Key Takeaways
- The ASWB exam consists of 170 multiple-choice questions, with 150 scored and 20 unscored pretest items
- Candidates have 4 hours to complete the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center
- The exam fee is $230 for Associate, Bachelors, and Masters levels, and $260 for the Clinical level
- The national pass rate ranges from approximately 65% to 75% depending on the exam level
- ASWB transitioned from PSI to Pearson VUE as its testing vendor in March 2025
- You cannot tell which questions are scored and which are pretest items, so treat every question seriously
- Results are available to your state licensing board within 2 business days after testing
- A 90-day waiting period is required between retake attempts
ASWB Social Work Licensing Exam Overview
The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) develops and maintains the social work licensing examinations used across the United States and Canada. Passing the ASWB exam is a critical step toward obtaining your social work license, whether you are pursuing a BSW-level license, MSW-level license, or the coveted Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential.
The ASWB exam is a standardized, criterion-referenced examination, meaning your performance is measured against a fixed passing standard rather than compared to other test-takers. The exam tests your ability to apply social work knowledge, skills, and values to real-world practice scenarios.
Exam Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Exam Developer | Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) |
| Format | Multiple-choice (4 answer options per question) |
| Total Questions | 170 items |
| Scored Questions | 150 items |
| Unscored Pretest Items | 20 items (indistinguishable from scored items) |
| Time Limit | 4 hours |
| Exam Fee | $230 (Associate/Bachelors/Masters), $260 (Clinical) |
| Testing Vendor | Pearson VUE (transitioned from PSI in March 2025) |
| Test Centers | 475+ Pearson VUE locations across the U.S. and Canada |
| National Pass Rate | ~65-75% (varies by level) |
| Results | Sent to your state board within 2 business days |
| Retake Waiting Period | 90 days (waiver available if within 10 points) |
Question Format
Every question on the ASWB exam follows the same format: a stem (the question or scenario) followed by four answer options labeled A through D. You must select the single best answer. There is no penalty for guessing, so you should never leave a question blank.
Many questions are presented as clinical vignettes — short case scenarios describing a client, situation, or ethical dilemma. You are expected to apply your knowledge of social work theory, practice methods, and ethics to select the most appropriate response. The exam tests application of knowledge, not rote memorization of facts.
Scoring and Passing
The ASWB exam uses a scaled scoring system. The passing score varies by exam level and is set through a rigorous standard-setting process. Approximate passing ranges are:
- Bachelors: 96-105 out of 150 scored items
- Masters: 98-107 out of 150 scored items
- Clinical: 102-111 out of 150 scored items
If you do not pass, you will receive a diagnostic report showing your performance in each content domain, which helps you focus your studying for a retake.
How many total questions are on the ASWB Social Work Licensing Exam?
What is the approximate passing score range for the Clinical (LCSW) level ASWB exam?
Which testing vendor currently administers the ASWB exam?
The ASWB exam fee for the Clinical level is $___.
Type your answer below
How long is the mandatory waiting period between ASWB exam retake attempts?
How many of the 170 questions on the ASWB exam are unscored pretest items?
What is the time limit for the ASWB exam?