HB 5166 - An Act Concerning Social Work Licensure - What the Bill Does and Key Rationale

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Mary Man

HB 5166, as amended by House Amendment Schedule A, suspends the ASWB Master’s exam requirement for the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) credential in Connecticut for three years, effective upon passage. All other requirements remain intact, including an accredited MSW degree, Connecticut state licensure, and supervised practice hours toward LCSW. The bill does not affect the LCSW clinical exam. The rationale cites workforce shortages, documented inequities in ASWB pass rates, and a national trend toward removing or reassessing exam barriers while maintaining education and licensure standards.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

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WHAT THE BILL DOES

WHY THIS BILL

BILL STATUS & WHAT REMAINS REQUIRED

ADDRESSING COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS

HB 5166—An Act Concerning Social Work Licensure As Amended by House Amendment Schedule A WHAT THE BILL DOES | HB 5166, as amended, suspends the ASWB Master's exam requirement for the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) credential in Connecticut for three years, effective upon passage. All other requirements remain fully intact, including an accredited MSW degree, state licensure, and supervised practice hours toward LCSW. The LCSW clinical exam is not affected.
WHY THIS BILL | | | --- | --- | | Workforce shortage: Connecticut faces a critical social work shortage. The exam requirement creates unnecessary barriers for qualified MSW graduates.
Equity concerns: The ASWB exam has documented disparities in pass rates across race, age, and language, limiting who can enter the profession.
National trend: Illinois, Rhode Island, Colorado, Massachusetts, Utah and California have already removed or are reconsidering exam requirements for master-level licensure.
CT precedent: The ASWB Master's exam was already suspended in Connecticut until January 2026 , without adverse impact on professional standards.
BILL STATUS & WHAT REMAINS REQUIRED | | | House vote: Passed 142–2 (April 9, 2026)
Current status: In the Senate
Effective: Upon passage
Duration: 3-year suspension (not a permanent removal) | Still required for LMSW:
• CSWE-accredited MSW degree
• CT state licensure approval
• Supervised clinical practice hours when pursuing your LCSW
• Ongoing professional oversight & renewal | | ADDRESSING COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS | | | Misconception | The Facts | | --- | --- | | HB 5166 removes the only objective measure of competence. | False: The exam is not demonstrably objective. Furthermore, competence is established through an accredited MSW program , rigorous clinical practicums , and state licensure, all of which remain. | | HB 5166 lowers
professional standards. | Misleading: The bill addresses workforce shortages and documented exam inequities. A three-year suspension allows CT to assess impact while expanding access. Educational and practice standards are unchanged. | | HB 5166 puts clients and communities at risk. | False: Suspending the exam allows more qualified professionals to enter the field during a critical workforce shortage. Supervision requirements, licensure, and professional oversight remain fully in place. | | HB 5166 will lower wages and professional standing. | Misleading: Wages and reimbursement are tied to degree, licensure, and experience, not the master's exam. No qualifications are being removed. | | No other states are suspending or removing the exam. | False: Illinois, Rhode Island, Colorado, and California have already removed or created alternative pathways. CT's three-year suspension is a measured step in a national reform conversation. | | Connecticut social workers will not be able to join the emerging multistate licensing compact. | False: Connecticut is already a member of the multi-state licensing compact. Participation in the compact is optional for individuals, and only those licensees who choose to join will be required to take the exam. For more information, visit:
[https://swcompact.org/](https://swcompact.org/) |

FAQs

What does HB 5166 do for LMSW licensure in Connecticut?

HB 5166 suspends the ASWB Master’s exam requirement for the LMSW credential in Connecticut for three years, effective upon passage. Other requirements, including an accredited MSW degree and state licensure, remain in place.

What does HB 5166 keep unchanged for candidates moving toward LCSW?

The bill keeps requirements such as an accredited MSW degree, Connecticut licensure approval, and supervised clinical practice hours when pursuing LCSW. Ongoing professional oversight and renewal requirements also remain required.

How does the bill address concerns about professional standards and client risk?

The bill argues the exam is not demonstrably objective and that competence is supported by accredited education, rigorous clinical practicums, and licensure. It further states supervision requirements, licensure, and professional oversight remain fully in place, aiming to expand access during a workforce shortage.

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Mary Man