Clicky

Social Worker Exam FAQs

Association of Social Work Board (ASWB) Exam is the licensure exam for social workers given by the ASWB. An ASWB license not only verifies that a social worker meets certain professional standards, but is required for licensure in all states.

The ASWB uses multiple-choice questions with many of them being scenario based.

There are 170 questions on the ASWB Exam, 150 of which are scored. The other 20 questions are used as a prototype for future exams and they will not be graded.

You have four hours to complete the ASWB exam.

ASWB uses Pearson VUE to administer and score the ASWB and offers the test year round. It has test centers all over the U.S.

Generally, in order to pass, 93 to 107 questions must be correct out of the 150 exam questions. There is variation in exam forms; ASWB will review each form before publishing and uses statistical analysis of the individual questions to adjust the number of correct answers required to pass that exam form.

The ASWB covers the following domains:

  • Human Development, Diversity, and Behavior in the Environment
  • Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment Planning
  • Psychotherapy, Clinical Interventions and Case Management
  • Professional Values and Ethics

The ASWB Exam was developed by the Association of Social Work Board (ASWB). A committee of subject matter experts (SMEs) develop exam items built on the core knowledge base of practicing social workers. The exam reflects the central requirements of social workers, clinical and practical, through real-world simulated case questions.

ASWB uses Pearson VUE to administer and score the ASWB and it is offered twice a year in spring and fall. It has test centers all over the U.S.

ASWB uses Pearson VUE to administer and score the ASWB. It has test centers all over the U.S. 

Requirements for licensure vary from state to state. As you prepare for your license, it is important for you to research requirements for your state. Basic requirements include graduating from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited (or accreditation track) graduate program and to pass the ASWB exam. Once you have completed these steps, you are ready for the next phase in your professional development. Generally, requirements for licensure or certification fall into three categories: supervision, supervised social work experience, and continuing education.

Each state has unique licensing and exam requirements for the social work license. See your state licensing board for more information. You must wait at least 90 days to retake any ASWB examination.

Each state has unique requirements to renew social work licenses. See your state licensing board for more information.

You will receive a printed unofficial score report from the testing center right after you complete the exam. All ASWB examination scores are reported as pass/fail. The official exam result will be forwarded to ASWB and the social work board or college in the state in which you are applying for licensure no later than 14 days from the date of your examination.

Practice tests, such as Tests.com's Social Worker Practice Exam, are a good way to study as it goes over the material you need to know while giving you a chance to practice your test taking skills. Additionally, study guides, text books, class notes, flashcards and videos are important study tools.  It is best to use a wide range of test prep to get the most comprehensive coverage of the subject matter.

Tests.com has worked with instructors in social work to create an ASWB Social Worker Practice Test to help you prepare for the ASWB exam. Tests.com's TestSim online interactive platform allows you to tailor tests to the subjects you want to study and to form tests to fit your study schedule. You can even simulate the actual ASWB by setting the number of questions and timer to the time period allowed for the actual test. Get experience reading multiple-choice questions and taking timed tests. Tests.com will help you pass your ASWB on your way to a successful career as a licensed social worker.  Click here to take a free Social Worker Practice Exam.

If this isn't helpful, please contact us

Please choose a quick help topic.