In Iowa, master’s level license is required to practice as a social worker to ensure that social workers have the necessary knowledge, skills, and ethics to provide effective and safe services to clients. This helps to protect the public and ensure that social workers are held to high professional standards. A license also provides a mechanism for addressing and disciplining any unethical or unprofessional behavior.
How to apply
Create an account and apply for licensure in Iowa by visiting Iowa Board of Social Work website.
Go to MyUI to request your transcript from the University of Iowa Registrar Office. Check send transcript “End of Current Semester Degree.” Provide the address for the Iowa Board of Social Work:
Bureau of Professional Licensure
Iowa Department of Public Health
Lucas State Office Building, 5th Floor
321 East 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319-0075
NOTE: The Registrar will send your transcript to the Iowa Board about three weeks after you graduate.
You will be notified by the Iowa Board when your application for licensure is accepted. They will describe how to schedule your exam. For additional information about scheduling the exam, go to the Association of Social Work Boards website and click the "Exam Candidate" button.
Licensing exam FAQ
Do I need to take the exam?
Yes. All master’s level social workers in Iowa must be licensed to practice social work.
Can I take the exam before I graduate?
Yes. The program administrator will send a Qualtrics link for you to respond if you want to apply to the Iowa board in the spring before you graduate. If you respond yes, they will send the letter confirming that you are expected to graduate in May directly to the board.
How do I apply to take the exam?
We will describe the process during advanced practicum seminar, fall or spring semester. To learn more about the steps and process, go to the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) web site. ASWB is the social work testing service for the United States.
Where can I take the exam?
There is a list of test sites for you to check out in preparation for this exam:
View list of test sites.
How do I request an accommodation?
To arrange an accommodation, you must complete the ASWB request form. In addition, consult with your state’s board to determine their application process and relevant deadlines.
What if I am moving to another state?
For type and name of exam required by state, visit the licensing website for report building. You can generate a report comparing two or more states. For rules and regulations by state, view the laws and regulations page.
What is the format of the exam?
- The ASWB administers the exam via desktop computer at an official testing location.
- There are 122 multiple choice items on the exam.
- The exam is divided into two 61-question sections, each with a two-hour time limit.
- There are either 3 or 4 choices for each item: A, B, C or A, B, C, D.
- There are no “all of the above” or “none of the above” choices.
- 110 test items are scored. The remaining 12 are "pretest" items that do not count towards your score. The ASWB constantly adds new test questions to the exam to reflect best practices and to test whether the new items are any good.
- When you are taking the exam, you can "flag" questions and come back to them. Once you select "Submit" to the entire exam, you cannot return to the exam make further changes.
What is on the exam?
Refer to Part 4 of the ASWB handbook "Your Guide to Taking the Social Work Licensing Exams":
When will I get my score?
You will receive a printed unofficial score report before you leave the testing center. Generally, a score of 93-106 out of 150 items is needed to pass the exam. If you do not pass, you can retake the exam in 90 days.
How long is the exam?
You will have four hours to complete the exam. Most people complete the exam in much less time.
How do I prepare for the exam?
UI social work students prepare for the exam using different strategies:
- Study on your own. You can check out a study guide from the main office (may not apply to all UISSW centers). It includes practice exams. You can also use an online app, like Pocket Prep's ASWB MSW Practice Exam App. Pocket Prep is not affiliated with the ASWB.
- Participate in the UISSW free, online study group with Professor Stephen Cummings.
- The modules will be held during early January. Professor Cummings will update students on the details.
- Attend a two-day, NASW-sponsored workshop in Des Moines for a fee. This workshop is typically held in February or March.
MSW program director
