NASW Arizona is committed to keeping social workers informed about changes that may impact their professional and licensure journey. The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) has announced updates to the social work licensing examinations that will take effect on August 3, 2026. 

While the exam format and structure are changing, state licensure requirements remain unchanged. These updates apply to the ASWB examination itself and do not change requirements established by state licensing boards.

What is changing?

Beginning August 3, 2026, the updated ASWB exam will:

• Be based on the 2026 blueprint, found in the ASWB Examination Guidebook. 
• Test three content areas rather than four - Values and Ethics, Assessment and Planning, and Intervention and Practice. 
• Include fewer questions overall - 122 total, with 12 questions being tested and unscored. 
• Increase in the proportion of three-option multiple-choice questions.
• Include a greater emphasis on the application of professional knowledge. 

ASWB states that these updates are intended to better reflect how social workers use knowledge and skills in real-world practice. To understand more, please watch this short video by ASWB. 

What is not changing?

The following parts of the exam process will remain the same: 

• Four-hour time limit.
• Exam fees.
• Exam scoring process.
• Registration and scheduling procedures. 

What does this mean if you are preparing for your exam?

If you are scheduled to test before August 3, 2026:

• You will take the current version of the exam.
• Continue preparing materials designed for the current exam.

If you are scheduled to test on or after August 3, 2026: 

• You will take the updated version of the exam.
• Review the 2026 ASWB Examination Guidebook. 
• Ensure any exam preparation materials you use align with the updated blueprint. 

Test-takers are strongly encouraged to review the ASWB Examination Guidebook and the ASWB website. These resources include information on the exam process, access to online practice tests, updated content areas, sample questions, and exam-day expectations.