The licensure exam that the BC College of Social Workers will be using is a comprehensive, competency based exam developed by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). The exam is comprised of 170 questions.
Test development
Developing a valid and reliable exam is a long and arduous process that begins with an analysis of practice. In this phase, practicing social workers participate in a detailed survey of the practice of social work. There are two critical aspects: firstly, for the purpose of licensure it is important that those social workers participating in the analysis focus on those aspects of practice that are done at entry to practice. Secondly, the focus is on those aspects of practice in which there is the potential for harm to the public. Detailed information about the most recent Analysis of Practice can be found on the ASWB website.
Item Writers
Each item is written by independent item writer. Once an item is developed there is a review process that seeks to ensure that the question fits within one of the knowledge, skill, or abilities areas identified from the practice analysis.
What are the content areas?
Bachelor Exam Content
Master Exam Content