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The NASW Social Worker in Gerontology (SW-G) credential is designed for which level of social work practitioner?

BSW-level social workers with post-BSW experience working with older adults

Only LCSW-level clinical social workers

Master's-level social workers exclusively

Doctoral-level researchers in gerontology

to track

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: SW-G Exam

No exam

Application-based credential

NASW

$160-$280

Application Fee Range (plus NASW dues)

NASW 2026

3 yrs

Post-BSW Experience with Older Adults

NASW

2006

Year SW-G Credential Was Established

NASW

2 yrs

Renewal Cycle (with gerontology CE)

NASW

100 days

Medicare SNF Coverage Limit per Benefit Period

Medicare

SW-G is an application-based NASW BSW-level specialty credential (no written exam). Established 2006. Eligibility requires a CSWE-accredited BSW, three years of post-BSW supervised social work experience with older adults, current NASW membership, current state social work license (where applicable), and a supervisor reference. The application fee runs roughly $160-280 plus NASW membership dues. The credential is renewed every 2 years with continuing education in gerontology. Our 100 free practice questions map to the eight competency areas behind the SW-G — gerontology basics, BSW-level assessment, long-term care navigation (Medicare, Medicaid HCBS, hospice), care management, elder abuse reporting, family caregivers, cultural competence, and the NASW Standards for Social Work Practice with Older Adults.

Sample SW-G Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your SW-G exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1The NASW Social Worker in Gerontology (SW-G) credential is designed for which level of social work practitioner?

A.BSW-level social workers with post-BSW experience working with older adults

B.Only LCSW-level clinical social workers

C.Master's-level social workers exclusively

D.Doctoral-level researchers in gerontology

Explanation: The SW-G is a bachelor's-level NASW specialty credential. Eligibility requires a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program plus three years of post-BSW supervised social work experience with older adults. The MSW-level equivalent is the CSW-G (Clinical Social Worker in Gerontology).

2Which six categories of activities of daily living (ADLs) are measured by the Katz Index?

A.Bathing, Dressing, Toileting, Transferring, Continence, Feeding

B.Shopping, Cooking, Cleaning, Driving, Banking, Medications

C.Walking, Talking, Reading, Writing, Hearing, Seeing

D.Sleeping, Eating, Socializing, Exercising, Working, Praying

Explanation: The Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living scores six basic ADLs: Bathing, Dressing, Toileting, Transferring, Continence, and Feeding. Each is rated as independent (1) or dependent (0), with a total of 6 indicating full function and 0 indicating severe functional impairment.

3Under traditional Medicare, what is the maximum number of days of skilled nursing facility (SNF) care covered per benefit period after a qualifying hospital stay?

A.100 days

B.30 days

C.60 days

D.365 days

Explanation: Medicare Part A covers up to 100 days of skilled nursing facility care per benefit period when the beneficiary had a qualifying inpatient hospital stay of at least 3 consecutive days. Days 1-20 are fully covered; days 21-100 require a daily coinsurance. Beyond 100 days, the beneficiary or Medicaid (if eligible) must pay.

4An SW-G is screening a 78-year-old client with the GDS-15 (Geriatric Depression Scale, short form). What score generally indicates a positive screen suggesting further depression evaluation?

A.5 or higher

B.1 or higher

C.10 or higher

D.15 only

Explanation: On the GDS-15, a score of 5 or greater is the standard cutoff for a positive depression screen warranting further clinical evaluation. The GDS was specifically designed for older adults using yes/no items that minimize somatic symptom confounds. A positive screen is a referral signal — diagnosis is made by a clinical social worker, psychologist, or physician.

5Which federal program is the PRIMARY payer for long-term custodial nursing home care in the United States?

A.Medicaid

B.Medicare Part A

C.Medicare Part B

D.Social Security

Explanation: Medicaid is the largest payer for long-term custodial nursing facility care in the U.S. because Medicare does NOT cover long-term custodial care (only short-term skilled care up to 100 days). Medicaid eligibility involves income and asset limits, a 5-year lookback for asset transfers, and spousal impoverishment protections that allow a community spouse to retain certain assets.

6An SW-G suspects financial exploitation of an 82-year-old client by an adult grandson. Which agency is generally the appropriate FIRST report destination in most U.S. states?

A.Adult Protective Services (APS)

B.Federal Bureau of Investigation

C.The client's primary care physician

D.The Social Security Administration

Explanation: Adult Protective Services (APS) operates in every U.S. state and is the standard agency to receive reports of suspected elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults living in the community. Most states designate licensed social workers as mandated reporters. APS investigates and may coordinate with law enforcement, banking institutions, or APS multidisciplinary teams.

7Rowe and Kahn's model of 'Successful Aging' identifies three core components. Which is NOT one of them?

A.Achievement of high financial net worth

B.Avoidance of disease and disability

C.Maintenance of high cognitive and physical function

D.Active engagement with life

Explanation: Rowe and Kahn's MacArthur Foundation Successful Aging model defines three components: (1) avoidance of disease and disability, (2) maintenance of high cognitive and physical function, and (3) active engagement with life through productive activities and interpersonal relationships. Financial net worth is not part of the model, though socioeconomic status is recognized as a contextual influence.

8Which Medicare-administered home- and community-based program requires participants to meet a nursing facility level of care, uses an interdisciplinary team, and provides comprehensive medical, social, and long-term services through a capitated payment model?

A.PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly)

B.Medicare Part D

C.Medigap supplement plans

D.Medicare Savings Programs

Explanation: PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) is a Medicare and Medicaid joint program that delivers comprehensive medical and social services through an interdisciplinary team in a PACE center. Eligible enrollees are 55+, meet nursing facility level of care, and live in a PACE service area. The model is capitated and aims to keep participants in the community.

9The Older Americans Act (OAA) of 1965 established a national network of which entities to coordinate aging services at the regional level?

A.Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs)

B.State Boards of Social Work Examiners

C.Centers for Independent Living

D.Federally Qualified Health Centers

Explanation: The Older Americans Act (OAA), originally passed in 1965 and reauthorized periodically, established the Administration on Aging and a national aging services network of State Units on Aging and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs). AAAs administer Title III nutrition (congregate and home-delivered meals), transportation, caregiver support, and elder rights services in their regions.

10An SW-G is administering the Mini-Cog screening to a 75-year-old client during a home visit. The Mini-Cog includes which two components?

A.Three-item word recall plus clock drawing

B.Five-item word recall plus serial sevens

C.Naming 20 animals plus reading paragraph

D.Spell 'world' backwards plus orientation questions

Explanation: The Mini-Cog is a brief (~3-minute) cognitive screen with two parts: (1) three-item word recall, and (2) clock drawing test (CDT). It is widely used in primary care and community settings as a quick triage tool. A positive Mini-Cog should prompt referral for fuller cognitive evaluation by a physician, neuropsychologist, or memory clinic — not a diagnosis.

About the SW-G Exam

The NASW Social Worker in Gerontology (SW-G) is the bachelor's-level NASW specialty credential for social workers practicing with older adults. There is NO written exam — NASW awards the credential after reviewing your BSW from a CSWE-accredited program, three years of post-BSW supervised social work experience with older adults, current NASW membership, current state social work license (where applicable), a supervisor reference, and adherence to the NASW Code of Ethics. Our 100 free practice questions cover the SW-G competency areas — aging and gerontology basics, BSW-level assessment and care planning, long-term care system navigation (Medicare, Medicaid HCBS, hospice), care management, elder abuse identification and reporting, family-centered practice, cultural competence, and the NASW Standards for Social Work Practice with Older Adults — to support competency review and the biennial CE renewal.

Assessment

Application-based BSW-level NASW credential — there is no written test. NASW awards SW-G after reviewing your BSW, post-BSW supervised experience with older adults, current state social work license (where applicable), supervisor reference, and attestation to the NASW Code of Ethics. Our 100 free practice questions cover the SW-G competency areas for self-study and CE.

Time Limit

Application-based credential

Passing Score

Application + supervisor reference

Exam Fee

$160-280 + NASW membership (National Association of Social Workers (NASW))

SW-G Exam Content Outline

20%

Aging and Gerontology Basics

Life course perspective, normal vs pathological aging, biopsychosocial changes, anti-ageism

15%

Assessment and Care Planning at the BSW Level

Functional ADL/IADL screening (Katz, Lawton), depression (GDS-15, PHQ-9), cognition (Mini-Cog), falls (TUG, Tinetti, STEADI)

20%

Long-Term Care System Navigation

Medicare A/B/C/D, Medicaid (lookback, spousal impoverishment, HCBS waivers), SNF, AL, CCRC, hospice, OAA, PACE, VA

15%

Care Management and Resource Coordination

Person-centered planning, interdisciplinary teams, 211, NCOA BenefitsCheckUp, Eldercare Locator, SHIP, advance directives

10%

Elder Abuse Identification and Reporting

Seven categories, APS, mandated reporting, Elder Justice Act, financial exploitation, self-neglect

10%

Family Caregivers and Family-Centered Practice

53M+ U.S. caregivers, caregiver burden, respite, family meetings, RAISE Act, Alzheimer's Association

Cultural Competence in Aging Services

Cultural humility, familismo, filial piety, structural racism, SAGE for LGBTQ+ elders, IHS and OAA Title VI

NASW Standards for SW Practice with Older Adults and LTC

NASW Standards for Social Work Practice with Older Adults (2003), NASW LTC Facility Standards (2003), OBRA-87, HIPAA

How to Pass the SW-G Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Application + supervisor reference
Assessment: Application-based BSW-level NASW credential — there is no written test. NASW awards SW-G after reviewing your BSW, post-BSW supervised experience with older adults, current state social work license (where applicable), supervisor reference, and attestation to the NASW Code of Ethics. Our 100 free practice questions cover the SW-G competency areas for self-study and CE.
Time limit: Application-based credential
Exam fee: $160-280 + NASW membership

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

SW-G Study Tips from Top Performers

1Read the NASW Standards for Social Work Practice with Older Adults (2003) and the NASW Standards for the Practice of Social Work in Long-Term Care Facilities (2003) cover to cover before answering practice questions

2Master the Medicare alphabet (Part A hospital + 100-day SNF, Part B outpatient + DME, Part C Advantage, Part D drugs, plus the 3-day-stay rule and the hospice 6-month prognosis)

3Learn the BSW-level screening tools by name and cutoff: Katz ADLs, Lawton IADLs, GDS-15 (>=5), PHQ-9 (>=10 refer), Mini-Cog, TUG (>=12 sec), Tinetti, and the CDC STEADI fall-prevention initiative

4Memorize the seven recognized categories of elder mistreatment and your state's APS mandated-reporter statute (most include licensed social workers)

5Anchor every clinical scenario in the BSW scope: assess, support, educate, advocate, refer — leave diagnosis, psychotherapy, and prescribing to MSW/LCSW or medical clinicians

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the SW-G a written exam?

No. The NASW Social Worker in Gerontology (SW-G) is an application-based credential. You do NOT sit for a standardized written exam. NASW awards the credential after reviewing your BSW transcript, three years of post-BSW supervised social work experience with older adults, current NASW membership, current state social work license (where applicable), a supervisor reference, and your attestation to the NASW Code of Ethics. Our 100 free practice questions are for competency review and continuing-education self-study, not a pass/fail qualifying exam.

Who is eligible for the NASW SW-G credential?

SW-G eligibility requires: (1) a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program, (2) at least three years of post-BSW supervised social work experience working with older adults, (3) current NASW membership, (4) a current state social work license where applicable, (5) one confidential supervisor reference attesting to your gerontology experience, and (6) adherence to the NASW Code of Ethics and NASW Standards for Social Work Practice with Older Adults.

How much is the SW-G application fee?

The NASW SW-G application fee is approximately $160-$280 depending on member status and any current NASW promotions, plus required NASW membership dues. Always confirm the current fee directly on the NASW credential page before applying — fees can change year to year.

How often is the SW-G renewed?

The SW-G is renewed every 2 years. Renewal requires continuing education in gerontology earned over the renewal cycle, continued NASW membership, maintenance of current state social work licensure where applicable, and continued adherence to the NASW Code of Ethics. Specific CE hour requirements and renewal fees are published by NASW Credentialing — check the SW-G page each cycle.

What is the difference between SW-G and CSW-G?

Both are NASW gerontology specialty credentials. SW-G (Social Worker in Gerontology) is the BSW-level credential — bachelor's degree, three years of post-BSW supervised experience with older adults, no clinical scope. CSW-G (Clinical Social Worker in Gerontology) is the MSW-level credential — master's degree, additional supervised post-MSW hours, and clinical scope including assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental disorders within the LCSW scope of practice. Choose SW-G for non-clinical practice and CSW-G if you hold an MSW and practice clinically.

What competency areas do the SW-G practice questions cover?

Our 100 free SW-G practice questions cover the eight SW-G competency areas: (1) Aging and Gerontology Basics — life course, normal vs pathological aging, biopsychosocial changes; (2) Assessment and Care Planning at the BSW Level — Katz/Lawton ADL-IADL, GDS-15, Mini-Cog, TUG, STEADI; (3) Long-Term Care System Navigation — Medicare A/B/C/D, Medicaid HCBS waivers, hospice, PACE, OAA, VA; (4) Care Management and Resource Coordination — 211, Eldercare Locator, NCOA, SHIP, advance directives; (5) Elder Abuse Identification and Reporting — APS, mandated reporting, Elder Justice Act; (6) Family Caregivers and Family-Centered Practice — RAISE Act, respite, family meetings; (7) Cultural Competence in Aging Services — cultural humility, SAGE, IHS, Title VI; (8) NASW Standards for Social Work Practice with Older Adults (2003) and NASW Standards for the Practice of Social Work in Long-Term Care Facilities (2003).