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Wisconsin Social Work — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

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

Advanced Practice Social Worker Certificate

Certification requiring qualifying graduate education in social work and approved examinations.

Licensing authority: Social Worker Section · Application information

Initial certification or licensure by examination

All of the following:

Application
Submit a completed application, pay the required fee, disclose credentials held in every jurisdiction and submit required criminal-history documentation.
Board score acceptance
If you passed the ASWB Bachelor's exam in another state, your passing score will be accepted. Score reports must be sent directly to DSPS by ASWB. For instructions on transferring your score to Wisconsin, please visit the ASWB website . The Board page names this accepted prior-score alternative as well as the credential-specific exam; both are preserved as alternatives.
Education
Master’s degree from a CSWE-accredited or preaccredited social-work program or doctorate in social work; Wis. Stat. § 457.08(2) also specifies certification under subsection (1).
Education equivalency
CSWE accreditation or preaccreditation is required; foreign education must be determined equivalent by CSWE.
Language
Under MPSW 3, education not received in English requires TOEFL 550 (213 computer-based) or an equivalent examination score; this language test is an applicant condition.
Prior national score
A passing score at the required ASWB category may be transferred directly from ASWB; the examination remains a requirement reference even if taken before applying.
State exam retake
MPSW 5.01(8) excuses retaking the state exam if it was passed when obtaining another Wisconsin social-work credential.
Late renewal within five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Attest to MPSW 19.02 continuing education.
Fee
Pay the renewal and late fees.
Time
After expiration but within five years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • mpsw-1.html

    MPSW 1.08 — Late renewal within five years

Reciprocity for service members, former service members and spouses
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply on the prescribed form and pay the required fee; an affidavit may document qualifying military status under § 440.09(2m).
Credential
Hold an appropriate governmental credential from outside Wisconsin and be in good standing in every jurisdiction that has granted it.
Military status
Be a service member, a former member discharged other than dishonorably within four years, or the qualifying spouse, and reside in Wisconsin.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • military-09.html

    Wis. Stat. § 440.09(2) — exhaustive reciprocal issuance requirements

  • 3-12.html

    MPSW 3.125 — military reciprocity

Reciprocal certification or licensure
Open-Book Statutes and Administrative Code Examination
Discipline
Disclose all discipline ever imposed or currently pending and provide required criminal-history documentation.
Equivalence
The Board compares the issuing jurisdiction’s standards to Wisconsin requirements, rather than substituting the individual’s qualifications.
Out of state credential
Hold the corresponding current credential or substantial equivalent in good standing from another jurisdiction.
State exam retake
MPSW 5.01(8) excuses retaking the state exam if it was passed when obtaining another Wisconsin social-work credential.
Reinstatement following disciplinary lapse, surrender or revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Discipline
Complete applicable disciplinary requirements.
Inactive five years
If not active in the last five years, meet MPSW 1.08(3).
Rehabilitation
Provide evidence of rehabilitation or changed circumstances warranting reinstatement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • mpsw-1.html

    MPSW 1.08 — Reinstatement following disciplinary lapse, surrender or revocation

Renewal by the expiration date
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Attest to the continuing education required by MPSW 19.02.
Fee
Pay the renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • mpsw-1.html

    MPSW 1.08 — Renewal by the expiration date

Renewal after five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Credential has been expired more than five years without unmet disciplinary requirements, surrender or revocation; the initial application process cannot be used.
Fee
Pay renewal and late fees.
Qualification alternatives
Provide either an active credential in good standing in another state or 60 hours of approved continuing education, including eight hours of ethics and boundaries, within the preceding two years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Retirement to non practicing status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Retirement
Certify retirement, cessation of practice and cessation of use of the professional title.
Status
The section may grant a continuing-education exemption and change status to non-practicing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return to active practice from retirement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Submit satisfactory evidence of at least 30 continuing-education credits for every biennium covered by a retirement exemption before resuming practice or title use.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Social Worker Credential

Temporary credential allowing eligible social workers credentialed in another state or territory to provide services within the scope of their existing credential.

Licensing authority: Wisconsin Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling, and Social Work Examining Board, Social Worker Section · Application information

Extension of bridge temporary credential
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Permanent application
Keep the permanent application pending and satisfy the Board’s extension procedure.
Procedure
How to Extend Bridge Extensions Extensions to Bridge Temporary Credentials are not guaranteed but may be issued based on individual circumstances. Applicants may receive a 30-day extension of their Bridge Temporary Credential if all their permanent application materials are submitted, and they are still awaiting DSPS Legal, Board, or Credentialing Team review and approval of their permanent license application. An applicant can receive more than one extension. Requests for an extension can be made by clicking on the “Request Support" tab on the home page of LicensE.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary bridge practice while permanent application is pending
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application timing
Apply within 30 days after starting Wisconsin services.
Credential
Hold a valid, unexpired, unrestricted corresponding credential from another jurisdiction with no pending investigation.
Duration
Section 440.094(2)(c) ends the temporary credential when the permanent application is granted or denied. The current Board bridge page additionally states a 90-day credential and gives an extension process.
Employment
Obtain a position with a Wisconsin health-care employer; for in-person services the employer must attest to credential status within ten days.
Permanent application
Submit the corresponding Wisconsin permanent application and supply its PAR number.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Social Worker Temporary Credential

Temporary credential permitting qualifying social workers to practice within the scope of their existing credential.

Licensing authority: Wisconsin Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling, and Social Work Examining Board, Social Worker Section · Application information

Extension of bridge temporary credential
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Permanent application
Keep the permanent application pending and satisfy the Board’s extension procedure.
Procedure
How to Extend Bridge Extensions Extensions to Bridge Temporary Credentials are not guaranteed but may be issued based on individual circumstances. Applicants may receive a 30-day extension of their Bridge Temporary Credential if all their permanent application materials are submitted, and they are still awaiting DSPS Legal, Board, or Credentialing Team review and approval of their permanent license application. An applicant can receive more than one extension. Requests for an extension can be made by clicking on the “Request Support" tab on the home page of LicensE.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary bridge practice while permanent application is pending
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application timing
Apply within 30 days after starting Wisconsin services.
Credential
Hold a valid, unexpired, unrestricted corresponding credential from another jurisdiction with no pending investigation.
Duration
Section 440.094(2)(c) ends the temporary credential when the permanent application is granted or denied. The current Board bridge page additionally states a 90-day credential and gives an extension process.
Employment
Obtain a position with a Wisconsin health-care employer; for in-person services the employer must attest to credential status within ten days.
Permanent application
Submit the corresponding Wisconsin permanent application and supply its PAR number.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Social Worker Temporary Credential

Temporary credential allowing eligible out-of-state social workers to provide services within the scope of their existing credential, subject to statutory conditions.

Licensing authority: Wisconsin Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling, and Social Work Examining Board, Social Worker Section · Application information

Extension of bridge temporary credential
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Permanent application
Keep the permanent application pending and satisfy the Board’s extension procedure.
Procedure
How to Extend Bridge Extensions Extensions to Bridge Temporary Credentials are not guaranteed but may be issued based on individual circumstances. Applicants may receive a 30-day extension of their Bridge Temporary Credential if all their permanent application materials are submitted, and they are still awaiting DSPS Legal, Board, or Credentialing Team review and approval of their permanent license application. An applicant can receive more than one extension. Requests for an extension can be made by clicking on the “Request Support" tab on the home page of LicensE.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary bridge practice while permanent application is pending
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application timing
Apply within 30 days after starting Wisconsin services.
Credential
Hold a valid, unexpired, unrestricted corresponding credential from another jurisdiction with no pending investigation.
Duration
Section 440.094(2)(c) ends the temporary credential when the permanent application is granted or denied. The current Board bridge page additionally states a 90-day credential and gives an extension process.
Employment
Obtain a position with a Wisconsin health-care employer; for in-person services the employer must attest to credential status within ten days.
Permanent application
Submit the corresponding Wisconsin permanent application and supply its PAR number.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Social Worker Temporary Credential

A temporary credential allowing qualifying social workers from other states to practice within the scope of their existing credential, subject to statutory conditions.

Licensing authority: Wisconsin Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling, and Social Work Examining Board, Social Worker Section · Application information

Extension of bridge temporary credential
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Permanent application
Keep the permanent application pending and satisfy the Board’s extension procedure.
Procedure
How to Extend Bridge Extensions Extensions to Bridge Temporary Credentials are not guaranteed but may be issued based on individual circumstances. Applicants may receive a 30-day extension of their Bridge Temporary Credential if all their permanent application materials are submitted, and they are still awaiting DSPS Legal, Board, or Credentialing Team review and approval of their permanent license application. An applicant can receive more than one extension. Requests for an extension can be made by clicking on the “Request Support" tab on the home page of LicensE.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary bridge practice while permanent application is pending
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application timing
Apply within 30 days after starting Wisconsin services.
Credential
Hold a valid, unexpired, unrestricted corresponding credential from another jurisdiction with no pending investigation.
Duration
Section 440.094(2)(c) ends the temporary credential when the permanent application is granted or denied. The current Board bridge page additionally states a 90-day credential and gives an extension process.
Employment
Obtain a position with a Wisconsin health-care employer; for in-person services the employer must attest to credential status within ten days.
Permanent application
Submit the corresponding Wisconsin permanent application and supply its PAR number.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Independent Social Worker Certificate

Independent social worker certification with examination or Academy of Certified Social Workers certification qualification alternatives.

Licensing authority: social worker section · Application information

Independent certification with ACSW qualification
Open-Book Statutes and Administrative Code Examination
Education and practice
Master’s or doctorate in social work, Wisconsin social-worker certification and at least two years of full-time supervised social-work practice after graduate education; MPSW 3.07 requires practice after advanced-practice certification.
Qualification
Submit verification of current Academy of Certified Social Workers certification under MPSW 3.07(4), rather than inventing a current ACSW examination version.
State exam retake
MPSW 5.01(8) excuses retaking the state exam if it was passed when obtaining another Wisconsin social-work credential.
Statutory wording
Section 457.08(3)(d) calls the alternative the Academy of Certified Social Workers examination; the current implementing rule and NASW qualification list identify ACSW certification, which is recorded as applicant evidence.
Initial certification or licensure by examination

All of the following:

Application
Submit a completed application, pay the required fee, disclose credentials held in every jurisdiction and submit required criminal-history documentation.
Board score acceptance
If you passed the ASWB Bachelor's exam in another state, your passing score will be accepted. Score reports must be sent directly to DSPS by ASWB. For instructions on transferring your score to Wisconsin, please visit the ASWB website . The Board page names this accepted prior-score alternative as well as the credential-specific exam; both are preserved as alternatives.
Education
Master’s or doctorate in social work, Wisconsin social-worker certification and at least two years of full-time supervised social-work practice after graduate education; MPSW 3.07 requires practice after advanced-practice certification.
Education equivalency
CSWE accreditation or preaccreditation is required; foreign education must be determined equivalent by CSWE.
Language
Under MPSW 3, education not received in English requires TOEFL 550 (213 computer-based) or an equivalent examination score; this language test is an applicant condition.
Practice
At least two years full-time supervised practice after graduate education and advanced-practice certification. The current Board page additionally says a minimum of 3,000 hours.
Prior national score
A passing score at the required ASWB category may be transferred directly from ASWB; the examination remains a requirement reference even if taken before applying.
State exam retake
MPSW 5.01(8) excuses retaking the state exam if it was passed when obtaining another Wisconsin social-work credential.
Late renewal within five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Attest to MPSW 19.02 continuing education.
Fee
Pay the renewal and late fees.
Time
After expiration but within five years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • mpsw-1.html

    MPSW 1.08 — Late renewal within five years

Reciprocity for service members, former service members and spouses
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply on the prescribed form and pay the required fee; an affidavit may document qualifying military status under § 440.09(2m).
Credential
Hold an appropriate governmental credential from outside Wisconsin and be in good standing in every jurisdiction that has granted it.
Military status
Be a service member, a former member discharged other than dishonorably within four years, or the qualifying spouse, and reside in Wisconsin.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • military-09.html

    Wis. Stat. § 440.09(2) — exhaustive reciprocal issuance requirements

  • 3-12.html

    MPSW 3.125 — military reciprocity

Reciprocal certification or licensure
Open-Book Statutes and Administrative Code Examination
Discipline
Disclose all discipline ever imposed or currently pending and provide required criminal-history documentation.
Equivalence
The Board compares the issuing jurisdiction’s standards to Wisconsin requirements, rather than substituting the individual’s qualifications.
Out of state credential
Hold the corresponding current credential or substantial equivalent in good standing from another jurisdiction.
State exam retake
MPSW 5.01(8) excuses retaking the state exam if it was passed when obtaining another Wisconsin social-work credential.
Reinstatement following disciplinary lapse, surrender or revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Discipline
Complete applicable disciplinary requirements.
Inactive five years
If not active in the last five years, meet MPSW 1.08(3).
Rehabilitation
Provide evidence of rehabilitation or changed circumstances warranting reinstatement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • mpsw-1.html

    MPSW 1.08 — Reinstatement following disciplinary lapse, surrender or revocation

Renewal by the expiration date
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Attest to the continuing education required by MPSW 19.02.
Fee
Pay the renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • mpsw-1.html

    MPSW 1.08 — Renewal by the expiration date

Renewal after five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Credential has been expired more than five years without unmet disciplinary requirements, surrender or revocation; the initial application process cannot be used.
Fee
Pay renewal and late fees.
Qualification alternatives
Provide either an active credential in good standing in another state or 60 hours of approved continuing education, including eight hours of ethics and boundaries, within the preceding two years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Retirement to non practicing status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Retirement
Certify retirement, cessation of practice and cessation of use of the professional title.
Status
The section may grant a continuing-education exemption and change status to non-practicing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return to active practice from retirement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Submit satisfactory evidence of at least 30 continuing-education credits for every biennium covered by a retirement exemption before resuming practice or title use.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Clinical Social Worker License

License granted by the social worker section to qualified applicants for clinical social work practice.

Licensing authority: social worker section · Application information

Clinical licensure with Board Certified Diplomate qualification
Open-Book Statutes and Administrative Code Examination
Education and practice
Master’s or doctorate in social work, a clinical concentration and supervised clinical field training, or the permitted substitute clinical experience; Wisconsin social-worker certification is specified in § 457.08(4). Meet the same postgraduate clinical-practice requirements as other initial clinical applicants.
Qualification
Hold Board Certified Diplomate status from the American Board of Examiners in Clinical Social Work and arrange direct written verification; the Board page excuses the ASWB Clinical examination.
State exam retake
MPSW 5.01(8) excuses retaking the state exam if it was passed when obtaining another Wisconsin social-work credential.
Initial certification or licensure by examination
Application
Submit a completed application, pay the required fee, disclose credentials held in every jurisdiction and submit required criminal-history documentation.
Board retake instruction
Form 2681 (Rev. 4/2022) states: All applicants are required to pass an open book examination on the Wisconsin Statutes and Rules relating to the practice of social work. If you have taken this examination within the last 5 years, you do not need to retake this examination.
Clinical experience
At least 3,000 supervised clinical hours after graduate education and advanced-practice or independent certification, including 1,000 face-to-face hours of which at least 600 involve DSM diagnosis and treatment. Hours outside Wisconsin may be credited if the rule’s supervision requirements are met.
Education
Master’s or doctorate in social work, a clinical concentration and supervised clinical field training, or the permitted substitute clinical experience; Wisconsin social-worker certification is specified in § 457.08(4).
Education equivalency
CSWE accreditation or preaccreditation is required; foreign education must be determined equivalent by CSWE.
Field training substitute
In lieu of supervised clinical field training, 1,500 clinical hours over at least one year in a primary clinical setting, including at least 500 face-to-face hours; these hours do not eliminate or overlap the separate postgraduate experience requirement.
Language
Under MPSW 3, education not received in English requires TOEFL 550 (213 computer-based) or an equivalent examination score; this language test is an applicant condition.
Prior national score
A passing score at the required ASWB category may be transferred directly from ASWB; the examination remains a requirement reference even if taken before applying.
State exam retake
MPSW 5.01(8) excuses retaking the state exam if it was passed when obtaining another Wisconsin social-work credential.
Late renewal within five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Attest to MPSW 19.02 continuing education.
Fee
Pay the renewal and late fees.
Time
After expiration but within five years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • mpsw-1.html

    MPSW 1.08 — Late renewal within five years

Reciprocity for service members, former service members and spouses
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply on the prescribed form and pay the required fee; an affidavit may document qualifying military status under § 440.09(2m).
Credential
Hold an appropriate governmental credential from outside Wisconsin and be in good standing in every jurisdiction that has granted it.
Military status
Be a service member, a former member discharged other than dishonorably within four years, or the qualifying spouse, and reside in Wisconsin.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • military-09.html

    Wis. Stat. § 440.09(2) — exhaustive reciprocal issuance requirements

  • 3-12.html

    MPSW 3.125 — military reciprocity

Reciprocal certification or licensure
Open-Book Statutes and Administrative Code Examination
Discipline
Disclose all discipline ever imposed or currently pending and provide required criminal-history documentation.
Equivalence
The Board compares the issuing jurisdiction’s standards to Wisconsin requirements, rather than substituting the individual’s qualifications.
Out of state credential
Hold the corresponding current credential or substantial equivalent in good standing from another jurisdiction.
State exam retake
MPSW 5.01(8) excuses retaking the state exam if it was passed when obtaining another Wisconsin social-work credential.
Reinstatement following disciplinary lapse, surrender or revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Discipline
Complete applicable disciplinary requirements.
Inactive five years
If not active in the last five years, meet MPSW 1.08(3).
Rehabilitation
Provide evidence of rehabilitation or changed circumstances warranting reinstatement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • mpsw-1.html

    MPSW 1.08 — Reinstatement following disciplinary lapse, surrender or revocation

Renewal by the expiration date
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Attest to the continuing education required by MPSW 19.02.
Fee
Pay the renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • mpsw-1.html

    MPSW 1.08 — Renewal by the expiration date

Renewal after five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Credential has been expired more than five years without unmet disciplinary requirements, surrender or revocation; the initial application process cannot be used.
Fee
Pay renewal and late fees.
Qualification alternatives
Provide either an active credential in good standing in another state or 60 hours of approved continuing education, including eight hours of ethics and boundaries, within the preceding two years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Retirement to non practicing status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Retirement
Certify retirement, cessation of practice and cessation of use of the professional title.
Status
The section may grant a continuing-education exemption and change status to non-practicing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return to active practice from retirement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Submit satisfactory evidence of at least 30 continuing-education credits for every biennium covered by a retirement exemption before resuming practice or title use.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Substance Abuse Specialty Authorization

Specialty for active Social Worker or Social Worker Training Certificate holders requiring at least 180 contact hours of substance use disorder education and 1,000 hours of supervised treatment experience.

Licensing authority: Social Work Examining Board · Application information

Specialty authorization for a Social Worker holder
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Documentation
Submit Forms 2712 and 2713 with attendance/completion evidence and course descriptions.
Education
At least 180 contact hours: 30 each in assessment, counseling, case management, patient education and professional responsibility, three in boundaries and ethics and 27 electives.
Experience
At least 1,000 face-to-face substance-use-disorder treatment hours with diagnosed clients under a qualified supervisor.
Maintenance
Complete six substance-use-disorder continuing-education hours per biennium; they may count toward the underlying credential’s continuing education.
Underlying credential
Hold an active Social Worker credential.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Specialty authorization for a Social Worker Training Certificate holder
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Documentation
Submit Forms 2712 and 2713 with attendance/completion evidence and course descriptions.
Education
At least 180 contact hours: 30 each in assessment, counseling, case management, patient education and professional responsibility, three in boundaries and ethics and 27 electives.
Experience
At least 1,000 face-to-face substance-use-disorder treatment hours with diagnosed clients under a qualified supervisor.
Maintenance
Complete six substance-use-disorder continuing-education hours per biennium; they may count toward the underlying credential’s continuing education.
Underlying credential
Hold an active Social Worker Training Certificate credential.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Social Worker Certificate

Social-worker credential granted by the social worker section, including through a degree-equivalency pathway with supervised experience and examination requirements.

Licensing authority: social worker section · Application information

Social worker certification through degree equivalency
Coursework
Five approved courses with at least C grades, at least three at the same institution, in social welfare policy, three social-work methods areas and human behavior in the social environment.
Practice
Complete the qualifying supervised 400-hour human-services internship or one year of supervised social-work employment, with documented competency.
State exam retake
MPSW 5.01(8) excuses retaking the state exam if it was passed when obtaining another Wisconsin social-work credential.
Timing
Section 457.09(5) permits the national examination before or after degree-equivalency work and permits the state examination after passing the national examination.
Training
Hold or have held the statutory training certificate and demonstrate degree equivalency.
Initial certification or licensure by examination
Application
Submit a completed application, pay the required fee, disclose credentials held in every jurisdiction and submit required criminal-history documentation.
Education
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited or preaccredited program, or a doctorate in social work.
Education equivalency
CSWE accreditation or preaccreditation is required; foreign education must be determined equivalent by CSWE.
Language
Under MPSW 3, education not received in English requires TOEFL 550 (213 computer-based) or an equivalent examination score; this language test is an applicant condition.
Prior national score
A passing score at the required ASWB category may be transferred directly from ASWB; the examination remains a requirement reference even if taken before applying.
State exam retake
MPSW 5.01(8) excuses retaking the state exam if it was passed when obtaining another Wisconsin social-work credential.
Late renewal within five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Attest to MPSW 19.02 continuing education.
Fee
Pay the renewal and late fees.
Time
After expiration but within five years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • mpsw-1.html

    MPSW 1.08 — Late renewal within five years

Reciprocity for service members, former service members and spouses
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply on the prescribed form and pay the required fee; an affidavit may document qualifying military status under § 440.09(2m).
Credential
Hold an appropriate governmental credential from outside Wisconsin and be in good standing in every jurisdiction that has granted it.
Military status
Be a service member, a former member discharged other than dishonorably within four years, or the qualifying spouse, and reside in Wisconsin.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • military-09.html

    Wis. Stat. § 440.09(2) — exhaustive reciprocal issuance requirements

  • 3-12.html

    MPSW 3.125 — military reciprocity

Reciprocal certification or licensure
Open-Book Statutes and Administrative Code Examination
Discipline
Disclose all discipline ever imposed or currently pending and provide required criminal-history documentation.
Equivalence
The Board compares the issuing jurisdiction’s standards to Wisconsin requirements, rather than substituting the individual’s qualifications.
Out of state credential
Hold the corresponding current credential or substantial equivalent in good standing from another jurisdiction.
State exam retake
MPSW 5.01(8) excuses retaking the state exam if it was passed when obtaining another Wisconsin social-work credential.
Reinstatement following disciplinary lapse, surrender or revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Discipline
Complete applicable disciplinary requirements.
Inactive five years
If not active in the last five years, meet MPSW 1.08(3).
Rehabilitation
Provide evidence of rehabilitation or changed circumstances warranting reinstatement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • mpsw-1.html

    MPSW 1.08 — Reinstatement following disciplinary lapse, surrender or revocation

Renewal by the expiration date
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Attest to the continuing education required by MPSW 19.02.
Fee
Pay the renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • mpsw-1.html

    MPSW 1.08 — Renewal by the expiration date

Renewal after five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Credential has been expired more than five years without unmet disciplinary requirements, surrender or revocation; the initial application process cannot be used.
Fee
Pay renewal and late fees.
Qualification alternatives
Provide either an active credential in good standing in another state or 60 hours of approved continuing education, including eight hours of ethics and boundaries, within the preceding two years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Retirement to non practicing status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Retirement
Certify retirement, cessation of practice and cessation of use of the professional title.
Status
The section may grant a continuing-education exemption and change status to non-practicing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return to active practice from retirement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Submit satisfactory evidence of at least 30 continuing-education credits for every biennium covered by a retirement exemption before resuming practice or title use.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Advanced Practice Social Worker Certificate

Temporary certificate permitting use of the title “advanced practice social worker” for an individual who pays the required fee and meets all qualifications except passing the required examinations.

Licensing authority: social worker section · Application information

Temporary credential pending required examinations

All of the following:

Expiration
Expires on successful completion of the required examinations or after nine months, whichever occurs first.
Pending examination
Apply to take the next available examination; passing is deferred for temporary issuance, rather than treated as a nonexistent examination.
Permanent qualifications
Master’s degree from a CSWE-accredited or preaccredited social-work program or doctorate in social work; Wis. Stat. § 457.08(2) also specifies certification under subsection (1). Meet the permanent credential’s other qualifications.
Renewal
The temporary credential may be renewed once.
State exam retake
MPSW 5.01(8) excuses retaking the state exam if it was passed when obtaining another Wisconsin social-work credential.
One renewal of the temporary credential
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Limit
One renewal only, while the permanent application remains pending; the temporary credential ends on successful completion of required examinations or at the end of its authorized term.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Independent Social Worker Certificate

Licensing authority: Wisconsin Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling, and Social Work Examining Board, Social Worker Section · Application information

Temporary credential pending required examinations

All of the following:

Expiration
Expires on successful completion of the required examinations or after nine months, whichever occurs first.
Pending examination
Apply to take the next available examination; passing is deferred for temporary issuance, rather than treated as a nonexistent examination.
Permanent qualifications
Master’s or doctorate in social work, Wisconsin social-worker certification and at least two years of full-time supervised social-work practice after graduate education; MPSW 3.07 requires practice after advanced-practice certification. Meet the permanent credential’s other qualifications.
Renewal
The temporary credential may be renewed once.
State exam retake
MPSW 5.01(8) excuses retaking the state exam if it was passed when obtaining another Wisconsin social-work credential.
One renewal of the temporary credential
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Limit
One renewal only, while the permanent application remains pending; the temporary credential ends on successful completion of required examinations or at the end of its authorized term.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Clinical Social Worker License

Licensing authority: Wisconsin Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling, and Social Work Examining Board, Social Worker Section · Application information

Temporary credential pending required examinations
Expiration
Expires on successful completion of the required examinations or after nine months, whichever occurs first.
Pending examination
Apply to take the next available examination; passing is deferred for temporary issuance, rather than treated as a nonexistent examination.
Permanent qualifications
Master’s or doctorate in social work, a clinical concentration and supervised clinical field training, or the permitted substitute clinical experience; Wisconsin social-worker certification is specified in § 457.08(4). Meet the permanent credential’s other qualifications.
Renewal
The temporary credential may be renewed once.
State exam retake
MPSW 5.01(8) excuses retaking the state exam if it was passed when obtaining another Wisconsin social-work credential.
One renewal of the temporary credential
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Limit
One renewal only, while the permanent application remains pending; the temporary credential ends on successful completion of required examinations or at the end of its authorized term.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Social Worker Certificate

Temporary certificate permitting use of the title “social worker” for applicants who pay the required fee and meet all qualifications except passing the required examinations.

Licensing authority: social worker section · Application information

Temporary credential pending required examinations
Expiration
Expires on successful completion of the required examinations or after nine months, whichever occurs first.
Pending examination
Apply to take the next available examination; passing is deferred for temporary issuance, rather than treated as a nonexistent examination.
Permanent qualifications
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited or preaccredited program, or a doctorate in social work. Meet the permanent credential’s other qualifications.
Renewal
The temporary credential may be renewed once.
State exam retake
MPSW 5.01(8) excuses retaking the state exam if it was passed when obtaining another Wisconsin social-work credential.
One renewal of the temporary credential
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Limit
One renewal only, while the permanent application remains pending; the temporary credential ends on successful completion of required examinations or at the end of its authorized term.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Social Worker Training Certificate

Training certificate for eligible bachelor’s-degree holders seeking social worker degree equivalency.

Licensing authority: social worker section · Application information

Initial social worker training certificate
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Background
Provide the criminal-history documentation specified in MPSW 3.13(1)(c).
Duration
Valid for 24 months and not renewable under § 457.09(3).
Education
Bachelor’s in psychology, sociology, criminal justice or another approved human-service program, with the program and GPA requirements in MPSW 3.13(1).
Intent
Declare an intention to attain social-worker degree equivalency during the certificate period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

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

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

Open-Book Statutes and Administrative Code Examination

Format
Open-book online examination
Time limit
Not timed
Passing score
85%
Examination outline
  • MPSW 1 — Authority and Practice
  • MPSW 2 — Definitions for Practice of Social Work
  • MPSW 3 — Application for Social Worker Certification or Licensure
  • MPSW 4 — Supervised Pre-Certification and Pre-Licensure Social Work Practice
  • MPSW 6 — Authorized Social Worker Practice
  • MPSW 19 — Continuing Education
  • MPSW 20 — Conduct
  • Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 48 — Children’s Code
  • Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 55 — Protective Service System
  • Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 51 — State Alcohol, Drug Abuse, Developmental Disabilities and Mental Health Act
  • Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 457 — Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling, and Social Work
  • Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 938 — Juvenile Justice Code
Examination sources

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

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