Evaluating the Oral Examination in Virginia's Licensing of Clinical Social Workers

Abstract

An oral examination has been used in Virginia's licensing of clinical social workers since 1978 in addition to a written examination. This article presents findings of an evaluation of the oral examination employing a stratified random sample of 99 social workers taking the oral examination from 1978 through 1988. A t test and logistic regression analyses were used to determine if characteristics of the social workers' experience in MSW field instruction, post-MSW employment, or competencies listed by the candidate on the licensing application could predict the outcome of the oral exam. Results of the study indicate that there were no characteristics of the candidates or their practice experiences that predicted the outcome ofpassing or failing the oral examination.