Clients of CSW's are granted in law the right to have their communications treated as confidential. There are only a few instances in which exceptions are permitted. It is generally recommended that all social workers who qualify obtain this credential. The exam is now available the year in which students graduate, but it can be taken after graduation without interfering with obtaining employment. Waiting until after graduation also avoids distractions that interfere with one's regular studies.
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The CSW, by contrast, is only recognized in the State of New York. Unlike the CSW, which in addition to the exam, requires graduation from a master's level program, the ACSW requires two years of supervised experience following graduation from such a program. While obtaining the ACSW is optional, it is recognized as setting a standard for autonomous level social work practice. Tests are given twice a year. Social workers can wait a year following graduation from a master's program before involving themselves with the requirements for this exam.