Over the past few days, we’ve received a number of concerned emails from customers worried about other exam prep companies announcing ‘major changes’ to the ASWB exams, effective immediately. We want to take a few minutes to discuss the changes that are occurring, as well as those that are not. While we know any changes can feel anxiety provoking, there is truly no need to worry.
- The current changes have to do with the exam administration format-not the questions themselves.
- No changes have been made to the content of the exam.
- The exam questions and content have not changed.
As of 3/31/25, the ASWB has transitioned their testing centers from PSI back to Pearson. With this, they have quietly rolled out some minor (but impactful) changes to exam formatting:
- The exam is now split into two parts that are 85 questions each.
- The total number of questions remains the same: 170 questions, with 150 of those being scored and 20 being experimental
- After finishing the first 85 questions, test takers must submit the first half of the exam prior to starting the second half. Once the first half is submitted, you cannot return to these questions.
- You still have a total of four hours to complete the exam and will be given the entire four hours at the beginning of the test. The two sections are not individually time, so be sure to manage your time.
- After completing and submitting the first 85 questions, test takers have the opportunity to take a 10 minute scheduled break that does not count against your four hours.
- This scheduled break is great news for test takers! We’ve recommended taking a break at question 85 since TDC began. Previously, any breaks taken during the exam counted against the four hours test takers have to complete the exam. This break does not count against you.
- You can take other breaks as needed, but the timer will not stop for any additional breaks taken before or after the scheduled 10 minute break at question 85.
We’ve added an additional 10 minutes to our final mocks to reflect this change, and offer some recommendations on how to mirror the two part formatting while taking our mocks. As always, our coaches are here for any questions that you have about this transition (or anything else as you’re going through the program).
There are upcoming content changes to the exam coming in 2026. The good news is, when the time comes for the 2026 changes, we will (as always) update our programs to reflect those changes so you are fully prepared. Anyone who has our program will automatically receive those updates in their study center.
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