Bill to remove social work exam for BSW/MSW licensure frames workforce equity debate

The Health and Government Operations Committee heard extended testimony on House Bill 15 21 (HB1521), which would eliminate the standardized ASWB examination requirement for Licensed Bachelor Social Workers (LBSW) and Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSW) while maintaining supervised practice and other safeguards.

Sponsor Delegate Jamila Woods said the multiple-choice exam has produced racially disparate pass rates and is not empirically linked to competent or ethical practice. She cited Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) data showing first-attempt pass rates of about 45% for Black LMSW test-takers versus 86% for white test-takers and said removing the test would open pathways for up to 1,227 additional licensed social workers in Maryland across a prior decade.

Woods and advocates framed the bill as an equity and workforce solution: Maryland needs tens of thousands of behavioral health professionals through 2028, and current testing barriers contribute to attrition and underemployment among recent graduates. Supporters pointed to other states (Illinois, Rhode Island, Connecticut) that have pursued alternative licensure pathways without observed increases in disciplinary actions.

Opponents included the ASWB and the State Board of Social Work Examiners, who recommended technical amendments and cautioned about compact portability — the interstate social work licensure compact has eligibility criteria tied to licensure processes. Committee members asked whether alternative pathways would permit compact participation; the sponsor said candidates could still take the ASWB exam voluntarily and that alternative standards would be discussed by the workgroup.

Committee members indicated additional drafting and follow-up would be necessary; the sponsor and board agreed to continue work on amendments. No final committee vote was recorded during the hearing.