Washington Social Work — Requirements & Free Practice
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Licensed Advanced Social Worker
Licensing authority: Washington State Department of Health · Application information
Initial issuance subject to disciplinary authority conditions
At least one of the following alternatives:
- Age
- At least 18 years old under RCW 18.225.010(2).
- Application
- Submit the completed DOH application, required fees, official transcripts and verification of any credentials held; complete personal-data questions and applicable background checks.
- Category Instruction
- DOH Exam Information states: "If you're applying to be a licensed advanced social worker, you must take the advanced generalist exam."
- Conditional License
- RCW 18.225.090(3) subjects applicants to denial or conditional licensure under chapter 18.130 RCW; individualized restrictions or terms are determined by DOH.
- Continuing Education
- Complete continuing education required for initial licensure, including ethics; the current linked DOH application and CE page request 36 hours including six hours of professional ethics.
- Education
- CSWE-accredited social-work master’s degree or a social-work doctorate from a university accredited by a recognized accrediting organization, subject to the statutory approval standards.
- Exam Alternatives
- WAC 246-809-340(1) approves either the advanced or clinical ASWB examination for social-worker licensure. The requirement tree preserves that higher-ranked regulatory alternative. DOH instructions assign a particular category to each classification; see the quoted category instruction.
- Foreign Education
- A foreign degree transcript must be translated and evaluated by a current NACES or AICE member, or by CSWE for social work, under WAC 246-809-096(2).
- Page Inconsistency
- The pinned DOH licensing page repeats LASW Advanced Generalist instructions under the LICSW heading; the separate Exam Information passage and linked application identify the profession-specific categories.
- Registration
- DOH states that applicants submit their licensing materials and obtain approval before exam registration.
- Score Verification
- Official verification of the passing examination must be sent directly to DOH; a currently offered registered examination remains a requirement even when already passed.
- Supervised Experience
- At least 3,000 hours supervised postgraduate experience, including 800 direct-client-contact hours and 90 direct-supervision hours, of which at least 40 are one-to-one; approved supervisors meet WAC 246-809-334.
Licensure without examination based on substantially equivalent credentials
- Implementation Exam Demand
- WAC 246-809-096(1)(d) generally asks for official passing-score verification: "Official verification, sent directly to the department, of passing the examination for the applicant’s practice area". The linked general application also requests ASWB scores. The statutory no-examination route controls; applicants must address DOH’s general instructions.
- Other License
- Hold a credential in another jurisdiction whose credentialing standards DOH determines substantially equivalent to Washington standards under RCW 18.225.140(1).
- Waiver
- This route is the statutory issuance without examination after DOH determines substantial equivalency; it is separate from an applicant merely receiving supervision credit.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- RCW 18.225.140
RCW 18.225.140
- RCW 18.130.077
RCW 18.130.077
- WAC 246-809-096
WAC 246-809-096
- DOH Out-of-State Applicants
DOH Out-of-State Applicants, Substantial Equivalency Qualifications
Initial licensure by examination
At least one of the following alternatives:
- Age
- At least 18 years old under RCW 18.225.010(2).
- Application
- Submit the completed DOH application, required fees, official transcripts and verification of any credentials held; complete personal-data questions and applicable background checks.
- Category Instruction
- DOH Exam Information states: "If you're applying to be a licensed advanced social worker, you must take the advanced generalist exam."
- Continuing Education
- Complete continuing education required for initial licensure, including ethics; the current linked DOH application and CE page request 36 hours including six hours of professional ethics.
- Education
- CSWE-accredited social-work master’s degree or a social-work doctorate from a university accredited by a recognized accrediting organization, subject to the statutory approval standards.
- Exam Alternatives
- WAC 246-809-340(1) approves either the advanced or clinical ASWB examination for social-worker licensure. The requirement tree preserves that higher-ranked regulatory alternative. DOH instructions assign a particular category to each classification; see the quoted category instruction.
- Foreign Education
- A foreign degree transcript must be translated and evaluated by a current NACES or AICE member, or by CSWE for social work, under WAC 246-809-096(2).
- Page Inconsistency
- The pinned DOH licensing page repeats LASW Advanced Generalist instructions under the LICSW heading; the separate Exam Information passage and linked application identify the profession-specific categories.
- Registration
- DOH states that applicants submit their licensing materials and obtain approval before exam registration.
- Score Verification
- Official verification of the passing examination must be sent directly to DOH; a currently offered registered examination remains a requirement even when already passed.
- Supervised Experience
- At least 3,000 hours supervised postgraduate experience, including 800 direct-client-contact hours and 90 direct-supervision hours, of which at least 40 are one-to-one; approved supervisors meet WAC 246-809-334.
Reactivation after expiration for one renewal cycle or less
- Competence
- For three or more years, satisfy other competency requirements DOH establishes; RCW 18.225.150 requires competence for a license lapsed longer than three years through CE or other standards.
- Documentation
- Comply with the applicable declarations, abbreviated application and CE/competency requirements listed in WAC 246-12-040(3).
- Expiration
- Credential expired for one renewal cycle or less; do not practice until returned to active status.
- Payments
- Pay current renewal, late penalty, applicable surcharge and reissuance fee where required by WAC 246-12-040.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- WAC 246-12-040
WAC 246-12-040
- RCW 18.225.150
RCW 18.225.150
Reactivation after expiration for three years or more
- Competence
- For three or more years, satisfy other competency requirements DOH establishes; RCW 18.225.150 requires competence for a license lapsed longer than three years through CE or other standards.
- Documentation
- Comply with the applicable declarations, abbreviated application and CE/competency requirements listed in WAC 246-12-040(3).
- Expiration
- Credential expired for three years or more; do not practice until returned to active status.
- Payments
- Pay current renewal, late penalty, applicable surcharge and reissuance fee where required by WAC 246-12-040.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- WAC 246-12-040
WAC 246-12-040
- RCW 18.225.150
RCW 18.225.150
Reactivation after more than one renewal cycle but under three years
- Competence
- For three or more years, satisfy other competency requirements DOH establishes; RCW 18.225.150 requires competence for a license lapsed longer than three years through CE or other standards.
- Documentation
- Comply with the applicable declarations, abbreviated application and CE/competency requirements listed in WAC 246-12-040(3).
- Expiration
- Credential expired for more than one renewal cycle but less than three years; do not practice until returned to active status.
- Payments
- Pay current renewal, late penalty, applicable surcharge and reissuance fee where required by WAC 246-12-040.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- WAC 246-12-040
WAC 246-12-040
- RCW 18.225.150
RCW 18.225.150
Return to active status after mandated suspension
- Compliance
- Meet suspension-order requirements; pay fees due including the return fee and surcharge if applicable; declare CE and competency compliance throughout suspension; provide any other required documentation.
- Long Suspension
- For more than three years, comply with specific requirements established by the profession.
- Prior Status
- A suspension required by law rather than discretionary discipline.
Maintain military status
- Renewal
- Ordinary renewal and CE are not required during military status.
- Service
- Active qualifying military service continues; return maintenance notice with service orders.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- WAC 246-12-520
WAC 246-12-520
- WAC 246-12-500
WAC 246-12-500
Maintain inactive military related status
- Documentation
- Submit service orders with maintenance notice; CE is not required during this inactive status.
- Eligibility
- Marriage/partnership and outside-Washington deployment or stationing continue.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- WAC 246-12-550
WAC 246-12-550
- WAC 246-12-500
WAC 246-12-500
Return from inactive military related status
- Continuing Education
- CE applies during the following renewal.
- Deadline
- Following qualifying discharge, return within six months and submit DD214; late fees otherwise apply.
- Documentation
- Pay current active renewal fee/surcharge and document the service member’s current service or discharge status.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- WAC 246-12-560
WAC 246-12-560
- WAC 246-12-500
WAC 246-12-500
Obtain inactive military related status
- Documentation
- Submit written request, service orders and marriage/partnership proof.
- Eligibility
- Hold an active Washington credential in good standing and be spouse or registered domestic partner of a qualifying service member deployed or stationed outside Washington.
- Practice
- Do not practice in Washington during inactive military-related status.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- WAC 246-12-540
WAC 246-12-540
- WAC 246-12-500
WAC 246-12-500
Return from military to active status
- Continuing Education
- CE applies after the first post-discharge renewal.
- Documentation
- Submit change notification, DD214 discharge papers and current renewal fee/surcharge within six months of qualifying discharge.
- Late Return
- Late fees apply after the deadline.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- WAC 246-12-530
WAC 246-12-530
- WAC 246-12-500
WAC 246-12-500
Obtain military status
- Eligibility
- Hold an active Washington credential in good standing; submit written request and official service orders demonstrating qualifying active military service.
- Practice
- Credential remains in effect while service continues and permits Washington practice unless suspended or revoked.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- WAC 246-12-510
WAC 246-12-510
- WAC 246-12-500
WAC 246-12-500
Initial licensure with national certification education and experience equivalency
At least one of the following alternatives:
- Age
- At least 18 years old under RCW 18.225.010(2).
- Application
- Submit the completed DOH application, required fees, official transcripts and verification of any credentials held; complete personal-data questions and applicable background checks.
- Category Instruction
- DOH Exam Information states: "If you're applying to be a licensed advanced social worker, you must take the advanced generalist exam."
- Certification
- ABECSW Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work, or NASW DCSW or QCSW, satisfies education and postgraduate experience under WAC 246-809-321; documentation comes directly from the certification body. Examination remains required.
- Continuing Education
- Complete continuing education required for initial licensure, including ethics; the current linked DOH application and CE page request 36 hours including six hours of professional ethics.
- Exam Alternatives
- WAC 246-809-340(1) approves either the advanced or clinical ASWB examination for social-worker licensure. The requirement tree preserves that higher-ranked regulatory alternative. DOH instructions assign a particular category to each classification; see the quoted category instruction.
- Foreign Education
- A foreign degree transcript must be translated and evaluated by a current NACES or AICE member, or by CSWE for social work, under WAC 246-809-096(2).
- Registration
- DOH states that applicants submit their licensing materials and obtain approval before exam registration.
- Score Verification
- Official verification of the passing examination must be sent directly to DOH; a currently offered registered examination remains a requirement even when already passed.
Initial licensure with out of state supervised experience equivalency
At least one of the following alternatives:
- Age
- At least 18 years old under RCW 18.225.010(2).
- Application
- Submit the completed DOH application, required fees, official transcripts and verification of any credentials held; complete personal-data questions and applicable background checks.
- Category Instruction
- DOH Exam Information states: "If you're applying to be a licensed advanced social worker, you must take the advanced generalist exam."
- Conflicting Experience Instructions
- The pinned DOH licensing page and current linked application still describe five years for supervision-documentation relief; the current WAC uses one year. Applicants should account for the Board’s stated documentation demand.
- Continuing Education
- Complete continuing education required for initial licensure, including ethics; the current linked DOH application and CE page request 36 hours including six hours of professional ethics.
- Education
- CSWE-accredited social-work master’s degree or a social-work doctorate from a university accredited by a recognized accrediting organization, subject to the statutory approval standards.
- Exam Alternatives
- WAC 246-809-340(1) approves either the advanced or clinical ASWB examination for social-worker licensure. The requirement tree preserves that higher-ranked regulatory alternative. DOH instructions assign a particular category to each classification; see the quoted category instruction.
- Foreign Education
- A foreign degree transcript must be translated and evaluated by a current NACES or AICE member, or by CSWE for social work, under WAC 246-809-096(2).
- Page Inconsistency
- The pinned DOH licensing page repeats LASW Advanced Generalist instructions under the LICSW heading; the separate Exam Information passage and linked application identify the profession-specific categories.
- Registration
- DOH states that applicants submit their licensing materials and obtain approval before exam registration.
- Score Verification
- Official verification of the passing examination must be sent directly to DOH; a currently offered registered examination remains a requirement even when already passed.
- Supervised Experience
- Under WAC 246-809-330, an active corresponding full license held for at least the past year without disciplinary record or disqualifying criminal history satisfies supervised experience. This route does not assert a full examination waiver.
Transition from probationary licensure to full licensure
At least one of the following alternatives:
- Age
- At least 18 years old under RCW 18.225.010(2).
- Application
- Submit the completed DOH application, required fees, official transcripts and verification of any credentials held; complete personal-data questions and applicable background checks.
- Category Instruction
- DOH Exam Information states: "If you're applying to be a licensed advanced social worker, you must take the advanced generalist exam."
- Continuing Education
- Complete continuing education required for initial licensure, including ethics; the current linked DOH application and CE page request 36 hours including six hours of professional ethics.
- Department Discretion
- RCW 18.225.140(2)(b) allows a jurisprudential examination if appropriate but identifies no real examination; this is an unnamed examination condition, not an invented state exam.
- Education
- CSWE-accredited social-work master’s degree or a social-work doctorate from a university accredited by a recognized accrediting organization, subject to the statutory approval standards.
- Exam Alternatives
- WAC 246-809-340(1) approves either the advanced or clinical ASWB examination for social-worker licensure. The requirement tree preserves that higher-ranked regulatory alternative. DOH instructions assign a particular category to each classification; see the quoted category instruction.
- Existing Score
- A valid passing ASWB score may already satisfy the examination; official verification remains necessary.
- Foreign Education
- A foreign degree transcript must be translated and evaluated by a current NACES or AICE member, or by CSWE for social work, under WAC 246-809-096(2).
- Page Inconsistency
- The pinned DOH licensing page repeats LASW Advanced Generalist instructions under the LICSW heading; the separate Exam Information passage and linked application identify the profession-specific categories.
- Probationary Holder
- Hold the corresponding Washington probationary credential and complete the deficiencies DOH determines during its permitted term.
- Registration
- DOH states that applicants submit their licensing materials and obtain approval before exam registration.
- Score Verification
- Official verification of the passing examination must be sent directly to DOH; a currently offered registered examination remains a requirement even when already passed.
- Supervised Experience
- At least 3,000 hours supervised postgraduate experience, including 800 direct-client-contact hours and 90 direct-supervision hours, of which at least 40 are one-to-one; approved supervisors meet WAC 246-809-334.
Annual license renewal
- Continuing Education
- 32 hours every two years, including six ethics/law and two separate roles/boundaries hours; two health-equity hours every four years; six suicide assessment/treatment/management hours every six years.
- Fees
- Submit renewal fee and CE compliance declaration.
- Renewal
- Renew annually on the practitioner’s birthday.
- Rule Text Caveat
- CE is training, not a separately identified licensing examination.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- RCW 18.225.150
RCW 18.225.150
- WAC 246-809-990
WAC 246-809-990
- WAC 246-809-630
WAC 246-809-630
Return from retired active to ordinary active licensure
- Documentation
- Written notice, current active renewal fee and applicable surcharge; declarations of unrestricted practice and no surrender to avoid discipline; satisfy professional CE and any competency requirements DOH requires.
- Prior Status
- Hold the corresponding retired-active license.
Initial licensure with substance use disorder practice experience credit
At least one of the following alternatives:
- Age
- At least 18 years old under RCW 18.225.010(2).
- Application
- Submit the completed DOH application, required fees, official transcripts and verification of any credentials held; complete personal-data questions and applicable background checks.
- Category Instruction
- DOH Exam Information states: "If you're applying to be a licensed advanced social worker, you must take the advanced generalist exam."
- Conflicting Rule Numbers
- WAC 246-809-330(1)(b) states 3,200 to 2,880 hours for advanced applicants; subsection (2)(b) states 3,000 to 2,600 for clinical applicants. These numerical statements conflict with the ten-percent statutory reduction and are preserved as applicant-facing information.
- Continuing Education
- Complete continuing education required for initial licensure, including ethics; the current linked DOH application and CE page request 36 hours including six hours of professional ethics.
- Education
- CSWE-accredited social-work master’s degree or a social-work doctorate from a university accredited by a recognized accrediting organization, subject to the statutory approval standards.
- Exam Alternatives
- WAC 246-809-340(1) approves either the advanced or clinical ASWB examination for social-worker licensure. The requirement tree preserves that higher-ranked regulatory alternative. DOH instructions assign a particular category to each classification; see the quoted category instruction.
- Experience Credit
- RCW 18.225.095 requires a ten-percent reduction in total supervised hours for certified chemical-dependency/SUDP practice for three of the previous ten years; against the statutory 3,000 hours this is 2,700 hours. Direct-client and direct-supervision minima continue to apply.
- Foreign Education
- A foreign degree transcript must be translated and evaluated by a current NACES or AICE member, or by CSWE for social work, under WAC 246-809-096(2).
- Page Inconsistency
- The pinned DOH licensing page repeats LASW Advanced Generalist instructions under the LICSW heading; the separate Exam Information passage and linked application identify the profession-specific categories.
- Registration
- DOH states that applicants submit their licensing materials and obtain approval before exam registration.
- Score Verification
- Official verification of the passing examination must be sent directly to DOH; a currently offered registered examination remains a requirement even when already passed.
- Supervised Experience
- At least 3,000 hours supervised postgraduate experience, including 800 direct-client-contact hours and 90 direct-supervision hours, of which at least 40 are one-to-one; approved supervisors meet WAC 246-809-334.
Initial licensure with mandatory substantially equivalent two year waiver
- Conduct
- Not subject to denial or conditional licensure; no disciplinary action for unprofessional conduct or impairment during the preceding two years or application pendency; no pending investigation or charges.
- Initial Jurisdiction
- DOH reviews original licensing standards and universal-licensure history case by case.
- Other License
- Credentialed in a substantially equivalent jurisdiction for at least the two years immediately preceding application, with no interruption longer than 90 days.
- Waiver
- Education, training, experience and exam requirements are waived under RCW 18.130.077(1).
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- RCW 18.130.077
RCW 18.130.077
- DOH Legislative Implementation
DOH Legislative Implementation, Completed Projects, Section 8
Licensed Advanced Social Worker — Temporary Practice Permit
Licensing authority: Washington State Department of Health · Application information
Temporary permit during national background check
At least one of the following alternatives:
- Age
- At least 18 years old under RCW 18.225.010(2).
- Application
- Submit the completed DOH application, required fees, official transcripts and verification of any credentials held; complete personal-data questions and applicable background checks.
- Background Check
- Satisfy all full-license qualifications except a pending fingerprint-based national background check; submit fingerprint card when requested.
- Category Instruction
- DOH Exam Information states: "If you're applying to be a licensed advanced social worker, you must take the advanced generalist exam."
- Conduct
- No Washington criminal record and not subject to license denial or conditional/restricted licensure.
- Continuing Education
- Complete continuing education required for initial licensure, including ethics; the current linked DOH application and CE page request 36 hours including six hours of professional ethics.
- Documentation
- Submit the full-license application, fee and supporting documents, plus a written temporary-permit request.
- Duration
- Up to 180 days; ends earlier upon licensure or DOH’s decision unless expressly extended in the decision.
- Education
- CSWE-accredited social-work master’s degree or a social-work doctorate from a university accredited by a recognized accrediting organization, subject to the statutory approval standards.
- Exam Alternatives
- WAC 246-809-340(1) approves either the advanced or clinical ASWB examination for social-worker licensure. The requirement tree preserves that higher-ranked regulatory alternative. DOH instructions assign a particular category to each classification; see the quoted category instruction.
- Extension
- This background-check permit cannot be renewed, reissued or extended.
- Foreign Education
- A foreign degree transcript must be translated and evaluated by a current NACES or AICE member, or by CSWE for social work, under WAC 246-809-096(2).
- Other License
- Unrestricted active corresponding license from a substantially equivalent jurisdiction.
- Page Inconsistency
- The pinned DOH licensing page repeats LASW Advanced Generalist instructions under the LICSW heading; the separate Exam Information passage and linked application identify the profession-specific categories.
- Registration
- DOH states that applicants submit their licensing materials and obtain approval before exam registration.
- Score Verification
- Official verification of the passing examination must be sent directly to DOH; a currently offered registered examination remains a requirement even when already passed.
- Supervised Experience
- At least 3,000 hours supervised postgraduate experience, including 800 direct-client-contact hours and 90 direct-supervision hours, of which at least 40 are one-to-one; approved supervisors meet WAC 246-809-334.
- Waiver
- If the applicant independently qualifies for the statutory substantial-equivalency examination waiver, DOH may excuse the examination; the registered examinations involved in underlying full licensing are retained.
Temporary permit for relocating military spouse or domestic partner
At least one of the following alternatives:
- Age
- At least 18 years old under RCW 18.225.010(2).
- Application
- Submit the completed DOH application, required fees, official transcripts and verification of any credentials held; complete personal-data questions and applicable background checks.
- Category Instruction
- DOH Exam Information states: "If you're applying to be a licensed advanced social worker, you must take the advanced generalist exam."
- Conduct
- No pending investigation, charges or disciplinary action by another licensing body.
- Continuing Education
- Complete continuing education required for initial licensure, including ethics; the current linked DOH application and CE page request 36 hours including six hours of professional ethics.
- Documentation
- Submit the full-license application, fee and supporting documents, plus a written temporary-permit request.
- Duration
- Up to 180 days; ends earlier upon licensure or DOH’s decision unless expressly extended in the decision.
- Education
- CSWE-accredited social-work master’s degree or a social-work doctorate from a university accredited by a recognized accrediting organization, subject to the statutory approval standards.
- Exam Alternatives
- WAC 246-809-340(1) approves either the advanced or clinical ASWB examination for social-worker licensure. The requirement tree preserves that higher-ranked regulatory alternative. DOH instructions assign a particular category to each classification; see the quoted category instruction.
- Foreign Education
- A foreign degree transcript must be translated and evaluated by a current NACES or AICE member, or by CSWE for social work, under WAC 246-809-096(2).
- Military Relationship
- Military spouse or registered domestic partner moving to Washington because of the service member’s transfer; submit service orders and marriage/partnership or military-ID proof.
- Other License
- Unrestricted active corresponding license from a substantially equivalent jurisdiction.
- Page Inconsistency
- The pinned DOH licensing page repeats LASW Advanced Generalist instructions under the LICSW heading; the separate Exam Information passage and linked application identify the profession-specific categories.
- Qualifications
- Meet the training, education and practice standards; additional requirements unrelated to those standards may remain outstanding.
- Registration
- DOH states that applicants submit their licensing materials and obtain approval before exam registration.
- Score Verification
- Official verification of the passing examination must be sent directly to DOH; a currently offered registered examination remains a requirement even when already passed.
- Supervised Experience
- At least 3,000 hours supervised postgraduate experience, including 800 direct-client-contact hours and 90 direct-supervision hours, of which at least 40 are one-to-one; approved supervisors meet WAC 246-809-334.
- Waiver
- If the applicant independently qualifies for the statutory substantial-equivalency examination waiver, DOH may excuse the examination; the registered examinations involved in underlying full licensing are retained.
Temporary practice pending completion of licensing documentation
- Application
- Apply for the corresponding Washington license; documentation of eligibility remains pending.
- Discipline
- Not subject to denial or conditional licensure; comply with any statutory scope limitations.
- Duration
- DOH determines duration by rule; temporary permits are subject to disciplinary authority.
- Other License
- Hold a license in a jurisdiction with substantially equivalent licensing standards, verified as current and without disciplinary charges or action.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- RCW 18.130.075
RCW 18.130.075
- RCW 18.225.140
RCW 18.225.140
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Licensing authority: Washington State Department of Health · Application information
Initial issuance subject to disciplinary authority conditions
At least one of the following alternatives:
- Age
- At least 18 years old under RCW 18.225.010(2).
- Application
- Submit the completed DOH application, required fees, official transcripts and verification of any credentials held; complete personal-data questions and applicable background checks.
- Category Instruction
- DOH Exam Information states: "If you're applying to be a licensed independent clinical social worker, you must take the clinical exam."
- Conditional License
- RCW 18.225.090(3) subjects applicants to denial or conditional licensure under chapter 18.130 RCW; individualized restrictions or terms are determined by DOH.
- Continuing Education
- Complete continuing education required for initial licensure, including ethics; the current linked DOH application and CE page request 36 hours including six hours of professional ethics.
- Education
- CSWE-accredited social-work master’s degree or a social-work doctorate from a university accredited by a recognized accrediting organization, subject to the statutory approval standards.
- Exam Alternatives
- WAC 246-809-340(1) approves either the advanced or clinical ASWB examination for social-worker licensure. The requirement tree preserves that higher-ranked regulatory alternative. DOH instructions assign a particular category to each classification; see the quoted category instruction.
- Foreign Education
- A foreign degree transcript must be translated and evaluated by a current NACES or AICE member, or by CSWE for social work, under WAC 246-809-096(2).
- Page Inconsistency
- The pinned DOH licensing page repeats LASW Advanced Generalist instructions under the LICSW heading; the separate Exam Information passage and linked application identify the profession-specific categories.
- Registration
- DOH states that applicants submit their licensing materials and obtain approval before exam registration.
- Score Verification
- Official verification of the passing examination must be sent directly to DOH; a currently offered registered examination remains a requirement even when already passed.
- Supervised Experience
- At least 3,000 hours over at least two years, including 1,000 direct-client-contact hours and 100 direct-supervision hours, at least 70 with a LICSW and 60 one-to-one; approved supervisors meet WAC 246-809-334.
Licensure without examination based on substantially equivalent credentials
- Implementation Exam Demand
- WAC 246-809-096(1)(d) generally asks for official passing-score verification: "Official verification, sent directly to the department, of passing the examination for the applicant’s practice area". The linked general application also requests ASWB scores. The statutory no-examination route controls; applicants must address DOH’s general instructions.
- Other License
- Hold a credential in another jurisdiction whose credentialing standards DOH determines substantially equivalent to Washington standards under RCW 18.225.140(1).
- Waiver
- This route is the statutory issuance without examination after DOH determines substantial equivalency; it is separate from an applicant merely receiving supervision credit.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- RCW 18.225.140
RCW 18.225.140
- RCW 18.130.077
RCW 18.130.077
- WAC 246-809-096
WAC 246-809-096
- DOH Out-of-State Applicants
DOH Out-of-State Applicants, Substantial Equivalency Qualifications
Initial licensure by examination
At least one of the following alternatives:
- Age
- At least 18 years old under RCW 18.225.010(2).
- Application
- Submit the completed DOH application, required fees, official transcripts and verification of any credentials held; complete personal-data questions and applicable background checks.
- Category Instruction
- DOH Exam Information states: "If you're applying to be a licensed independent clinical social worker, you must take the clinical exam."
- Continuing Education
- Complete continuing education required for initial licensure, including ethics; the current linked DOH application and CE page request 36 hours including six hours of professional ethics.
- Education
- CSWE-accredited social-work master’s degree or a social-work doctorate from a university accredited by a recognized accrediting organization, subject to the statutory approval standards.
- Exam Alternatives
- WAC 246-809-340(1) approves either the advanced or clinical ASWB examination for social-worker licensure. The requirement tree preserves that higher-ranked regulatory alternative. DOH instructions assign a particular category to each classification; see the quoted category instruction.
- Foreign Education
- A foreign degree transcript must be translated and evaluated by a current NACES or AICE member, or by CSWE for social work, under WAC 246-809-096(2).
- Page Inconsistency
- The pinned DOH licensing page repeats LASW Advanced Generalist instructions under the LICSW heading; the separate Exam Information passage and linked application identify the profession-specific categories.
- Registration
- DOH states that applicants submit their licensing materials and obtain approval before exam registration.
- Score Verification
- Official verification of the passing examination must be sent directly to DOH; a currently offered registered examination remains a requirement even when already passed.
- Supervised Experience
- At least 3,000 hours over at least two years, including 1,000 direct-client-contact hours and 100 direct-supervision hours, at least 70 with a LICSW and 60 one-to-one; approved supervisors meet WAC 246-809-334.
Reactivation after expiration for one renewal cycle or less
- Competence
- For three or more years, satisfy other competency requirements DOH establishes; RCW 18.225.150 requires competence for a license lapsed longer than three years through CE or other standards.
- Documentation
- Comply with the applicable declarations, abbreviated application and CE/competency requirements listed in WAC 246-12-040(3).
- Expiration
- Credential expired for one renewal cycle or less; do not practice until returned to active status.
- Payments
- Pay current renewal, late penalty, applicable surcharge and reissuance fee where required by WAC 246-12-040.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- WAC 246-12-040
WAC 246-12-040
- RCW 18.225.150
RCW 18.225.150
Reactivation after expiration for three years or more
- Competence
- For three or more years, satisfy other competency requirements DOH establishes; RCW 18.225.150 requires competence for a license lapsed longer than three years through CE or other standards.
- Documentation
- Comply with the applicable declarations, abbreviated application and CE/competency requirements listed in WAC 246-12-040(3).
- Expiration
- Credential expired for three years or more; do not practice until returned to active status.
- Payments
- Pay current renewal, late penalty, applicable surcharge and reissuance fee where required by WAC 246-12-040.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- WAC 246-12-040
WAC 246-12-040
- RCW 18.225.150
RCW 18.225.150
Reactivation after more than one renewal cycle but under three years
- Competence
- For three or more years, satisfy other competency requirements DOH establishes; RCW 18.225.150 requires competence for a license lapsed longer than three years through CE or other standards.
- Documentation
- Comply with the applicable declarations, abbreviated application and CE/competency requirements listed in WAC 246-12-040(3).
- Expiration
- Credential expired for more than one renewal cycle but less than three years; do not practice until returned to active status.
- Payments
- Pay current renewal, late penalty, applicable surcharge and reissuance fee where required by WAC 246-12-040.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- WAC 246-12-040
WAC 246-12-040
- RCW 18.225.150
RCW 18.225.150
Return to active status after mandated suspension
- Compliance
- Meet suspension-order requirements; pay fees due including the return fee and surcharge if applicable; declare CE and competency compliance throughout suspension; provide any other required documentation.
- Long Suspension
- For more than three years, comply with specific requirements established by the profession.
- Prior Status
- A suspension required by law rather than discretionary discipline.
Maintain military status
- Renewal
- Ordinary renewal and CE are not required during military status.
- Service
- Active qualifying military service continues; return maintenance notice with service orders.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- WAC 246-12-520
WAC 246-12-520
- WAC 246-12-500
WAC 246-12-500
Maintain inactive military related status
- Documentation
- Submit service orders with maintenance notice; CE is not required during this inactive status.
- Eligibility
- Marriage/partnership and outside-Washington deployment or stationing continue.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- WAC 246-12-550
WAC 246-12-550
- WAC 246-12-500
WAC 246-12-500
Return from inactive military related status
- Continuing Education
- CE applies during the following renewal.
- Deadline
- Following qualifying discharge, return within six months and submit DD214; late fees otherwise apply.
- Documentation
- Pay current active renewal fee/surcharge and document the service member’s current service or discharge status.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- WAC 246-12-560
WAC 246-12-560
- WAC 246-12-500
WAC 246-12-500
Obtain inactive military related status
- Documentation
- Submit written request, service orders and marriage/partnership proof.
- Eligibility
- Hold an active Washington credential in good standing and be spouse or registered domestic partner of a qualifying service member deployed or stationed outside Washington.
- Practice
- Do not practice in Washington during inactive military-related status.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- WAC 246-12-540
WAC 246-12-540
- WAC 246-12-500
WAC 246-12-500
Return from military to active status
- Continuing Education
- CE applies after the first post-discharge renewal.
- Documentation
- Submit change notification, DD214 discharge papers and current renewal fee/surcharge within six months of qualifying discharge.
- Late Return
- Late fees apply after the deadline.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- WAC 246-12-530
WAC 246-12-530
- WAC 246-12-500
WAC 246-12-500
Obtain military status
- Eligibility
- Hold an active Washington credential in good standing; submit written request and official service orders demonstrating qualifying active military service.
- Practice
- Credential remains in effect while service continues and permits Washington practice unless suspended or revoked.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- WAC 246-12-510
WAC 246-12-510
- WAC 246-12-500
WAC 246-12-500
Initial licensure with national certification education and experience equivalency
At least one of the following alternatives:
- Age
- At least 18 years old under RCW 18.225.010(2).
- Application
- Submit the completed DOH application, required fees, official transcripts and verification of any credentials held; complete personal-data questions and applicable background checks.
- Category Instruction
- DOH Exam Information states: "If you're applying to be a licensed independent clinical social worker, you must take the clinical exam."
- Certification
- ABECSW Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work, or NASW DCSW or QCSW, satisfies education and postgraduate experience under WAC 246-809-321; documentation comes directly from the certification body. Examination remains required.
- Continuing Education
- Complete continuing education required for initial licensure, including ethics; the current linked DOH application and CE page request 36 hours including six hours of professional ethics.
- Exam Alternatives
- WAC 246-809-340(1) approves either the advanced or clinical ASWB examination for social-worker licensure. The requirement tree preserves that higher-ranked regulatory alternative. DOH instructions assign a particular category to each classification; see the quoted category instruction.
- Foreign Education
- A foreign degree transcript must be translated and evaluated by a current NACES or AICE member, or by CSWE for social work, under WAC 246-809-096(2).
- Registration
- DOH states that applicants submit their licensing materials and obtain approval before exam registration.
- Score Verification
- Official verification of the passing examination must be sent directly to DOH; a currently offered registered examination remains a requirement even when already passed.
Initial licensure with out of state supervised experience equivalency
At least one of the following alternatives:
- Age
- At least 18 years old under RCW 18.225.010(2).
- Application
- Submit the completed DOH application, required fees, official transcripts and verification of any credentials held; complete personal-data questions and applicable background checks.
- Category Instruction
- DOH Exam Information states: "If you're applying to be a licensed independent clinical social worker, you must take the clinical exam."
- Conflicting Experience Instructions
- The pinned DOH licensing page and current linked application still describe five years for supervision-documentation relief; the current WAC uses one year. Applicants should account for the Board’s stated documentation demand.
- Continuing Education
- Complete continuing education required for initial licensure, including ethics; the current linked DOH application and CE page request 36 hours including six hours of professional ethics.
- Education
- CSWE-accredited social-work master’s degree or a social-work doctorate from a university accredited by a recognized accrediting organization, subject to the statutory approval standards.
- Exam Alternatives
- WAC 246-809-340(1) approves either the advanced or clinical ASWB examination for social-worker licensure. The requirement tree preserves that higher-ranked regulatory alternative. DOH instructions assign a particular category to each classification; see the quoted category instruction.
- Foreign Education
- A foreign degree transcript must be translated and evaluated by a current NACES or AICE member, or by CSWE for social work, under WAC 246-809-096(2).
- Page Inconsistency
- The pinned DOH licensing page repeats LASW Advanced Generalist instructions under the LICSW heading; the separate Exam Information passage and linked application identify the profession-specific categories.
- Registration
- DOH states that applicants submit their licensing materials and obtain approval before exam registration.
- Score Verification
- Official verification of the passing examination must be sent directly to DOH; a currently offered registered examination remains a requirement even when already passed.
- Supervised Experience
- Under WAC 246-809-330, an active corresponding full license held for at least the past year without disciplinary record or disqualifying criminal history satisfies supervised experience. This route does not assert a full examination waiver.
Transition from probationary licensure to full licensure
At least one of the following alternatives:
- Age
- At least 18 years old under RCW 18.225.010(2).
- Application
- Submit the completed DOH application, required fees, official transcripts and verification of any credentials held; complete personal-data questions and applicable background checks.
- Category Instruction
- DOH Exam Information states: "If you're applying to be a licensed independent clinical social worker, you must take the clinical exam."
- Continuing Education
- Complete continuing education required for initial licensure, including ethics; the current linked DOH application and CE page request 36 hours including six hours of professional ethics.
- Department Discretion
- RCW 18.225.140(2)(b) allows a jurisprudential examination if appropriate but identifies no real examination; this is an unnamed examination condition, not an invented state exam.
- Education
- CSWE-accredited social-work master’s degree or a social-work doctorate from a university accredited by a recognized accrediting organization, subject to the statutory approval standards.
- Exam Alternatives
- WAC 246-809-340(1) approves either the advanced or clinical ASWB examination for social-worker licensure. The requirement tree preserves that higher-ranked regulatory alternative. DOH instructions assign a particular category to each classification; see the quoted category instruction.
- Existing Score
- A valid passing ASWB score may already satisfy the examination; official verification remains necessary.
- Foreign Education
- A foreign degree transcript must be translated and evaluated by a current NACES or AICE member, or by CSWE for social work, under WAC 246-809-096(2).
- Page Inconsistency
- The pinned DOH licensing page repeats LASW Advanced Generalist instructions under the LICSW heading; the separate Exam Information passage and linked application identify the profession-specific categories.
- Probationary Holder
- Hold the corresponding Washington probationary credential and complete the deficiencies DOH determines during its permitted term.
- Registration
- DOH states that applicants submit their licensing materials and obtain approval before exam registration.
- Score Verification
- Official verification of the passing examination must be sent directly to DOH; a currently offered registered examination remains a requirement even when already passed.
- Supervised Experience
- At least 3,000 hours over at least two years, including 1,000 direct-client-contact hours and 100 direct-supervision hours, at least 70 with a LICSW and 60 one-to-one; approved supervisors meet WAC 246-809-334.
Annual license renewal
- Continuing Education
- 32 hours every two years, including six ethics/law and two separate roles/boundaries hours; two health-equity hours every four years; six suicide assessment/treatment/management hours every six years.
- Fees
- Submit renewal fee and CE compliance declaration.
- Renewal
- Renew annually on the practitioner’s birthday.
- Rule Text Caveat
- CE is training, not a separately identified licensing examination.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- RCW 18.225.150
RCW 18.225.150
- WAC 246-809-990
WAC 246-809-990
- WAC 246-809-630
WAC 246-809-630
Return from retired active to ordinary active licensure
- Documentation
- Written notice, current active renewal fee and applicable surcharge; declarations of unrestricted practice and no surrender to avoid discipline; satisfy professional CE and any competency requirements DOH requires.
- Prior Status
- Hold the corresponding retired-active license.
Initial licensure with substance use disorder practice experience credit
At least one of the following alternatives:
- Age
- At least 18 years old under RCW 18.225.010(2).
- Application
- Submit the completed DOH application, required fees, official transcripts and verification of any credentials held; complete personal-data questions and applicable background checks.
- Category Instruction
- DOH Exam Information states: "If you're applying to be a licensed independent clinical social worker, you must take the clinical exam."
- Conflicting Rule Numbers
- WAC 246-809-330(1)(b) states 3,200 to 2,880 hours for advanced applicants; subsection (2)(b) states 3,000 to 2,600 for clinical applicants. These numerical statements conflict with the ten-percent statutory reduction and are preserved as applicant-facing information.
- Continuing Education
- Complete continuing education required for initial licensure, including ethics; the current linked DOH application and CE page request 36 hours including six hours of professional ethics.
- Education
- CSWE-accredited social-work master’s degree or a social-work doctorate from a university accredited by a recognized accrediting organization, subject to the statutory approval standards.
- Exam Alternatives
- WAC 246-809-340(1) approves either the advanced or clinical ASWB examination for social-worker licensure. The requirement tree preserves that higher-ranked regulatory alternative. DOH instructions assign a particular category to each classification; see the quoted category instruction.
- Experience Credit
- RCW 18.225.095 requires a ten-percent reduction in total supervised hours for certified chemical-dependency/SUDP practice for three of the previous ten years; against the statutory 3,000 hours this is 2,700 hours. Direct-client and direct-supervision minima continue to apply.
- Foreign Education
- A foreign degree transcript must be translated and evaluated by a current NACES or AICE member, or by CSWE for social work, under WAC 246-809-096(2).
- Page Inconsistency
- The pinned DOH licensing page repeats LASW Advanced Generalist instructions under the LICSW heading; the separate Exam Information passage and linked application identify the profession-specific categories.
- Registration
- DOH states that applicants submit their licensing materials and obtain approval before exam registration.
- Score Verification
- Official verification of the passing examination must be sent directly to DOH; a currently offered registered examination remains a requirement even when already passed.
- Supervised Experience
- At least 3,000 hours over at least two years, including 1,000 direct-client-contact hours and 100 direct-supervision hours, at least 70 with a LICSW and 60 one-to-one; approved supervisors meet WAC 246-809-334.
Initial licensure with mandatory substantially equivalent two year waiver
- Conduct
- Not subject to denial or conditional licensure; no disciplinary action for unprofessional conduct or impairment during the preceding two years or application pendency; no pending investigation or charges.
- Initial Jurisdiction
- DOH reviews original licensing standards and universal-licensure history case by case.
- Other License
- Credentialed in a substantially equivalent jurisdiction for at least the two years immediately preceding application, with no interruption longer than 90 days.
- Waiver
- Education, training, experience and exam requirements are waived under RCW 18.130.077(1).
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- RCW 18.130.077
RCW 18.130.077
- DOH Legislative Implementation
DOH Legislative Implementation, Completed Projects, Section 8
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker — Temporary Practice Permit
Licensing authority: Washington State Department of Health · Application information
Temporary permit during national background check
At least one of the following alternatives:
- Age
- At least 18 years old under RCW 18.225.010(2).
- Application
- Submit the completed DOH application, required fees, official transcripts and verification of any credentials held; complete personal-data questions and applicable background checks.
- Background Check
- Satisfy all full-license qualifications except a pending fingerprint-based national background check; submit fingerprint card when requested.
- Category Instruction
- DOH Exam Information states: "If you're applying to be a licensed independent clinical social worker, you must take the clinical exam."
- Conduct
- No Washington criminal record and not subject to license denial or conditional/restricted licensure.
- Continuing Education
- Complete continuing education required for initial licensure, including ethics; the current linked DOH application and CE page request 36 hours including six hours of professional ethics.
- Documentation
- Submit the full-license application, fee and supporting documents, plus a written temporary-permit request.
- Duration
- Up to 180 days; ends earlier upon licensure or DOH’s decision unless expressly extended in the decision.
- Education
- CSWE-accredited social-work master’s degree or a social-work doctorate from a university accredited by a recognized accrediting organization, subject to the statutory approval standards.
- Exam Alternatives
- WAC 246-809-340(1) approves either the advanced or clinical ASWB examination for social-worker licensure. The requirement tree preserves that higher-ranked regulatory alternative. DOH instructions assign a particular category to each classification; see the quoted category instruction.
- Extension
- This background-check permit cannot be renewed, reissued or extended.
- Foreign Education
- A foreign degree transcript must be translated and evaluated by a current NACES or AICE member, or by CSWE for social work, under WAC 246-809-096(2).
- Other License
- Unrestricted active corresponding license from a substantially equivalent jurisdiction.
- Page Inconsistency
- The pinned DOH licensing page repeats LASW Advanced Generalist instructions under the LICSW heading; the separate Exam Information passage and linked application identify the profession-specific categories.
- Registration
- DOH states that applicants submit their licensing materials and obtain approval before exam registration.
- Score Verification
- Official verification of the passing examination must be sent directly to DOH; a currently offered registered examination remains a requirement even when already passed.
- Supervised Experience
- At least 3,000 hours over at least two years, including 1,000 direct-client-contact hours and 100 direct-supervision hours, at least 70 with a LICSW and 60 one-to-one; approved supervisors meet WAC 246-809-334.
- Waiver
- If the applicant independently qualifies for the statutory substantial-equivalency examination waiver, DOH may excuse the examination; the registered examinations involved in underlying full licensing are retained.
Temporary permit for relocating military spouse or domestic partner
At least one of the following alternatives:
- Age
- At least 18 years old under RCW 18.225.010(2).
- Application
- Submit the completed DOH application, required fees, official transcripts and verification of any credentials held; complete personal-data questions and applicable background checks.
- Category Instruction
- DOH Exam Information states: "If you're applying to be a licensed independent clinical social worker, you must take the clinical exam."
- Conduct
- No pending investigation, charges or disciplinary action by another licensing body.
- Continuing Education
- Complete continuing education required for initial licensure, including ethics; the current linked DOH application and CE page request 36 hours including six hours of professional ethics.
- Documentation
- Submit the full-license application, fee and supporting documents, plus a written temporary-permit request.
- Duration
- Up to 180 days; ends earlier upon licensure or DOH’s decision unless expressly extended in the decision.
- Education
- CSWE-accredited social-work master’s degree or a social-work doctorate from a university accredited by a recognized accrediting organization, subject to the statutory approval standards.
- Exam Alternatives
- WAC 246-809-340(1) approves either the advanced or clinical ASWB examination for social-worker licensure. The requirement tree preserves that higher-ranked regulatory alternative. DOH instructions assign a particular category to each classification; see the quoted category instruction.
- Foreign Education
- A foreign degree transcript must be translated and evaluated by a current NACES or AICE member, or by CSWE for social work, under WAC 246-809-096(2).
- Military Relationship
- Military spouse or registered domestic partner moving to Washington because of the service member’s transfer; submit service orders and marriage/partnership or military-ID proof.
- Other License
- Unrestricted active corresponding license from a substantially equivalent jurisdiction.
- Page Inconsistency
- The pinned DOH licensing page repeats LASW Advanced Generalist instructions under the LICSW heading; the separate Exam Information passage and linked application identify the profession-specific categories.
- Qualifications
- Meet the training, education and practice standards; additional requirements unrelated to those standards may remain outstanding.
- Registration
- DOH states that applicants submit their licensing materials and obtain approval before exam registration.
- Score Verification
- Official verification of the passing examination must be sent directly to DOH; a currently offered registered examination remains a requirement even when already passed.
- Supervised Experience
- At least 3,000 hours over at least two years, including 1,000 direct-client-contact hours and 100 direct-supervision hours, at least 70 with a LICSW and 60 one-to-one; approved supervisors meet WAC 246-809-334.
- Waiver
- If the applicant independently qualifies for the statutory substantial-equivalency examination waiver, DOH may excuse the examination; the registered examinations involved in underlying full licensing are retained.
Temporary practice pending completion of licensing documentation
- Application
- Apply for the corresponding Washington license; documentation of eligibility remains pending.
- Discipline
- Not subject to denial or conditional licensure; comply with any statutory scope limitations.
- Duration
- DOH determines duration by rule; temporary permits are subject to disciplinary authority.
- Other License
- Hold a license in a jurisdiction with substantially equivalent licensing standards, verified as current and without disciplinary charges or action.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- RCW 18.130.075
RCW 18.130.075
- RCW 18.225.140
RCW 18.225.140
ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam
- Provider
- Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB); administered on computer at Pearson test centers
- Format
- Computer-based multiple-choice examination (three- and four-option questions) in two 61-question sections, each with a two-hour time limit; scored and pretest questions are mixed together; results reported as pass/fail
- Exam questions
- 122 multiple-choice questions: 110 scored and 12 unscored pretest questions
- Time limit
- 4 hours (two sections, each with a two-hour time limit)
- Passing score
- Pass/fail; the number of correct answers required varies by exam form and generally ranges from 66 to 78 of the 110 scored questions
- Exam fee
- US$260 exam registration fee
Examination outline
I. VALUES AND ETHICS (35%) (35%)
- IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Legal and ethical issues related to the practice of social work, including responsibility to clients/client systems, colleagues, the profession, and society
- IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Professional values and principles (e.g., competence, social justice, integrity, dignity and worth of the person)
- IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Legal and ethical issues regarding confidentiality, including limitations of confidentiality (e.g., HIPAA, PHI, privacy)
- IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Principles and processes of obtaining informed consent
- IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Identifying and resolving ethical dilemmas
- IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Burnout, secondary trauma, and compassion fatigue
- IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Social worker self-care principles
- IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Importance of professional development activities to improve practice and maintain current professional knowledge (e.g., in-service training, licensing requirements, reviews of literature, workshops, on-going supervision, consultation)
- IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Protecting and enhancing client/client system self-determination (e.g., medication, medical treatment, counseling, placement, right to refuse services)
- IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Professional boundaries in the social worker-client/client system relationship (e.g., power differences, influence, privilege, conflicts of interest, self-disclosure, dual relationships)
- IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Legal and ethical issues regarding documentation (e.g., maintaining client records)
- IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Legal and ethical issues regarding mandatory reporting (e.g., abuse, threat of harm, impaired professionals, duty to warn)
- IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Impact of governmental policies on service delivery (e.g., local, state, federal legislation and policy)
- IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Legal and ethical issues related to death and dying
- IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Responsible billing practices (e.g., managed care, insurance reimbursement, incident to billing)
- IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Ethical issues in supervision and management
- IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Ethical issues related to electronic practice
- IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Research ethics (e.g., institutional review boards, use of human subjects, informed consent)
- IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Legal and ethical issues regarding termination
- IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Anti-oppressive and anti-racist approaches
- IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Accessibility including language, physical, and cultural access (e.g., translation and interpretation, neurodiversity, American Sign Language)
- IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Social, racial, environmental, and economic justice principles
- IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Impact of culture, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, and intersectionality on behaviors, attitudes, and identity formation
- IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Privilege and bias and their impact on client/client systems (e.g., implicit bias, microaggressions)
- IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Cultural impacts of exploitation across marginalized communities (e.g., financial, immigration status, trafficking, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women)
- IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Power differential and racial privilege (e.g., internalized racial and ethnic inferiority and superiority)
- IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Social justice, truth and reconciliation, and restorative practices related to clients/client systems from historically oppressed and marginalized communities
- IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Impact of globalization, immigration, and refugee or immigration status on clients/client systems and service delivery
II. ASSESSMENT AND PLANNING (33%) (33%)
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Indicators and impact of trauma, stressors, violence, and crises on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities (e.g., intergenerational, historical, and complex)
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Family dynamics and functioning and the effects on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Dynamics of interpersonal relationships and relationship development (e.g., family, couples, groups, polyamory)
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Impact of poverty on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities (e.g., social determinants of health)
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Indicators of mental and emotional illness throughout the lifespan
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Biopsychosocial assessment model and related components and factors
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Indicators, dynamics, and impact of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse and neglect on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Co-occurring disorders and conditions
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Characteristics of perpetrators of abuse, neglect, and exploitation
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Impact of caregiving on families
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Effects of physical and mental ability throughout the lifespan
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Impact of out-of-home placement (e.g., hospitalization, foster care, residential care, criminal justice system) on clients/client systems
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Indicators, dynamics, and impact of exploitation across the lifespan (e.g., financial, immigration status, trafficking)
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Impact of aging on the individual and family systems
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Racial, ethnic, cultural, and spiritual/faith development throughout the lifespan
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Indicators and impact of addiction and substance use and abuse on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Factors influencing self- and body-image (e.g., culture, race, religion/spirituality, age, ability, trauma, gender, sexuality, size)
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Typical and atypical physical, cognitive, emotional, and sexual development throughout the lifespan
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Factors of out-of-home displacement (e.g., homelessness, immigration, and refugee status) on clients/client systems
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Defense mechanisms and their effects on behavior and relationships
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — The influence and impact of technology, including social media, on client/client-systems (personal and professional)
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Impact of urbanization, globalization, environmental hazards, and climate change on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Client/client system competence, self-determination, and self-monitoring techniques (e.g., financial decisions, treatment decisions, emancipation, age of consent, permanency planning)
- IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods, techniques, and instruments for assessing client/client system strengths, resources, needs, and challenges
- IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods of involving clients/client systems in problem identification, problem solving, and intervention planning
- IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods of assessing risk of harm to self and others
- IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Principles and techniques of interviewing (e.g., supporting, clarifying, confronting, validating, feedback, reflecting, language differences, use of interpreters)
- IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods for assessing resilience and coping abilities
- IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods for obtaining sensitive and/or confidential information (e.g., substance use, sexual abuse)
- IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Indicators of and methods of assessing motivation, barriers, and readiness for change
- IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods of assessing clients’/client systems’ communication skills
- IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Components and function of the mental status examination
- IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods of incorporating information from records and evaluations (e.g., employment, medical, psychological, school)
- IIC. ASSESSMENT PRACTICES — Assessing the availability of and determining appropriate community resources
- IIC. ASSESSMENT PRACTICES — Factors and processes used in goal planning, treatment planning, triage, and service plans
- IIC. ASSESSMENT PRACTICES — Criteria used in the selection of intervention/treatment modalities (e.g., client/client system abilities, developmental level, culture, life stage)
- IIC. ASSESSMENT PRACTICES — Cultural considerations in the creation of an intervention plan
- IIC. ASSESSMENT PRACTICES — Use and side effects of common prescription, over-the-counter, and alternative medications
- IIC. ASSESSMENT PRACTICES — Indicators of client/client system readiness for termination
III. INTERVENTION AND PRACTICE (32%) (32%)
- IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — Strengths-based and empowerment strategies and interventions
- IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — Interdisciplinary and intra-disciplinary team collaboration (e.g., co-therapy, care conference, IEP)
- IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — The social worker’s role in the problem-solving process
- IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — Principles and techniques for building and maintaining a helping relationship (e.g., acceptance, empathy, rapport)
- IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — End of life practice (e.g., continuity of care, hospice, palliative care, stages of death and dying)
- IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — Developing formal documents (e.g., grants, proposals, reports, evaluations)
- IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — Policies, procedures, regulations, and legislation and their impact on social work practice and service delivery
- IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — Permanency planning (e.g., child welfare)
- IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — Community organizing, development, and mobilizing community participation
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Verbal and nonverbal communication (e.g., body language, congruence, feedback)
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Limit and boundary setting techniques
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Emotional regulation techniques
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Case management techniques (e.g., case recording, documentation, case presentation)
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Methods of teaching coping and other self-care skills to clients
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Evidence-based practices (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness based stress reduction, motivational interviewing, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing)
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Crisis intervention and treatment approaches
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Stress management techniques
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Methods and approaches for providing trauma-informed care for various types of trauma (e.g., complex, vicarious)
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Contracting and goal-setting techniques (e.g., partializing, measurable objectives)
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Methods for engaging and motivating voluntary and involuntary clients/client systems
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Approaches to and methods of advocacy for needed services and resources
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Principles of active listening and observation
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Problem-solving models and approaches
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Practice with clients experiencing loss, separation, and grief
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Harm reduction techniques
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Conflict resolution methods
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Establishing service networks or community resources
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Discharge, aftercare, wrap-around services, and follow-up
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Anger management techniques
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Psychoeducation methods
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Group work techniques and approaches (e.g., developing and managing group processes and cohesion)
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Family therapy models, interventions, and approaches
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (printed in the guidebook as 'IIB.') — Techniques and methods for addiction intervention
- IIIC. PRACTICE EVALUATION AND RESEARCH — Techniques for evaluating progress and effectiveness of intervention, treatment, and service plans
- IIIC. PRACTICE EVALUATION AND RESEARCH — Methods, techniques, and instruments used to evaluate social work practice
- IIIC. PRACTICE EVALUATION AND RESEARCH — Quality assurance (e.g., program reviews and audits by external sources)
- IIIC. PRACTICE EVALUATION AND RESEARCH — Methods of establishing program objectives and outcomes
- IIIC. PRACTICE EVALUATION AND RESEARCH — Program evaluation and related impact on services
- IIIC. PRACTICE EVALUATION AND RESEARCH — Methods of evaluating agency programs (e.g., needs assessment, formative/summative assessment, cost-effectiveness, cost-benefit analysis, outcomes assessment)
- IIIC. PRACTICE EVALUATION AND RESEARCH — Basic and applied research design and methods, data collection and analysis methods, and methods to assess reliability and validity in social work research (e.g., objective, subjective, qualitative, quantitative)
- IIID. SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION — Leadership and management techniques
- IIID. SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION — Methods for creating, implementing, and evaluating policies and procedures for safe, inclusive, and a healthy work environment
- IIID. SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION — Methods for creating, implementing, and evaluating policies and procedures that minimize risk for individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
- IIID. SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION — Transference and countertransference within supervisory relationships
- IIID. SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION — Supervisee’s role in supervision (e.g., identifying learning needs, self-assessment, prioritizing)
- IIID. SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION — Supervision and consultation models and techniques (e.g., individual, peer, group, case recording)
- IIID. SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION — Organizational development, structure, and functioning (e.g., policies, procedures)
- IIID. SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION — Employee recruitment, training, retention, performance appraisal, evaluation, and discipline
Examination sources
- ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
Inside cover (PDF page 2), edition and applicability statement
- ASWB news: New social work licensing exam begins August 3
News article, launch date of the 2026 exams
- ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 6 (PDF page 8), Part 1, Creating an outline for the examinations (outline model)
- ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 34 (PDF page 36), Part 4, Connecting exam questions and content areas
- ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 58 (PDF page 60), Part 4, Advanced Generalist exam content outline heading
- ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 4 (PDF page 6), Part 1, Exam format (pretest and scored questions)
- ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 4 (PDF page 6), Part 1, Exam format (time limit and delivery)
- ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 18 (PDF page 20), Part 2, After the exam, Exam scoring (pass/fail reporting)
- ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 18 (PDF page 20), Part 2, After the exam, Exam scoring (validity by exam category)
- ASWB Exam scoring web page
Exam scoring page, passing score paragraph
- ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 9 (PDF page 11), Step 1, Make sure you are eligible
- ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 10 (PDF page 12), Step 2, Payment of fees
- ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 10 (PDF page 12), Step 2, Authorization to Test (one examination)
- ASWB news: New social work licensing exam begins August 3
News article, launch of the 2026 exams (test date determines exam)
ASWB Clinical Exam
- Provider
- Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB); administered on computer at Pearson test centers
- Format
- Computer-based multiple-choice examination (three- and four-option questions) in two 61-question sections, each with a two-hour time limit; scored and pretest questions are mixed together; results reported as pass/fail
- Exam questions
- 122 multiple-choice questions: 110 scored and 12 unscored pretest questions
- Time limit
- 4 hours (two sections, each with a two-hour time limit)
- Passing score
- Pass/fail; the number of correct answers required varies by exam form and generally ranges from 66 to 78 of the 110 scored questions
- Exam fee
- US$260 exam registration fee
Examination outline
I. VALUES AND ETHICS (36%) (36%)
- IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Legal and ethical issues regarding confidentiality, including limitations of confidentiality (e.g., HIPAA, PHI, privacy)
- IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Legal and ethical issues related to the practice of social work, including responsibility to clients/client systems, colleagues, the profession, and society
- IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Identifying and resolving ethical dilemmas
- IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Principles and processes of obtaining informed consent
- IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Professional values and principles (e.g., competence, social justice, integrity, dignity and worth of the person)
- IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Burnout, secondary trauma, and compassion fatigue
- IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Social worker self-care principles
- IA. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES — Importance of professional development activities to improve practice and maintain current professional knowledge (e.g., in-service training, licensing requirements, reviews of literature, workshops, on-going supervision, consultation)
- IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Protecting and enhancing client/client system self-determination (e.g., medication, medical treatment, counseling, placement, right to refuse services)
- IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Professional boundaries in the social worker-client/client system relationship (e.g., power differences, influence, privilege, conflicts of interest, self-disclosure, dual relationships)
- IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Legal and ethical issues regarding mandatory reporting (e.g., abuse, threat of harm, impaired professionals, duty to warn)
- IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Legal and ethical issues regarding documentation (e.g., maintaining client records)
- IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Responsible billing practices (e.g., managed care, insurance reimbursement, incident to billing)
- IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Legal and ethical issues related to death and dying
- IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Ethical issues in supervision and management
- IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Impact of governmental policies on service delivery (e.g., local, state, federal legislation and policy)
- IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Legal and ethical issues regarding termination
- IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Ethical issues related to electronic practice
- IB. ETHICAL SERVICE DELIVERY — Research ethics (e.g., institutional review boards, use of human subjects, informed consent)
- IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Anti-oppressive and anti-racist approaches
- IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Social, racial, environmental, and economic justice principles
- IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Impact of culture, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, and intersectionality on behaviors, attitudes, and identity formation
- IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Accessibility including language, physical, and cultural access (e.g., translation and interpretation, neurodiversity, American Sign Language)
- IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Power differential and racial privilege (e.g., internalized racial and ethnic inferiority and superiority)
- IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Privilege and bias and their impact on client/client systems (e.g., implicit bias, microaggressions)
- IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Cultural impacts of exploitation across marginalized communities (e.g., financial, immigration status, trafficking, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women)
- IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Social justice, truth and reconciliation, and restorative practices related to clients/client systems from historically oppressed and marginalized communities
- IC. DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — Impact of globalization, immigration, and refugee or immigration status on clients/client systems and service delivery
II. ASSESSMENT AND PLANNING (32% — the heading in the Clinical content outline prints no percentage; page 6 of the guidebook states the Clinical examination will have 32 percent of the questions testing Assessment and Planning) (32%)
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Indicators and impact of trauma, stressors, violence, and crises on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities (e.g., intergenerational, historical, and complex)
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Family dynamics and functioning and the effects on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Dynamics of interpersonal relationships and relationship development (e.g., family, couples, groups, polyamory)
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Indicators, dynamics, and impact of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse and neglect on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Indicators of mental and emotional illness throughout the lifespan
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Co-occurring disorders and conditions
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Biopsychosocial assessment model and related components and factors
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Indicators and impact of addiction and substance use and abuse on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Impact of poverty on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities (e.g., social determinants of health)
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Factors influencing self- and body-image (e.g., culture, race, religion/spirituality, age, ability, trauma, gender, sexuality, size)
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Defense mechanisms and their effects on behavior and relationships
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Characteristics of perpetrators of abuse, neglect, and exploitation
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Impact of out-of-home placement (e.g., hospitalization, foster care, residential care, criminal justice system) on clients/client systems
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Impact of caregiving on families
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Indicators, dynamics, and impact of exploitation across the lifespan (e.g., financial, immigration status, trafficking)
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Typical and atypical physical, cognitive, emotional, and sexual development throughout the lifespan
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Effects of physical and mental ability throughout the lifespan
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Impact of aging on the individual and family systems
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Racial, ethnic, cultural, and spiritual/faith development throughout the lifespan
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Factors of out-of-home displacement (e.g., homelessness, immigration, and refugee status) on clients/client systems
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — The influence and impact of technology, including social media, on client/client-systems (personal and professional)
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Impact of urbanization, globalization, environmental hazards, and climate change on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
- IIA. ASSESSMENT CONCEPTS — Client/client system competence, self-determination, and self-monitoring techniques (e.g., financial decisions, treatment decisions, emancipation, age of consent, permanency planning)
- IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods of assessing risk of harm to self and others
- IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Principles and techniques of interviewing (e.g., supporting, clarifying, confronting, validating, feedback, reflecting, language differences, use of interpreters)
- IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods of involving clients/client systems in problem identification, problem solving, and intervention planning
- IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Indicators of and methods of assessing motivation, barriers, and readiness for change
- IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods for assessing resilience and coping abilities
- IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods, techniques, and instruments for assessing client/client system strengths, resources, needs, and challenges
- IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods for obtaining sensitive and/or confidential information (e.g., substance use, sexual abuse)
- IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods of assessing clients’/client systems’ communication skills
- IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Use of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in assessment and common indicators of mental health and brain-related conditions
- IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Components and function of the mental status examination
- IIB. ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods of incorporating information from records and evaluations (e.g., employment, medical, psychological, school)
- IIC. ASSESSMENT PRACTICES — Assessing the availability of and determining appropriate community resources
- IIC. ASSESSMENT PRACTICES — Factors and processes used in goal planning, treatment planning, triage, and service plans
- IIC. ASSESSMENT PRACTICES — Criteria used in the selection of intervention/treatment modalities (e.g., client/client system abilities, developmental level, culture, life stage)
- IIC. ASSESSMENT PRACTICES — Cultural considerations in the creation of an intervention plan
- IIC. ASSESSMENT PRACTICES — Use and side effects of common prescription, over-the-counter, and alternative medications
- IIC. ASSESSMENT PRACTICES — Indicators of client/client system readiness for termination
III. INTERVENTION AND PRACTICE (32%) (32%)
- IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — Strengths-based and empowerment strategies and interventions
- IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — Principles and techniques for building and maintaining a helping relationship (e.g., acceptance, empathy, rapport)
- IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — Interdisciplinary and intra-disciplinary team collaboration (e.g., co-therapy, care conference, IEP)
- IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — The social worker’s role in the problem-solving process
- IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — End of life practice (e.g., continuity of care, hospice, palliative care, stages of death and dying)
- IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — Parenting capacities and skill building
- IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — Policies, procedures, regulations, and legislation and their impact on social work practice and service delivery
- IIIA. PRACTICE CONCEPTS — Developing formal documents (e.g., grants, proposals, reports, evaluations)
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods and approaches for providing trauma-informed care for various types of trauma (e.g., complex, vicarious)
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Verbal and nonverbal communication (e.g., body language, congruence, feedback)
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Principles of active listening and observation
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Limit and boundary setting techniques
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Crisis intervention and treatment approaches
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Emotional regulation techniques
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Evidence-based practices (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness based stress reduction, motivational interviewing, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing)
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods of teaching coping and other self-care skills to clients
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Stress management techniques
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Practice with clients experiencing loss, separation, and grief
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Methods for engaging and motivating voluntary and involuntary clients/client systems
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Harm reduction techniques
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Approaches to and methods of advocacy for needed services and resources
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Psychoeducation methods
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Contracting and goal-setting techniques (e.g., partializing, measurable objectives)
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Problem-solving models and approaches
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Techniques and methods for addiction intervention
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Case management techniques (e.g., case recording, documentation, case presentation)
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Conflict resolution methods
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Anger management techniques
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Family therapy models, interventions, and approaches
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Discharge, aftercare, wrap-around services, and follow-up
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Group work techniques and approaches (e.g., developing and managing group processes and cohesion)
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Establishing service networks or community resources
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Assertiveness training techniques
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Role modeling techniques
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Couples interventions and treatment approaches
- IIIB. INTERVENTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES — Role play techniques
- IIIC. PRACTICE EVALUATION AND RESEARCH — Techniques for evaluating progress and effectiveness of intervention, treatment, and service plans
- IIIC. PRACTICE EVALUATION AND RESEARCH — Methods of establishing program objectives and outcomes
- IIIC. PRACTICE EVALUATION AND RESEARCH — Program evaluation and related impact on services
- IIIC. PRACTICE EVALUATION AND RESEARCH — Methods of evaluating agency programs (e.g., needs assessment, formative/summative assessment, cost-effectiveness, cost-benefit analysis, outcomes assessment)
- IIIC. PRACTICE EVALUATION AND RESEARCH — Basic and applied research design and methods, data collection and analysis methods, and methods to assess reliability and validity in social work research (e.g., objective, subjective, qualitative, quantitative)
- IIIC. PRACTICE EVALUATION AND RESEARCH — Quality assurance (e.g., program reviews and audits by external sources)
- IIID. SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION — Supervisee’s role in supervision (e.g., identifying learning needs, self-assessment, prioritizing)
- IIID. SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION — Supervision and consultation models and techniques (e.g., individual, peer, group, case recording)
- IIID. SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION — Transference and countertransference within supervisory relationships
- IIID. SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION — Methods for creating, implementing, and evaluating policies and procedures that minimize risk for individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
- IIID. SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION — Organizational development, structure, and functioning (e.g., policies, procedures)
- IIID. SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION — Fiscal management and resource allocation techniques
Examination sources
- ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
Inside cover (PDF page 2), edition and applicability statement
- ASWB news: New social work licensing exam begins August 3
News article, launch date of the 2026 exams
- ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 6 (PDF page 8), Part 1, Creating an outline for the examinations (outline model)
- ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 34 (PDF page 36), Part 4, Connecting exam questions and content areas
- ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 66 (PDF page 68), Part 4, Clinical exam content outline heading
- ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 6 (PDF page 8), Part 1, Examination construction (Clinical content-area percentages)
- ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 4 (PDF page 6), Part 1, Exam format (pretest and scored questions)
- ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 4 (PDF page 6), Part 1, Exam format (time limit and delivery)
- ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 18 (PDF page 20), Part 2, After the exam, Exam scoring (pass/fail reporting)
- ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 18 (PDF page 20), Part 2, After the exam, Exam scoring (validity by exam category)
- ASWB Exam scoring web page
Exam scoring page, passing score paragraph
- ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 9 (PDF page 11), Step 1, Make sure you are eligible
- ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 10 (PDF page 12), Step 2, Payment of fees
- ASWB Examination Guidebook: Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams
p. 10 (PDF page 12), Step 2, Authorization to Test (one examination)
- ASWB news: New social work licensing exam begins August 3
News article, launch of the 2026 exams (test date determines exam)