Maryland bill exempts social workers from licensing exam requirements

The Maryland General Assembly's Health and Government Operations Committee convened on March 17, 2025, to discuss significant changes to the licensing requirements for social workers in the state. A key focus of the meeting was a proposed bill that would eliminate the requirement for bachelor's and master's level social workers to pass a national licensing exam, while still mandating that clinical social workers take the test.

The discussion highlighted concerns regarding the nature of the exam, which was described as a test of memory and basic terminology rather than a clinical assessment. Proponents of the bill argued that the test is duplicative, as social workers already learn the necessary terminology and legal standards during their educational programs. They emphasized that the current testing requirement has created barriers for aspiring social workers in Maryland.

Supporters of the bill pointed to evidence from other states, such as Illinois, where similar measures have been implemented. They reported an increase in the number of applicants for social work licenses since the elimination of the exam, without significant issues arising from the change.

The committee noted that the majority of licensed social workers who participated in the work group favored the bill, indicating a strong desire for reform within the profession. While some dissenting voices expressed the need for the exam, the overall sentiment leaned towards supporting the proposed changes.

The work group will continue its efforts until June, as mandated by previous legislation, to further refine the bill and address any remaining concerns. The outcome of this initiative could reshape the landscape of social work licensing in Maryland, potentially making it more accessible for future professionals in the field.