Social work licensing practices vary widely by state. Some states require entry-level and generalist social workers to pass an test and earn licensure. In other states, you only need a license to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and provide psychotherapy services.

In many states, social work licensure at any level requires you to pass an test administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). The ASWB test is a nationally recognized assessment that evaluates your comprehension of human behavior and development.

If you’re a social work major or considering pivoting into the human services field, read on to discover how to prepare for, take and pass the ASWB licensure exam—with or without a social work degree.

What Is the ASWB Exam?

ASWB is a nonprofit organization comprising all of the state social work regulatory boards in the United States and Canada. This body regulates the social work profession and administers the licensure test that evaluates prospective social workers’ ethics and expertise. Passing the ASWB test is the final step to earning a social work license in many states.

ASWB offers five test categories—associate, bachelor’s, master’s, advanced generalist and clinical—each tailored to a specific education and experience level. A candidate’s test category determines their title and scope of practice post-licensure.

Within a four-hour window, ASWB exam-takers must answer questions concerning:

• Human development, diversity and behavior in the environment
• Assessment (of clients’ physical and mental status)
• Interventions with clients
• Professional relationships, values and ethics

ASWB test Categories

All ASWB test categories contain 170 questions on human development and behavior, but question types may vary among categories. For example, the associate and bachelor’s exams lean more heavily on recall questions than other test categories, which feature larger proportions of reasoning questions.

Each test category may lead to a different level of social work licensure depending on your state’s licensing processes. Not all states offer all five categories of the ASWB exam.

Associate

This category offers a licensure pathway for applicants who want to practice social work without earning a four-year degree in the field. In most cases, associate-level social workers can only practice under supervision.

A handful of states offer this licensing pathway: South Dakota, Michigan, Ohio, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Only South Dakota, New Hampshire and Massachusetts require associate-level social workers to pass the associate ASWB exam.

Registration for the associate ASWB test category costs $230.

Bachelor’s

The ASWB bachelor’s exam, which also costs $230, evaluates your generalist understanding of social work practices and ethics. You must hold a bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited college to sit for this test category.

The bachelor’s category features the same questions as the associate category.

Passing the bachelor’s test qualifies you to become a non-clinical baccalaureate social worker. Exact titles vary among states; in Oregon, these professionals are called registered baccalaureate social workers, while North Carolina calls them certified social workers.

In most cases, social workers at this level interview clients, manage cases, conduct research and advocate for social justice. Depending on the state, they may only be able to practice autonomously after gaining supervised work experience post-licensure.

Master’s

The ASWB master’s category requires a master of social work (MSW) and usually qualifies applicants for the licensed master social worker (LMSW) credential. Again, the exact title may vary by state—Indiana calls these professionals licensed social workers, for example.

The master’s-level test tests your foundational understanding of the social work field and evaluates your application of specialized skills gained during their MSW program. Licensees know how to apply advanced practice skills and specialized knowledge in their roles.

LMSWs can drive social change and justice for various communities. In some states, they can provide clinical therapy with oversight from an LCSW. The registration fee for this ASWB test category is $230.

Advanced Generalist:

The advanced generalist category is tailored to prospective LMSWs who aspire to work in macro-level roles. This means working with large populations, such as entire states and countries. The advanced generalist ASWB test indicates a desire to work with public policy, state or national campaigns, or other government initiatives.

To sit for the advanced generalist ASWB exam, you must hold a master’s degree in social work plus two years of nonclinical professional experience.

With a fee of $260, test takers can prove their expertise in social justice, public policy and administration, and public welfare to their state licensing boards.

Clinical

The minimum requirements for this ASWB category include an MSW and two years of clinical experience. The clinical ASWB test serves prospective social workers who want to provide mental health services in clinical settings.

LCSWs (who may work under different titles, depending on where they practice) provide psychotherapy services to prevent, diagnose and treat mental illnesses. Through individual or group therapy, these professionals help people struggling with emotional distress.

Clinical social workers practice independently in various settings, including hospitals, schools, psychiatric facilities and social service agencies. Registering for the clinical ASWB test category costs $260.

Signing Up for the ASWB Exam

Apply for a State License

First, you must get your state board’s approval to register for the ASWB exam. Approval processes differ depending on the state where you want to practice.

Typical requirements vary by state and license level but may include college transcripts, a license application fee and proof of supervised experience, which you can send to the board via email or fax. Some states may also require you to provide fingerprints and undergo a background check.

Sign Up for the ASWB Exam

Once you receive approval from your state social work board, you must register for the appropriate ASWB licensure exam, either online, via mail or by fax. Registration costs between $230 and $260, depending on your test category.

If your registration is successful, you’ll receive an “authorization to test” email from ASWB.

Schedule Your Test with Pearson VUE

Pearson VUE provides testing centers for licensure applicants nationwide. You can schedule, cancel and reschedule test appointments with Pearson VUE through the testing authorization email.

Preparing for the ASWB Exam

Understand How the test Is Structured

The ASWB test is a four-hour, computer-based test comprising 170 multiple-choice questions that test your expertise and decision-making skills as a social worker.

Exam questions cover various content areas and competencies you should have covered during your degree program. You may also find knowledge, skills and abilities statements resembling real-life situations that require critical thinking. To pass the licensure exam, you must answer about 100 out of the 150 questions correctly.

Take a Practice Test

Although self-study is necessary to pass professional exams, practice tests can help you prepare better. By taking a mock test, you can identify loopholes in your study plan, learn the testing software, understand your strengths and areas for improvement, and prepare for complex questions.

After you register for your exam, ASWB offers a 30-day window to take a practice test for an additional $85. Practice exams exist for all categories except the advanced generalist exam.

Other test prep resources offer free practice tests, but ASWB warns against those resources because their content may be misleading.

Know What to Expect on Test Day

ASWB enforces several security measures on test day to ensure a reliable test process. Prepare to present two photo IDs and sign a confidentiality agreement.

Pearson VUE test centers are fitted with surveillance tools to detect test malpractice. Exam Center personnel may also walk through the room at intervals.

You cannot enter the testing center with personal items, but you will receive erasable note boards, markers and other necessary materials from the Exam Center personnel. You must return the items after the test or risk invalidating your score.

The testing equipment should look like a typical computer setup. Test administrators may provide a short on-screen tutorial to help you navigate the software.

Decompress After the Exam

Upon completing the licensure exam, you’ll receive an unofficial score report at the Exam Center indicating your performance. ASWB will then send the official score report to your state’s social work board two weeks after the exam.

Note that your scores cannot be altered at any point, so all you can do is wait for your state board to contact you or go ahead with other state-specific requirements. This may take anywhere from two weeks to a month.

If you fail the licensure exam, you can retake it after 90 days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the ASWB Exam

TISSNET Question Paper: Candidates vying for admission in the Tata Institute of Social Sciences can practice for the entrance test by solving previous year question papers of TISSNET. The TISSNET previous year question papers will help the candidates to get familiar with the test pattern. Additionally, the previous year question paper of TISSNET will help the candidates how the questions are structuredand also them tocomprehend the difficulty level of questions which will be asked in the entrance exam. The Tata Institute of Social Science National Entrance Test (MAT) is conducted for screening of candidates into the HRM programme offered by the institute across its various campuses. As one of the most sought after entrances in the country, it witnesses an intense competition and thus, TISSNET previous year question papers will help the candidates to score better and Boost their chances of qualifying in the test along with improving your chances of securing admissions. Aspirants can read below to know about the entrance test including test pattern, question paper pattern and download previous year question papers of TISSNET.

TISSNET test Pattern 2021

The TISSNET test pattern will help candidates know about the test duration, marking scheme, mode of exam, etc. Knowing the test pattern of TISSNET 2021 will help the candidates to formulate their preparation strategy accordingly and practice from the previous year question papers keeping the same in mind. TISSNET test pattern does not included negative marking for incorrect answers or unattempted questions. Candidates can thus, use the test pattern of TISSNET 2021 to their advantage to answer maximum number of questions in the entrance test. Details about the test pattern of TISSNET have been provided below.

TISSNET 2021 test Pattern

Particulars	Details
Mode of examination	Computer-Based
Medium of examination	English
TISSNET test Duration	100 minutes
Total Number of Questions	100
Question Type	Multiple Choice Questions
Total Marks	100
Marking scheme	+1 mark for every correct answer, No negative marking for incorrect answer/unanswered questions

TISSNET Question Paper Pattern 2021

The question paper pattern of TISSNET is prescribed by the conducting authority and it helps the aspirants understand the weightage of the various sections in the question paper. This will help the candidates devote their time to each of the sections accordingly. The previous year question papers of TISSNET will also highlight the TISSNET question paper pattern. Candidates can find details of the TISSNET 2021 question paper pattern below.

Section	No. Of Questions	Marks
General Knowledge	40	40
English Proficiency	30	30
Analytical Ability and Logical Reasoning	30	30

TISSNET Previous Year Question Papers

Practising previous year question papers of TISSNET is an important part of the preparation strategy. Candidates who solve TISSNET previous year question papers will not only get to know about the test pattern and level of difficulty, type of questions asked etc but will also provide them with a  qualitative review of their preparation. TISSNET 2021 will comprise questions from a number of topics. Practising TISSNET Question Papers will allow the candidates to make list of the syllabus that they are confident along with mapping out syllabus they would be required to work on. This will allow the candidates to finesse their preparation before the genuine exam. Candidates can find links to TISSNET question papers below from where they can download and practise the same free of cost.

The confusing test question is so baffling that people even made memes about it afterward, with some sharing that they still couldn't work it out - and parents were miffed too

Sometimes, test questions are so difficult that they leave even adults scratching their heads, wondering where to even start with answering them. And students sitting a Higher School Certificate test in Australia were left seriously baffled after a question about crickets, finding it super challenging, and wondering whether they even studied for it.

According to news.com.au the syllabus was recently altered by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), which sets the test papers, and one of these changes saw some of the same questions feature in both the standard and advanced maths tests.

And the crickets question from October 2020 left students so stunned that it became a meme after the examination, but can you answer it?

The baffling test question featured a box plot of temperature data and those taking the test were asked to "calculate the number of chirps expected in a 15-second interval when the temperature is 19° Celsius."

Answers had to be given "correct to the nearest whole number."

Pupils were left not knowing what to write in the answer section, and some parents were even left thinking that it was too tricky.

One person tweeted a hilarious meme showing the difference between what they had studied for the exam, compared to the content they actually found in it.

Someone responded to the tweet saying: "I still have absolutely no idea how to do it", but someone else said: "Wow you're all idiots I am a grade eight student and it took me less than five min to solve."

A student wrote: "The HSC Maths test papers are another NESA stuff-up. The way they are justifying it is ridiculous. At the very least, NESA should have told everyone what they might expect instead of dropping it in the exams."

Speaking to news.com.au, a spokeswoman for NESA said it had received feedback from a number of students and parents about the maths test "being difficult".

She added: "NESA confirms that all questions asked within the Maths Standard 2 test were within the scope of the syllabus.

"All HSC test papers are designed to differentiate student achievement. NESA will monitor the marking of the Maths Standard 2 paper very closely. Mathematics education is a priority for the NSW Government."

Do you have a similar story to share? Email: danielle.wroe@mirror.co.uk

A secondary degree (high school diploma, associate degree or the global equivalent)

60 months of experience leading and directing projects within the past eight years

35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM certification

OR

• A four-year degree
• 36 months of leading and directing projects within the past eight years
• 35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM certification
• While the PMP certification does not require a bachelor’s degree, job candidates who hold a four-year degree have a significant advantage. PMP candidates with a secondary degree must have 60 months of experience in leading and directing projects to qualify, while those with a four-year degree are only required to have 36 months of experience.
• In addition, the PMP certification requires 35 hours of project management education, compared to the CAPM’s 23-hour minimum requirement. Purdue’s flexible online Project Management Essentials course fulfills the hourly requirement of both certifications.

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CAPM vs. PMP Certification test Cost

Professionals who pursue project management certification are making a valuable, long-term investment in their careers. Part of that investment does include test fees.

The PMI requires a fee for both exams, with the cost of the CAPM test at $225 for PMI members and $300 for non-members. The cost of the PMP test is $405 for PMI members and $575 for non-members. See the table below for a quick comparison.

A one-year membership to the PMI is $139 and comes with many tools and templates for your professional use, including a downloadable copy of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide).

Many companies offer professional development benefits that may cover employee education and professional credentialing costs. According to a 2022 survey by the Society for Human Resources, 78% of employers cover opportunities for professional skill development.

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How Difficult Are the CAPM and PMP Certification Exams?

Because the CAPM is geared toward entry-level project managers or those who are considering a project management career, the CAPM test is widely considered to be less rigorous than the PMP exam.

The CAPM test questions are derived from the PMBOK® Guide, PMI’s global standards for project management, as well as other sources, which are listed (with the relevant chapters) in the CAPM test reference list.

The PMP certification exam, on the other hand, is appropriate for individuals of varying experience levels — from those early in their career to established professionals with more significant project management experience — and is therefore more challenging to achieve.

Like the CAPM, the PMP test also covers the PMBOK® Guide, but it also includes questions designed to test whether the candidate knows how to handle real-world project management scenarios.

To pass the PMP Exam, PMI not only recommends studying the PMBOK® Guide, the PMP Examination Content Outline and the PMP handbook, but also enrolling in a formal course of study offered by a PMI Authorized Training Partner (ATP), such as Purdue University.

CAPM test Details

The CAPM test consists of 150 questions that call for multiple-choice, hot spot and drag-and-drop responses, in addition to animations and comic strips. The test questions cover four domains to integrate different project delivery approaches, with a specific proportion of questions in each.

Candidates have three hours to complete the test, with a 10-minute break in the middle.

PMP test Details

The PMP test consists of 180 questions that fall under three domains in predetermined proportions. About half of the questions represent predictive project management approaches, while the other half represent agile or hybrid approaches. Questions regarding these different approaches are spread throughout the domains.

Candidates have 230 minutes to complete the exam, with two 10-minute breaks.

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CAPM vs. PMP Certification: Industry-Wide Benefits

Considering that the CAPM certification is more affordable and requires less experience than PMP certification, project managers may ask themselves, “Why would I pursue PMP certification?” The answer is simple: The PMP is the most significant, industry-recognized certification for project managers worldwide.

PMPs work in a wide range of industries in almost every country. Many employers require PMP certification when hiring project managers because PMPs have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to lead complex projects and direct project teams.

PMPs bring value to their organizations while advancing their own careers. Project managers with a PMP certification earn a 22% higher median salary than those without a PMP certification, according to PMI’s Earning Power Salary Survey.

While CAPM certification isn’t as widely recognized as PMP certification, it demonstrates knowledge of PMI’s project management framework and project management processes, which can certainly benefit candidates when applying for jobs. In addition, CAPM-certified employees have a working knowledge of the PMBOK® Guide, which can serve as an excellent first step to eventually pursue PMP certification.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to convert a CAPM to a PMP?
Converting to PMP certification is not an option. However, CAPM certification meets the PMP test requirement for 35 hours of project management education/training, so you can achieve PMP certification faster.

How much experience do you need for CAPM certification?
CAPM certification does not require any professional experience, making it an attractive credential for recent graduates as well as anyone seeking to begin a career in project management. However, it does require a minimum of 23 contact hours of project management education.

How much experience do you need for PMP certification?
The experience needed to qualify for the PMP test and go on to earn PMP certification is based on previous education:

• Professionals with a four-year degree must have a minimum of three years (36 months) of non-overlapping project management experience, during which at least 4,500 hours were spent leading and directing project tasks and activities.
• Professionals without a four-year degree must have a minimum of five years (60 months) of non-overlapping project management experience, during which at least 7,500 hours were spent leading and directing project tasks and activities.

The experience requirements must have been accumulated within the past eight years.

Do I have to be a PMI member to earn CAPM certification?
PMI membership is not required to take the CAPM test or earn certification, but members do receive a discount on the test fee ($60 for PMI members, down from $150 for non-members), as well as other benefits.

Do I have to be a PMI member to earn PMP certification?
No, it is not necessary to become a PMI member to earn PMP certification, though members do have a reduced test fee ($60 for PMI members, down from $150 for non-members) among other benefits.

How long does it take to process the CAPM application? How long does it take to process the PMP application?
According to the PMI, applications take about five to ten days to process.

Do I need to renew my CAPM certification or my PMP certification?
Yes, both the CAPM certification and the PMP certification require a renewal every three years.

• Professionals with CAPM certification need to pay a renewal fee ($60 for PMI members, $150 for non-members) plus earn 15 professional development units (PDUs) over the three-year cycle in order to maintain their status. These PDUs are broken down into nine PMI Talent Triangle PDUs and six Giving Back PDUs.
• Those who have a PMP certification will need to pay a renewal fee ($60 for PMI members, $150 for non-members) plus earn 60 PDUs over the three-year cycle to maintain their status. PMP professionals have some choice in how they distribute their required PDUs; visit the PMI’s requirements page for more information.

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Purdue University’s Online Project Management Courses

Professionals who participate in Purdue University’s online project management courses can gain a wealth of field knowledge, solid foundational skills, and exceedingly effective preparation for the PMP test in order to obtain a project management certificate. Course materials and activities align closely with A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) to help learners retain project management knowledge and apply it to their current projects.

Project Management Essentials
This 100% online, instructor-led course runs for eight weeks and allows working professionals to gain familiarity with basic project management concepts and terms.

Participants are empowered to begin effectively applying their newly acquired knowledge and skills to current projects and earn project management hours that can help qualify them to take the PMP exam.

Experienced PME instructors engage participants in a range of learning activities, including directed study of the PMBOK® Guide; online discussions; recorded lectures; quizzes and self-tests; and written assignments. The instructors also welcome the opportunity to coach interested learners on an individual basis via email or scheduled phone appointment.

PMP test Preparation
PMP test Preparation is a live, virtual course based on the PMBOK® Guide. Enrollment includes 90-day access to all course material, which is 100% aligned to the Project Management Institute’s PMP® test Prep content.

Participants get an in-depth review of some of the most challenging learning material on the test and learn how to build a personal study plan.

This course is for project managers who have a minimum of three years’ experience and prior knowledge of the PMBOK® Guide.

Project Management Professional, PMP, CAPM, and PMBOK are registered marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

Sources
Project Management Institute. 2020. “PMI® Certifications.” Accessed June 5, 2023. https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/certifications/generic-certification-handbook-sixteen-translations.pdf

Project Management Institute. 2023. “PMI® Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®) Examination Content Outline.” Accessed June 5, 2023. https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/certifications/capm20ecofinal.pdf

Project Management Institute. 2021. “Project Management Professional (PMP®) Examination Content Outline.” Accessed June 5, 2023. https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/certifications/pmp-examination-content-outline.pdf

Project Management Institute. 2021. “Talent Gap: Ten-Year Employment Trends, Costs, and Global Implications.” Accessed June 5, 2023. https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/learning/career-central/talent-gap-report-2021-finalfinal.pdf

Society for Human Resources. 2022. “Employee Benefits Survey: Executive Summary.” Accessed June 5, 2023. https://shrm-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/v1654193525/Membership%202022/Employee_Benefits_Survey_-_Executive_Summary_-_FINAL.pdf