directly by the institution (ARSD 20:59:01:07.01).
Examination following partially or entirely out of state supervision
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Submit the Board application and nonrefundable level-appropriate fee; the application is withdrawn if incomplete for one year (ARSD 20:59:01:02).
Child Support
The current application asks whether the applicant owes $1,000 or more in past-due child support and states SDCL 25-7A-56 prohibits issuance or renewal at that threshold.
Disclosures
Complete the application disclosures about prior licenses, professional discipline and criminal proceedings and provide the specified supporting documents; sealed, expunged or pardoned records are excluded as the form states.
Education
Hold a Certified Social Worker license and complete two years of appropriate supervised experience in the specialization (SDCL 36-26-17).
Examination Level
The Board application lists Clinical/Masters/Bachelors/Associates and requires the ASWB examination at the appropriate level. This route uses the clinical category corresponding to this license level.
Out Of State Supervision
The Board must find supervision substantially equivalent; December 2025 minutes require full-Board review at a regular meeting for applicants with any out-of-state supervision who are not fully licensed at the highest level and applying by endorsement.
References
The current December 2024 application requests three professional references who can attest to competency.
Supervised Experience
Thirty or more weekly hours requires two years with four monthly supervision hours; eighteen to twenty-nine hours requires four years with two monthly hours; group supervision is limited to half of each six-month period. Reports are required every six months; the Board may authorize modifications based on adequacy, training and proficiency (ARSD 20:59:05:07).
Supervision Agreement
Board approval of a supervision agreement is required before supervision begins; material practice changes require approval of a new or amended agreement (ARSD 20:59:05:05).
Supervisor
Supervisor must be a South Dakota CSW-PIP, psychologist or psychiatrist licensed in good standing for at least two years, with six hours of initial and three hours of biennial supervisor education (ARSD 20:59:05:03).
Transcripts
Submit notarized application and official transcripts sent directly by the institution (ARSD 20:59:01:07.01).
Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Provide certificates for thirty continuing-education hours within the previous two-year period, including six hours in social-work ethics. A certified-illness waiver requires application at least thirty days before expiration (ARSD 20:59:04:04).
Fee
Submit renewal form and applicable fee.
License
Renew an existing license before forfeiture; statutory expiration is January 1 of the second succeeding year, and Board instructions describe the preceding December 31 as expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration after forfeiture before two consecutive years without renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Make written application, pay the current-term renewal fee and the late fee of fifty percent of that renewal fee (ARSD 20:59:01:10.07).
Continuing Education
Satisfy renewal continuing-education requirements or an authorized waiver.
Lapse
This route applies before the two-consecutive-year nonrenewal threshold in SDCL 36-26-28.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Social Worker

Ordinary Social Worker license under SDCL chapter 36-26.

Licensing authority: South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners · Application information

Automatic reinstatement after the suspension period in a Board order
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Order
Available only when the suspension order expressly provides automatic reinstatement after a fixed period; comply with the order. An order requiring examination instead belongs to the Board-approved reinstatement route.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure from a CSWE candidacy status program
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Application
Submit the Board application and nonrefundable level-appropriate fee; the application is withdrawn if incomplete for one year (ARSD 20:59:01:02).
Automatic Expiration
The license automatically expires if the program loses candidacy or is denied accreditation; report changes in candidacy status.
Child Support
The current application asks whether the applicant owes $1,000 or more in past-due child support and states SDCL 25-7A-56 prohibits issuance or renewal at that threshold.
Disclosures
Complete the application disclosures about prior licenses, professional discipline and criminal proceedings and provide the specified supporting documents; sealed, expunged or pardoned records are excluded as the form states.
Education
Meet the level’s requirements except that the bachelor’s or master’s social-work program is in CSWE candidacy status.
Examination Level
The Board application lists Clinical/Masters/Bachelors/Associates and requires the ASWB examination at the appropriate level. This route uses the bachelors category corresponding to this license level.
References
The current December 2024 application requests three professional references who can attest to competency.
Transcripts
Submit notarized application and official transcripts sent directly by the institution (ARSD 20:59:01:07.01).
Board approved reinstatement or reissue after cancellation, suspension or revocation
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Application
Submit written application establishing compliance with existing licensing requirements and reasons the Board deems sufficient.
Board Discretion
For good cause, the Board may reinstate or reissue by majority vote under conditions it imposes.
Examination
Existing licensing requirements include the prescribed ASWB examination. A prior passing score remains a leaf; whether further examination is required for the applicant depends on the Board order and existing requirements.
Endorsement under SDCL 36 26 18
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Application
Submit the Board application and nonrefundable level-appropriate fee; the application is withdrawn if incomplete for one year (ARSD 20:59:01:02).
Child Support
The current application asks whether the applicant owes $1,000 or more in past-due child support and states SDCL 25-7A-56 prohibits issuance or renewal at that threshold.
Disclosures
Complete the application disclosures about prior licenses, professional discipline and criminal proceedings and provide the specified supporting documents; sealed, expunged or pardoned records are excluded as the form states.
Licensure
Hold an out-of-state or territorial license under substantially equivalent requirements; provide official verification of every current and former license and official transcripts.
Prior Examination
Have passed a similar examination; the current Board checklist accepts transferred ASWB scores when the level and test are verified, otherwise it requires a score report directly from ASWB.
References
The current December 2024 application requests three professional references who can attest to competency.
Transcripts
Submit notarized application and official transcripts sent directly by the institution (ARSD 20:59:01:07.01).
Waiver
SDCL 36-26-18 exempts eligible applicants from sitting another examination. The current ASWB score remains an examination reference even when already passed.
Licensure by examination
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Application
Submit the Board application and nonrefundable level-appropriate fee; the application is withdrawn if incomplete for one year (ARSD 20:59:01:02).
Child Support
The current application asks whether the applicant owes $1,000 or more in past-due child support and states SDCL 25-7A-56 prohibits issuance or renewal at that threshold.
Disclosures
Complete the application disclosures about prior licenses, professional discipline and criminal proceedings and provide the specified supporting documents; sealed, expunged or pardoned records are excluded as the form states.
Education
Baccalaureate degree in a social-work or social-welfare program accredited by CSWE (SDCL 36-26-15).
Examination Level
The Board application lists Clinical/Masters/Bachelors/Associates and requires the ASWB examination at the appropriate level. This route uses the bachelors category corresponding to this license level.
References
The current December 2024 application requests three professional references who can attest to competency.
Transcripts
Submit notarized application and official transcripts sent directly by the institution (ARSD 20:59:01:07.01).
Endorsement under SDCL 36 1D 1
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Application
Submit the Board application and nonrefundable level-appropriate fee; the application is withdrawn if incomplete for one year (ARSD 20:59:01:02).
Child Support
The current application asks whether the applicant owes $1,000 or more in past-due child support and states SDCL 25-7A-56 prohibits issuance or renewal at that threshold.
Competency
Demonstrate competency by Board-determined methods. The Board’s current application requires the appropriate ASWB level and recognizes passing-score waivers. Any other examination or foreign examination used for equivalency is an applicant condition.
Controlling Law
SDCL 36-1D-1 applies notwithstanding existing endorsement or reciprocity provisions; compacts are preserved by SDCL 36-1D-3.
Disclosures
Complete the application disclosures about prior licenses, professional discipline and criminal proceedings and provide the specified supporting documents; sealed, expunged or pardoned records are excluded as the form states.
Equivalency
Hold a current license from another state, territory or country whose requirements the Board finds substantially equivalent or greater.
Good Standing
Be in good standing without disqualifying acts or discipline, unless the Board determines that the act or discipline should not impede licensure.
Licensure
Hold an out-of-state or territorial license under substantially equivalent requirements; provide official verification of every current and former license and official transcripts.
Prior Examination
Have passed a similar examination; the current Board checklist accepts transferred ASWB scores when the level and test are verified, otherwise it requires a score report directly from ASWB.
References
The current December 2024 application requests three professional references who can attest to competency.
Transcripts
Submit notarized application and official transcripts sent directly by the institution (ARSD 20:59:01:07.01).
Waiver
SDCL 36-26-18 exempts eligible applicants from sitting another examination. The current ASWB score remains an examination reference even when already passed.
Relicensure after two consecutive years without renewal
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Application
Submit the Board application and nonrefundable level-appropriate fee; the application is withdrawn if incomplete for one year (ARSD 20:59:01:02).
Child Support
The current application asks whether the applicant owes $1,000 or more in past-due child support and states SDCL 25-7A-56 prohibits issuance or renewal at that threshold.
Disclosures
Complete the application disclosures about prior licenses, professional discipline and criminal proceedings and provide the specified supporting documents; sealed, expunged or pardoned records are excluded as the form states.
Education
Baccalaureate degree in a social-work or social-welfare program accredited by CSWE (SDCL 36-26-15).
Examination Level
The Board application lists Clinical/Masters/Bachelors/Associates and requires the ASWB examination at the appropriate level. This route uses the bachelors category corresponding to this license level.
Lapse
A license not renewed for two consecutive years, whether because of sickness, absence or another reason, requires the examination prescribed for a new applicant and compliance with applicant requirements (SDCL 36-26-28).
References
The current December 2024 application requests three professional references who can attest to competency.
Transcripts
Submit notarized application and official transcripts sent directly by the institution (ARSD 20:59:01:07.01).
Examination with pre July 1974 degree from a subsequently accredited program
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Application
Submit the Board application and nonrefundable level-appropriate fee; the application is withdrawn if incomplete for one year (ARSD 20:59:01:02).
Child Support
The current application asks whether the applicant owes $1,000 or more in past-due child support and states SDCL 25-7A-56 prohibits issuance or renewal at that threshold.
Disclosures
Complete the application disclosures about prior licenses, professional discipline and criminal proceedings and provide the specified supporting documents; sealed, expunged or pardoned records are excluded as the form states.
Education
Graduated before July 1974 with a bachelor’s social-work degree from a subsequently CSWE-accredited program (ARSD 20:59:02:03.01).
Examination Level
The Board application lists Clinical/Masters/Bachelors/Associates and requires the ASWB examination at the appropriate level. This route uses the bachelors category corresponding to this license level.
References
The current December 2024 application requests three professional references who can attest to competency.
Transcripts
Submit notarized application and official transcripts sent directly by the institution (ARSD 20:59:01:07.01).
Retained qualification under the pre July 2015 provision
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Already granted licensure or applied and met qualifications under SDCL 36-26-15 before July 1, 2015. This historical qualification is not open to new post-cutoff applicants.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Provide certificates for thirty continuing-education hours within the previous two-year period, including six hours in social-work ethics. A certified-illness waiver requires application at least thirty days before expiration (ARSD 20:59:04:04).
Fee
Submit renewal form and applicable fee.
License
Renew an existing license before forfeiture; statutory expiration is January 1 of the second succeeding year, and Board instructions describe the preceding December 31 as expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration after forfeiture before two consecutive years without renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Make written application, pay the current-term renewal fee and the late fee of fifty percent of that renewal fee (ARSD 20:59:01:10.07).
Continuing Education
Satisfy renewal continuing-education requirements or an authorized waiver.
Lapse
This route applies before the two-consecutive-year nonrenewal threshold in SDCL 36-26-28.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Social Worker

Temporary license authorized by SDCL 36-26-44 while awaiting the next examination.

Licensing authority: South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners · Application information

Temporary licensure pending the next available examination
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Board Discretion
The Board may issue the temporary license.
Expiration
Valid until the Board receives results from the next available examination after application. Passing continues the license until regular issuance or denial; failure to take or pass automatically expires it.
Qualification
Baccalaureate degree in a social-work or social-welfare program accredited by CSWE (SDCL 36-26-15). Meet all requirements except having passed the examination.

Social Work Associate

Ordinary Social Work Associate license under SDCL chapter 36-26.

Licensing authority: South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners · Application information

Automatic reinstatement after the suspension period in a Board order
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Order
Available only when the suspension order expressly provides automatic reinstatement after a fixed period; comply with the order. An order requiring examination instead belongs to the Board-approved reinstatement route.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Board approved reinstatement or reissue after cancellation, suspension or revocation
ASWB Associate Exam
Application
Submit written application establishing compliance with existing licensing requirements and reasons the Board deems sufficient.
Board Discretion
For good cause, the Board may reinstate or reissue by majority vote under conditions it imposes.
Examination
Existing licensing requirements include the prescribed ASWB examination. A prior passing score remains a leaf; whether further examination is required for the applicant depends on the Board order and existing requirements.
Endorsement under SDCL 36 26 18
ASWB Associate Exam
Application
Submit the Board application and nonrefundable level-appropriate fee; the application is withdrawn if incomplete for one year (ARSD 20:59:01:02).
Child Support
The current application asks whether the applicant owes $1,000 or more in past-due child support and states SDCL 25-7A-56 prohibits issuance or renewal at that threshold.
Disclosures
Complete the application disclosures about prior licenses, professional discipline and criminal proceedings and provide the specified supporting documents; sealed, expunged or pardoned records are excluded as the form states.
Licensure
Hold an out-of-state or territorial license under substantially equivalent requirements; provide official verification of every current and former license and official transcripts.
Prior Examination
Have passed a similar examination; the current Board checklist accepts transferred ASWB scores when the level and test are verified, otherwise it requires a score report directly from ASWB.
References
The current December 2024 application requests three professional references who can attest to competency.
Transcripts
Submit notarized application and official transcripts sent directly by the institution (ARSD 20:59:01:07.01).
Waiver
SDCL 36-26-18 exempts eligible applicants from sitting another examination. The current ASWB score remains an examination reference even when already passed.
Licensure by examination
ASWB Associate Exam
Application
Submit the Board application and nonrefundable level-appropriate fee; the application is withdrawn if incomplete for one year (ARSD 20:59:01:02).
Child Support
The current application asks whether the applicant owes $1,000 or more in past-due child support and states SDCL 25-7A-56 prohibits issuance or renewal at that threshold.
Disclosures
Complete the application disclosures about prior licenses, professional discipline and criminal proceedings and provide the specified supporting documents; sealed, expunged or pardoned records are excluded as the form states.
Education
Baccalaureate degree in a nonsocial-work field or an associate of arts degree in a Board-approved human-services program at an approved institution, or equivalent determined by the Board (SDCL 36-26-16; ARSD 20:59:02:01).
Examination Level
The Board application lists Clinical/Masters/Bachelors/Associates and requires the ASWB examination at the appropriate level. This route uses the associate category corresponding to this license level.
References
The current December 2024 application requests three professional references who can attest to competency.
Score Distinction
The Board licensing page says associates and social workers take the same test but associates have a lower passing score; the application separately identifies the Associates category.
Supervision
Practice only under a licensed Social Worker or Certified Social Worker; at least four contact hours monthly and an annual supervisor report (SDCL 36-26-10; ARSD 20:59:05:01).
Transcripts
Submit notarized application and official transcripts sent directly by the institution (ARSD 20:59:01:07.01).
Endorsement under SDCL 36 1D 1
ASWB Associate Exam
Application
Submit the Board application and nonrefundable level-appropriate fee; the application is withdrawn if incomplete for one year (ARSD 20:59:01:02).
Child Support
The current application asks whether the applicant owes $1,000 or more in past-due child support and states SDCL 25-7A-56 prohibits issuance or renewal at that threshold.
Competency
Demonstrate competency by Board-determined methods. The Board’s current application requires the appropriate ASWB level and recognizes passing-score waivers. Any other examination or foreign examination used for equivalency is an applicant condition.
Controlling Law
SDCL 36-1D-1 applies notwithstanding existing endorsement or reciprocity provisions; compacts are preserved by SDCL 36-1D-3.
Disclosures
Complete the application disclosures about prior licenses, professional discipline and criminal proceedings and provide the specified supporting documents; sealed, expunged or pardoned records are excluded as the form states.
Equivalency
Hold a current license from another state, territory or country whose requirements the Board finds substantially equivalent or greater.
Good Standing
Be in good standing without disqualifying acts or discipline, unless the Board determines that the act or discipline should not impede licensure.
Licensure
Hold an out-of-state or territorial license under substantially equivalent requirements; provide official verification of every current and former license and official transcripts.
Prior Examination
Have passed a similar examination; the current Board checklist accepts transferred ASWB scores when the level and test are verified, otherwise it requires a score report directly from ASWB.
References
The current December 2024 application requests three professional references who can attest to competency.
Transcripts
Submit notarized application and official transcripts sent directly by the institution (ARSD 20:59:01:07.01).
Waiver
SDCL 36-26-18 exempts eligible applicants from sitting another examination. The current ASWB score remains an examination reference even when already passed.
Relicensure after two consecutive years without renewal
ASWB Associate Exam
Application
Submit the Board application and nonrefundable level-appropriate fee; the application is withdrawn if incomplete for one year (ARSD 20:59:01:02).
Child Support
The current application asks whether the applicant owes $1,000 or more in past-due child support and states SDCL 25-7A-56 prohibits issuance or renewal at that threshold.
Disclosures
Complete the application disclosures about prior licenses, professional discipline and criminal proceedings and provide the specified supporting documents; sealed, expunged or pardoned records are excluded as the form states.
Education
Baccalaureate degree in a nonsocial-work field or an associate of arts degree in a Board-approved human-services program at an approved institution, or equivalent determined by the Board (SDCL 36-26-16; ARSD 20:59:02:01).
Examination Level
The Board application lists Clinical/Masters/Bachelors/Associates and requires the ASWB examination at the appropriate level. This route uses the associate category corresponding to this license level.
Lapse
A license not renewed for two consecutive years, whether because of sickness, absence or another reason, requires the examination prescribed for a new applicant and compliance with applicant requirements (SDCL 36-26-28).
References
The current December 2024 application requests three professional references who can attest to competency.
Score Distinction
The Board licensing page says associates and social workers take the same test but associates have a lower passing score; the application separately identifies the Associates category.
Supervision
Practice only under a licensed Social Worker or Certified Social Worker; at least four contact hours monthly and an annual supervisor report (SDCL 36-26-10; ARSD 20:59:05:01).
Transcripts
Submit notarized application and official transcripts sent directly by the institution (ARSD 20:59:01:07.01).
Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Provide certificates for thirty continuing-education hours within the previous two-year period, including six hours in social-work ethics. A certified-illness waiver requires application at least thirty days before expiration (ARSD 20:59:04:04).
Fee
Submit renewal form and applicable fee.
License
Renew an existing license before forfeiture; statutory expiration is January 1 of the second succeeding year, and Board instructions describe the preceding December 31 as expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration after forfeiture before two consecutive years without renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Make written application, pay the current-term renewal fee and the late fee of fifty percent of that renewal fee (ARSD 20:59:01:10.07).
Continuing Education
Satisfy renewal continuing-education requirements or an authorized waiver.
Lapse
This route applies before the two-consecutive-year nonrenewal threshold in SDCL 36-26-28.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

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 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 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 Associate 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 Associate exam shares the Bachelors exam questions and content outline but has a different passing score from the Bachelors exam
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