Graduating with a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Northern Kentucky University should represent the beginning of a rewarding career dedicated to helping others, not the start of a potentially career-ending hurdle. After dedicating six years to rigorous study and preparation, the looming threat of an exam dictating my future in social work is daunting. Many of my peers, who are also on the brink of graduation, share this anxiety. We have all shared stories of the frustrations and stress revolving around the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam, with many in my inner circle struggling to pass.

The ASWB exam, as it currently stands, poses a significant barrier for many of us who aim to practice as licensed clinical social workers in Kentucky. This standardized test should not be the sole criterion on which our professional capabilities are judged. Despite excelling in academic and fieldwork settings throughout our MSW programs, the pressure and format of the ASWB exam do not accurately reflect our skills and knowledge, nor our ability to positively impact the communities we serve.

Recognizing these challenges faced by graduates like us, it is imperative to explore and establish alternative avenues for licensure in Kentucky. Diverse methods of evaluation such as comprehensive reviews of academic performance, rigorous fieldwork evaluations, or supervised professional work experiences should be considered. These alternatives could provide a more holistic understanding of a candidate's readiness and abilities, allowing us to enter the workforce armed not only with our official credentials earned through years of education but also the confidence and assurance in our abilities.

I urge you to support the dissolution of the ASWB exam in its current form for MSW graduates in Kentucky. By doing so, we can pave the way for more inclusive and comprehensive approaches to licensure that truly reflect the diverse talents and contributions of upcoming social workers. Please sign this petition and support the future of social work professionals in Kentucky. Together, we can effect change that values dedication, practical knowledge, and compassion over a single exam score.