Lactation arrangements

Lactating individuals who need to pump or express milk may be approved for these nonstandard testing arrangements:

• Use of a locker during a break to access a pump
• Extra time of one hour
• Frequent/extended breaks
• Use of a designated space for pumping or expressing
• Permission to keep water in a transparent, spill proof, sports-type bottle with a spout at the testing desk

Because of the importance of providing a secure testing environment for its high-stakes licensing exams. ASWB contracts with Pearson VUE to test its candidates. Pearson VUE administers a wide variety of exams for various purposes. Some of the rules that those taking the social work licensing exams must follow may not match the rules for those taking other exams.

For individuals who are approved to pump or express milk, Pearson VUE test centers in the United States and Canada will provide a private space. The private space varies at each test center, but all have a chair, table, and electrical outlet. It may be either a breakroom with a door or a break area with a privacy screen. The space is available to individuals approved for this nonstandard testing arrangement on a first-come, first-served basis and may be used only for pumping or expressing milk.

If you need to breastfeed in person, you may work with ASWB to explore options for this arrangement. Breastfeeding in person is not allowed within the test center. Availability of space outside the test center for breastfeeding in person varies.

Nonstandard testing arrangements cannot be added to an existing testing appointment. Visitors, children, spouses, family, and friends are NOT allowed in the test center.

Before requesting lactation arrangements, read the ASWB Nonstandard Testing Arrangements Handbook.