Hardy-Chandler: Don’t eliminate social worker competence exam

From child welfare to housing security to substance use, social workers are at the forefront of serving our communities’ most vulnerable residents. Michiganians deserve social workers who are not only competent, ethical and safe in their practice, but who also reflect the culture and experiences of the communities they serve.

To ensure this is the case, it is crucial Michigan assesses social workers’ knowledge and skills via a competence-based exam — in line with most states across the country. Given predictions that social work positions’ growth will outpace the average for all other professions over the next decade, this issue has never been more urgent.

In Michigan, the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) oversees the licensure and regulation of social workers. A critical part of the licensure process is the requirement to pass an objective, standardized exam. Like other licensed professionals — doctors, nurses, lawyers, teachers or barbers — social workers must demonstrate knowledge and skills to ensure they can deliver quality services. Anything less puts the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities at risk.

Legislation currently moving through the [Michigan] House of Representatives calls for eliminating the social work licensure exam. If passed, House Bill 5184 would strip LARA of this essential tool for assessing qualifications. It would also undermine the ability of Michiganians to trust when someone calls themselves a “licensed social worker,” that person is qualified.

The push to eliminate the exam is, in part, a response to data released by the Association of Social Work Boards in 2022, which highlighted disparities in pass rates between Black and White test-takers. ASWB published this data to spark important conversations about how we, as a society, can better support test-takers from all backgrounds to become social workers.

While exam outcome disparities are real, the exam itself is not their source. Rather, the exam is just one part of a broad system including education, training, licensing and ongoing professional development. The best way to address disparities in outcomes is not to eliminate the exam, but to invest in better support systems for candidates. This means ensuring access to affordable, quality training and preparation, continually improving the exam and the experience, and addressing other systemic factors that contribute to these disparities.

Those who regulate our profession and those advocating for change share a common goal: a competent, diverse and well-supported workforce. Social work is a demanding, often underpaid and high-stress profession, requiring an environment where practitioners can thrive. We must work together to create solutions that make social work careers both accessible and sustainable.

Eliminating the competence exam in Michigan could have unintended consequences, including diminishing social work’s professional status and leaving vulnerable people at risk. Continuing to assess social workers’ competence through an exam ensures public safety, upholds the integrity of the profession and ultimately maintains the trust of those social workers serve.