In Pursuit of the Status Quo
ASWB's Research, Grantmaking, and Regulatory Practices
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18060/28574Keywords:
social work licensure, social work regulation, ethicsAbstract
The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Examination Program is used in all 50 states to regulate the practice of clinical social work and in the majority of states to regulate the practice of masters and bachelors-level social work. After releasing descriptive data demonstrating biases in exam pass rates by race, age, and dominant language, ASWB engaged in research and regulatory actions that violate social work ethics and psychometric best practices. This article will critique the research, grantmaking, and regulatory practices that support the ASWB Examination Program using extensive citations to psychometric standards, ASWB’s publications and exam documentation, and the researchers’ experiences engaging with ASWB to study the cause of exam score disparities. The analysis will reveal how, after their 2022 release of data demonstrating exam bias with respect to race, age, and language, ASWB funded researchers already affiliated with ASWB to support what it already tells test-takers in its exam guidebook–only structural factors bias exam scores, not psychometric flaws internal to the examination. Moreover, ASWB implemented solutions to exam bias without proper investigation and psychometric support. Because of ASWB’s position as the sole publisher and purchaser of licensing examinations, individual state boards are unable to make incremental changes to prevent biased ASWB examinations from closing the profession of social work to groups for whom the exam is invalid, unreliable, and unfair.
References
Albright, D. L., & Thyer, B. A. (2010). A test of the validity of the LCSW examination: Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? Social Work Research, 34(4), 229-234. https://doi.org/10.1093/swr/34.4.229
American Educational Research Association, American Psychological Association & National Council on Measurement in Education. (2014). Standards for educational and psychological testing. Author. https://www.testingstandards.net/uploads/7/6/6/4/76643089/standards_2014edition.pdf
Association of Social Work Boards [ASWB]. (2016). Countdown clock starts July 1. ASWB Newsletter (vol. 26, issue 3). https://www.aswb.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Exam-Policy-June-2016.pdf
ASWB. (2019). North Carolina amendment brings state into compliance with exam use policy. ASWB Newsletter (vol. 29, issue 6). https://www.aswb.org/north-carolina-amendment-brings-state-into-compliance-with-exam-use-policy/
ASWB. (2021). Manual for new board members. Author. https://www.aswb.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Your-Association-2021.pdf
ASWB. (2022a). ASWB exam: Candidate handbook. Author. https://www.aswb.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Candidate-handbook-06-2021.pdf
ASWB. (2022b). ASWB Test Mastery Inclusion™: Self-coaching guide for the TestPrep Profile assessment. Author. http://guides.fifththeoryfusion.com/ASWB/ASWB-Self-Coaching-Guide-2022.pdf
ASWB. (2022c, April). VII. Methods of operation. In ASWB bylaws. Author. https://www.aswb.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Section-VII-Methods-of-Operation-v1.2022.pdf
ASWB. (2022d, June 28). Researchers bring much more than a lit review. ASWB Newsletter (vol. 32, issue 3). https://www.aswb.org/researchers-bring-much-more-than-a-lit-review/
ASWB. (2022e, August 5). 2022 ASWB exam pass rate analysis: Final report. Author. https://www.aswb.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/2022-ASWB-Exam-Pass-Rate-Analysis.pdf
ASWB. (2022f, December 5). Testing experience enhancements coming January 1, 2023. Author. https://www.aswb.org/testing-enhancements/
ASWB. (2023a, January). Examination guidebook [Archive version]. Author. https://web.archive.org/web/20230204163759mp_/https://www.aswb.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/ASWB-Examination-Guidebook.pdf
ASWB. (2023b, February 7). ASWB social work examination update. Author. https://www.aswb.org/aswb-social-work-examination-update/
ASWB. (2023c, February 22). The art and science of exam development (Webinar series). Author. https://www.aswb.org/exam/exams-for-the-future-of-social-work/webinars/the-art-and-science-of-exam-development/
ASWB. (2023d, March 31). Regulatory research initiative to advance equity: Request for proposals. Author. https://www.aswb.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/ASWB-2023-research-RFP.pdf
ASWB. (2023e, April 10). A continuing commitment to listening, learning, and supporting: Exam program updates. ASWB Newsletter (vol. 33, issue 1). https://www.aswb.org/a-continuing-commitment-to-listening-learning-and-supporting-exam-program-updates/
ASWB. (2023f, July 5). Two independent firms gather social workers’ perspectives to inform the development of competence measures for the future of social work. ASWB Newsletter (vol. 33, issue 2). https://www.aswb.org/qualitative-research/
ASWB. (2023g, July 6). Webinar: The testing experience: How ASWB’s examination practices support access and equity [Video]. YouTube. https://vimeo.com/842907033/69722e81af?share=copy
ASWB. (2023h, October 31). Helping the helpers: Researchers use computer modeling to solve human problems. ASWB Newsletter (vol. 33, issue 3). https://www.aswb.org/helping-the-helpers/
ASWB. (2024a). Pass rates in context: An exam report series. Author. https://www.aswb.org/regulation/research/pass-rates-in-context-an-exam-report-series/
ASWB. (2024b, June 25). Mindset resources to be offered to all ASWB test-takers. Author. https://www.aswb.org/mindset-resources-to-be-offered-to-all-aswb-test-takers/
Atkins, C. (2023, February 8). Board update. California Board of Behavioral Sciences. https://www.camft.org/Portals/0/PDFs/BBS%20Updates/2023/BBS-Update-Feb23.pdf
Atkinson, D. (2021, October 28). Let’s process this process: Illinois Senate Bill 1632. ASWB Newsletter (vol. 31, issue 5). https://www.aswb.org/lets-process-this-process-illinois-senate-bill-1632/
Biggerstaff, M. A. (1994). Evaluating the reliability of oral examinations for licensure of clinical social workers in Virginia. Research on Social Work Practice, 4(4), 481-496. https://doi.org/10.1177/104973159400400405
California Board of Behavioral Sciences. (2021). Standard agreement [Obtained via Freedom of Information Act]. Author.
Cherry, A., Rothman, B., & Skolnik, L. (1989). Licensure as a dilemma for social work education: Findings of a national study. Journal of Social Work Education, 25(3), 268-275. doi:10.1080/10437797.1989.10671283
Croft, M. (2017). Understanding" Gulino": A legal perspective (ACT Working Paper 2017-2). ACT, Inc. https://www.act.org/content/dam/act/unsecured/documents/R1649-understanding-gulino-2017-04.pdf
Dages, K. D., & Jones, J. W. (2024). A test mastery inclusion resource for ASWB test-takers: Needs analysis and self-coaching resources. Fifth Theory, LLC. https://www.aswb.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ASWB_A-Test-Mastery-Inclusion-Resource-for-ASWB-Test-Takers_Needs-Analysis-and-Self-Coaching-Resources.pdf
DeCarlo, M. (2022). #StopASWB Press Action [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE_p6b6x06U
DeCarlo, M., & Bean, G. (2024). Assessing measurement invariance in ASWB exams: Regulatory research proposal to advance equity. Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work, 21(2), 214-235. https://doi.org/10.1080/26408066.2024.2308814
DeCarlo, M. P., & Nienow, M. (2025). Uniquely Biased: How ASWB Exams Violate Psychometric Best Practices. Advances in Social Work, accepted manuscript.
Doyle, W. (2023a). Missing MD social workers: MD ASWB eventual pass rates for 2011 to 2021 [Author provided]. Google Docs. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1c27_tIbXxa0SsnEkYVTeDy225J9pE5k0/view
Doyle, W. (2023b). Missing DC social workers: DC ASWB eventual pass rates for 2011 to 2021 [Author provided]. Google Docs. https://drive.google.com/file/d/13eGHCBvKfEHn_YgiQApP4I5YclHvLMTO/view
Farr, P. Duncan, K., Wilson, S., Stone, D., & Dominguez, J. (2024). The alternative pathways to social work licensure committee final report and recommendations to the Oregon board of licensed social workers. Portland State University. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Paddy-Farr/publication/384147411_The_Alternative_Pathways_to_Social_Work_Licensure_Committee_Final_Report_and_Recommendations_to_the_Oregon_Board_of_Licensed_Social_Workers_on_the_ASWB_Examination_for_Licensing_and_Certification_of_P/links/66ec4f22fc6cc46489639e50/The-Alternative-Pathways-to-Social-Work-Licensure-Committee-Final-Report-and-Recommendations-to-the-Oregon-Board-of-Licensed-Social-Workers-on-the-ASWB-Examination-for-Licensing-and-Certification-of-P.pdf?_tp=eyJjb250ZXh0Ijp7ImZpcnN0UGFnZSI6InB1YmxpY2F0aW9uIiwicGFnZSI6InB1YmxpY2F0aW9uIn19
Fifth Theory. (2022). Test mastery inclusion: Corporate sponsorship program 2022. Author. https://fifththeory.com/pdfs/ft_tmi.pdf
Garcia, A. (1990). An examination of the social work profession’s efforts to achieve legal regulation. Journal of Counseling & Development, 68(5), 491-497. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1556-6676.1990.tb01396.x
Gulino v. Board of Education. (2015). United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (96-CV-8414-KMW) https://ccrjustice.org/sites/default/files/attach/2016/01/608_6-5-15_Gulino_Order%20re%20LAST.pdf
Health Resources & Services Administration. (2023, July 20). Health workforce shortage areas. Author. https://data.hrsa.gov/topics/health-workforce/shortage-areas
Hymans, D. (2020, December 21). Open letter to social work deans and director. ASWB. https://www.aswb.org/an-open-letter-to-social-work-deans-and-directors/
Kays, L. [@theimprovisationaltherapist] (2023, March 3). I have to talk about these ASWB Community Conversation meetings. Part 2. Here we go [Video file]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/CpVx8wVA5gB/
Kim, J., Joo, M. M., & Curran, L. (2021). Social work licensure: Earnings premium and gender disparity. Journal of the Society for Social Work and Research, 14(3), 591-608. https://doi.org/10.1086/717330
Kim, J. J. (2023a). Effects of social work licensure exemptions: Theoretical propositions, evidence, and research agendas. Research on Social Work Practice, 33(1), 110-120. https://doi.org/10.1177/10497315221118106
Kim, J. J. (2023b, March). Joy Jeounghee Kim [Curriculum vitae]. Rutgers. https://socialwork.rutgers.edu/sites/default/files/2023-03/jkim_cv.pdf
Kim, J. J. (2023c, April). The art and science of social work regulations: How values and data should guide regulatory practices [Keynote presentation, video]. ASWB 2023 Education Meeting. New Orleans, LA. https://vimeo.com/825538397/5551ad28b0
Kim, J., & Joo, M. M. (2024). The effects of race/ethnicity on clinical exam outcomes: Diminished (yet persistent) effects when other determinants are controlled. Prepared for ASWB (Exam Report No. 3). ASWB. https://www.aswb.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/3.-Kim-Joo-2024-Effects-of-RaceEthnicity-on-Clinical-Exam-Outcomes-07-30-2024.pdf
Kim, J. J., Joo, M. M., & Curran, L. (2021). Social work licensure: Earnings premium and gender disparity. Journal of the Society for Social Work and Research, 14(3), 591-608. https://doi.org/10.1086/717330
Lander, B. (2023, April 16). Annual claims report: Fiscal year 2022. New York City Comptroller. https://comptroller.nyc.gov/reports/annual-claims-report/
Landsman, M. J., & Rathman, D. (2023). Rural challenges in social work regulation. Research on Social Work Practice, 33(1), 121-131. https://doi.org/10.1177/10497315221118360
Minnesota Board of Social Work. (2021, May 21). Board meeting minutes. https://mn.gov/boards/assets/A.%202021.05.21%20Board%20Meeting%20Minutes_tcm21-490420.pdf
National Association of Social Workers [NASW]. (2017). NASW, ASWB, CSWE, & CSWA standards for technology in social work practice. Author. https://www.socialworkers.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=bq9JrB-oVm4%3d&portalid=0
NASW. (2020, August). Social work leadership roundtable town hall on racial equity. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/naswsocialworkers/videos/777132846159200
NASW. (2021). 5. Social workers’ ethical responsibilities to the social work profession. In NASW Code of Ethics: Ethical standards (Online version). Author. https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English/Social-Workers-Ethical-Responsibilities-to-the-Social-Work-Profession
ProPublica. (n.d.). Nonprofit explorer: Association of Social Work Boards. Author. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/222414510
Skeen, A., & Goodenough, K. (2023, April). The conversation: The ASWB licensing exam pass rates and bias. Field Educator Journal (Vol. 13, issue 1). https://fieldeducator.simmons.edu/article/the-conversation-the-aswb-licensing-exam-pass-rates-and-bias/
Starks, S. (2019). Saundra Starks, Ed.D., LCSW (Curriculum vitae). Western Kentucky University. https://www.wku.edu/socialwork/documents/cv/starks_saundra_2019.pdf
Steele, C. M. (2010). Whistling Vivaldi: How stereotypes affect us and what we can do. W.W. Norton & Company.
Western Kentucky University. (2023, September 5). WKU News: CHHS faculty members awarded $160,000 grant from the Association of Social Work Boards. Author. https://www.wku.edu/news/articles/index.php?view=article&articleid=11486
Woodcock, R. (2015). Abuses and mysteries at the Association of Social Work Boards. Research on Social Work Practice, 26(2), 225-231. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049731515574346
Author note: Address correspondence to Matthew P. DeCarlo, School of Education and Human Development, Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, PA 19131. Email: mdecarlo@sju.edu
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Matt P. DeCarlo, Mary Nienow
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
