Hospice and Palliative Care Review Exam Prep - A Review Course By Board Mastery
Friendly caregiver chatting with a senior woman outdoors, illustrating the compassionate hospice and palliative care central to the APHSW-C certification

APHSW-C® – Advanced Palliative Hospice Social Worker - Certified

About the Certification

About the APHSW-C Exam

The Advanced Palliative Hospice Social Worker – Certified (APHSW-C) credential, awarded by the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC), certifies social workers specializing in hospice and palliative care. It validates advanced knowledge and clinical judgment in providing psychosocial support to patients and families facing serious illness, including Assessment and Reevaluation, Planning and Intervention, Death, Grief, and Bereavement, and Professionalism.

APHSW-C Exam Content & Focus Areas

  • Number of Questions: The APHSW-C exam comprises 150 multiple-choice questions, of which 135 are scored, and 15 are unscored pretest questions.
  • Exam Response Options: Each question offers four response options (A, B, C, D).
  • Testing Options: The exam is administered at designated testing centers, or via Live Remote Proctoring.
  • Time Allotted: Candidates have 3 hours to complete the exam.
Content Category Distribution
18.5%37%20.7%23.7%
  • Assessment and Reevaluation(18.5%)
  • Planning and Intervention(37%)
  • Death, Grief, and Bereavement(20.7%)
  • Professionalism(23.7%)

Content Categories & Percentages

Content CategoryPercentage
Assessment and Reevaluation18.5%
Planning and Intervention37%
Death, Grief, and Bereavement20.7%
Professionalism23.7%
Requirements

APHSW-C Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Advanced Palliative Hospice Social Worker - Certified (APHSW-C) exam, candidates must hold a bachelor's or master's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program and meet post-degree hospice or palliative social work experience criteria.

Who Can Apply?

  • 1BSW or MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program (or equivalent international program)
  • 23 years of supervised clinical practice for BSW-prepared social workers (within the last 5 years)
  • 3Or 2 years for MSW-prepared social workers (within the last 5 years)
  • 4Adherence to the NASW Code of Ethics and active state licensure in good standing

How to Apply

  1. 1

    Online Application

    Submit your application online through the HPCC website during the designated application window.

  2. 2

    Application Submission

    Complete all required documentation, including verification of your social work degree and clinical experience hours.

  3. 3

    Scheduling the Exam

    Once approved, schedule your exam at a designated testing center or via live remote proctoring.

  4. 4

    Preparation

    Use study resources such as the APHSW-C Question Bank to prepare thoroughly for the exam.

Smiling healthcare professional prepared for APHSW-C certification in hospice and palliative care

Preparation and Resources

Our questions are developed based on authoritative hospice and palliative social work references, providing candidates with thorough preparation grounded in reliable, professional resources.

  • Topics on Exam: The APHSW-C exam blueprint assesses key knowledge and skills across domains such as Assessment and Reevaluation, Planning and Intervention, Death, Grief, and Bereavement, and Professionalism. Understanding these areas is essential for success.
  • Review Course: Candidates may benefit from additional review courses offered by professional organizations or hospice and palliative care educational programs to strengthen foundational knowledge in exam content.
  • Question Bank: A comprehensive resource like the APHSW-C Question Bank is highly recommended. This Question Bank aligns with the APHSW-C exam blueprint and is reviewed by experienced hospice and palliative social work professionals to ensure accuracy and relevance. Each question includes detailed rationales, and four Simulation Exams are provided to help candidates evaluate their readiness and confidence for exam day.

APHSW-C Exam Practice Questions

Practicing sample questions is a crucial part of APHSW-C exam preparation, helping you become familiar with the exam format, question style, and key content areas. APHSW-C Question Bank offers high-quality, exam-focused sample questions that align with the APHSW-C exam blueprint, ensuring you are well-prepared and confident on test day.

Access Sample Questions: Find sample questions from Question Bank APHSW-C Practice Questions. These questions are crafted to reflect the level of application and difficulty found on the APHSW-C exam.

Practice these questions in our online quiz software for an engaging study experience that provides feedback at the end of the practice test. Practice questions APHSW-C Practice Questions.

Prices

APHSW-C Question Bank

What's included

700+ blueprint aligned practice questions (QBank)
300+ retention focused flashcards
4 timed simulation exams
Personalized Study Planner curated to your unique study needs
Ask AI for hints, explanations, and detailed solutions for every question
Detailed analytics highlighting strengths and weaknesses
Risk-free trial - Cancel within 7 days for a full refund for any reason
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180-Day APHSW-C Q-Bank Access$257.00
Total$257.00

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FAQs on APHSW-C Certification

The APHSW-C certification validates the expertise of social workers who provide care in hospice and palliative settings, ensuring high standards in psychosocial assessment, care coordination, grief and bereavement support, and ethical practice.
Yes, the APHSW-C exam can be taken via live remote proctoring, allowing candidates the flexibility to complete the exam from home or another suitable location.
The APHSW-C certification is offered by the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC).
The APHSW-C exam is offered year-round (March, June, September, December) through authorized testing centers or live remote proctoring, allowing candidates flexibility in scheduling.
The main HPCC website provides access to all certification information, including candidate handbooks, application forms, and exam resources.
HPCC also offers: CHPLN (Certified Hospice and Palliative Licensed Nurse), CHPNA (Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant), CHPPN (Certified Hospice and Palliative Pediatric Nurse), CHPN (Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse), ACHPN (Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse).
The APHSW-C certification must be renewed every four years.
The pass rates vary yearly but average at around 66%, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive preparation. For the most current exam statistics, visit the official HPCC website.
The APHSW-C candidate handbook is available through the HPCC website and provides complete information on eligibility, application procedures, exam content, and recertification.