ASWB Exam Levels and Prerequisites

The ASWB develops five distinct exam levels, each corresponding to different stages of social work education and experience. Your state licensing board determines which exam you must take based on your credentials and the license you are seeking. It is important to check with your state board before registering.

The Five ASWB Exam Levels

Understanding Each Level

Associate Level: This is the entry-level exam available in a limited number of states. It is designed for individuals with a social work degree who are just entering the profession. Some states use this as a stepping stone before requiring a higher-level exam.

Bachelors Level: Intended for graduates of CSWE-accredited BSW programs. This exam tests foundational social work knowledge including generalist practice, human behavior, social welfare policy, and ethics. BSW graduates typically pursue state licenses such as Licensed Social Worker (LSW) or Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW).

Masters Level: Designed for graduates of CSWE-accredited MSW programs who are entering practice. This exam covers more advanced content including clinical assessment, treatment planning, and supervision. Masters-level licensees (LMSW, LGSW) often practice under supervision while accumulating hours toward clinical licensure.

Advanced Generalist Level: Available in select states for MSW graduates with at least two years of post-masters experience in macro, mezzo, or generalist practice. This level is for social workers who practice in non-clinical roles such as program administration, community organizing, or policy development.

Clinical Level (Most Popular): The Clinical exam is the most widely taken ASWB exam and is required for the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential. It requires an MSW degree plus a minimum of two years (typically 3,000+ hours) of post-masters supervised clinical experience. The clinical exam focuses heavily on psychotherapy, diagnosis, treatment planning, and clinical ethics.

Licensure Statistics

According to ASWB data, approximately 463,000 social workers are licensed in the United States:

• 59% hold clinical licenses (LCSW or equivalent)
• 30% hold masters-level licenses (LMSW or equivalent)
• 11% hold bachelors or associate-level licenses

The median salary for social workers is $61,330, with healthcare social workers earning approximately $62,940. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% job growth for social workers through 2032, which is faster than average for all occupations.