Quicklinks
Social Work
Certification & Licensure
Links from this page will open in separate windows. You may have to disable your pop-up blocker to view these pages.
- Overview
- Study Guides / Practice Tests / Sample Questions
- Licensing Requirements / Exam Information
- Related Websites
- Certification
Individual jurisdictions (generally, states) determine the licensing requirements of social workers, so it is best to contact the board that governs these requirements in the jurisdiction (state) in which you plan to become licensed. Various links to state and regulatory boards are included below under "Licensing Requirements / Exam Information" .
There are generally four categories of practice that states may regulate:
Bachelor’s Level: Bachelor’s degree in social work upon graduation
Master’s Level: Master's degree in social work (MSW) with no post-degree experience
Advanced Generalist Level: MSW with two years post-master's supervised experience
Clinical Level: MSW with two years post-master's direct clinical social work experience
The required exams correspond to the four levels above and are developed by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). Each exam has 170 multiple choice questions and four hours are allowed for completing the exam.
Current and detailed information on registering and taking the social work exams as well as information regarding the costs for taking the exams is provided in the ASWB's Candidate Handbook.
Follow the links below for related information on studying for and taking the exams:
Study Guides / Practice Tests / Sample Questions:
- Autotest Practice Tests for Social Work License Exams [CD-ROM & print guide]
This CD is available for one user on CD-ROM Station #3 in the reference area of Langsam Library on the 4th floor. It has timed practice tests, and it provides test scores and the opportunity to review missed questions. There are over 800 sample questions that are randomly selected every time a test is taken. The CD is accompanied by a brief guide.
The latest edition is available on 3-day reserve and is available only to UC students, staff and faculty. It can be checked-out at the circulation desk on the 4th floor of Langsam Library. Check the link above for the latest edition as well as the location, call number and availability of earlier editions.
- Comprehensive Study Guide & Practice Questions: Masters, Advanced Generalist, and Clinical Levels [print]
The latest edition is available on 3-day reserve and is available only to UC students, staff and faculty. It can be checked-out at the circulation desk on the 4th floor of Langsam Library. Check the link above for the latest edition as well as the location, call number and availability of earlier editions.
- Social Worker: Test Preparation Study Guide, Questions & Answers [print]
The latest edition is available on 3-day reserve and is available only to UC students, staff and faculty. It can be checked-out at the circulation desk on the 4th floor of Langsam Library. Check the link above for the latest edition.
- Study Guide: A Guide for Candidates Preparing for the ASWB Social Work Examination [print]
(NOTE: Includes study guides for the Bachelor’s, Master’s, Advanced Generalist’s, and Clinical Exams)
The latest edition is available on 3-day reserve and is available only to UC students, staff and faculty. It can be checked-out at the circulation desk on the 4th floor of Langsam Library. Check the link above for the latest edition as well as the location, call number and availability of earlier editions.
Licensing Requirements / Exam Information:
-
Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) - Licensing Requirements [online]
This ASWB site includes information on social work licensing requirements and the licensing exams. The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) is the association of boards that regulate social work. ASWB develops and maintains the social work licensing examination used across the country, and is a central resource for information on the legal regulation of social work. Through the association, social work boards can share information and work together. ASWB is also available to help individual social workers and social work students with questions they may have about licensing and the social work examinations. (from the ASWB web site)
- Indiana Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist and Mental Health Counselor Board [online]
Kentucky Board of Social Work [online]
Social Work Laws & Regulations: A Comparison Guide [print and online]
State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage & Family Therapist Board [online]
Listing of all state boards:
SWES (Social Work Examination Services) - State Licensing Boards [online]
or ASWB (Association of Social Work Boards) - Regulatory Boards [online]
Note: By doing an internet search, you can find various commercial web sites that provide resources and services for a fee to help individuals prepare for the licensing exams. The following sites are listed for information purposes only and their inclusion here is not an indication of sponsorship or endorsement.
Academic Review [online]
Association for Advanced Training in the Behavioral Sciences [online]
Berkeley Training Associates [online]
SocialWorkexam.com [online]
Social Work Examination Services (SWES) [online]
The The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) offers three credentials and seven specialty certifications (five for MSW’s and two for BSW’s) for its’ current members who also meet other specified qualifications (see the ACSW link below). The NASW credential or specialty certification is a professional designation and does not take the place of a state license. NASW credentials and specialty certifications are used to enhance the state license. It signifies that the holder has additional training, experience, and supervision.
- Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW) [online]
- Study guide for ACSW certification / Ruth R. Middleman [print]
| School of Social Work |
| Library Help for Social Work |
| Chat with a Librarian |
| Web site content: Mark.Kovacic@uc.edu |