CHP-SW study guide
CHP-SW · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Social Worker (CHP-SW) is a specialty credential offered through the NASW Specialty Certification program, which was launched in 2000 in response to growing workforce trends and societal needs requiring specialization. It sits in the Hospice & Palliative category of the Advanced Practice Specialty Credentials, and the source lists a BSW as the required degree for the CHP-SW. Unlike the ACSW and DCSW credentials, which are limited to NASW members only, Advanced Practice Specialty Credentials are described as available to all qualified social workers, so NASW membership is not a stated prerequisite. The credential is aimed at social workers practicing in hospice and palliative settings who want enhanced professional and public recognition, greater visibility as specialized social workers, and association with a select group of specialized social workers who have attained national recognition. Preparation should center on the practice knowledge that distinguishes hospice and palliative social work: psychosocial assessment of seriously ill patients and families, advance care planning and goals-of-care conversations, grief and bereavement support, interdisciplinary team collaboration, and attention to ethical and cultural dimensions of end-of-life care. Candidates should confirm current eligibility, application, and renewal requirements directly with the credentialing body before applying, since this page is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any certifying organization. Topics on this exam: Hospice & Palliative Care. The CHP-SW study guide has 1 section and about 500 words.
01Hospice & Palliative Care
This domain tests hospice philosophy, the Medicare hospice benefit, psychosocial assessment and intervention, grief and bereavement, interdisciplinary teamwork, and ethical/legal decision-making. Items often ask what the social worker should do first, what is covered, or how to handle family conflict. Medicare hospice requires a prognosis of 6 months or less if the illness runs its normal course. The benefit has two 90-day periods, then unlimited 60-day periods; a face-to-face encounter is required before the third period and each subsequent recertification.
500 words, about 3 minMore study resources for CHP-SW
- Practice questionsA patient with advanced heart failure has an ICD in place and is now enrolled in hospice with a prognosis of days.
- FlashcardsHospice prognosis criterion. A prognosis of six months or less if the terminal illness runs its normal course, combined with election of palliative rather than curative treatment for that diagnosis.
- Cheat sheetHospice eligibility under the Medicare hospice benefit requires a prognosis of 6 months or less if the disease runs its normal course, plus election of palliative rather than curative intent and a signed election statement.
- Key termsHospice care. Comfort-focused care for people with a terminal illness and a prognosis of six months or less, delivered by an interdisciplinary team.
- Study planMap the full CHP-SW domain outline into a one-page concept skeleton, labeling each subarea with a confidence rating from 1 to 5 so weak areas are visible from day one.
- Common mistakesCandidates with clinical knowledge jump to the outcome they know is right and skip the social work process step the item is actually testing; the exam often rewards the earliest appropriate action rather than the definitive one.
- Exam-day guideBring the original, unexpired ID with a signature and photo that matches the name on your registration exactly.