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West Virginia Social Work — Requirements & Free Practice

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Level C - Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW)

Licensing authority: West Virginia Board of Social Work · Application information

Restore delinquent license within thirty six months
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete all CE requirements.
Fees
Pay applicable delinquent and renewal fees.
Nonpractice Evidence
The October 2022 Board manual requires evidence of no social work practice or representation as a social worker while delinquent.
Time Limit
Within thirty-six months of delinquency; no practice while delinquent.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Discretionary reinstatement after suspension or revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Discretion
Board may consider reinstatement upon proof of reasonable skill and safety.
Disciplinary Order
Meet the individual disciplinary order and Board-imposed requirements. The rule authorizes unspecified reinstatement requirements and evaluations without naming a distinct currently offered examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by examination
ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam
Application
Submit Board application, fee, required transcripts and additional documentation required by the Board.
Character
Good moral character.
Criminal History
Statutory felony and practice-related conviction provisions apply subject to Article 1 and the criminal-record and rehabilitation provisions of 25CSR1 section 4.
Education
CSWE-accredited MSW.
Exam Approval
Board pre-approval is required before ASWB registration; provide the official passing score.
Experience
Two years full-time or 3,000 hours of post-MSW social work experience.
Legacy Panel
25CSR2 section 4.2 permits an expert panel for the undefined in-lieu provision. Section 30-30-6(b) requires former references to be consistent with current Article 30 and 25CSR1 defines examination as ASWB. Any auxiliary competency review is an applicant condition; current text does not separately identify its assessment boundary.
License Standing
Verify standing with applicable Boards if ever licensed elsewhere.
Minimum Age
At least eighteen years.
Recommendations
Three recommendations from persons not related to the applicant showing that the applicant merits public trust.
Substance Use
Not an alcohol or drug abuser; the Board may consider active recovery under the statutory exception.
Apply anew after expiration following thirty six months of delinquency
ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam
Application
Submit Board application, fee, required transcripts and additional documentation required by the Board.
Character
Good moral character.
Criminal History
Statutory felony and practice-related conviction provisions apply subject to Article 1 and the criminal-record and rehabilitation provisions of 25CSR1 section 4.
Education
CSWE-accredited MSW.
Exam Approval
Board pre-approval is required before ASWB registration; provide the official passing score.
Experience
Two years full-time or 3,000 hours of post-MSW social work experience.
Expired License
After thirty-six delinquent months the license expires and cannot be renewed. Reapply for a new license; retain the currently offered level examination even if passed earlier.
Legacy Panel
25CSR2 section 4.2 permits an expert panel for the undefined in-lieu provision. Section 30-30-6(b) requires former references to be consistent with current Article 30 and 25CSR1 defines examination as ASWB. Any auxiliary competency review is an applicant condition; current text does not separately identify its assessment boundary.
License Standing
Verify standing with applicable Boards if ever licensed elsewhere.
Minimum Age
At least eighteen years.
Recommendations
Three recommendations from persons not related to the applicant showing that the applicant merits public trust.
Substance Use
Not an alcohol or drug abuser; the Board may consider active recovery under the statutory exception.
Initial licensure using existing out of state qualifications
ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam
Application
Submit Board application, fee, required transcripts and additional documentation required by the Board.
Character
Good moral character.
Criminal History
Statutory felony and practice-related conviction provisions apply subject to Article 1 and the criminal-record and rehabilitation provisions of 25CSR1 section 4.
Education
CSWE-accredited MSW.
Exam Approval
Board pre-approval is required before ASWB registration; provide the official passing score.
Experience
Two years full-time or 3,000 hours of post-MSW social work experience.
Legacy Panel
25CSR2 section 4.2 permits an expert panel for the undefined in-lieu provision. Section 30-30-6(b) requires former references to be consistent with current Article 30 and 25CSR1 defines examination as ASWB. Any auxiliary competency review is an applicant condition; current text does not separately identify its assessment boundary.
License Standing
Verify standing with applicable Boards if ever licensed elsewhere.
Minimum Age
At least eighteen years.
Prior License
Use a prior out-of-state social work qualification, with verification of standing and this level ASWB score. Distinct from universal licensing.
Recommendations
Three recommendations from persons not related to the applicant showing that the applicant merits public trust.
Substance Use
Not an alcohol or drug abuser; the Board may consider active recovery under the statutory exception.
Reactivate an approved inactive regular license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Additional Evidence
After two or more inactive years Board may require recent references or continuing-eligibility evidence.
Application
Request Board approval, submit activation form and applicable fee.
Inactive Approval
Previously received inactive status from the Board.
Sworn Statement
Declare no felony conviction, no professional misconduct and intent to meet requirements after activation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial regular license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit signed renewal application and fee before expiration.
Attestation
Provide required sworn discipline and criminal-conviction disclosures.
Continuing Education
Thirty Board-approved social work CE hours each two-year cycle; restrictions and applicable hardship waivers apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Universal licensing for an accompanying military spouse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply to the Board; its reciprocal-license announcement directs applicants to email the Director.
Criminal History
No disqualifying criminal history; applicable record checks remain required.
Discipline
No revocation or surrender under investigation; discipline must be resolved, subject to Board discretion for corrected matters.
Education Experience
Other licensing authority verifies minimum education and applicable experience and clinical supervision requirements were met.
Fees
Pay all applicable fees.
Good Standing
Good standing in all licensing jurisdictions; supply verifications requested by the Board.
Military Spouse
Spouse of an active-duty United States service member accompanying a permanent change of station to a West Virginia military installation.
Prior Examinations
Previously passed any examinations required by the other licensing jurisdiction. Section 30-1-27(b)(5) does not identify an exact ASWB examination, so this generic prior qualification is a condition.
Same Practice Level
Current other-jurisdiction license in the same discipline and practice level, as determined by the Board.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Universal licensing for a West Virginia resident
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply to the Board; its reciprocal-license announcement directs applicants to email the Director.
Criminal History
No disqualifying criminal history; applicable record checks remain required.
Discipline
No revocation or surrender under investigation; discipline must be resolved, subject to Board discretion for corrected matters.
Education Experience
Other licensing authority verifies minimum education and applicable experience and clinical supervision requirements were met.
Fees
Pay all applicable fees.
Good Standing
Good standing in all licensing jurisdictions; supply verifications requested by the Board.
Prior Examinations
Previously passed any examinations required by the other licensing jurisdiction. Section 30-1-27(b)(5) does not identify an exact ASWB examination, so this generic prior qualification is a condition.
Residency
Establish West Virginia residence; provide proof required by the Board.
Same Practice Level
Current other-jurisdiction license in the same discipline and practice level, as determined by the Board.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Upgrade a regular license to this level
ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam
Application
Submit Board application, fee, required transcripts and additional documentation required by the Board.
Character
Good moral character.
Criminal History
Statutory felony and practice-related conviction provisions apply subject to Article 1 and the criminal-record and rehabilitation provisions of 25CSR1 section 4.
Education
CSWE-accredited MSW.
Exam Approval
Board pre-approval is required before ASWB registration; provide the official passing score.
Existing License
Existing regular license in good standing; meet all higher-level requirements and pay upgrade fee.
Experience
Two years full-time or 3,000 hours of post-MSW social work experience.
Legacy Panel
25CSR2 section 4.2 permits an expert panel for the undefined in-lieu provision. Section 30-30-6(b) requires former references to be consistent with current Article 30 and 25CSR1 defines examination as ASWB. Any auxiliary competency review is an applicant condition; current text does not separately identify its assessment boundary.
License Standing
Verify standing with applicable Boards if ever licensed elsewhere.
Minimum Age
At least eighteen years.
Recommendations
Three recommendations from persons not related to the applicant showing that the applicant merits public trust.
Substance Use
Not an alcohol or drug abuser; the Board may consider active recovery under the statutory exception.

Level B - Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW)

Licensing authority: West Virginia Board of Social Work · Application information

Restore delinquent license within thirty six months
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete all CE requirements.
Fees
Pay applicable delinquent and renewal fees.
Nonpractice Evidence
The October 2022 Board manual requires evidence of no social work practice or representation as a social worker while delinquent.
Time Limit
Within thirty-six months of delinquency; no practice while delinquent.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Discretionary reinstatement after suspension or revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Discretion
Board may consider reinstatement upon proof of reasonable skill and safety.
Disciplinary Order
Meet the individual disciplinary order and Board-imposed requirements. The rule authorizes unspecified reinstatement requirements and evaluations without naming a distinct currently offered examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by examination
ASWB Masters Exam
Application
Submit Board application, fee, required transcripts and additional documentation required by the Board.
Character
Good moral character.
Criminal History
Statutory felony and practice-related conviction provisions apply subject to Article 1 and the criminal-record and rehabilitation provisions of 25CSR1 section 4.
Education
CSWE-accredited MSW.
Exam Approval
Board pre-approval is required before ASWB registration; provide the official passing score.
Exam Terminology
The Board Level B page says Intermediate; the current regular-license table identifies Masters for this level.
Legacy Panel
25CSR2 section 4.2 permits an expert panel for the undefined in-lieu provision. Section 30-30-6(b) requires former references to be consistent with current Article 30 and 25CSR1 defines examination as ASWB. Any auxiliary competency review is an applicant condition; current text does not separately identify its assessment boundary.
License Standing
Verify standing with applicable Boards if ever licensed elsewhere.
Minimum Age
At least eighteen years.
Recommendations
Three recommendations from persons not related to the applicant showing that the applicant merits public trust.
Substance Use
Not an alcohol or drug abuser; the Board may consider active recovery under the statutory exception.
Apply anew after expiration following thirty six months of delinquency
ASWB Masters Exam
Application
Submit Board application, fee, required transcripts and additional documentation required by the Board.
Character
Good moral character.
Criminal History
Statutory felony and practice-related conviction provisions apply subject to Article 1 and the criminal-record and rehabilitation provisions of 25CSR1 section 4.
Education
CSWE-accredited MSW.
Exam Approval
Board pre-approval is required before ASWB registration; provide the official passing score.
Exam Terminology
The Board Level B page says Intermediate; the current regular-license table identifies Masters for this level.
Expired License
After thirty-six delinquent months the license expires and cannot be renewed. Reapply for a new license; retain the currently offered level examination even if passed earlier.
Legacy Panel
25CSR2 section 4.2 permits an expert panel for the undefined in-lieu provision. Section 30-30-6(b) requires former references to be consistent with current Article 30 and 25CSR1 defines examination as ASWB. Any auxiliary competency review is an applicant condition; current text does not separately identify its assessment boundary.
License Standing
Verify standing with applicable Boards if ever licensed elsewhere.
Minimum Age
At least eighteen years.
Recommendations
Three recommendations from persons not related to the applicant showing that the applicant merits public trust.
Substance Use
Not an alcohol or drug abuser; the Board may consider active recovery under the statutory exception.
Initial licensure using existing out of state qualifications
ASWB Masters Exam
Application
Submit Board application, fee, required transcripts and additional documentation required by the Board.
Character
Good moral character.
Criminal History
Statutory felony and practice-related conviction provisions apply subject to Article 1 and the criminal-record and rehabilitation provisions of 25CSR1 section 4.
Education
CSWE-accredited MSW.
Exam Approval
Board pre-approval is required before ASWB registration; provide the official passing score.
Exam Terminology
The Board Level B page says Intermediate; the current regular-license table identifies Masters for this level.
Legacy Panel
25CSR2 section 4.2 permits an expert panel for the undefined in-lieu provision. Section 30-30-6(b) requires former references to be consistent with current Article 30 and 25CSR1 defines examination as ASWB. Any auxiliary competency review is an applicant condition; current text does not separately identify its assessment boundary.
License Standing
Verify standing with applicable Boards if ever licensed elsewhere.
Minimum Age
At least eighteen years.
Prior License
Use a prior out-of-state social work qualification, with verification of standing and this level ASWB score. Distinct from universal licensing.
Recommendations
Three recommendations from persons not related to the applicant showing that the applicant merits public trust.
Substance Use
Not an alcohol or drug abuser; the Board may consider active recovery under the statutory exception.
Reactivate an approved inactive regular license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Additional Evidence
After two or more inactive years Board may require recent references or continuing-eligibility evidence.
Application
Request Board approval, submit activation form and applicable fee.
Inactive Approval
Previously received inactive status from the Board.
Sworn Statement
Declare no felony conviction, no professional misconduct and intent to meet requirements after activation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial regular license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit signed renewal application and fee before expiration.
Attestation
Provide required sworn discipline and criminal-conviction disclosures.
Continuing Education
Thirty Board-approved social work CE hours each two-year cycle; restrictions and applicable hardship waivers apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Universal licensing for an accompanying military spouse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply to the Board; its reciprocal-license announcement directs applicants to email the Director.
Criminal History
No disqualifying criminal history; applicable record checks remain required.
Discipline
No revocation or surrender under investigation; discipline must be resolved, subject to Board discretion for corrected matters.
Education Experience
Other licensing authority verifies minimum education and applicable experience and clinical supervision requirements were met.
Fees
Pay all applicable fees.
Good Standing
Good standing in all licensing jurisdictions; supply verifications requested by the Board.
Military Spouse
Spouse of an active-duty United States service member accompanying a permanent change of station to a West Virginia military installation.
Prior Examinations
Previously passed any examinations required by the other licensing jurisdiction. Section 30-1-27(b)(5) does not identify an exact ASWB examination, so this generic prior qualification is a condition.
Same Practice Level
Current other-jurisdiction license in the same discipline and practice level, as determined by the Board.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Universal licensing for a West Virginia resident
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply to the Board; its reciprocal-license announcement directs applicants to email the Director.
Criminal History
No disqualifying criminal history; applicable record checks remain required.
Discipline
No revocation or surrender under investigation; discipline must be resolved, subject to Board discretion for corrected matters.
Education Experience
Other licensing authority verifies minimum education and applicable experience and clinical supervision requirements were met.
Fees
Pay all applicable fees.
Good Standing
Good standing in all licensing jurisdictions; supply verifications requested by the Board.
Prior Examinations
Previously passed any examinations required by the other licensing jurisdiction. Section 30-1-27(b)(5) does not identify an exact ASWB examination, so this generic prior qualification is a condition.
Residency
Establish West Virginia residence; provide proof required by the Board.
Same Practice Level
Current other-jurisdiction license in the same discipline and practice level, as determined by the Board.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Upgrade a regular license to this level
ASWB Masters Exam
Application
Submit Board application, fee, required transcripts and additional documentation required by the Board.
Character
Good moral character.
Criminal History
Statutory felony and practice-related conviction provisions apply subject to Article 1 and the criminal-record and rehabilitation provisions of 25CSR1 section 4.
Education
CSWE-accredited MSW.
Exam Approval
Board pre-approval is required before ASWB registration; provide the official passing score.
Exam Terminology
The Board Level B page says Intermediate; the current regular-license table identifies Masters for this level.
Existing License
Existing regular license in good standing; meet all higher-level requirements and pay upgrade fee.
Legacy Panel
25CSR2 section 4.2 permits an expert panel for the undefined in-lieu provision. Section 30-30-6(b) requires former references to be consistent with current Article 30 and 25CSR1 defines examination as ASWB. Any auxiliary competency review is an applicant condition; current text does not separately identify its assessment boundary.
License Standing
Verify standing with applicable Boards if ever licensed elsewhere.
Minimum Age
At least eighteen years.
Recommendations
Three recommendations from persons not related to the applicant showing that the applicant merits public trust.
Substance Use
Not an alcohol or drug abuser; the Board may consider active recovery under the statutory exception.

Level D - Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

Licensing authority: West Virginia Board of Social Work · Application information

Restore delinquent license within thirty six months
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete all CE requirements.
Fees
Pay applicable delinquent and renewal fees.
Nonpractice Evidence
The October 2022 Board manual requires evidence of no social work practice or representation as a social worker while delinquent.
Time Limit
Within thirty-six months of delinquency; no practice while delinquent.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Discretionary reinstatement after suspension or revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Discretion
Board may consider reinstatement upon proof of reasonable skill and safety.
Disciplinary Order
Meet the individual disciplinary order and Board-imposed requirements. The rule authorizes unspecified reinstatement requirements and evaluations without naming a distinct currently offered examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by examination
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Submit Board application, fee, required transcripts and additional documentation required by the Board.
Character
Good moral character.
Criminal History
Statutory felony and practice-related conviction provisions apply subject to Article 1 and the criminal-record and rehabilitation provisions of 25CSR1 section 4.
Education
CSWE-accredited MSW with clinically oriented coursework. The Board page additionally describes Ph.D. or DSW qualifications for out-of-state applicants.
Exam Approval
Board pre-approval is required before ASWB registration; provide the official passing score.
Experience
Graduate supervised clinical placement or Board-equivalent post-master training; two years full-time or 3,000 hours under an independent clinical social worker or equivalent supervision. Board requires an approved supervision contract and at least 100 hours of face-to-face supervision.
Legacy Panel
25CSR2 section 4.2 permits an expert panel for the undefined in-lieu provision. Section 30-30-6(b) requires former references to be consistent with current Article 30 and 25CSR1 defines examination as ASWB. Any auxiliary competency review is an applicant condition; current text does not separately identify its assessment boundary.
License Standing
Verify standing with applicable Boards if ever licensed elsewhere.
Minimum Age
At least eighteen years.
Recommendations
Three recommendations from persons not related to the applicant showing that the applicant merits public trust.
Substance Use
Not an alcohol or drug abuser; the Board may consider active recovery under the statutory exception.
Apply anew after expiration following thirty six months of delinquency
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Submit Board application, fee, required transcripts and additional documentation required by the Board.
Character
Good moral character.
Criminal History
Statutory felony and practice-related conviction provisions apply subject to Article 1 and the criminal-record and rehabilitation provisions of 25CSR1 section 4.
Education
CSWE-accredited MSW with clinically oriented coursework. The Board page additionally describes Ph.D. or DSW qualifications for out-of-state applicants.
Exam Approval
Board pre-approval is required before ASWB registration; provide the official passing score.
Experience
Graduate supervised clinical placement or Board-equivalent post-master training; two years full-time or 3,000 hours under an independent clinical social worker or equivalent supervision. Board requires an approved supervision contract and at least 100 hours of face-to-face supervision.
Expired License
After thirty-six delinquent months the license expires and cannot be renewed. Reapply for a new license; retain the currently offered level examination even if passed earlier.
Legacy Panel
25CSR2 section 4.2 permits an expert panel for the undefined in-lieu provision. Section 30-30-6(b) requires former references to be consistent with current Article 30 and 25CSR1 defines examination as ASWB. Any auxiliary competency review is an applicant condition; current text does not separately identify its assessment boundary.
License Standing
Verify standing with applicable Boards if ever licensed elsewhere.
Minimum Age
At least eighteen years.
Recommendations
Three recommendations from persons not related to the applicant showing that the applicant merits public trust.
Substance Use
Not an alcohol or drug abuser; the Board may consider active recovery under the statutory exception.
Initial licensure using existing out of state qualifications
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Submit Board application, fee, required transcripts and additional documentation required by the Board.
Character
Good moral character.
Criminal History
Statutory felony and practice-related conviction provisions apply subject to Article 1 and the criminal-record and rehabilitation provisions of 25CSR1 section 4.
Education
CSWE-accredited MSW with clinically oriented coursework. The Board page additionally describes Ph.D. or DSW qualifications for out-of-state applicants.
Exam Approval
Board pre-approval is required before ASWB registration; provide the official passing score.
Experience
Graduate supervised clinical placement or Board-equivalent post-master training; two years full-time or 3,000 hours under an independent clinical social worker or equivalent supervision. Board requires an approved supervision contract and at least 100 hours of face-to-face supervision.
Legacy Panel
25CSR2 section 4.2 permits an expert panel for the undefined in-lieu provision. Section 30-30-6(b) requires former references to be consistent with current Article 30 and 25CSR1 defines examination as ASWB. Any auxiliary competency review is an applicant condition; current text does not separately identify its assessment boundary.
License Standing
Verify standing with applicable Boards if ever licensed elsewhere.
Minimum Age
At least eighteen years.
Prior License
Use a prior out-of-state social work qualification, with verification of standing and this level ASWB score. Distinct from universal licensing.
Recommendations
Three recommendations from persons not related to the applicant showing that the applicant merits public trust.
Substance Use
Not an alcohol or drug abuser; the Board may consider active recovery under the statutory exception.
Reactivate an approved inactive regular license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Additional Evidence
After two or more inactive years Board may require recent references or continuing-eligibility evidence.
Application
Request Board approval, submit activation form and applicable fee.
Inactive Approval
Previously received inactive status from the Board.
Sworn Statement
Declare no felony conviction, no professional misconduct and intent to meet requirements after activation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial regular license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit signed renewal application and fee before expiration.
Attestation
Provide required sworn discipline and criminal-conviction disclosures.
Continuing Education
Thirty Board-approved social work CE hours each two-year cycle; restrictions and applicable hardship waivers apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Universal licensing for an accompanying military spouse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply to the Board; its reciprocal-license announcement directs applicants to email the Director.
Criminal History
No disqualifying criminal history; applicable record checks remain required.
Discipline
No revocation or surrender under investigation; discipline must be resolved, subject to Board discretion for corrected matters.
Education Experience
Other licensing authority verifies minimum education and applicable experience and clinical supervision requirements were met.
Fees
Pay all applicable fees.
Good Standing
Good standing in all licensing jurisdictions; supply verifications requested by the Board.
Military Spouse
Spouse of an active-duty United States service member accompanying a permanent change of station to a West Virginia military installation.
Prior Examinations
Previously passed any examinations required by the other licensing jurisdiction. Section 30-1-27(b)(5) does not identify an exact ASWB examination, so this generic prior qualification is a condition.
Same Practice Level
Current other-jurisdiction license in the same discipline and practice level, as determined by the Board.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Universal licensing for a West Virginia resident
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply to the Board; its reciprocal-license announcement directs applicants to email the Director.
Criminal History
No disqualifying criminal history; applicable record checks remain required.
Discipline
No revocation or surrender under investigation; discipline must be resolved, subject to Board discretion for corrected matters.
Education Experience
Other licensing authority verifies minimum education and applicable experience and clinical supervision requirements were met.
Fees
Pay all applicable fees.
Good Standing
Good standing in all licensing jurisdictions; supply verifications requested by the Board.
Prior Examinations
Previously passed any examinations required by the other licensing jurisdiction. Section 30-1-27(b)(5) does not identify an exact ASWB examination, so this generic prior qualification is a condition.
Residency
Establish West Virginia residence; provide proof required by the Board.
Same Practice Level
Current other-jurisdiction license in the same discipline and practice level, as determined by the Board.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Upgrade a regular license to this level
ASWB Clinical Exam
Application
Submit Board application, fee, required transcripts and additional documentation required by the Board.
Character
Good moral character.
Criminal History
Statutory felony and practice-related conviction provisions apply subject to Article 1 and the criminal-record and rehabilitation provisions of 25CSR1 section 4.
Education
CSWE-accredited MSW with clinically oriented coursework. The Board page additionally describes Ph.D. or DSW qualifications for out-of-state applicants.
Exam Approval
Board pre-approval is required before ASWB registration; provide the official passing score.
Existing License
Existing regular license in good standing; meet all higher-level requirements and pay upgrade fee.
Experience
Graduate supervised clinical placement or Board-equivalent post-master training; two years full-time or 3,000 hours under an independent clinical social worker or equivalent supervision. Board requires an approved supervision contract and at least 100 hours of face-to-face supervision.
Legacy Panel
25CSR2 section 4.2 permits an expert panel for the undefined in-lieu provision. Section 30-30-6(b) requires former references to be consistent with current Article 30 and 25CSR1 defines examination as ASWB. Any auxiliary competency review is an applicant condition; current text does not separately identify its assessment boundary.
License Standing
Verify standing with applicable Boards if ever licensed elsewhere.
Minimum Age
At least eighteen years.
Recommendations
Three recommendations from persons not related to the applicant showing that the applicant merits public trust.
Substance Use
Not an alcohol or drug abuser; the Board may consider active recovery under the statutory exception.

Level A - Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

Licensing authority: West Virginia Board of Social Work · Application information

Restore delinquent license within thirty six months
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete all CE requirements.
Fees
Pay applicable delinquent and renewal fees.
Nonpractice Evidence
The October 2022 Board manual requires evidence of no social work practice or representation as a social worker while delinquent.
Time Limit
Within thirty-six months of delinquency; no practice while delinquent.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Discretionary reinstatement after suspension or revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Discretion
Board may consider reinstatement upon proof of reasonable skill and safety.
Disciplinary Order
Meet the individual disciplinary order and Board-imposed requirements. The rule authorizes unspecified reinstatement requirements and evaluations without naming a distinct currently offered examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by examination
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Application
Submit Board application, fee, required transcripts and additional documentation required by the Board.
Character
Good moral character.
Criminal History
Statutory felony and practice-related conviction provisions apply subject to Article 1 and the criminal-record and rehabilitation provisions of 25CSR1 section 4.
Education
CSWE-accredited BSW.
Exam Approval
Board pre-approval is required before ASWB registration; provide the official passing score.
Legacy Panel
25CSR2 section 4.2 permits an expert panel for the undefined in-lieu provision. Section 30-30-6(b) requires former references to be consistent with current Article 30 and 25CSR1 defines examination as ASWB. Any auxiliary competency review is an applicant condition; current text does not separately identify its assessment boundary.
License Standing
Verify standing with applicable Boards if ever licensed elsewhere.
Minimum Age
At least eighteen years.
Recommendations
Three recommendations from persons not related to the applicant showing that the applicant merits public trust.
Substance Use
Not an alcohol or drug abuser; the Board may consider active recovery under the statutory exception.
Apply anew after expiration following thirty six months of delinquency
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Application
Submit Board application, fee, required transcripts and additional documentation required by the Board.
Character
Good moral character.
Criminal History
Statutory felony and practice-related conviction provisions apply subject to Article 1 and the criminal-record and rehabilitation provisions of 25CSR1 section 4.
Education
CSWE-accredited BSW.
Exam Approval
Board pre-approval is required before ASWB registration; provide the official passing score.
Expired License
After thirty-six delinquent months the license expires and cannot be renewed. Reapply for a new license; retain the currently offered level examination even if passed earlier.
Legacy Panel
25CSR2 section 4.2 permits an expert panel for the undefined in-lieu provision. Section 30-30-6(b) requires former references to be consistent with current Article 30 and 25CSR1 defines examination as ASWB. Any auxiliary competency review is an applicant condition; current text does not separately identify its assessment boundary.
License Standing
Verify standing with applicable Boards if ever licensed elsewhere.
Minimum Age
At least eighteen years.
Recommendations
Three recommendations from persons not related to the applicant showing that the applicant merits public trust.
Substance Use
Not an alcohol or drug abuser; the Board may consider active recovery under the statutory exception.
Initial licensure using existing out of state qualifications
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Application
Submit Board application, fee, required transcripts and additional documentation required by the Board.
Character
Good moral character.
Criminal History
Statutory felony and practice-related conviction provisions apply subject to Article 1 and the criminal-record and rehabilitation provisions of 25CSR1 section 4.
Education
CSWE-accredited BSW.
Exam Approval
Board pre-approval is required before ASWB registration; provide the official passing score.
Legacy Panel
25CSR2 section 4.2 permits an expert panel for the undefined in-lieu provision. Section 30-30-6(b) requires former references to be consistent with current Article 30 and 25CSR1 defines examination as ASWB. Any auxiliary competency review is an applicant condition; current text does not separately identify its assessment boundary.
License Standing
Verify standing with applicable Boards if ever licensed elsewhere.
Minimum Age
At least eighteen years.
Prior License
Use a prior out-of-state social work qualification, with verification of standing and this level ASWB score. Distinct from universal licensing.
Recommendations
Three recommendations from persons not related to the applicant showing that the applicant merits public trust.
Substance Use
Not an alcohol or drug abuser; the Board may consider active recovery under the statutory exception.
Convert a provisional license to regular LSW
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Application
Submit Board application, fee, required transcripts and additional documentation required by the Board.
Character
Good moral character.
Completion
Document all four-year provisions, passing exam score, transcripts, employer letters and supervisor recommendations before conversion.
Continuing Education
Twenty approved social work CE hours each two years; annual compliance statements and coursework evidence.
Coursework
Twelve CSWE-program core social work credit hours during the four-year period; CSWE BSW or MSW enrollment qualifies for the Board course exception.
Criminal History
Statutory felony and practice-related conviction provisions apply subject to Article 1 and the criminal-record and rehabilitation provisions of 25CSR1 section 4.
Duration
Initial two-year certificate, renewable for a final two-year period on satisfactory progress; conversion requires four years continuous supervised employment, subject to Board-approved interruption for workforce reduction or medical reasons.
Education
Board-approved baccalaureate degree in a related field.
Employment
Regular Board-approved supervised employment or its reasonable promise in a critical workforce-shortage position. No independent practice, contracting, sole proprietorship or nonregular employment.
Exam Approval
Board pre-approval is required before ASWB registration; provide the official passing score.
Legacy Panel
25CSR2 section 4.2 permits an expert panel for the undefined in-lieu provision. Section 30-30-6(b) requires former references to be consistent with current Article 30 and 25CSR1 defines examination as ASWB. Any auxiliary competency review is an applicant condition; current text does not separately identify its assessment boundary.
License Standing
Verify standing with applicable Boards if ever licensed elsewhere.
Minimum Age
At least eighteen years.
Recommendations
Three recommendations from persons not related to the applicant showing that the applicant merits public trust.
Substance Use
Not an alcohol or drug abuser; the Board may consider active recovery under the statutory exception.
Supervision
Approved qualified supervisor; quarterly face-to-face sessions and annual reports.
Testing
Pass ASWB Bachelors during this provisional pathway; earlier passage does not waive other conversion provisions.
Reactivate an approved inactive regular license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Additional Evidence
After two or more inactive years Board may require recent references or continuing-eligibility evidence.
Application
Request Board approval, submit activation form and applicable fee.
Inactive Approval
Previously received inactive status from the Board.
Sworn Statement
Declare no felony conviction, no professional misconduct and intent to meet requirements after activation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial regular license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit signed renewal application and fee before expiration.
Attestation
Provide required sworn discipline and criminal-conviction disclosures.
Continuing Education
Thirty Board-approved social work CE hours each two-year cycle; restrictions and applicable hardship waivers apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Universal licensing for an accompanying military spouse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply to the Board; its reciprocal-license announcement directs applicants to email the Director.
Criminal History
No disqualifying criminal history; applicable record checks remain required.
Discipline
No revocation or surrender under investigation; discipline must be resolved, subject to Board discretion for corrected matters.
Education Experience
Other licensing authority verifies minimum education and applicable experience and clinical supervision requirements were met.
Fees
Pay all applicable fees.
Good Standing
Good standing in all licensing jurisdictions; supply verifications requested by the Board.
Military Spouse
Spouse of an active-duty United States service member accompanying a permanent change of station to a West Virginia military installation.
Prior Examinations
Previously passed any examinations required by the other licensing jurisdiction. Section 30-1-27(b)(5) does not identify an exact ASWB examination, so this generic prior qualification is a condition.
Same Practice Level
Current other-jurisdiction license in the same discipline and practice level, as determined by the Board.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Universal licensing for a West Virginia resident
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply to the Board; its reciprocal-license announcement directs applicants to email the Director.
Criminal History
No disqualifying criminal history; applicable record checks remain required.
Discipline
No revocation or surrender under investigation; discipline must be resolved, subject to Board discretion for corrected matters.
Education Experience
Other licensing authority verifies minimum education and applicable experience and clinical supervision requirements were met.
Fees
Pay all applicable fees.
Good Standing
Good standing in all licensing jurisdictions; supply verifications requested by the Board.
Prior Examinations
Previously passed any examinations required by the other licensing jurisdiction. Section 30-1-27(b)(5) does not identify an exact ASWB examination, so this generic prior qualification is a condition.
Residency
Establish West Virginia residence; provide proof required by the Board.
Same Practice Level
Current other-jurisdiction license in the same discipline and practice level, as determined by the Board.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Provisional License to Practice as a Social Worker

Licensing authority: West Virginia Board of Social Work · Application information

Provisional licensing with another baccalaureate degree and MSW enrollment
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Application
Submit Board application, fee, required transcripts and additional documentation required by the Board.
Character
Good moral character.
Continuing Education
Twenty approved social work CE hours each two years; annual compliance statements and coursework evidence.
Coursework
Twelve CSWE-program core social work credit hours during the four-year period; CSWE BSW or MSW enrollment qualifies for the Board course exception.
Criminal History
Statutory felony and practice-related conviction provisions apply subject to Article 1 and the criminal-record and rehabilitation provisions of 25CSR1 section 4.
Duration
Initial two-year certificate, renewable for a final two-year period on satisfactory progress; conversion requires four years continuous supervised employment, subject to Board-approved interruption for workforce reduction or medical reasons.
Education
Board webpage additionally accepts a non-related bachelor degree with documented MSW enrollment. Statute and rule specify related degrees as determined by the Board.
Employment
Regular Board-approved supervised employment or its reasonable promise in a critical workforce-shortage position. No independent practice, contracting, sole proprietorship or nonregular employment.
Exam Approval
Board pre-approval is required before ASWB registration; provide the official passing score.
Legacy Panel
25CSR2 section 4.2 permits an expert panel for the undefined in-lieu provision. Section 30-30-6(b) requires former references to be consistent with current Article 30 and 25CSR1 defines examination as ASWB. Any auxiliary competency review is an applicant condition; current text does not separately identify its assessment boundary.
License Standing
Verify standing with applicable Boards if ever licensed elsewhere.
Minimum Age
At least eighteen years.
Recommendations
Three recommendations from persons not related to the applicant showing that the applicant merits public trust.
Substance Use
Not an alcohol or drug abuser; the Board may consider active recovery under the statutory exception.
Supervision
Approved qualified supervisor; quarterly face-to-face sessions and annual reports.
Testing
Pass ASWB Bachelors during this provisional pathway; earlier passage does not waive other conversion provisions.
Provisional licensing with a related baccalaureate degree
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Application
Submit Board application, fee, required transcripts and additional documentation required by the Board.
Character
Good moral character.
Continuing Education
Twenty approved social work CE hours each two years; annual compliance statements and coursework evidence.
Coursework
Twelve CSWE-program core social work credit hours during the four-year period; CSWE BSW or MSW enrollment qualifies for the Board course exception.
Criminal History
Statutory felony and practice-related conviction provisions apply subject to Article 1 and the criminal-record and rehabilitation provisions of 25CSR1 section 4.
Duration
Initial two-year certificate, renewable for a final two-year period on satisfactory progress; conversion requires four years continuous supervised employment, subject to Board-approved interruption for workforce reduction or medical reasons.
Education
Board-approved baccalaureate degree in a related field.
Employment
Regular Board-approved supervised employment or its reasonable promise in a critical workforce-shortage position. No independent practice, contracting, sole proprietorship or nonregular employment.
Exam Approval
Board pre-approval is required before ASWB registration; provide the official passing score.
Legacy Panel
25CSR2 section 4.2 permits an expert panel for the undefined in-lieu provision. Section 30-30-6(b) requires former references to be consistent with current Article 30 and 25CSR1 defines examination as ASWB. Any auxiliary competency review is an applicant condition; current text does not separately identify its assessment boundary.
License Standing
Verify standing with applicable Boards if ever licensed elsewhere.
Minimum Age
At least eighteen years.
Recommendations
Three recommendations from persons not related to the applicant showing that the applicant merits public trust.
Substance Use
Not an alcohol or drug abuser; the Board may consider active recovery under the statutory exception.
Supervision
Approved qualified supervisor; quarterly face-to-face sessions and annual reports.
Testing
Pass ASWB Bachelors during this provisional pathway; earlier passage does not waive other conversion provisions.
Renew provisional license for its final two year period
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Application
Submit Board application, fee, required transcripts and additional documentation required by the Board.
Character
Good moral character.
Continuing Education
Twenty approved social work CE hours each two years; annual compliance statements and coursework evidence.
Coursework
Twelve CSWE-program core social work credit hours during the four-year period; CSWE BSW or MSW enrollment qualifies for the Board course exception.
Criminal History
Statutory felony and practice-related conviction provisions apply subject to Article 1 and the criminal-record and rehabilitation provisions of 25CSR1 section 4.
Duration
Initial two-year certificate, renewable for a final two-year period on satisfactory progress; conversion requires four years continuous supervised employment, subject to Board-approved interruption for workforce reduction or medical reasons.
Education
Board-approved baccalaureate degree in a related field.
Employment
Regular Board-approved supervised employment or its reasonable promise in a critical workforce-shortage position. No independent practice, contracting, sole proprietorship or nonregular employment.
Exam Approval
Board pre-approval is required before ASWB registration; provide the official passing score.
Legacy Panel
25CSR2 section 4.2 permits an expert panel for the undefined in-lieu provision. Section 30-30-6(b) requires former references to be consistent with current Article 30 and 25CSR1 defines examination as ASWB. Any auxiliary competency review is an applicant condition; current text does not separately identify its assessment boundary.
License Standing
Verify standing with applicable Boards if ever licensed elsewhere.
Minimum Age
At least eighteen years.
Recommendations
Three recommendations from persons not related to the applicant showing that the applicant merits public trust.
Renewal Progress
Submit coursework, CE, employment, supervision and annual compliance evidence. The Bachelors examination remains part of the four-year provisional pathway.
Substance Use
Not an alcohol or drug abuser; the Board may consider active recovery under the statutory exception.
Supervision
Approved qualified supervisor; quarterly face-to-face sessions and annual reports.
Testing
Pass ASWB Bachelors during this provisional pathway; earlier passage does not waive other conversion provisions.

Temporary Social Work Permit

Licensing authority: West Virginia Board of Social Work · Application information

Additional BSW temporary permit following exam failure
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Attempt Limit
After four failed attempts, petition Board in writing; it may approve, approve with conditions, or deny.
Board Page Conflict
Renewal webpage says: "Temporary Permits are not renewable and are not subject to continuing education requirements." Statute controls failure-related renewal; manual describes a new permit.
Education
Qualifying CSWE-accredited BSW education status.
Failed Score
Statute permits renewal after examination failure; the October 2022 manual implements a new permit with failed-score report and new fee.
Supervision
Practice only under a valid permit and required supervision.
Testing
Attempt corresponding ASWB examination during the new permit period.
Temporary permit for BSW final semester
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Application
Application, fee and photo ID.
Continuing Education
No CE credits required for permit.
Conversion
Regular license requires passing score and degree-conferral transcript.
Duration
Up to six months.
Education
Final semester of CSWE-accredited BSW; program-director expected-graduation letter. The Board rule permits this status although section 30-30-22(a) describes completed education.
Supervision
Under a supervising licensed social worker.
Testing
Board authorizes registration upon issuance; attempt education-appropriate ASWB exam within six months.
Temporary permit for BSW graduate
ASWB Bachelors Exam
Application
Application, fee and photo ID.
Continuing Education
No CE credits required for permit.
Conversion
Regular license requires passing score and degree-conferral transcript.
Duration
Up to six months.
Education
Conferred CSWE-accredited BSW; official transcript required.
Supervision
Under a supervising licensed social worker.
Testing
Board authorizes registration upon issuance; attempt education-appropriate ASWB exam within six months.
Additional MSW temporary permit following exam failure
ASWB Masters Exam
Attempt Limit
After four failed attempts, petition Board in writing; it may approve, approve with conditions, or deny.
Board Page Conflict
Renewal webpage says: "Temporary Permits are not renewable and are not subject to continuing education requirements." Statute controls failure-related renewal; manual describes a new permit.
Education
Qualifying CSWE-accredited MSW education status.
Failed Score
Statute permits renewal after examination failure; the October 2022 manual implements a new permit with failed-score report and new fee.
Supervision
Practice only under a valid permit and required supervision.
Testing
Attempt corresponding ASWB examination during the new permit period.
Temporary permit for MSW final semester
ASWB Masters Exam
Application
Application, fee and photo ID.
Continuing Education
No CE credits required for permit.
Conversion
Regular license requires passing score and degree-conferral transcript.
Duration
Up to six months.
Education
Final semester of CSWE-accredited MSW; program-director expected-graduation letter. The Board rule permits this status although section 30-30-22(a) describes completed education.
Supervision
Under a supervising licensed social worker.
Testing
Board authorizes registration upon issuance; attempt education-appropriate ASWB exam within six months.
Temporary permit for MSW graduate
ASWB Masters Exam
Application
Application, fee and photo ID.
Continuing Education
No CE credits required for permit.
Conversion
Regular license requires passing score and degree-conferral transcript.
Duration
Up to six months.
Education
Conferred CSWE-accredited MSW; official transcript required.
Supervision
Under a supervising licensed social worker.
Testing
Board authorizes registration upon issuance; attempt education-appropriate ASWB exam within six months.

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 Masters Exam

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

ASWB Clinical Exam

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

ASWB Bachelors Exam

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