Should the Licensing Exam be the only tool used to determine our right to earn and be granted a license?

Social Workers are being fired for not being able to pass a Standardized Test. To preserve the integrity of our profession, I agree with the need for licensing. However, should we be thrown out to the wolves because we are not “good test takers?” Considering the sacrifices we have made to fulfill the philosophies of the Social Work profession, the debt we have incurred in the process, the money invested in passing this endeavor and the unjustified monetary level at which we are compensated, I think an alternate method of testing should be used to measure the competence of social workers. What do you think??

Possible Bias in the LMSW Test

The State of Minnesota, in response to a research provided by Ralph Holcomb, MSW, Ph.D in 2004, moderated their licensing requirement for Hmong test takers. Dr. Holcomb’s report was required to include (1) the results of the study, and (2) recommendations for possible solutions to address any disparity in examination failure rates among different populations. The data and analysis demonstrated that the exam passage rate was substantially higher for Whites than Non-Whites, and much higher for Whites than for those reporting “Asian American” on the exam. Passage rates for minority candidates remained between one-half to two-thirds the passage rates of Whites.”

Initially, the ESL committee chose to widen its community roundtable discussions to include American Indian and African American Social Workers since Dr. Holcomb’s report demonstrated a disparity for all ethnic groups except Whites. However, the Board requested that he research only foreign-born social workers. One of Dr. Holcomb’s recommendations was to: Identify alternative ways to measure social work competencies and knowledge that are effective, valid and feasible. He stated, “If the Board decides to modify the present alternative licensure system, it should review the TEXAS model of alternative licensure as one option”.

The Validity of the Social Work Licensing Exam

Is this test valid in the sense that it may not test what is necessary to be a good social worker but rather test the taker’s ability to test? The very best Social Worker might not be the very best test taker. Likewise, the very best test taker may not be the very best Social Worker. “No single test score can be considered a definitive measure of one’s knowledge”. Do you agree or disagree with that statement? As a practicing Social worker, what is your opinion on this subject?

TEXAS STATE BOARD OF SOCIAL WORK EXAM

The AMEC was created in response to the Texas Professional Social Work Act to assist individuals who, while unable to achieve a passing score on the national exam, have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and abilities to become professionally licensed social workers in Texas. Does Texas care MORE for their hard working social workers than other states???

Who is Eligible for the AMEC?

To be eligible, an applicant must have failed the examination at least twice by 5 points or less and the more recent of these scores must have been within 12 months of application. The applicant must also possess the required education and he/she should have a minimum of 6 months of professional experience in a social work setting.

EDUCATION

President Barack Obama believes in education. He states that “education is everything….they need to graduate high school, college and probably need a graduate degree too”. Social Workers believe in education too. We have all three degrees and yet some have been fired and others emotionally battered and abused for life, because of this High-Stakes test, which has little to do with measuring our social work capabilities and abilities. Isn’t it ironic that battered and abused is the profile of our respective clients? Should such a test dictate and control our livelihood and our future? What do you think?

2010 Compliance - Social Work Licensure & Practice

According to NASW only those licensed or practicing under limited permit, as of January 1, 2010, can practice the LMSW and LCSW profession using the titles. Exemptions until January 1, 2010 are for individuals in positions in programs regulated, funded, operated or approved by OMH, OMRDD, OASAS, OCFS, local social service or mental hygiene districts. However, Governor Paterson has extended the exemptions in NYS until June, 2010. He understands our dilemma.