Custom software drives efficiency, flexibility
ASWB handles a lot of data — from exam preapprovals to the Public Protection Database to exam scores. With the advent of ASWBCentral, the data is becoming more secure and more accessible to ASWB staff and, most importantly, to member jurisdictions.
By combining existing software programs into a single web-based tool, ASWBCentral now provides a single sign-on for multiple functions and a simpler user experience for regulatory board staff. Each member jurisdiction can assign roles and permissions to its own staff members, meaning that individual users access only the tools they need for their work. For instance, an administrator or registrar could set up an account for a licensing specialist who would then be able to upload exam approvals but not report disciplinary actions to the PPD. This type of permission system enhances data security and gives more flexibility to members who use the system regularly.
“We’re constantly working on increasing our security,” says ASWB IT Director Dan Sheehan. “The data is stored with us and encrypted on the storage side.” Previous systems required data to be passed back and forth among multiple software programs. Every time data is transferred, risk is introduced. In ASWBCentral, all data is stored on a single system that is regularly backed up, and users don’t need to download special software to find the information they need. “You’re concentrating on just that one database,” Sheehan says, “keeping it clean, maintaining it, ensuring that it’s secure.”
ASWBCentral, including its board portal component, is what’s called configurable software, meaning that the system can be easily updated. The ASWBCentral software is more modular than previous systems, allowing for easier and faster improvements and fixes. “We are regularly doing these deployments for software improvements,” Sheehan says. “We can update more frequently — usually the system is down for maybe half an hour during off-business hours.”
The last major integration for ASWBCentral will be the exam candidate registration system, which accepts and stores exam registrations. That system will become part of ASWBCentral later in 2024. It will be account-based on the candidate side as well, simplifying online registrations and the work of ASWB’s Candidate Services Center.
All member jurisdictions that use the licensing exams have been using the board portal in ASWBCentral since January. “I’ve heard from several members — many of them heavy users of the system — who have said that this is so much better than what we were doing before,” Sheehan says.
ASWBCentral is proving to be a secure, flexible platform that helps social work regulators accomplish their important work. If you are an ASWB member jurisdiction with questions about ASWBCentral and the board portal, contact itservices@aswb.org.