Although previous studies have addressed turnover issues after being a social worker, this study identifies factors that may block initial entry to the profession. Using a semistructural interview method with 20 BSW graduates, the researchers transcribed the reasons for BSW graduates not entering a career in social work. Through element-centered content analysis, 76 reasons were sorted into nine categories: (1) income insufficient for basic needs, (2) unclear future, (3) no commitment to social work, (4) social work jobs could be taken by other professionals, (5) difficulties in actualizing proclaimed value, (6) personally unable to apply skills, (7) social exclusion due to nonresident status, (8) hard/stressful work, and (9) not supported by peers and family. Through person-centered content analysis, most respondents (90 percent) reported multiple reasons (M = 3.8) supporting their decision, offering their rational thought processes culminating in the decision not to enter social work. Recommendations for developing a national survey, engaging social workers in preparing BSW students for graduation, and modifying student admissions strategies are discussed.

The current Chinese social work licensure program does not mandatorily require formal social work education. This compromised policy is contradictory to the mission of formal social work education and the trajectory of professionalization in other Western countries. This study examined whether social work graduates differ from those who do not have formal social work education in terms of competency, commitment, and turnover intention. Results described the struggles of social work graduates in their experiences in the field. The diminishing role of formal social education may affect the professional identity of social workers in social work development in China.

Purpose: China Social Workers’ Professional Level Examination (CSWPLE) intends to promote social work professionalization in China. It has been implemented for 10 years since 2008. The purpose of this study is to report participation and pass rates of CSWPLE and discuss the implications for social work professionalization and education in China. Method: This study drew data from the China Statistical Yearbooks and the China Civil Affairs’ Statistical Yearbooks from 2009 to 2018 and presented participation and pass rates of CSWPLE in this period from both chronological and regional perspectives. Results: A large number of examinees had earned the title of junior social worker or social worker through the examination. The fluctuation of pass rates and regional difference in pass rates were observed. Discussion: The implications for improving test development and future research on the connection between social work education and CSWPLE are discussed.

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