Enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the social work licensing and credentialing process.

Autor/inn/en	Tetteh, Alicia; Smith, Kalisha
Titel	Enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the social work licensing and credentialing process.
Quelle	In: Advances in social work, 25 (2025) 2, S. 640-650 PDF als Volltext kostenfreie Datei Link als defekt meldenVerfügbarkeit
Beigaben	Literaturangaben
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	2331-4125
DOI	10.18060/28625
Schlagwörter	Bildungsabschluss; Prüfung; Diskriminierung; Ausbildung; Berufsethos; Soziale Arbeit; Analyse; Bedarf; Reform; Zulassung; Person of Color; Älterer Erwachsener
Abstract	This paper examines the critical need for enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the social work licensing and credentialing process. Recent analyses have revealed significant disparities in pass rates for licensing exams among underrepresented groups, including African American, Latinx, and older social work candidates. These inequities raise ethical concerns and challenge the foundational values of the social work profession, which is rooted in principles of social justice and empowerment. By analyzing structural barriers and biases within the licensing process, this paper identifies key areas for reform, including the need for inclusive exam content, cultural competence training for test developers, and comprehensive support systems for non-traditional candidates. Furthermore, the paper explores how technology and artificial intelligence can play a transformative role in addressing DEI issues, such as bias detection, personalized learning experiences, and improved accessibility for diverse candidates. Ultimately, the paper argues that a commitment to DEI in the licensing process is not only a moral imperative but also essential for fostering a social work profession that truly reflects and serves the diverse communities it aims to support. By implementing targeted reforms and leveraging technological innovations, the profession can advance its ethical mission and promote equity in the path to licensure.
Erfasst von	Deutsches Zentralinstitut für soziale Fragen, Berlin
Update	2026/3