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: ASWB lists this category for jurisdictions that issue licenses to applicants who do not have a social work degree; eligibility is set by each jurisdiction. The Associate and Bachelors exams share the same questions.

Bachelors Level: Intended for applicants with a bachelor's degree in social work (BSW). 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 applicants with a master's degree in social work (MSW). 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: For MSW graduates with two years (or commensurate experience as defined by the jurisdiction) of experience in nonclinical settings. ASWB describes it as advanced generalist practice that may include macro-level practice, such as program administration, community organizing, or policy development.

Clinical Level (Most Widely Taken): The Clinical exam is the exam category for clinical licenses such as the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). ASWB's category rule is an MSW plus two years (or commensurate experience as defined by the jurisdiction) of experience in clinical settings; each board sets its own hour and supervision requirements. Its 2026 outline weights Values and Ethics at 36%, Assessment and Planning at 32%, and Intervention and Practice at 32%.

Exam Volume and Career Outlook

ASWB's 2025 figures for first-time test-takers show how many candidates take each category:

• Clinical: 26,439 exams (75.7% passed)
• Masters: 20,636 exams (73.9% passed)
• Bachelors: 2,741 exams (70.4% passed)
• Associate: 407 exams (71.5% passed)
• Advanced Generalist: 117 exams (65.0% passed)

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $61,780 for social workers in May 2025, with healthcare social workers at $67,880, and projects 6% employment growth from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.