NASW-CA’s Statement on ASWB’s Clinical Exam Pass Rates Report

Last Friday, the ASWB released new data on pass rates related to social work exams, including the ASWB Clinical Exam. The data represents glaring disparities in pass rates between white people and people of color – particularly Black test-takers. The harm to communities of color which has been reported for years is now demonstrated by data, and it is time to act.

NASW-CA is committed to supporting a diverse social work field and workforce that reflects the communities we serve, and to removing barriers that communities of color face when choosing the social work profession and clinical licensure as a career path. We have and will continue to demand solutions to assure equitable access to career pathways and as social workers, we have a responsibility to live and act out the code to which we claim adherence. Compromise is unacceptable; and when clear data articulates the perpetuation of systemic failures, there is no other choice but to commit to ceasing these inequities. NASW-CA is working closely with allied partners to develop a coordinated and timely response to this issue, and to propose adequate solutions that reduce harm and increase diverse representation at all levels of social work practice.

We will continue to keep you informed and encourage you to review the report and analysis at https://www.aswb.org/exam/contributing-to-the-conversation.