The social work licensing exams are racist*

View our original DC petition and the national petition, both urging lawmakers to reduce their influence on the social work profession

On August 5, 2022 the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) released data about the pass rates of their exams. ASWB exams are used across the country as part of the social work licensing process. ASWB's own data shows alarming pass rate differences by race. BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of C0lor) individuals pass these tests at much lower rates than their white counterparts. Additionally, older social workers and social workers who speak English as a second language pass at lower rates. While disability data was not released, we know from our Deaf and hard of hearing colleagues that they, too, pass at lower rates. We know that these social workers can and do perform at a high level, and this disparity reflects problems with the tests, not with individuals.

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Rather than using this data to hold themselves accountable, the ASWB blames larger systems issues (without noting that they are part of the system!) and individuals for not passing the test. They are worth more than $40 million, with about 3/4 of their income coming from test fees - of course they are not interested in actual change.

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This group formed to urge DC officials to reimagine social work licensing without the use of a discriminatory exam. While our bill did not move forward, we have been able to earn some successes that will help DC social workers and therefore vulnerable DC residents. Please explore our website to find out more!