The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) is implementing updates to the Advanced Generalist licensing exam in August 2026. These updates reflect significant structural modifications and minor content changes. Here’s what you should know:

ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam Overview

General Overview

The ASWB Advanced Generalist exam tests the skills and knowledge of experienced non-clinical social workers. This exam is designed for individuals with a Master’s degree in social work and two years of experience in nonclinical settings.

Exam Structure

The ASWB Advanced Generalist exam contains 122 multiple-choice questions. Of these, 110 are scored and 12 are pretest items that are unscored. Candidates have 4 hours to complete the exam.

The ASWB continues its gradual shift to three-option multiple-choice questions, started in 2023. This change reduces complexity without sacrificing rigor.

Advanced Generalist Content Areas

I. Values and Ethics (35%)

  • Apply professional values, legal standards, and ethical principles in nonclinical and macro-level practice settings.

  • Resolve complex ethical dilemmas involving supervision, administration, documentation, billing, and mandatory reporting.

  • Address issues of power, privilege, bias, oppression, and intersectionality in service delivery and organizational systems.

  • Promote social, racial, environmental, and economic justice across communities and institutions.

  • Maintain professional competence through supervision, consultation, policy awareness, and ethical use of technology.

II. Assessment and Planning (33%)

  • Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial and systems-level assessments across individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

  • Assess risk, resilience, trauma impact, substance use, mental health indicators, and environmental/systemic influences.

  • Analyze data from records, evaluations, and community resources to inform planning.

  • Collaborate with clients and stakeholders to develop culturally responsive service, treatment, or program plans.

  • Monitor progress and revise plans based on evaluation findings and changing client/system needs.

III. Intervention and Practice (32%)

  • Implement interventions across micro, mezzo, and macro levels, including case management, advocacy, and program development.

  • Apply evidence-informed strategies such as trauma-informed care, harm reduction, family/group interventions, and crisis response.

  • Develop and evaluate programs, policies, and organizational procedures to improve service delivery and minimize risk.

  • Supervise staff, manage teams, and apply leadership, fiscal, and strategic planning techniques in nonclinical settings.

  • Evaluate outcomes using research methods, program evaluation tools, and quality assurance processes.

Advanced Generalist Exam Study Tips

  • Review the official ASWB Guidebook for an overview of the exam, testing policies, and what to expect at the test center.
  • Take a look at the exam blueprint in the 2024 Analysis of the Practice of Social Work to understand the content breakdown.
  • Use Pocket Prep practice questions to reinforce knowledge and simulate exam conditions.
  • Focus on strengthening your understanding of ethical decision-making and culturally responsive assessments.
  • Create a study schedule and use tools like flashcards and summary charts to organize information.
  • Join a study group or find an accountability partner to review tough concepts and practice scenarios.