Comparing Social Work Program Specialization and Board Exam Pass Rates
Preparing Social Workers for Success
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18060/28521Keywords:
social work licensure, social work education, professional board examinationAbstract
A critical, yet contemporary, step towards establishing one’s identity as a social worker is through licensure. Professional licensure is a culminating result of education, practice experience, supervision, and a board exam. When evaluating board exam pass rates, we must consider the role that education has in preparing social workers for exam success. This study evaluates the relationship between MSW programs with an Advanced Generalist (AG) and/or Clinical and Direct Practice (CDP) specialization and 2022 board exam pass rates. Using data from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), 2022 exam pass rates were compared between a random sample of CSWE-accredited AG and CDP programs. Results indicate no significant difference in exam pass rates across social workers who complete an AG program and those who complete a CDP program. This applies to both the ASWB Masters Exam and the Clinical Exam. Study findings suggest that specialized programs based on a specific social work function may not be as impactful on exam preparation as might be assumed. Recommendations include re-merging micro- and macro-based social work education programming, streamlining exam options, and shifting educator discourse when discussing and promoting specializations.
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