Frequently Asked Questions
For questions on the certification program not answered below, please reach out to the Certification Board at info@aphswc.org or 502-852-3359.
PSI is continuing to offer the certification exam at physical locations. There are no virtual options to take the exam at this time.
The first meeting of the SWHPN Certification Committee took place in 2016, after leaders in the field recognized the special skills and knowledge that social workers bring to the practice of hospice and palliative care. Led by Dr. Barbara Head, this committee explored funding opportunities and developed a proposal for an evidence-based certification for social workers in hospice and palliative care – the first of its kind.
Through a generous grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, sufficient funding was received to develop the program and exam for the APHSW-C. We’re grateful to the Moore Foundation for their leadership on this important professional designation for social workers.
There are several credentials available to social workers, through NASW, AOSW and other organizations. The ACHP-SW, for example is what’s called a “portfolio” credential – asking for documentation of 2 years of work in the field, MSW, etc. That information is verified and the credential is awarded. Similar for Oncology social workers, the OSW is a portfolio certification with several eligibility requirements.
The APHSW Certification is based on a national job analysis which defined the areas of specialty and designed a psychometrically sound text of that advanced knowledge.
All of these require a fee, education, experience and CEU’s for maintenance.
Social workers are essential to the practice of hospice and palliative care. We bring specialized skills and knowledge to that practice and should be recognized as advanced practitioners. Our colleagues in nursing and medicine have had specialty certification programs for over 20 years.
Currently, there is a credentialing program through NASW for hospice and palliative social workers. NASW decides who receives the credential based on education, experience, letters of reference and colleague ratings of ability to practice submitted by the applicant.
The APHSW-C certification requires verification of knowledge and competency based on the passing of an evidence-based exam specifically and scientifically constructed to reflect the essential knowledge and skills required for specialty practice.
Benefits of holding the evidence-based APHSW-C certification include:
Mastering a defined body of knowledge
Receiving recognition by employers and colleagues
Meeting standards of accreditation bodies such as JCAHO
Improving patient/family care
Assuring the public that a practitioner has the knowledge and skills to provide safe, high-quality care
All candidates must meet eligibility requirements listed on the APHSW-C Certification Eligibility page and in the Candidate Handbook to earn the APHSW-C certification.
If an employer has more than 10 social workers who are interested and eligible to apply for the certification, we can offer some discounts. Please reach out to Vickie Leff, Executive Director for details.
admin@aphsw-c.org
Candidates are encouraged to review the Exam Specifications, List of Resources, and Clinical Practice Guidelines to prepare for the exam.
- Test specifications for the APHSW exam
- References list (updated Nov. 2019)
Clinical Practice Guidelines for Quality Palliative Care, 4th edition
SWHPN offers webinars and a Core Curriculum for Palliative and Hospice Social Work that expands on the domains listed in the test specifications. These materials are developed independently by SWHPN are not required, endorsed, reviewed or approved by the APHSW Board.
Yes, you may retake the exam if you fail, but you must re-register during another testing window and pay the examination fee. Exam attempts are limited to two attempts per year.
There have been many questions about the cut score and how it was determined. This is explained on page 19 of the Candidate Handbook which states:
A criterion-referenced standard setting process is used to establish the passing point for the exam. This means that each candidate’s performance on the exam is measured against a predetermined standard. Candidates are not graded on a curve and do not compete against each other or against a quota.
This passing score for the exam is established using a panel of subject matter experts who carefully review each exam question to determine the basic level of knowledge or skill that is expected. The passing score is based on the panel’s established difficulty ratings for each exam question. Under the guidance of the psychometrician, the panel develops and recommends the passing point which is reviewed and approved by the APHSW Board. The passing point for the exam is established to identify individuals with an acceptable level of knowledge and skill. Receiving a score higher than the passing score is not an indication of more advanced knowledge or a predictor of better job performance. All individuals who pass the exam, regardless of their score, have demonstrated an acceptable level of knowledge.
If you have questions about your test date or location, you should reach out to the PSI Candidate Support Center at 1-855-579-4641.
Please go to the Certification Verification page.
To maintain use of the certification, it must be renewed every 4 years. 40 continuing education credits are required to recertify. Please refer to the Candidate Handbook for additional details.
For questions on the certification program, please reach out to the certification team at 502-852-3359 or at info@aphswc.org.
