The field of social work is constantly evolving, and social workers must keep up with these changes to provide the best possible care to their clients. In order to ensure that social workers are adequately prepared for their work, the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) is implementing several changes to its licensing exams for LMSW and LCSW candidates in 2023.
The changes to the LMSW and LCSW exams will include updates to exam content, changes to passing scores, and a new retake policy. These changes are designed to better align the exams with current social work practice and to ensure that social workers have the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in their work.
Updates to Exam Content
The first change to the LMSW and LCSW exams in 2023 will be updated to the exam content. The ASWB regularly reviews the exam content to ensure that it is up-to-date with current social work practice. The changes to the exam content will reflect new developments in social work practice, such as trauma-informed care, cultural humility, and social justice.
In addition to these changes, the ASWB will also be updating the exam format to a computer-based format. This change will make the exam more accessible and will allow for more frequent testing dates throughout the year.
Changes to Passing Scores
The ASWB is also changing the passing scores for the LMSW and LCSW exams in 2023. The passing score is the minimum score required to pass the exam and become licensed as an LMSW or LCSW. The passing score changes will vary by exam level.
For the LMSW exam, the passing score will increase from 96 to 99. This means that social workers will need to achieve a higher score to pass the exam and become licensed as an LMSW.
For the LCSW exam, the passing score will decrease from 102 to 99. This means that social workers will need to achieve a slightly lower score to pass the exam and become licensed as an LCSW.
The changes to the passing scores are designed to ensure that social workers have the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in their work, while also ensuring that the licensing process is fair and accessible to all candidates.
New Retake Policy
Finally, the ASWB is introducing a new retake policy for the LMSW and LCSW exams in 2023. Under the new policy, candidates who do not pass the exam on their first attempt will need to wait a certain amount of time before they can retake the exam.
For the LMSW exam, candidates will need to wait 90 days before retaking the exam. For the LCSW exam, candidates will need to wait 180 days before retaking the exam.
The new retake policy is designed to ensure that social workers have adequate time to prepare for the exam and to reduce the number of candidates who need to retake the exam multiple times.
Preparing for the Updated Exams
Social workers who are planning to take the LMSW or LCSW exams in 2023 will need to prepare differently for the updated exams. Here are some tips for preparing for the updated exams:
- Stay up-to-date with current social work practice: Social workers should stay informed about new developments in social work practice, such as trauma-informed care, cultural humility, and social justice. This will help them to better understand the exam content and to provide the best possible care to their clients.
- Adjust study strategies to meet new passing score requirements: Social workers will need to adjust their study strategies to meet the new passing score requirements. For the LMSW exam, social workers will need to aim for a higher passing score, while for the LCSW exam, social workers will need to aim for a slightly lower passing score.
- Take advantage of resources: Social workers should take advantage of resources provided by the ASWB, such as practice exams and study guides. These resources are designed to help social workers prepare for the exam and to provide a better understanding of the exam content.
- Consider taking a prep course: Social workers who feel that they need additional preparation may want to consider taking a prep course. Prep courses can provide a more structured approach to exam preparation and can help social workers identify areas where they may need additional study.
- Give yourself enough time to prepare: With the new retake policy in place, social workers will need to give themselves enough time to prepare for the exam. Social workers should aim to schedule their exam date at least three months in advance of when they plan to start practicing, to allow enough time for retakes if necessary.
Conclusion
The changes to the LMSW and LCSW exams in 2023 are designed to ensure that social workers have the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in their work. The updates to the exam content will reflect new developments in social work practice, and the changes to passing scores and the new retake policy will ensure that the licensing process is fair and accessible to all candidates.
Social workers who are planning to take the LMSW or LCSW exams in 2023 will need to adjust their study strategies and take advantage of available resources to ensure success on the updated exams. By staying up-to-date with current social work practice and giving themselves enough time to prepare, social workers can be confident in their ability to provide the best possible care to their clients.
Frequently Asked Questions About LMSW and LCSW Exam Changes
What are the changes to the LMSW and LCSW exams in 2023?
The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) is updating the exam content for the LMSW and LCSW exams in 2023 to reflect current social work practice. Additionally, the passing scores for both exams are being increased, and a new retake policy is being implemented.
Why are the changes being made to the LMSW and LCSW exams?
The changes are being made to ensure that social workers have the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in their work. The updates to the exam content will reflect new developments in social work practice, and the changes to passing scores and the new retake policy will ensure that the licensing process is fair and accessible to all candidates.
When will the changes to the LMSW and LCSW exams take effect?
The changes will take effect in 2023. The specific date for the changes has not been announced yet, but the ASWB typically announces these dates well in advance.
What is the new retake policy for the LMSW and LCSW exams?
The new retake policy will allow social workers to retake the exam up to three times within a 12-month period. After the third attempt, social workers will need to wait a year before retaking the exam.
Will the changes to the LMSW and LCSW exams impact currently licensed social workers?
The changes to the exams will not impact currently licensed social workers. The updates will only impact social workers taking the exams in 2023 and beyond. However, it's always a good idea for social workers to stay up-to-date with current social work practice and to continue their education and professional development.
