ASWB released data on Social Work Licensing Exam

Hey, Social Worker Gem and Gents, thanks for tuning in to my channel where faith, family, and social work intersect.
This video is a bit different because you all know I LOVE the Profession of Social Work and have advocated for students to enter the profession! With that said, knowing something and seeing it released as data hits differently. This report from the ASWB did something to me, and It is time we advocate for testing equality!
What can be done to protect the profession?
* Read the Report for yourself - www.aswb.org/e...
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[@s.gentle5156]

Somehow, as a black woman, I was always given the exam that required the highest score. Meanwhile, my white counterparts were given the exam that was the lowest! When I questioned how the testing agency determined who would get what test, the agency shifted the responsibility to ASWB and vice versa. I then asked for the data of which demographics received the highest score exam versus the data of those that receive the lowest…still waiting!

[@ItsResiayall]

Unfortunately, you are not the first person I have heard mention this exact thing happening. The sad reality is we don't know how the exam is “selected 🤔” but we do know there are a lot of disparities.

[@tierraevans2721]

Thanks for speaking the truth! I totally understand!

[@s.gentle5156]

@@Bors123 do you work for them? Are you writing the exams? Are you at the table discussing strategies on how they adjust the number of required answers needed? It’s an ongoing process so no one really knows unless you are at the table!!!

[@kayperez3864]

Me too....I've needed 103

[@lakeithapatterson5289]

I've experienced this the 4 times that I've taken this exam....I was in a study group of a well-known KZbinr, and when I mentioned my experience, I was put on mute! I politely logged off and unfollowed him! He's probably receiving some type of kickback from the ASWB....Lol! I believe with all my heart that a SHIFT is on the way!

[@nataliamarte8048]

This conversation is so important. Thank you for speaking up about this. I'm an attorney in New York and the data for the bar exam is pretty similar. I believe a number of 2020 graduates and practicing attorneys started an abolish the bar exam movement and were pretty close in making some ratifications in certain states. I wonder how we can all work together to abolish a lot of these standardized exams that bars Black and Latinx folk from achieving licensure.

[@ItsResiayall]

Yes I would love to connect and see how you are making headway. Standardize testing is so damaging.

[@tjcougarfootball1]

I failed it twice first by 10, second by 4 pts. Im taking it in November 2nd. Its personal to me at this point for me dawg. I'm thriving as a medical social in hospice now and i now for a fact that the licensed social workers i know which are all white ain't better than me and it ain't close lol. Also the LSW before me was fired before i stepped into the position. You either good at this shit or not. I graduated with my masters in 2017. They give our driver licenses everyday but everyone can't drive 🧐

[@virgobeauty8891]

I failed by 2 points

[@rootedinsight]

I'm a white woman and thankfully passed the test on the first try. The study guides all point out that the test is completely unrealistic and skewed toward "by the book" answers versus real life application. Supposedly it's to increase the ability to pass based on universal schooling we all receive. While studying for and then taking the exam, I was struck by how useless it is. All of our experience and knowledge needs to be stripped away to answer in a way that conforms to complete fantasy scenarios and not real life. Plus, there's the inherent disadvantage that some people have when taking multiple choice standardized tests. It really isn't a great gauge of how effective you are in real life and limiting opportunities for people to make a decent living and potentially help more people because a standardized test is getting in the way is insane. The fact that there are racial disparities in passing is infuriating and i really think there should be alternative ways to become licensed that address these problems. If i can help in any way please let me know.

[@ashajeremiahqw8775]

And most grad schools don’t teach us how to study for an exam it’s ridiculous

[@tonysradyografi3494]

The truth is this exam is not built for us. The impression that I had from the university in which I had my MSW from is that as a Black man, I really had no business being there. I felt like my face represented something else for those White folks. They should just come to our neighborhood and serve us.

[@ItsResiayall]

I am sorry that you experienced this. The social work profession needs a lot of deconstruction and decolonizing. I hope you are making waves in the profession because your voice, experiences and expertise belong here! 😊

[@shawnwebb7373]

I agree, I’ve tried twice and missed by 10 and 6 points and at this point, I feel it isn’t worth the money. If we don’t have license already, what makes them think we can afford d supervision and to keep taking a proven biased test? I feel like ppl who fail within 10 pts after 2 attempts should obtain their license. You know the material. I’m abt over it.

[@imaladywith3]

Im a 50 something year old student in the social work field. This information is vital. Thanks for sharing

[@ItsResiayall]

Your welcome your welcome but don't let it consume you.

[@pamluke1191]

Hello, I am just seeing this video, and all I can say is I appreciate you. I have failed this test 4 times. I spent 4 years to get my Doctorate degree in social work and can't pass this exam. Can I please have those statistics to send to Gov. Murphy. No, this exam does not take from who I am as a Black woman, and no way will I consider thinking as a White person. Yes, I have been told this exam is skewed. They will give an account to God for this behavior, and yet they profess to be social workers. A people who are deemed to help the needy. How can this be when we, the social workers, are being discriminated against. Yet this ASWB is supposed to support us. Do away with the test and make us do yearly CEU's to stay licensed. Kudos to you, sis.

[@ashajeremiahqw8775]

Oh no 😢and our test anxiety is no fun

[@adriansanders1526]

I was told that I should think like a conservative white male . I have taken it 4 X and missed and failed between 3- 6 points.

[@kmarcol1]

As a mental health professional, Taking away the licensure aspect in my opinion will invalidate our expertise. We're already at a disadvantage in comparison to other licensed mental health professionals. Something does need to be done. Maybe revamping the exam and remove the racial disparities.

[@BABYGRLK100]

Exactly I wouldn’t take it away all licensed professionals take exams lawyers take the bar, nurses take the nclex, doctors take the USMLE. It allows title protection so no one can just up and call themselves a licensed social worker it does need to be reevaluated though.

[@LuxeWellness]

Wow... I stumbled upon your video this morning. Let me say you are speaking to many of us MSW's that have been traumatized and stigmatized by this test. I am speaking from personal experience and 12+ years of experience in behavior management, therapy, and group facilitating. My point is there is know way many of us are failing this exam with key knowledge and experience we have. Or in some cases with effort that we put in to study and prepare for this exam. I am happy to see that the speculations many have had about this exam is coming to light. I pray that change is coming with ASWB😢❤

[@veronicaruiz113]

Your so right I completely agree I have years of experience and nothing I seen in the test makes sense or even useful. I am latina and seeing this test was ridiculous.I have done so much studying for nothing just to feel completely incompetent just because of a ridiculous test.

[@ItsResiayall]

First I hear you i am right here with you. Secondly its the test its not you. Your education has prepared you for the profession and I am sure you are doing a phenomenal job. Study to pass the exam not to practice social work if that makes sense

[@Mrs.T305]

This looks really bad. I respect your views nonetheless but you guys have it way easier than us. Our test is almost $400 and many blacks are failing too. We also have to wait three weeks for our scores whereas you all get your results in the same day ( I think....I know MHC does). Your test is cheaper, some questions have fewer anawer options, the tutors or study workshops are cheaper and you have way more job opportunities. I wish I did MSW. We just have to keep studying. Best wishes to all the future test takers. MFT graduate.

[@ItsResiayall]

With all due respect, I don't believe it's a matter of who has it easier than the next. All professions that are governed by an exam pose significant barriers for marginalized populations, adult test-takers as well as those for who englsh is their second language. No, each pathway may be different but to say one mental health professional group has it easier discredits the work that group has put into their educational and licensure pursuits. Also social workers currently in many states take two exams and 3,000 hours of supervison to be fully licensed where MFT take one exam as well as 3000 hours. So if we are counting the cost between two exams social workers pay almost 500 in just test fees to become fully licensed. As far as the job market remember your why in becoming a MFT and focus on finding opportunities that connect you with those populations. My friends that are LMFT are securing jobs by broaden their search hope that helps.

[@farymaldonado3749]

People from other countries, non English speaking pass the test…

[@ItsResiayall]

This video was not about the inability to pass the exam but the disproportionate rate in which a number of groups have to test multiple times to obtain there license

[@annmariebascombe]

Thank you so very much I have taken this exam 16 times am heartbroken.

[@ItsResiayall]

anything i can do to help?

[@vastiplaza1119]

I missed it by 7 took it 3 weeks later studying the subjects that I did not do so well and missed it by 16.

[@floreperalte6627]

I have taken the exam and failed. I am scheduled for the exam in August 2024. The exam is biased; for example, the ethnicity questions are inconsistent with reality. I understand that the exam needs to be restructured. The license should also be assigned at graduation with an exam before graduation, the same way the school forwards our 300+ hours for the MSW certification. Great video, and the exam is not based on real social work and it's a reading exam more than it is a social work exam.

[@ItsResiayall]

The best thing i have heard in prepping for the exam is consider what answer will be selected by social workers in various settings. Best of luck and congratulations in advance.

[@evatawiah1039]

Love this! Only facts spoken here! The test was nerve wrecking and failing it was even more disheartening. I Remember feeling unworthy and like my education was pointless because I failed this exam that my white counterpart said was “easy” DISMANTLE it all and rebuild to look like today social “real social work” keep up the great work Resia! You are a powerful force !

[@wallybcool]

Thanks for the video .... When did licensing become such a big thing (in all fields)? Why even go to grad school if you must pass a license? It is my understanding that during reconstruction requiring a license shut out the true craftsman and allowed individuals of the dominant culture to take those jobs. Again thanks for your advocacy.

[@ashajeremiahqw8775]

It’s all about money cause half of these new grads are early 20s and non black culture that does not practice social work well

[@Mrs.T305]

When you said you were Caribbean I was quite shocked. As a Caribbean, I can say growing up here, especially in NYC, has really shaped your way of thinking. For most Caribbeans, its actually an honour to come here, graduate from college, earn a master's degree and even be eligible to sit for an exam. The exam would more so be viewed as a challenge and our ability to pass it would be viewed as an accomplishment. I've never heard of a West Indian coming here and trying to change the system by wanting to dismantle an exam that everybody else has been required to take for decades. The goal should be for us to study and if that means thinking differently than how we were raised then so be it, if that's what we have to do to pass. Thanks for sharing your perspective nonetheless. Respectfully,

[@ItsResiayall]

I am Caribbean American and equality and equality are something that should be given to all regardless of their ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or where they attended school. I do very well on standardized exams but as a social worker, I should be comfortable advocating for change. After all social workers are change agents we advocate for our clients so why wouldn't I for our profession? If sitting for an exam that for years has been a barrier and riddled with systematic racism is an accomplishment for you I love that for you. But if something is wrong I am going to call it out.

[@chelece-ataviabrown9079]

Hello! Forcing ourselves to “think differently” for the sake of an exam is PROOF western psychology and colonialism is not tailored to treat/heal Afro and Indigenous populations. White supremacy is the driving factor for the inequality in the mental health field. As Caribbean’s MOST of our “adaptive” behavior is rooted in generational trauma. So YES, we should advocate for change with these exams to eliminate the gender AND racial basis in the MH field. Thank you, Resia for raising awareness and being a voice of reason in our profession. 👏🏾

[@Bush_Fam]

This is such a major issue. I hope they just get rid of it but that won’t happen without legislation. I took it three times. Failed. Spent so much money on stuff and there fees. First time I barely studied. I get that. Second time. I failed by 3 points. Third time I studied so much with AOC, KZbin videos dawn books took practice tests and felt so prepared. I failed by 15. I did worse then the second time. I was in complete shock. I felt so confident and prepared and it crushed me. I lost out on a big opportunity for my family and I. I have not took it sense because I can not take on the hard ache again nor more money to sink into the cash cow. When they say all the high statistic for whites. Well I am def not in that percentage.

[@ItsResiayall]

You really hit the nail on the head with the disparities minorities have to deal with when it comes to standardized testing.

[@ashajeremiahqw8775]

This is sad I’m so afraid to take my test

[@ItsResiayall]

Dont let the data scare you if you want that license go for it. Study, speak affirmations over yourself and dig in. When do you want to test?

[@EssenceOfRae]

I have been told to think like a white man when taking the test. I took it once and failed by 17 points. Im very proud of myself. I plan to take it again in the spring. Aftr i become fully licensed.i would like to join the testing center and prepare questions for people who look like me.i want to begin working on a macro level. I do not feel inadequate, Im going to Trust God in this corrupt system & then make a change once I get a seat at the table!

[@ItsResiayall]

I love that you mentioned not feeling invalidated by the exam. The truth is that taking the exam and passing simply means having the test-tasking strategies in place. Best of luck on taking the exam you will do great.

[@gwenbaggett2186]

I am one of the persons that has been trying to make changes since 2015. How can you be contacted?

[@ItsResiayall]

Hey Gwen you can reach me at [e-mail] look forward to connecting

[@gwenbaggett2186]

@@ItsResiayall great

[@carlottapace789]

The ASWB is absolutely harmful 😢 I’m from Ohio I want to know how to create change in my state . I’ failed LISw 2x so far and truly been studying for over two years.

[@carlottapace789]

Right studying material is expensive

[@natashaherring22]

MSW student here and I watched your video 2x and sent it to my instructor.. She loved it ❤️ thank you for this information. May God continue to bless you

[@kadijahharris940]

I just passed my LCSW on 4/29. I needed a 103 to pass. The best tip I ever got was take the exam like you’re an old white man in an office. That’s exactly what I did. When I was torn between 2 answers I’d ask myself “what answer sounds most textbook and uppity lol

[@ItsResiayall]

congratulations on passing your exam and thinking as close to the textbook and outside if your experiences is the best thing to do

[@kayperez3864]

I am so happy that you are speaking to this injustice. We are fighting for the underserved when we (US) #socialworkers are being oppressed by this system /agency #aswb I am a 2nd language speaker in Spanish & I am exhausted. I took my lmsw & passed on 6th attempt. My lcsw , I am on my 5th attempt. Last time I failed by 3 pts. I have spent so much money$. I am saying it... it is time for us to be seen & heard. ENOUGH!!

[@ItsResiayall]

I am hoping that states start to implement option in ways to support test takers that are missing it by 5 pts or less. Repaying and retesting should not be the the only way. You will pass

[@natyshaifoster529]

Amen on this. Amen especially on the cultural competence. I’m huge on this and there’s NO teaching on it. We need to be a presence in the field period. Thank you for this video ❤

[@Theonetruesona]

Hey I loved your video and I see that you’re the only KZbinr talking about this. And I appreciate it. I made some shorts on my channel bout this but it didn’t get views. I hope your videos blows up because more need to see this. If you’re interested in the experience of a recently 24 years old black grad graduate, paid for books, tutor and failed the exam 3 times now. I’m willing to share my experience with you, on your platform, if you want to make a video going deeper into his.

[@ItsResiayall]

I would love to connect shoot me an email!

[@JadeW1111]

We had this conversation at a ASWB conference and the racial issue was brought up. We asked what they’d do about this and I’m glad the word has been spread. I failed the exam twice but I know that I’m a good social worker.

[@ItsResiayall]

It's the test not you.

[@shemidiawilliams4942]

Sis you betta SAY IT!!!!👍

[@vanessasmith3628]

the key is based on ethics. that is the long and short of it.

[@charlotteburton1908]

❤ love your passion for helping US understand what we are up against! I am a Georgia resident and I feel it’s unfair as well! Where do we start to help keep this message going!!!!

[@ItsResiayall]

Good morning Charlotte first I would recommend attending your States Board of Social Work meetings and hearing where they land on the topic. Also, come to terms with what you believe licensure provides you as a social worker so your stance is firm. I also recommend seeing what other title-protected professions are doing to deal with these disparities. Lastly, if you decide to take the exam study the way you learn best, give yourself time, and just do your best. To keep the message going just keep talking about it around your colleagues and peers.

[@charlotteburton1908]

I test tomorrow, so keep me in your prayers!

[@charlotteburton1908]

I will definitely try and do what you suggested.

[@ghasakalbazirgan6662]

I've taken this exam 4 times already!! I was off by 3 points on my last attempt. What can we do as a collective to stop them?

[@vonmorris5948]

First and foremost, I love your channel. I think it’s great that you’re passionate about all of the intersections of your life. I do want to say that I think this might be a little divisive. I say this because I’ve seen practice questions from the exam and test prep. Perhaps, it’s wildly different from the actual exam. However, if what I’m seeing bares much similarities to what might appear on the actual exams, it’s literally standardize testing. It has scenarios that need to be answered in a non-complex manner with the answers lying in the prompts. I was able to get the majority of the question right without formal social work training. I will be starting my MSW program this fall. Please wish me luck. Also, I am a 32 year old Black man.

[@jennifermcmullin3436]

Kudos for you in coming out about this! The exam is degrading to a SW trying to become licensed. The clinical exam could be modified in so many ways. What I don't get is if someone passes the text for the LMSW exam then why is the clinical exam so brutal and has to be the same amount of questions for the LCSW? Can't a modified version be given to someone already an LMSW? There is so many things that need to be revamped about this exam.

[@pamluke1191]

You are so right. I look at comments and post on other sites, and I often wonder why, as a Black woman, I needed 105 to pass, and some of the White people needed 99 or 98. This number should be the same across the board. If my White counterpart requires a 98 to pass, then I should be required to pass with a 98. Shame on ASWB, our job and desires as social workers are to help those in need. Yet the ASWB are discriminating against those that Resia has called above. This is horrible. I'm writing my governor, Phil Murphy, here in NJ. As soon as I can get a copy of these statistics. Dr. Pamela Luke

[@s.gentle5156]

And being off by 4 points of a score that is in the passing range of all the exams.

[@ItsResiayall]

That's what sucks. Are you planning on testing again?

[@pembrooke18]

I missed my exam by 1 point and i was devastated 😢

[@ItsResiayall]

Keep the same study method you used prior and try to focus your study on the subject area that's your weakest. You got it next time

[@s.gentle5156]

Recently, the fee schedule changed in my state because of the overflow of funds they collected from outrageous fees for applications etc.

[@ItsResiayall]

Which state are you in? And the fees are outrageous

[@s.gentle5156]

@@ItsResiayall Arkansas

[@jennifermcmullin3436]

Just seems like they could do the test in a step level.

[@MsTolatola]

New subbie from Texas. I agree 100%

[@ashajeremiahqw8775]

Glad all of us black folks can speak up

[@shlondamccoy559]

I love this video. This conversation is so important. Im not sure if someone has said this already so if they have, I apologize. Social Workers in rural areas experience less opportunity to Licensed social workers for supervision and there are less opportunities to a variety of places to intern in order to learn. I have always thought about these same topics.

[@ItsResiayall]

How did I miss this comment. I believe as a profession we have to help to bridge that gap and support rural social workers advance and meet the personal career goals they have for themselves. I would love to talk more on that that would or should look like.

[@cybercafe9]

100% agree with you. Thank you.

[@LuxeWellness]

I initially failed by 5 points, and was told I was not eligible to retake the exam within the 30 day time period, just to asked almost a year later by one of the customer service reps during a call why i did not retake the test sooner as I was eligible to retake the exam within 30 days. I also experienced an experienced where an investigation was supposed to take place based on an issue I had at the testing site, that was never done after I followed up with administration at ASWB. These individuals are able to manipulate us at all cause.

[@ItsResiayall]

i am so sorry that this happened to you, I hope that if and when you retest you will feel safe and do well. But many have said they did not take advantage of the 30 day waiver because they were unaware

[@Mrs.T305]

So why didn't u retake it within the 30 days? I don't understand

[@vanessasmith3628]

I took the exam in S.C in 1991 and failed it by 4 points. I took it in 1992 and passed it. Now the clinical test is a whole other ball game. I have just figured out how to past this test. I know how to past the clinical and will ace it when my board sends me the approval letter.

[@Bors123]

Would you care to share the tips?

[@Ashdash_100]

Thank you for sharing! ❤

[@dionneneal217]

I'm about to graduate, and we now have to wait 2 years before taking the exam in Florida. 😢

[@ItsResiayall]

Yes each state regulates their professional Board.!I believe in FL you don't need to take two exams to become a clinical social worker but do need to provide your supervision hours prior. Was it changed from a test first model?

[@kayperez3864]

Insane!

[@AlexanderMiles-wr9ck]

R u kidding? Stop whining over this. Get over it. Some people are obviously passing the test so you can too! It’s a universal test, it’s not trying to keep certain groups from passing … those groups for whatever reason just need to study more.

[@ItsResiayall]

Again this is my page my platform I share the opinions that are valuable to me. Now I am not the only person looking into the data and calling a spade a spade. Now granted what others may call whining many see as advocacy and if you believe people who have failed the test over 5 times didn't invest money into studying you are very mistaking.

[@ShannonGalloway-m8v]

@@ItsResiayall I am going to guess that this person is probably Caucasian? Unfortunately, this group never feels that there are disparities when they are evident. But if it"s not your experience, you cannot relate!

[@foreveralchemy3193]

Are you a SW with this type of attitude & personality??

[@fabiolareid7667]

Facts

[@ABlackGirlandHerCoffee]

Maaaan, I went through it with this exam! Finally passed but it was a monster. The language they use alone is difficult. I agree with everything that you are saying. There is no reason why I should be "thinking like a white woman" if I have never walked in their shoes.

[@rostgrassfieldland8540]

She is sharing her feelings as facts! The test is knowledge based. I am black too and teach social work ! Why do we see racism everywhere ?😂

[@ItsResiayall]

I was not sharing my feelings as facts. If you are not aware, in August 2022, the ASWB released data stating the testing disparities. Unsure if they are not well aware of they many movements that surround licensure and the impact on minorities, individuals for English is their second language, as well as older test takers. But Go off

[@pembrooke18]

You are so ignorant..go sit somewhere

[@Mrs.T305]

I agree

[@lakeithapatterson5289]

Thank you for sharing this post! I am motivated to advocate for change!! 💪🏾🙌🏾👊🏾🫶🏾