SW Licensing Exam Pass Rate Disparities

In August 2023 the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), the organization responsible for creating and administering the National Social Work licensing exam, released disaggregated exam pass rates. Across MSW programs, these descriptive data showed disparities in pass rates based on race, age, and primary language. Systemic biases in the exam have undoubtedly contributed to these disparities and must be addressed and remediated. We are committed to identifying and working toward an equitable path to licensure for all MSW students. The resources listed here provide a timeline of what has taken place since August 2023 to understand and remedy this injustice that so personally impacts our school and great community.  

1. Timeline 
2. ASWB data detailing pass rate disparities
3. SSW Task force with recommendations
4. Senate Bill 0871
   • A Workgroup on Social Work Requirements for Licensure was established by the Maryland Department of Health. It is chaired by Ms. Karla Abney, LMSW and includes multiple appointees, including Dean Postmus. Deans Shafer and Celestine-Donnor will staff the workgroup with input from other MSW programs.
5. SSW DEIC Policy and Advocacy Subcommittee
   • Ongoing work of monitoring, advocating, and advising the SSW has been restructured under the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy and Advocacy Subcommittee, co-chaired by Dawn Shafer and Adam Schneider. This subcommittee works collaboratively with the SSW Policy Advocacy Committee which is largely comprised of MSW students and facilitated by macro faculty.
6. Other responses from the Social Work Community
   • CSWE response
   • NASW response
   • ASWB response
   • Social Workers for Equity and Anti-Racism (SWEAR) 
   • National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW)