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Utah Social Work — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

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

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Ordinary Utah social-work license under Title 58, Chapter 60, Part 2.

Licensing authority: Utah Division of Professional Licensing and Behavioral Health Board · Application information

Alternate examination pathway after an unsuccessful attempt
ASWB Clinical Exam
Additional experience
Complete at least 500 additional direct client care hours under one supervisor, including at least 25 direct clinical supervision hours and five direct observation hours; submit the signed alternate pathway supervisor form before starting the additional hours.
Application
Submit the Division-approved application and applicable fee; disclose required qualification information.
Application instruction
DOPL application v20251211, page 9, states: “If applying for Initial Licensure, you must pass the ASWB Clinical Exam PRIOR to submitting this application.” This timing instruction is subject to the statutory alternate examination pathway.
Background check
Consent to and complete the statutory criminal background check and disclose requested criminal history.
Clinical coursework
Complete a case work, group work or family treatment course sequence with a clinical practicum.
Education
Provide certified transcripts showing a CSWE- or Canadian Association of Schools of Social Work-accredited master's in social work, or an approved doctoral clinical social work concentration and practicum.
Examination attempt
Document at least one unsuccessful ASWB Clinical examination attempt after May 1, 2024; passing is excused only under Section 58-60-205(1)(h)(ii).
Instruction supervision
The DOPL application checklist asks for at least 3,000 total supervised hours; Section 58-60-205(1)(d) states the federal Medicare eligibility condition on the total-supervision requirement.
Recommendations
Provide a letter from the direct clinical supervisor and a letter from a different licensed mental health therapist who directly observed the care; include the details required by R156-60e-303.1(4)-(5).
Suicide prevention
Complete at least two hours of approved suicide prevention training after education.
Supervised experience
After education, complete at least 1,200 direct client care hours, including at least 100 direct clinical supervision hours, at least 25 direct observation hours, and no more than 25 group supervision hours concurrently with more than one other applicant. Clinical supervision must total at least 3,000 hours or two years when the federal Medicare eligibility provision applies.
Supervision rule
R156-60e-304.1 requires legally obtained hours in a public agency or private clinic after the graduate degree while holding an active Utah CSW or the out-of-state equivalent; stated statutory exemptions apply.
Reinstatement following continued federal service or licensed practice outside Utah
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continued practice
Document continuous professional practice since expiration in full-time U.S. government employment or under a license outside Utah.
Deadline
Submit within six months after reestablishing Utah domicile or ending full-time government service.
Renewal
Meet renewal qualifications and pay renewal and reinstatement fees; Section 58-1-308(6)(b) expressly provides reinstatement without taking an examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • Title58 Chapter1

    58-1-308(6)(b), government service or licensed practice and return to Utah

  • R156 1

    R156-1-308g(3)(b), continued practice documentation

Endorsement based on 4,000 hours of lawful licensed practice
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Submit the Division-approved application and applicable fee; disclose required qualification information.
Exam history
DOPL requires official verification of passing the ASWB Exam; read with R156-60e-302.2(4) identifying the Clinical exam for LCSW.
Practice
Document at least 4,000 hours of lawful independent licensed practice, including at least 1,000 hours of mental health therapy; exclude supervision-accrual time and use each employer's verification or a professional colleague for private practice.
Prior license
Provide official primary-source verification of an independent LCSW or equivalent license covering the qualifying practice period.
Source hierarchy
Section 58-1-302 controls endorsement eligibility; this DOPL pathway states the additional documentation the Division says it will request.
Discretionary endorsement based on licensed competency
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Submit the Division-approved application and applicable fee; disclose required qualification information.
Division review
Produce satisfactory evidence of identity, qualifications and professional good standing; previous or pending discipline and reasonable cause of lack of qualification may prevent issuance.
Examination discretion
R156-1-302(4) permits the Division to require one or more examinations required for original licensure. For LCSW this identifies the ASWB Clinical Exam under R156-60e-302.2(4); current CSW and SSW initial requirements have no examination. Other unnamed examination slots remain applicant conditions.
Prior license
Have licensed practice in a U.S. or international jurisdiction with at least one year of experience; the Division must find education, credentialing examination, experience and skills demonstrate competency.
Discretionary endorsement based on equivalent original requirements
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Submit the Division-approved application and applicable fee; disclose required qualification information.
Division review
Produce satisfactory evidence of identity, qualifications and professional good standing; previous or pending discipline and reasonable cause of lack of qualification may prevent issuance.
Equivalency
The Division must determine that the original jurisdiction's requirements when the license was issued were substantially similar to current Utah requirements.
Examination discretion
R156-1-302(4) permits the Division to require one or more examinations required for original licensure. For LCSW this identifies the ASWB Clinical Exam under R156-60e-302.2(4); current CSW and SSW initial requirements have no examination. Other unnamed examination slots remain applicant conditions.
Endorsement with one year of licensed practice
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Submit the Division-approved application and applicable fee; disclose required qualification information.
Division review
Produce satisfactory evidence of identity, qualifications and professional good standing; previous or pending discipline and reasonable cause of lack of qualification may prevent issuance.
Examination discretion
R156-1-302(4) permits the Division to require one or more examinations required for original licensure. For LCSW this identifies the ASWB Clinical Exam under R156-60e-302.2(4); current CSW and SSW initial requirements have no examination. Other unnamed examination slots remain applicant conditions.
Prior license
Hold a good-standing license with a similar scope from a U.S. state, district or territory and at least one year of experience practicing under it.
Discretionary endorsement for an applicant not previously licensed
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Submit the Division-approved application and applicable fee; disclose required qualification information.
Division review
Produce satisfactory evidence of identity, qualifications and professional good standing; previous or pending discipline and reasonable cause of lack of qualification may prevent issuance.
Equivalency
The Division must determine education, credentialing examination and experience obtained in another jurisdiction are substantially similar to current Utah requirements despite no previous license.
Examination discretion
R156-1-302(4) permits the Division to require one or more examinations required for original licensure. For LCSW this identifies the ASWB Clinical Exam under R156-60e-302.2(4); current CSW and SSW initial requirements have no examination. Other unnamed examination slots remain applicant conditions.
Activation of an inactive license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a verified activation application, appropriate fee and documentation meeting current renewal requirements.
Cycle
Activation within the last 12 months of a renewal cycle includes the remaining period plus the next full cycle.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • R156 1

    R156-1-305(2)-(4), inactive issuance and activation

  • Code60

    58-60-104, renewal

  • R156 60E

    R156-60e-402.1(1), continuing education

Initial licensure by examination
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Submit the Division-approved application and applicable fee; disclose required qualification information.
Application instruction
DOPL application v20251211, page 9, states: “If applying for Initial Licensure, you must pass the ASWB Clinical Exam PRIOR to submitting this application.” This timing instruction is subject to the statutory alternate examination pathway.
Background check
Consent to and complete the statutory criminal background check and disclose requested criminal history.
Clinical coursework
Complete a case work, group work or family treatment course sequence with a clinical practicum.
Education
Provide certified transcripts showing a CSWE- or Canadian Association of Schools of Social Work-accredited master's in social work, or an approved doctoral clinical social work concentration and practicum.
Instruction supervision
The DOPL application checklist asks for at least 3,000 total supervised hours; Section 58-60-205(1)(d) states the federal Medicare eligibility condition on the total-supervision requirement.
Suicide prevention
Complete at least two hours of approved suicide prevention training after education.
Supervised experience
After education, complete at least 1,200 direct client care hours, including at least 100 direct clinical supervision hours, at least 25 direct observation hours, and no more than 25 group supervision hours concurrently with more than one other applicant. Clinical supervision must total at least 3,000 hours or two years when the federal Medicare eligibility provision applies.
Supervision rule
R156-60e-304.1 requires legally obtained hours in a public agency or private clinic after the graduate degree while holding an active Utah CSW or the out-of-state equivalent; stated statutory exemptions apply.
Internationally trained CSW advancing to LCSW
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Submit the Division-approved application and applicable fee; disclose required qualification information.
Application instruction
DOPL application v20251211, page 9, states: “If applying for Initial Licensure, you must pass the ASWB Clinical Exam PRIOR to submitting this application.” This timing instruction is subject to the statutory alternate examination pathway.
Background check
Consent to and complete the statutory criminal background check and disclose requested criminal history.
Board instructions
DOPL's international applicant page describes 3,000 supervised hours, required courses and passing the ASWB Clinical exam; statutory alternate examination conditions remain available.
Clinical coursework
Complete a case work, group work or family treatment course sequence with a clinical practicum.
Education
Provide certified transcripts showing a CSWE- or Canadian Association of Schools of Social Work-accredited master's in social work, or an approved doctoral clinical social work concentration and practicum.
Instruction supervision
The DOPL application checklist asks for at least 3,000 total supervised hours; Section 58-60-205(1)(d) states the federal Medicare eligibility condition on the total-supervision requirement.
International education
Obtain the CSWE or Canadian Association of Schools of Social Work evaluation used for Utah CSW licensure, then complete Utah LCSW qualifications.
Suicide prevention
Complete at least two hours of approved suicide prevention training after education.
Supervised experience
After education, complete at least 1,200 direct client care hours, including at least 100 direct clinical supervision hours, at least 25 direct observation hours, and no more than 25 group supervision hours concurrently with more than one other applicant. Clinical supervision must total at least 3,000 hours or two years when the federal Medicare eligibility provision applies.
Supervision rule
R156-60e-304.1 requires legally obtained hours in a public agency or private clinic after the graduate degree while holding an active Utah CSW or the out-of-state equivalent; stated statutory exemptions apply.
Reinstatement within 30 days of expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
40 hours for a master's degree or higher; include six hours of professional ethics, law or technology ethics and two hours of approved suicide prevention; current rule governs proportional hours, documentation and carryover.
Expiration
License was active and in good standing at expiration; apply within 30 days, meet renewal requirements, and pay renewal and late fees.
Renewal
Renew by September 30 of even-numbered years, submit the renewal application and fee, and comply with ongoing professional development.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • R156 1

    R156-1-308g(1)-(2), reinstatement within two years

  • R156 60E

    R156-60e-402.1(1), continuing education

Reinstatement from day 31 through two years after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
40 hours for a master's degree or higher; include six hours of professional ethics, law or technology ethics and two hours of approved suicide prevention; current rule governs proportional hours, documentation and carryover.
Expiration
License was active and in good standing at expiration; file renewal form showing renewal compliance and pay renewal and reinstatement fees.
Renewal
Renew by September 30 of even-numbered years, submit the renewal application and fee, and comply with ongoing professional development.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • R156 1

    R156-1-308g(1)-(2), reinstatement within two years

  • R156 60E

    R156-60e-402.1(1), continuing education

Military deployment or active duty license extension and renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Request renewal within 90 days after orders terminate and provide activation/deployment and discharge orders.
Military orders
A qualifying National Guard or reserve active-duty license is extended through 90 days after discharge; a deployed service member's license extends through 90 days after the last deployment date.
Renewal
Meet renewal requirements, except continuing education or training; renewal is free. Annual training, in-state active Guard/reserve orders, and orders not requiring relocation outside Utah are excluded.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Out of state applicant not qualifying for endorsement
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Submit the Division-approved application and applicable fee; disclose required qualification information.
Application instruction
DOPL application v20251211, page 9, states: “If applying for Initial Licensure, you must pass the ASWB Clinical Exam PRIOR to submitting this application.” This timing instruction is subject to the statutory alternate examination pathway.
Background check
Consent to and complete the statutory criminal background check and disclose requested criminal history.
Board instructions
DOPL's out-of-state nonendorsement page states: “Completed 3,000 hours of experience under an LCSW ONLY while licensed as a CSW (or equivalent).” It also states: “Hours not completed under an LCSW are NOT considered for UT licensure.” The current statute and R156-60e-304.1 control the qualifying supervisor and legally obtained experience; these lower-ranked page instructions are disclosed to the applicant.
Clinical coursework
Complete a case work, group work or family treatment course sequence with a clinical practicum.
Education
Provide certified transcripts showing a CSWE- or Canadian Association of Schools of Social Work-accredited master's in social work, or an approved doctoral clinical social work concentration and practicum.
Existing license
Provide primary-source verification of current license and supervisors' licenses.
Instruction supervision
The DOPL application checklist asks for at least 3,000 total supervised hours; Section 58-60-205(1)(d) states the federal Medicare eligibility condition on the total-supervision requirement.
Suicide prevention
Complete at least two hours of approved suicide prevention training after education.
Supervised experience
After education, complete at least 1,200 direct client care hours, including at least 100 direct clinical supervision hours, at least 25 direct observation hours, and no more than 25 group supervision hours concurrently with more than one other applicant. Clinical supervision must total at least 3,000 hours or two years when the federal Medicare eligibility provision applies.
Supervision rule
R156-60e-304.1 requires legally obtained hours in a public agency or private clinic after the graduate degree while holding an active Utah CSW or the out-of-state equivalent; stated statutory exemptions apply.
Reinstatement after a disciplinary term or expiration in disciplined status
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Submit initial licensure application and supporting documents showing current qualifications, required fees and current competency. Comply with applicable disciplinary conditions; pay fines where required.
Exam condition
LCSW examination or statutory alternate unsuccessful-attempt pathway is subject to applicable disciplinary orders.
Source hierarchy
Apply profession-specific R156-60e-403.1(6) for committee review and three- or five-year probation if requested and approved; the general rule's initial-qualification requirements continue to identify the licensing exam for LCSW.
Reinstatement after two to five years of expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Division review
Upon request meet the Qualifications and Professional Development Advisory Committee; if recommended with Board concurrence, complete a clinical supervision plan of up to 1,200 direct client care hours while holding an associate-level or CSW license and/or up to 40 hours of continuing education in specified subjects.
Expiration
The unencumbered license expired between two and five years ago.
Fees
Submit reinstatement application and required fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • R156 60E

    R156-60e-403.1(5), reinstatement after two to five years

  • Title58 Chapter1

    58-1-308(5)(a), statutory reinstatement qualifications

Relicensure after more than five years without qualifying continued practice
ASWB Clinical Exam
Clinical exam
For LCSW the current qualification is the ASWB Clinical Exam, with the statutory unsuccessful-attempt alternate pathway available.
Current qualifications
Submit an initial-license application, supporting documents and new-applicant fee demonstrating current qualifications; satisfy the initial education and other conditions of this license.
Relicensure following revocation
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Submit initial licensure application and supporting documents showing current qualifications, required fees and current competency. Comply with applicable disciplinary conditions; pay fines where required.
Exam condition
LCSW examination or statutory alternate unsuccessful-attempt pathway is subject to applicable disciplinary orders.
Source hierarchy
Apply profession-specific R156-60e-403.1(6) for committee review and three- or five-year probation if requested and approved; the general rule's initial-qualification requirements continue to identify the licensing exam for LCSW.
Relicensure following surrender in bad standing
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Submit initial licensure application and supporting documents showing current qualifications, required fees and current competency. Comply with applicable disciplinary conditions; pay fines where required.
Exam condition
LCSW examination or statutory alternate unsuccessful-attempt pathway is subject to applicable disciplinary orders.
Source hierarchy
Apply profession-specific R156-60e-403.1(6) for committee review and three- or five-year probation if requested and approved; the general rule's initial-qualification requirements continue to identify the licensing exam for LCSW.
Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
40 hours for a master's degree or higher; include six hours of professional ethics, law or technology ethics and two hours of approved suicide prevention; current rule governs proportional hours, documentation and carryover.
Renewal
Renew by September 30 of even-numbered years, submit the renewal application and fee, and comply with ongoing professional development.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • Code60

    58-60-104, renewal

  • R156 60E

    R156-60e-402.1(1), continuing education

  • Renew

    Renewal requirements for social-work licenses

Restoration during a disciplinary term
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Disciplinary order
Restoration follows the disciplinary order. Unless the order says otherwise, petition at reasonable intervals; the petition modifies the order rather than constituting a new licensure application.
Division review
On Division request, meet the Background and Investigations Advisory Committee and agree to recommended Board-concurred three- or five-year probation with specified conditions. Any unnamed individualized assessment or examination remains a condition.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • R156 1

    R156-1-308h, restoration during disciplinary term

  • R156 60E

    R156-60e-403.1(6), disciplined reinstatement procedures

Relicensure following surrender in good standing
ASWB Clinical Exam
Clinical exam discretion
For LCSW, when current initial qualifications apply the ASWB Clinical examination is involved; short-term reinstatement and qualifying continued licensed practice may excuse taking it.
Surrender
License was active and in good standing at surrender.
Time window
R156-1-308k(1) applies Sections R156-1-308a through 308l; renewal-compliance reinstatement or current initial qualifications depend on elapsed time and continued practice.
Initial licensure with transitional supervision requirements
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Submit the Division-approved application and applicable fee; disclose required qualification information.
Application instruction
DOPL application v20251211, page 9, states: “If applying for Initial Licensure, you must pass the ASWB Clinical Exam PRIOR to submitting this application.” This timing instruction is subject to the statutory alternate examination pathway.
Background check
Consent to and complete the statutory criminal background check and disclose requested criminal history.
Clinical coursework
Complete a case work, group work or family treatment course sequence with a clinical practicum.
Education
Provide certified transcripts showing a CSWE- or Canadian Association of Schools of Social Work-accredited master's in social work, or an approved doctoral clinical social work concentration and practicum.
Instruction supervision
The DOPL application checklist asks for at least 3,000 total supervised hours; Section 58-60-205(1)(d) states the federal Medicare eligibility condition on the total-supervision requirement.
Suicide prevention
Complete at least two hours of approved suicide prevention training after education.
Supervised experience
After education, complete at least 1,200 direct client care hours, including at least 100 direct clinical supervision hours, at least 25 direct observation hours, and no more than 25 group supervision hours concurrently with more than one other applicant. Clinical supervision must total at least 3,000 hours or two years when the federal Medicare eligibility provision applies.
Supervision rule
R156-60e-304.1 requires legally obtained hours in a public agency or private clinic after the graduate degree while holding an active Utah CSW or the out-of-state equivalent; stated statutory exemptions apply.
Transitional supervision
An applicant who began accruing supervised hours before May 1, 2024 may continue to qualify under the unchanged supervision requirements until January 1, 2027. DOPL's Utah applicant page describes 3,000 total hours including 1,000 direct client care and 75 direct clinical supervision hours for a CSW license issued before May 1, 2024.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker — Probationary License

Licensing authority: Utah Division of Professional Licensing and Behavioral Health Board · Application information

Probationary license at initial
ASWB Clinical Exam
Eligibility
Appear qualified for the underlying license but have conduct bearing on qualifications; Division determines monitoring, supervision or other reasonable conditions protect the public. Issuance is a partial denial subject to agency review.
Underlying route
Meet the underlying initial requirements; comply with the individual restrictions or probationary order.
Probationary license at reinstatement
ASWB Clinical Exam
Eligibility
Appear qualified for the underlying license but have conduct bearing on qualifications; Division determines monitoring, supervision or other reasonable conditions protect the public. Issuance is a partial denial subject to agency review.
Underlying route
Meet the underlying reinstatement requirements; comply with the individual restrictions or probationary order.
Probationary license at renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Appear qualified for the underlying license but have conduct bearing on qualifications; Division determines monitoring, supervision or other reasonable conditions protect the public. Issuance is a partial denial subject to agency review.
Underlying route
Meet the underlying renewal requirements; comply with the individual restrictions or probationary order.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker — Restricted License

Licensing authority: Utah Division of Professional Licensing and Behavioral Health Board · Application information

Restricted license at initial
ASWB Clinical Exam
Eligibility
Appear qualified for the underlying license but have conduct bearing on qualifications; Division determines monitoring, supervision or other reasonable conditions protect the public. Issuance is a partial denial subject to agency review.
Underlying route
Meet the underlying initial requirements; comply with the individual restrictions or probationary order.
Restricted license at reinstatement
ASWB Clinical Exam
Eligibility
Appear qualified for the underlying license but have conduct bearing on qualifications; Division determines monitoring, supervision or other reasonable conditions protect the public. Issuance is a partial denial subject to agency review.
Underlying route
Meet the underlying reinstatement requirements; comply with the individual restrictions or probationary order.
Restricted license at renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Appear qualified for the underlying license but have conduct bearing on qualifications; Division determines monitoring, supervision or other reasonable conditions protect the public. Issuance is a partial denial subject to agency review.
Underlying route
Meet the underlying renewal requirements; comply with the individual restrictions or probationary order.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker — Temporary License

Licensing authority: Utah Division of Professional Licensing and Behavioral Health Board · Application information

Temporary license for emergency or governmental circumstances
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Prior license
Have a license from a U.S. state obtained under requirements equal to or greater than Utah's at the time.
Purpose
Division and Board must find an emergency or governmental unusual circumstance materially threatening public health, safety or welfare.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary license for monitored or supervised observation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Prior license
Have a license from a U.S. state obtained under requirements equal to or greater than Utah's at the time.
Purpose
Division and Board must find a need to observe monitored or supervised practice before deciding regular licensure.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary license pending the next examination
ASWB Clinical Exam
Expiration
The temporary license automatically expires when official failure results are released. No more than three consecutive temporary licenses within three years after the first issuance.
Qualifications
Meet all licensure requirements except passing the examination; take the next available ASWB Clinical examination.
Temporary license for a community service shortage
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Prior license
Have a license from a U.S. state obtained under requirements equal to or greater than Utah's at the time.
Purpose
Division and Board must find a lack of necessary professional services that materially jeopardizes public health, safety or welfare.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary license to teach or assist a Utah licensee
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Prior license
Be licensed outside Utah and temporarily present to teach or assist a Utah resident licensed in the profession; issuance is discretionary.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary telemedicine license while endorsement is pending
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Practice
Only services within the nonresident license's scope for a patient in Utah and otherwise lawful; no additional fee beyond endorsement.
Prior license
Hold a nonresident health care license in good standing, apply for endorsement and have a Division determination that processing cannot finish within 15 days.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

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