Oregon Health Authority is offering a new program to waive exam fees for individuals who take the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) social work licensing exam.
The program is offered through an agreement with the Association of Social Work Boards, the primary examination agency. Only people approved by the Oregon State Board of Licensed Social Workers are eligible for the waiver.
The ASWB exam is required to gain licensure as a social worker in Oregon.
The purpose of the waiver is to remove barriers for qualified individuals as part of a larger effort to rebuild and retool a behavioral health workforce that was decimated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Those registering to take the exam between Jan. 12, 2023, and Feb. 19, 2024, will have exam fees waived for all attempts.
The funding comes from $60 million allocated by the Oregon Legislature under House Bill 4071 (2022) to develop a diverse behavioral health workforce in licensed and non-licensed occupations through scholarships, loan repayment, professional development, other incentives, and peer workforce development.
The following social worker licensure tracks are covered by the program:
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- Licensed Master of Social Work
- Baccalaureate Social Worker
The total program grant is up to $130,000 that will reimburse the $230 fee for the bachelor’s and master’s exam and $260 for the advanced generalist or clinical exam for all tests taken during the prescribed timeframe.
The waivers will be made automatically. Questions about the waiver program can be directed to: bh.workforceinitiative@odhsoha.oregon.gov.
Information about requirements to become eligible to take the exam can be found at the Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers website: https://www.oregon.gov/blsw/pages/index.aspx.
