Caseworker Exam

Overview
The written Caseworker Exam is a multiple-choice exam taken by those seeking employment in the field. The exam tests your knowledge of various areas of social work, including knowledge required for employment as a caseworker, eligibility specialist, or social investigator.

Test Dates
Most civil service exams are administered as needed. Check with your state for exam dates and application deadlines.

Test Locations
Check with your state for the location of your exam.

Test Structure
The Caseworker exams vary by state, but in general, they run about 3 hours and consist of 80-100 multiple-choice problems. They may include the following types of questions:

• Techniques of gathering, organizing, and assessing information
• Interpreting agency rules, regulations, and procedures
• Interpreting federal, state and city social service laws and guidelines
• Preparing narrative reports, letters, and case records
• Completing forms
• Keeping records
• Basic arithmetic
• Other related areas.

Scoring
Because the Caseworker exam is multiple-choice, it is scored by a machine which determine your raw score. The raw score is then converted to a scaled score, according to an unpublicized formula.

In most states, you will need to receive a scaled score of at least 70 to pass. If you are entitled to veterans' service points, these are added to your passing scaled score to boost your rank on the eligibility list. The highest scorers go to the top of the list.