There are many professions around the United States that require aspiring workers to complete varying amounts of training and pass trade-specific examinations in order to be able to qualify for a job..
Nationally and in Maryland, white test takers pass standardized social work licensing exams at much higher rates than candidates of color, especially Black and Latino candidates. Advocates want to see the exams eliminated, arguing the exams are biased and doing harm to the community.
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,�