Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners
Apply for a New License - Exam

Applicants must pass a Board-approved competency examination administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). For more information on exam content and to order study guides or exam center locations contact ASWB at http://www.aswb.org/exam_info.shtml. You must be pre-approved by the board to sit for the exam. The exam cost $175.00 and must be paid directly to ASWB. For ADA or ESL accommodations regarding the national exam contact ASWB for assistance. A score of 70 is considered as passing in Texas.

Is an examination required for licensure?
Yes. All first-time applicants or applicants for changes in licensure category must successfully complete the designated examination for licensure.
How many questions are on the exam?
Each exam contains 170 questions out of which only 150 are scored. The remaining 20 questions are pretest items being monitored for possible inclusion in future versions of the exam.
How long do I have to take the exam?
Each candidate has four hours to take the exam. If special accommodations are needed to take the exam, the candidate may request them using the form in the candidate handbook. The Association of Social Work Board with the approval of the Texas Board provides accommodations.
What is the passing score of the exam?
All candidates must make a score of 70 or better to pass the exam.
When may I take the examination?
You will be approved to take the examination once you have met all the other requirements for licensure.
Is there anything I can do to prepare for the examination?
There are prep courses available through universities and associations. There are also home study courses advertised in social work professional newsletters. Social work texts, dictionaries and encyclopedias are available at most university libraries where a social work program is located. A study guide is available through the Association of Social Work Boards. You may order study guides through ASWB directly via their web site at www.aswb.org.
If I fail the examination, may I take it again?
If you fail the examination, you may retake the examination for the same licensure twice. If you fail the examination three times, you must contact the Board prior to rescheduling the examination.