Short answer
Since August 3, 2026, each ASWB exam has 122 questions: 110 scored and 12 unscored pretest questions.
How to Pass the ASWB Exam
- Put safety first: on “what should the social worker do FIRST” questions, assess risk and safety before anything else.
- Know the NASW Code of Ethics thoroughly, including confidentiality limits, dual relationships and informed consent.
- Choose the textbook answer, not what your agency does in practice.
- Review theories: Erikson, Piaget, attachment, stages of change, CBT, solution-focused, family systems.
- Practice timed questions: about 2 minutes per question with the new format.
Clinical candidates should also review the mental status exam.
USA ASWB Exam: Quick Facts
- Developed by
- Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
- Questions (from Aug 2026)
- 122 (110 scored + 12 pretest)
- Answer choices
- 3 per question
- Time
- 4 hours
- Categories
- Bachelors · Masters · Advanced Generalist · Clinical
- Content areas
- 3 (reduced from 4)
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