The goal of the exam report series, based on additional analyses of data on ASWB exam pass rates and those of other professions, is to inform ASWB’s and the social work profession’s approach to addressing the complex individual, institutional, and community factors influencing the testing experience and exam results.

Ubuntu is a great example of “AI,” the ancient intelligence of interdependence that can help us understand pass rate disparities on the social work licensing exams while simultaneously offering guidance for closing outcome gaps.

In January 2023, ASWB began partnering with FifthTheory, a minority-owned firm with expertise in high-stakes testing and occupational assessment. ASWB has decided to expand the offering all registered candidates.

A groundbreaking survey conducted by the American Foundation for Research and Consumer Education in Social Work Regulation reveals the vast majority of social workers (76%) believe that the licensing examination is crucial in maintaining high professional standards. In addition, 96% of social workers are in favor of a proposed multi-state compact that will allow tested […]

To date, more than 52,000 social workers have participated in the Social Work Census, a major workforce study and practice analysis for the social work profession. That total number includes approximately 17,000 people who have submitted completed surveys and another 35,000 individuals who have begun responses and saved their progress. To maximize opportunities for participation […]

As we enter 2024, the ASWB examination program is looking forward to realizing many long-anticipated changes and initiatives. We are transitioning out of a year of planning and preparation and into a year of goals completed. Read more for details on what’s coming in the new year!

ASWB is using the Community Conversations research findings reported by HumRRO to inform the continued development of fair, reliable, and valid competence assessments and to determine future initiatives aimed at closing pass rate gaps among demographic groups.

As part of our ongoing investment in creating competence measures for the future of social work, ASWB has invited social workers to share their experiences with social work licensing and the licensing exams via two independent research efforts.

Last year, ASWB took the groundbreaking step of publishing pass rate data for the social work licensing exams to contribute to and lead engagement in profession-wide conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion. At that time, we also pledged to include a more diverse set of voices in our exam development process and provide more support and resources for educators and supervisors as they prepare licensure candidates. We are committed to listening to and learning from the social work com

The data highlighted disparities in exam pass rates for different demographic groups. For Black test-takers and older test-takers, pass rates were particularly low. The discrepancies seen in the data are unacceptable. Recognizing that multiple factors impact a test-taker’s performance and need to be addressed, we remain committed to doing our part and working with other […]