I am an LCSW in Virginia who also provides supervision towards MSWs seeking to obtain their LCSW.  I am NOT in favor of any additional gatekeeping to the profession in the form of testing which is both costly and time consuming at the outset.  Furthermore, the recent ASWB report dated 8/5/22 on the pass rates for examination are deeply concerning although they confirm what many of our colleagues have been telling us for years.  It is time to listen, evaluate the report findings, address the racial/ethnic disparities, AND open the door to conversation about alternative paths outside of testing.  As a profession the NASW values and ethical principles require that we challenge social injustice AND respect inherent dignity and worth of people.  I believe that we as a profession have run afoul of those principles when we develop and continue practices which are shown to be harmful to others.  I believe that we have an opportunity to change course and a moral and ethical obligation to our profession to do so.  Increasing testing as a method to 'screen in/out' social work graduates to levels of practice within the profession is ill-advised.