LCSW Examination Pass Rates: Implications for Social Work Education

State licensure pass rates are a commonly used indicator of professional academic program quality. To date, social work education has largely ignored the existence of the crucial LCSW examination and of its importance to MSW graduates seeking careers in clinical practice. This information should become more transparent and carefully considered by MSW faculty and administrators when evaluating the effectiveness of one’s program in preparing its graduates for careers in clinical practice. Three years worth of LCSW examination pass rate data are provided for MSW programs within the state of Florida, illustrating the value of this heretofore hidden information. The implications of providing this data to the public are discussed.