ASWB Scoring & Passing Mark
Demystifying raw score conversions, test equating, and scaling models. Learn how the Association of Social Work Boards determines passing scaled marks, and what your final score report means.
Understanding the Scaled Score
All ASWB exam levels consist of **122 multiple-choice questions**. However, only **110 questions** are scored. The remaining **20 questions** are unscored pretest items being evaluated for future exams. Candidates have no way to distinguish scored questions from pretest items, so all questions must be answered with equal effort.
From Raw Answers to Scaled Pass
Your final score report is calculated using standard psychometric equating practices across three distinct stages:
Raw Score Count
The computer counts your total correct answers out of the 110 scored questions. **There is no penalty for incorrect answers**, so you should never leave any questions blank.
Form Equating
Since different test versions contain different questions, some versions may be slightly harder. A statistical process called *equating* adjusts the difficulty baseline to ensure fairness.
Scaled Score (70)
Your raw score is converted to a scaled score ranging from **1 to 150**. A scaled score of **70 or above** represents the universal passing mark across all jurisdictions.
Estimated Raw Scores Required to Pass
Because of test form equating, the exact number of correct answers required to pass varies slightly by test version. Review the typical ranges below:
| Licensing Level | Passing Scaled Score | Typical Raw Score Range | Estimated Percentage Correct |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate Level | 70 | 68 to 72 / 110 | Approximately 62.0% to 64.7% |
| Bachelors Level | 70 | 70 to 74 / 110 | Approximately 64.0% to 66.7% |
| Masters Level (LMSW) | 70 | 72 to 75 / 110 | Approximately 65.3% to 68.0% |
| Clinical Level (LCSW) | 70 | 74 to 77 / 110 | Approximately 67.3% to 70.0% |
Why Doesn’t My Percentage Match?
A scaled score is **not** a percentage. A score of 70 does not mean you answered 70% of the questions correctly. Because of difficulty adjustments, a harder test form requires fewer correct answers to achieve a scaled score of 70, while an easier form requires more.
Key Elements of Your Score Report
When you finish your exam at Pearson VUE, your printout contains several diagnostic categories. Understand what they represent:
Pass/Fail Status
The top of the report clearly indicates whether you passed or failed, along with your final scaled score (1 to 150). If your scaled score is 70 or above, you passed.
Diagnostic Breakdown
For each core domain (e.g., Human Development, Ethics, Interventions), the report lists your raw score. This is extremely helpful for repeat candidates to target weak areas.
Board Transmission
Your official score report is transmitted directly to your state board within **2 to 3 weeks**. You do not need to mail physical paper copies to the board yourself.
Complete ASWB Prep Package
Everything you need to master scaled scoring metrics and pass on your first try. Includes practice exams, study guides, and flashcards.
Frequently Asked Scoring Questions
Get clear answers about penalties, question counts, and scaling metrics.
Q1 Is there a penalty for guessing on the ASWB exam?
Q2 Why does the ASWB include unscored pretest questions?
Q3 Can I request a hand-score review if I fail by one point?
Ready to Master the ASWB Exam Outlines?
Once your registration is complete, start your prep with our comprehensive packages, full-length mock tests, and active recall study resources.
