So, you’ve decided to pursue a fulfilling career in the social work field. Now, what?
Like most social workers, you probably have a passion for serving your community and helping individuals and families overcome hardships. As a field driven by public service, social workers are expected to follow rigorous training and guidelines to maintain their licensure and provide high-quality support to those in need.
Simply put, becoming a social worker is not always easy, but it is worth it. That’s why social work continues to be one of the fastest-growing employment fields year after year. If you’re ready to embark on the journey of becoming a licensed social worker, our comprehensive guide is here to help you navigate this path with confidence.
Social workers are expected to have some level of education before obtaining their state licensure, but the extent of your education is largely dependent on what your ultimate career goals look like. For example, a licensed clinical social worker will be required to attend an accredited graduate program in their clinical specialty, while lower-level social workers can make do with an associate’s degree.
While attending social work school, students will encounter a wide range of topics, including psychology, disability, social work welfare principles, and more. Because social work is a diverse field with numerous clinical specializations, you can expect a robust and comprehensive course load to challenge your mind and ignite your passion for advocacy.
Along with completing a degree program, you will need to get hands-on experience in the field. Social workers work intimately with local communities and are often faced with complex circumstances on a case-by-case basis. In other words, you’ll have to put your education to the test outside of the classroom before you can start work in the field.
Depending on the state you live in, the hours needed to complete your supervised experience and training will vary. Some degree programs may even require hands-on experience through internships and other avenues, allowing you to get the practical experience you need while earning your degree at the same time.
All social workers are required to take the Association of Social Work Board exam, or ASWB exam for short. This is a standardized exam used to license and certify social workers in the United States, Canada, and beyond.
Since this exam acts as a gatekeeper between aspiring social workers and professionals in the field, testing slots are often limited. More importantly, you will need to apply for approval before you can schedule your ASWB exam. Some of the requirements for taking the ASWB exam include:
After you’ve been approved to take the test, you can schedule an appointment at the testing location nearest to you. Keep in mind that the ASWB is only administered in person, which means you should be prepared to arrive early with your identification ready to take the test. You’ll also be expected to pay for all testing fees in advance, and the average cost of taking the ASWB exam is around $230.
As of 2022, the average pass rate for taking the ASAB exam was about 65%. If you want to improve your chances of passing the test the first time and saving yourself the stress (and cost) of taking the test multiple times, we strongly suggest investing in high-quality test prep materials so you can be fully prepared on test day.
With your degree and ASWB exam done, you’ll be eligible to get a social work license in your state. Depending on the type of social work you plan to do, you may face additional requirements to obtain your license, which is why it’s important to thoroughly research your state’s policies before you start applying to education programs.
Today, social workers are needed in a variety of clinical settings, including:
…and that’s just to name a few. Whether you’re interested in working with at-risk youth or helping prisoners get back on their feet, the social work field is ripe with fulfilling opportunities that benefit you and your community.
For most social workers, getting an entry-level job is just the beginning. Many continue on to pursue higher levels of social work, especially in the mental health field. For example, a master’s clinical social worker is required to obtain at least a master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited program.
Regardless of what your long-term goals look like, there are plenty of resources available to help you achieve your higher education needs.
Start Your Journey In The Social Work Field
Social Work Exam Strategies is here to support tomorrow’s social work professionals with the support and resources they need to pass their licensing exams and enter the work field with confidence.
Developed by a licensed clinical social worker with extensive experience in mental health facilities, trauma centers, and more, our study guides are equal parts exam preparation and real-world application, giving our students unmatched insight into life in the social work field.
It doesn’t matter if you’re just beginning to consider social work as a career or you’re looking to retake the ASWB exam; our study guides are made just for you. To learn more about our ASWB exam preparation materials to kickstart your journey in the social work field, visit our ASWB Comphrensive Study Materials page today.
