On August 23rd, 2023, the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) announced that they had selected PSI as their new testing partner, replacing Pearson, starting in 2024.
In addition to PSI becoming the new testing partner, starting on January 2, 2024, the ASWB announced several other important changes to the ASWB exam, a scholarship for repeat test-takers, and plans to introduce remote testing.
Read their full announcement here: Association of Social Work Boards selects PSI as new testing partner
Learn more about the ASWB exam and create a personalized ASWB study plan with Agents of Change. We’ve helped thousands of Social Workers pass their ASWB exams and want to help you be next!
1) Who is PSI?
PSI describes its focus as:
“From test design and exam development to test day support and everything in between, we focus all our efforts on the test taker. Which is why we work tirelessly.
Without shortcuts, without half-measures and without excuses. To maintain scientific precision. To make sure the latest leaps in technology and operational expertise are on the side of their dreams. To do justice to the hard work and commitment of every test taker and every client. Because without integrity like ours, it’s not the same test.”
The company delivers over 22 million tests every year and in their words: “backed by exceptional test taker experiences, innovative test delivery solutions, and best practice test development.”
2) What Changes Are Coming to the ASWB Exam in 2024?
PSI Replaces Pearson as the Exam Administrator
Why was a change made to PSI?
According to Lavina Harless, LCSW, ASWB’s senior director of examination services:
“We want to continue to accurately and fairly measure competence for the social work profession. We also want to be intentional about addressing the financial impact on repeat test-takers as they pursue licensure, which is why we are so eager to have PSI’s support as we implement meaningful changes that reflect our ongoing commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and equal opportunities.”
PSI will begin administering social work licensing examinations at its 475 test centers across the United States and Canada beginning on January 2, 2024.
Exam registrations with ASWB will continue, but no testing appointments will be available between December 16 and December 31. Candidates who register November 1 or later will test at a PSI test center beginning January 2, 2024.
If you would prefer to test with Pearson VUE by December 15, 2023, schedule your exam early. Testing appointments in late 2023 are limited and are filling faster than usual.
PSI Takes on Responsibility for Exam Development
According to the press release:
“PSI is currently conducting a full test development and psychometric evaluations of ASWB’s examination program to highlight key areas of excellence and identify places where greater inclusion can be integrated into test creation.
The team will build on ASWB’s longstanding and successful efforts to ensure that its assessments accurately evaluate the knowledge and skills required for safe and ethical entry to practice.”
It’s too soon to tell, but it’s likely this review could result in changes to exam content areas or the distribution of exam content in 2024.
Scholarship Fund To Be Created for Repeat Test Takers
“Recognizing that financial realities can hinder candidates’ pursuit of professional goals, ASWB and PSI have each pledged to contribute to a fund for future outreach to and support for test-takers, particularly those from historically marginalized communities.”
This is a great step to support repeat test-takers by lessening or even removing the financial stress of the exam fee. At Agents of Change, we’re very excited to see this addition!
Remote Testing Option with Secure Online Proctoring Coming in Late 2024
Very few details were shared in the press release on this change, but both ASWB and PSI committed to a remote testing option being available in late 2024.
While this will be too late for many current test-takers, this is a strong step towards increasing accessibility of the ASWB exam, especially for those who live in rural communities far from testing centers.
3) What Do These ASWB Exam Changes Mean for You?
If You Plan to Take the ASWB Exam in 2023
If you’re currently studying for your exam in 2023 and planning to take the exam before the end of 2023, these changes likely won’t mean anything to you! The first changes will go into effect in January 2024.
Exam registrations with ASWB will continue, but no testing appointments will be available between December 16 and December 31. Candidates who register November 1 or later will test at a PSI test center beginning January 2, 2024.
If you would prefer to test with Pearson VUE by December 15, 2023, schedule your exam early. Testing appointments in late 2023 are limited and are filling faster than usual.
If You Plan to Take the ASWB Exam in 2024
If you plan to take the exam in 2024, you may be impacted by some of these changes. Follow us on Instagram and join our group on Facebook and we’ll keep you up to date as we hear more information from the ASWB and PSI.
4) FAQs – ASWB Exam Changes in 2024
Q: What are the major changes being made to the ASWB exam in 2024?
A: Some of the major changes for the ASWB exam in 2024 include:
- PSI Replacing Pearson as the Exam Administrator: PSI will start administering social work licensing examinations in early 2024 at its 475 test centers across the United States and Canada.
- PSI’s Role in Exam Development: PSI is conducting a full test development and evaluation of ASWB’s examination program. This could lead to potential changes in the exam content areas or the distribution of exam content in 2024.
- Scholarship Fund for Repeat Test Takers: ASWB and PSI will contribute to a fund to support test-takers, especially those from historically marginalized communities, to alleviate the financial burden of exam fees.
- Introduction of Remote Testing: A secure online proctoring option will be available for remote testing, which will be introduced in late 2024. This is aimed at increasing the accessibility of the ASWB exam.
Q: I am planning to take the ASWB exam in 2023. How will these changes affect me?
A: If you are taking the ASWB exam in 2023, these changes will likely not affect you as they will only be implemented in 2024. However, if you plan to take the exam in 2024, it’s important to stay updated on these changes by following Agents of Change on Instagram and joining our group on Facebook – we’ll keep you up to date as we hear more information from the ASWB and PSI.
Exam registrations with ASWB will continue, but no testing appointments will be available between December 16 and December 31. Candidates who register November 1 or later will test at a PSI test center beginning January 2, 2024.
Q: How will the new scholarship fund for repeat test-takers work, and who can benefit from it?
A: ASWB and PSI are setting up a scholarship fund to support repeat test-takers, especially those from historically marginalized communities. The fund aims to reduce or eliminate the financial stress associated with exam fees.
Specific details on the eligibility criteria, application process, and the extent of financial support are yet to be released. Candidates are encouraged to follow ASWB’s official announcements and trusted sources like Agents of Change for updates.
Q: Where can I ask questions about the transition to PSI?
A: If you have questions about how this transition may affect your testing experience, please contact the ASWB Candidate Services Center. Questions about approved nonstandard testing arrangements can be sent to [email protected].
5) Conclusion
These are some of the largest changes to the ASWB exam we’ve seen in years.
Follow Agents of Change on Instagram and join our group on Facebook and we’ll keep you up to date as we hear more information regarding these changes from the ASWB and PSI.
Learn more about the ASWB exam and create a personalized ASWB study plan with Agents of Change. We’ve helped thousands of Social Workers pass their ASWB exams and want to help you be next!
6) Video – ASWB Exam Changes Coming in 2024
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► Learn more about the Agents of Change course here: https://agentsofchangeprep.com
About the Instructor, Meagan Mitchell: Meagan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been providing individualized and group test prep for the ASWB for over five years. From all of this experience helping others pass their exams, she created the Agents of Change course to help you prepare for and pass the ASWB exam!
Find more from Agents of Change here:
► Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aswbtestprep
► Podcast: https://anchor.fm/agents-of-change-sw
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Disclaimer: This content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment
