The Social Work Clinical Exam is an exam administered by the ASWB. Candidates who pass the ASWB Clinical Exam and meet their state’s licensure requirements are able to practice as Clinical Social Workers in their state. Depending on the state, Clinical Social Workers may earn an LCSW, CSW, LISW, LSCSW, LCSW-C, or LICSW license.

The Licensed Clinical Social Work (LCSW) examination is offered by the Association of Social Work Board (ASWB). Different states give various titles to social workers who pass the ASWB Clinical exam. LCSW or LICSW are commonly used in many locations.

Social Workers work in a wide range of settings such as mental health clinics, hospitals, schools, settlement homes, child welfare or human services agencies, or even private practice. The ASWB recognizes the following licensure levels: Bachelors, Masters, Advanced Generalist, and Clinical.

Social Workers may be licensed as a Master of Social Work (MSW or equivalent) or as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW, LICSW, or equivalent). Both licenses require a Master’s Degree. MSWs require a passing score on the ASWB Masters Level Exam, while LCSWs are required to pass the ASWB Clinical Exam, which tests specialized clinical knowledge and the ability to apply advanced clinical skills to scenario-based questions.