A Checklist for the Day of Your ASWB Exam: Don’t Forget a Thing!

Your ASWB EXAM Checklist

The day of your ASWB exam isn’t just another date on the calendar—it’s the gateway to your social work career. Passing means more than earning a license; it’s about stepping into a profession where your skills change lives and communities. Yet, even the most prepared candidates stumble not because of the exam content, but because of overlooked details on test day.

That’s why having a clear, no-nonsense checklist matters. From the IDs required at the door, to what you can (and absolutely cannot) bring into the testing room, to the security measures that catch many off guard—every piece of preparation outside of studying plays a role in your success. One small misstep, like forgetting proper identification or showing up a few minutes late, can cost both the test and the fee.

This guide is designed to eliminate surprises, reduce stress, and give complete confidence when walking into the test center. By following the checklist ahead, you’ll know exactly what documents to pack, how early to arrive, what rules to expect, and how to manage your breaks and time once inside. In short—everything needed to protect months of preparation and make sure the only thing left to focus on is passing the exam.

Confirm Your Appointment and Test Center

Nothing derails exam day faster than showing up at the wrong time or rushing because of last-minute confusion. The ASWB is clear: it’s your responsibility to know where you’re testing, when you’re testing, and to show up early enough to be processed through security.

Start with your Pearson VUE confirmation email. It contains your appointment time, test center address, and reporting instructions. Print it, save it on your phone, and double-check that the details match what you expect. This is the anchor of your test-day plan.

Next, eliminate surprises by locating your test center ahead of time. Don’t wait until the morning of the exam to pull up directions—you risk traffic delays, construction detours, or unexpected parking hassles. The smartest move is to make a “dry run” a few days in advance so you know exactly how long the trip takes.

Finally, plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early. This isn’t optional padding—it’s the rule. Late arrivals are treated as no-shows, and your entire exam fee is forfeited. The ASWB does not make exceptions. Arriving early gives you breathing room to check in, calm nerves, and settle into the testing environment before the clock starts ticking.

This first step may sound basic, but it’s the foundation for everything that follows. If your appointment details and arrival aren’t locked in, none of the other preparations will matter.

Required Identification and Documentation

When it comes to test-day requirements, nothing is stricter than identification. The ASWB exam is a high-stakes professional licensing test, and without the right IDs, you won’t even make it into the testing room. There are no exceptions, no refunds, and no second chances on this point.

You must bring two original forms of identification:

• One primary ID (such as a driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID).
• One secondary ID (such as a credit card with your signature, Social Security card, or another form listed under Pearson VUE’s Global ID Policy).

Both IDs must display the same first and last name as your Authorization to Test letter. Middle names and initials don’t matter—but if your name has changed since registering, you’ll need to present original legal documentation (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Photocopies won’t cut it.

Your photo ID must stay with you at all times during the exam. You’ll need it not only for check-in but also for re-entry after breaks. Forgetting or mismatching identification means forfeiting your exam fee and having to start the registration process all over again.

Personal Belongings—What to Bring and What to Leave Behind

The ASWB exam isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about security. Pearson VUE test centers enforce strict rules on what comes into the room with you. Knowing these rules in advance keeps check-in smooth and prevents last-minute stress.

What You Can Bring

• Layered clothing: Sweaters, blazers, or suit coats are allowed. Temperatures in testing rooms vary, and layers let you stay comfortable.
• Approved comfort aids: Items like tissues or earplugs may be permitted. Noise-reducing headsets are also available on request.
• Religious apparel: Allowed after inspection.

What You Must Store Away

• Outerwear: Coats, jackets, scarves, hats (unless for religious or medical reasons).
• Accessories: Large jewelry, headbands over ½ inch wide, bulky hair clips.
• Personal items: Purses, wallets, watches, backpacks, and all electronic devices.
• Food and drinks: Allowed only in the check-in/waiting area—not in the testing room.

What’s Strictly Prohibited

• Weapons of any kind.
• Notes, study materials, or unauthorized devices.
• Gum, snacks, or beverages inside the exam room.

The smartest approach is to travel light. Bring only what you need—your IDs, your Authorization to Test, and your confidence. Everything else can stay in your car or a locker at the test center. The fewer personal items you have, the faster you’ll move through security and into the exam.

Check-In and Security Procedures

The check-in process at a Pearson VUE test center is designed for one purpose: exam security. The ASWB exam is high-stakes, and every candidate is held to the same strict standards. Expect a process that feels closer to airport security than a classroom test.

Here’s what happens step by step:

1. Verification

• Present your two IDs. Staff will confirm they match your Authorization to Test.
• If names don’t align, or if IDs are missing, testing stops here—you will not be seated.

2. Security Screening

• Staff will take your photo.
• A palm vein scan will be recorded to track your entry and exit.
• You’ll be asked to sign the Candidate Rules Agreement, confirming you understand and accept all exam rules. Refusing means no test, no refund.
• Before entering, staff may ask you to:
  • Pull up sleeves and pant legs.
  • Turn out pockets.
  • Remove outer garments or jewelry.
  • Hand over glasses for inspection.

3. Locking Up Personal Items

• Anything not permitted—bags, phones, food, or outerwear—must be stored in a locker or left in your car. Once inside, you cannot access them until the exam is over.

4. Testing Materials Provided

• An erasable note board and marker will be issued for use during the exam.
• An electronic scratch pad will also be available for digital note-taking.
• Both must be returned in full at the end of your session. Failing to do so can invalidate your score.

Throughout your exam, everything is monitored by video and audio recording. Proctors also circulate the room. Any attempt to break rules—whether intentional or not—can result in dismissal, invalidation of your exam, and possible reporting to your licensing board.

Inside the Testing Room

Once security is complete, you’ll be escorted into the testing room. This is where focus and preparation meet. The environment is professional, tightly monitored, and designed to keep distractions to a minimum.

The Setup

• You’ll be seated at a station with a computer, keyboard, and mouse.
• Other candidates may be testing at the same time—some for the ASWB exam, others for different professional exams. Expect people to enter and exit quietly during your session.
• Surveillance is constant. Video cameras, audio monitoring, and in-person proctors ensure exam security from start to finish.

The Exam Structure

• The ASWB exam is divided into two sections of 85 questions each.
• Each section allows two hours of testing time.
• Questions appear one at a time on the screen. You can:
  • Skip and return later.
  • Highlight or strike through text.
  • Mark questions for review.
  • Change answers before submitting each section.
• Once you complete and submit a section, you cannot return to it.

Before You Begin

• A tutorial on the testing software appears first. Use it—it won’t count against your four-hour exam time. Familiarity with tools like zoom, highlight, and strike-through can save precious minutes later.

Rules Inside the Room

• Eating, drinking, and chewing gum are prohibited.
• No study materials, personal items, or unauthorized aids are allowed.
• You’ll use the erasable note board or electronic scratch pad provided. Writing before the exam starts is not allowed.

Confidentiality Agreement
By starting the exam, you agree not to share questions or answers—ever. Violating this agreement can result in invalidation, reporting to your state board, and even legal consequences.

The takeaway? Once inside, it’s all about focus. The rules are firm, the environment is controlled, and your only job is to stay calm, manage time wisely, and trust the preparation that got you here.

Breaks and Time Management

The ASWB exam isn’t just a test of knowledge—it’s also a test of stamina. With four hours total, smart time management and understanding the break rules can make the difference between finishing strong and running out of steam.

Scheduled Break

• After the first 85-question section, you’ll have the option of taking a 10-minute scheduled break.
• The exam clock pauses during this time, but once 10 minutes pass, the clock restarts automatically—even if you’re not back in your seat.
• Plan ahead: leave yourself a cushion to get readmitted through check-in, since proctors must verify your ID before letting you re-enter.

Unscheduled Breaks

• You may raise your hand to take an unscheduled break at any point.
• The exam clock does not pause. Every minute away from your computer eats into your testing time.
• Breaks are limited: you can only go to the restroom, waiting area, or check-in desk. Leaving the building—or accessing personal items in your car—is prohibited and can invalidate your exam.

Break-Time Best Practices

• Always take your photo ID with you. Without it, you can’t get back in.
• Use breaks strategically: hydrate, stretch, calm nerves—but keep an eye on the time.
• If you don’t need the full 10 minutes, end your scheduled break early and return to the exam.

The key to managing breaks is balance. Skipping them entirely may lead to fatigue, but overextending them could cost you critical answering time. Treat breaks as a reset button: short, purposeful, and focused on maintaining energy for the long haul.

Unexpected Situations (What to Do)

Even with the best preparation, life doesn’t always cooperate on exam day. Traffic jams, storms, or computer glitches can happen. What matters is knowing exactly how to respond so a bump in the road doesn’t derail your path to licensure.

Late Arrivals and No-Shows

• The ASWB is firm: if you arrive late, you’re treated as a no-show.
• No-shows forfeit the entire exam fee and must reregister and repay.
• The only safeguard? Arrive at least 30 minutes early and plan for delays.

Excused Absences

• If something serious prevents you from attending, ASWB allows candidates to request an excused absence.
• Submit the Excused Absence Form within 30 days of the missed appointment.
• Each request is reviewed case by case and may include an administrative fee. Don’t re-register until you receive a determination.

Weather and Emergencies

• Severe weather or natural disasters may cause test center closures.
• If Pearson VUE cancels your appointment, you’ll be notified by email and phone and may reschedule at no cost.
• If the center is open but you don’t show, it counts as a no-show—so always verify before deciding.

Technical Difficulties

• While rare, software or equipment issues can occur. Report any problem immediately to test center staff.
• Staff must be given up to 30 minutes to fix the issue. If it cannot be resolved, your exam may be rescheduled at no charge.
• To protect your rights, submit an Examination Incident Report to ASWB within two business days.

The key takeaway: unexpected problems don’t have to end your exam journey, but they do require following the rules precisely. Knowing your options ahead of time means you can act quickly and protect both your effort and your investment.

Day-of Exam Self-Care Checklist

Success on the ASWB exam isn’t just about what you know—it’s about showing up sharp, calm, and ready to perform. Self-care on test day is just as critical as bringing the right documents. Here’s how to set yourself up for peak performance:

Get a Full Night’s Sleep

• Aim for 7–8 hours the night before. Fatigue lowers focus and increases mistakes, no matter how prepared you are.

Eat Smart

• Choose a balanced meal before leaving home—something with protein and complex carbs for steady energy.
• Avoid heavy, greasy foods that can cause sluggishness, or too much caffeine that can spike anxiety.

Dress for Comfort

• Wear layers. Testing rooms can feel too hot or too cold, and layered clothing keeps you in control.
• Keep it simple—leave bulky coats and flashy jewelry at home.

Practice Calm

• Nerves are normal. Use quick breathing exercises, mindfulness, or affirmations before entering the exam room.
• Visualize yourself finishing strong—this small mental shift reduces stress and boosts confidence.

Arrive with Time to Spare

• Rushing is the enemy of calm. Arrive early, move through check-in smoothly, and give yourself space to settle in.

The goal is simple: protect the energy you’ve built through months of preparation. A clear mind, steady body, and calm focus let your knowledge work for you when it matters most.

Quick-Reference Exam Day Checklist

When the pressure is on, clarity is everything. Use this short, no-frills checklist to make sure nothing gets left behind:

Essential Documents

✅ Pearson VUE confirmation email with appointment details

✅ Two valid, original IDs (one primary, one secondary)

✅ Name-change documents, if applicable (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order)

Personal Preparation

✅ Full night’s sleep

✅ Balanced meal before leaving home

✅ Directions mapped out and travel plan confirmed

✅ Arrival planned at least 30 minutes early

What to Bring

✅ Comfortable layered clothing (sweater, blazer, suit coat)

✅ Approved comfort aids (earplugs, tissues, etc.)

✅ Positive mindset and calming strategies

What to Leave Behind

❌ Outerwear, large jewelry, bulky accessories

❌ Purses, wallets, backpacks, watches, and phones

❌ Food, drinks, gum, or unauthorized study materials

Inside the Test Center

✅ Expect photo, palm scan, and signature

✅ Use only provided note board and electronic scratch pad

✅ Take ID with you on breaks

✅ Follow all security and confidentiality rules

One glance at this list the morning of the exam ensures you walk in prepared, calm, and confident—ready to focus only on what matters: passing.

After the Exam

Finishing the ASWB exam is a milestone in itself. Once you click submit, the process isn’t quite over—there are important next steps to understand so you know exactly what to expect.

Exit Survey and Immediate Results

• After the exam, you’ll complete a short exit survey.
• Your unofficial pass/fail result appears on the computer immediately. This gives you instant feedback before leaving the test center.
• Within 24 hours, your unofficial score report will also be available in your ASWB Central dashboard.

How the Exam Is Scored

• Scores are reported as pass or fail, but your score report also shows:
  • The number of questions you needed to pass.
  • The number of questions you answered correctly.
• If you don’t pass, your report breaks down performance by content area—valuable for preparing a stronger retake strategy.
• To ensure fairness, statistical adjustments are made across different versions of the exam, so no candidate gains an advantage based on the test form they receive.

Official Results and Processing

• Your official results are automatically sent to the ASWB and then forwarded to the licensing board in your jurisdiction.
• Boards may take two weeks to two months to process scores and finalize licensure steps.

If You Do Not Pass

• While most pass on their first attempt, some do not. A failed exam is not the end—it’s a chance to regroup and refocus.
• Rules for retaking:
  • A 90-day waiting period is required before registering again.
  • If your score was within 10 points of passing, you may request a waiver of the waiting period (if your board allows it).
  • Registration and payment of a new exam fee are required.
  • Some boards limit the total number of retakes, so always check with your jurisdiction.
• Use your diagnostic score breakdown as a roadmap for targeted study.

Security and Confidentiality

• Never discuss exam questions with others, online or offline. Sharing test content violates the Confidentiality Statement you agreed to, and consequences are severe—ranging from score invalidation to civil or criminal action.
• If you observe attempts to compromise exam security, ASWB provides a confidential reporting line at security@aswb.org or 800.225.6880 ext. 3042.

ASWB Exam FAQs

What happens if I’m late for the ASWB exam?
Late arrivals are treated as no-shows. You will not be seated, and your exam fee is forfeited. To protect yourself, plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early.

How soon will I get my ASWB exam results?
You’ll see your unofficial pass/fail result on the computer immediately after finishing. Within 24 hours, an unofficial score report will be posted in your ASWB Central dashboard. Official results are sent to your state licensing board and may take 2 weeks to 2 months for processing.

Can I bring food or water into the ASWB exam?
No food, drink, or gum is allowed inside the testing room. You may store snacks or water in the check-in area and consume them only during breaks in the waiting area.

How long is the ASWB exam?
The exam consists of 170 multiple-choice questions split into two sections of 85 questions each. You’ll have four hours total, with a 10-minute scheduled break in between sections.

What happens if there’s a power outage or technical problem during the exam?
Notify Pearson VUE staff immediately. They have up to 30 minutes to resolve the issue. If it can’t be fixed, your exam may be rescheduled at no cost. Always file an Examination Incident Report with ASWB within two business days to protect your rights.

How soon can I retake the ASWB exam if I don’t pass?
There is a 90-day waiting period before retaking. Candidates within 10 points of passing may request a waiver if allowed by their licensing board. A new registration and exam fee are required.

Do I need to pass every section of the ASWB exam to succeed?
No. The ASWB exam is scored as a whole—you must meet the overall passing score. You cannot combine high section scores from one attempt with another.

Can exam scores be appealed or changed?
No. Scores cannot be altered by ASWB, Pearson VUE, or any licensing board. Statistical reviews ensure fairness across all exam versions, and the results are final.