ASWB Exam

Becoming a skilled social worker requires specific knowledge as well as years of experience. In addition to a degree, all states require some licensing and certification for social work professionals. The ASWB (Association of Social Work Boards) is a private body that administers an exam through a private testing service that is accepted in all states and the District of Columbia. The exams are standardized and based on testing standards set by the American Psychological Association.

The AWSB social work licensing exam is a multiple-choice test administered via computer. Candidates are given a total of four hours to answer one hundred fifty questions, which are sometimes bolstered by twenty or so questions being beta tested for future exams. There are different levels of the exam, and they determine the license the candidate receives. There are exams for bachelor's degree holders and master's degree holders. There is an exam for advanced general social workers and also one for clinical social workers.

The exams are geared toward those with degrees in social work. Degree holders should have less trouble with the exams because any comprehensive degree program in social work covers the relevant information on the tests. Questions include general knowledge about human development and behavior. They cover professional issues in social work, such as appropriate communication, professional ethics, and diversity. There are questions that explore a candidate's knowledge of assessment and diagnosis.

Many of the licenses available from the ASWB require a specific degree and work experience in addition to a passing score on an exam. Different states have different standards for a passing score on the exam, although they all accept exam scores from any testing center. Due to these restrictions, test centers require proof of a relevant degree during the registration process. It may be wise to invest in study materials if you plan on taking one of the ASWB tests, as they have proven effective in bolstering scores.

ASWB Exam Study Guide | ASWB Test Flashcards | Social Work Exam | ASWB Study Guide