ASWB Licensing Exam Leaves Social Workers Underprepared
Social workers express relief and joy after successfully completing challenging licensing exams (ASWB and LCSW). They share study strategies, resources, and experiences, often highlighting the emotional toll of the process and the significance of achieving licensure. Many felt underprepared but persevered, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to the profession.
SOURCES (60)
“I've focused so much less on specific clinical knowledge that the last exam wanted you to prep on and now I'm nervous the clinical decision making section is going to ask me some esoteric thing I don't know off the top of my head and…”
“I really need help passing this exam I don’t know what I’m doing wrong. I spent tons of money on tutors I’ve had 4 and took the exam 3 times my score Increased by 2 points but I’m far from passing!! Idk what I’m doing wrong… submitted by /u/tribalrasta [link] [comments]”
“Hi everyone, I am planning on taking my LICSW exam for Massachusetts in the next few months. Does anyone have recommendations for study materials or what has worked best for them? I’ll take any tips, tricks, or advice. Thank you! ☺️ submitted by /u/Individual-Block2642 [link] [comments]”
“Now I’m starting understanding and support the rumours that a lot of people cheat just to pass the exam. Asking about shit you have never encountered or was taught about at work nor school. Aahhhhh!!!! So fucking sick of studying! Exam coming up in a month & not sure If im ready. submitted by /u/Own-Dragonfly-8720 [link] [comments]”
“IM FREE IM FREE IM FREE IM FREE IM FREEEEE well kinda… now time to prep for interviews submitted by /u/Most-Promise-8535 [link] [comments]”
“I took my course and written exam last year and did amazing, but had skipped my skills exam bc I had worked a 12 the night before and my test was early in the morning. I finally scheduled my skills exam 2 weeks ago and ended up finding a date for yesterday that wasn’t too far away from where I live. I almost didn’t even go (again) because I was exhausted and have had a really rough and emotionally intense week. My friend gave me some words of encouragement and that extra push I needed to get up”
“I know there's a million posts on exams but lemme add mine to the pile... I'm scheduled to take my LMSW exam August 8 bc it was one of the few summer appointments I could get. I knew the exam was changing but I'm realizing how little guidance there is on this new version. I know they said the content areas are decreasing, and I'm trying to follow the AWSB exam guidebook, but honestly, it's terribly organized. Plus, I selected the "new exam" option when I took the of”
“Background on myself: Got my BASW in 2022 and MSW in 2023, I have been a school social worker the past three years in Michigan. Recommendation 1: RayTube is a fantastic resource, and I did almost all of my studying in the form of building a study guide by watching his videos. I would highly recommend taking notes on all or most of his videos (not the question ones, obviously) as a strong starting point. (Side note, he has lots of videos about memorizing medications... not that you shouldn't”
“Taking my masters soon. Just trying to get some info on what I can expect from someone has taken the test. Any specifics I should study up on? I'm going to take some practice tests first but I really just want to hear from someone who has taken it. submitted by /u/darylm8117 [link] [comments]”
Here's what worked for me! For reference I graduated in May I mainly studied consistently for about 2 weeks. I used flashcards toward the end just as a quick review, but they…
When I started on this journey of study prep I was so overwhelmed with what to do and what to use, here’s what worked for me. Exceptionally well, I got a 126…
“Passed today!!! After being shat on for a couple days, being called a loser, being ignored, etc. We passed today and I'm so happy I cried once the road test was over lol Thanks to all of you guys that replied and gave me tips and encouragement. I love this sub so much. submitted by /u/variousbutterstock [link] [comments]”
“Ermmm so got my 6/26 score back today and i got a 511 (128/127/128/128), and im a lil surprised cause its 5 points below my FL average… i took the exam 2 years ago and also scored a 511 (128/125/128/130), but i retook the exam because i KNEW i could do better… i genuinely know i can score a 520+ (my studying was far from optimal if im being 100% honest, never truly locked in locked in cause i find it so difficult to, also my CARS is lower than what i was scoring on all my practice exams too--whi”
“I passed PDD yesterday and PPD two weeks before that, both on the first try. I’m pretty proud of myself because these exams are massive . I approached studying the way I’d prepare for a marathon: lots of sprint sessions of quizzes, reviewing every missed practice question, and building endurance by taking both the NCARB and Amber Book practice exams. By exam day, sitting for a multi-hour test felt familiar instead of overwhelming. Now all that’s left is my PA retake next month. One more exam, an”
“I walked out of that exam laughing because I felt like I guessed on so many questions. And I just opened my score and got a 9 and 4th quartile casper!!!! submitted by /u/Radiant-Plankton2319 [link] [comments]”
“Hey yall. Today is when I get my score released and I am at my wits end. I worked my ass off with a tutor for the past 3 months while working full time and my FL average was a 513-515 or maybe a bit higher, but I don’t trust my luck. I am just going to be devastated if my score isn’t where it should be because all that money I spent went to waste. I’m just exhausted. I’m not looking until work is over. I didn’t feel bad about the test but I can’t use that as a reference any more. The test felt e”
“got my first II 7/24(Georgetown)!! super excited and still processing, was pretty surprised, not expecting anything early but so grateful!! submitted by /u/Firm-Ice199 [link] [comments]”
“I'm so nervous. I have everything in and just letting it cycle. oh god. I hope it turns out ok submitted by /u/HHallowqueenn [link] [comments]”
“Agreed! I know I wouldn’t make those mistakes. I just get such bad testing anxiety.”
“Just wanted to say thank you to all the contributors who posted their perspectives on study guides and tools for the ASWB LCSW exam. I took it in February and missed it by 3 points. Used this thread , the therapist development center and a mentor at work - passed yesterday. I know the disappointment of failing and feeling like this will never be over. You can do it if I did it. 💖 submitted by /u/spraytan1989 [link] [comments]”
“Hi everyone, first time poster. I am currently studying for my CSG. It has been almost 20 years since I took the RD exam so I am a little nervous taking another. My study materials have mostly been the flashcards from the academy plus I have been studying through the examzify app. What was your experience with the exam? Thank you. submitted by /u/FireLemur84 [link] [comments]”
“Finally greened! Been cheering people on from the group since the beginning of my journey and today it’s finally my turn. I got the approval notification this morning, and I’ve been on cloud 9 ever since. My I-765 was approved last week and the card was produced on Tuesday. Today they approved the I-485, not sure if they’re going to cancel the EAD since the greencard is approved but nonetheless I’m very happy. Baltimore FO submitted by /u/One-Race-4655 [link] [comments]”
“I loved seeing all the approved messages and couldn’t wait to post ours😭. timeline May 8- they received the app May 23- bio metrics scheduled June 10- reviewing June 12- interview scheduled June 22- interview June 24- approved 🎉🎉 submitted by /u/Frosty-Willow8918 [link] [comments]”
“I got a 135/150 which feels INSANE to me, passing it at all is such a huge accomplishment and I was so stressed but y’all I’m so happy!! I really don’t think a test defines if you’re a “good” therapist at all, but I’m so proud of myself and usually I’ll jump to minimizing my accomplishments but this felt so good and honestly so affirming I just burst into tears. I think in general I’m good at taking tests (mom is a teacher and all) but even though I wasn’t ever 100% sure on the questions I felt”
“I'm officially at 13/25 done!! Not that big of an achievement really but writing these things has been genuinely draining my life force so I gotta celebrate where I can lol submitted by /u/splattercat360 [link] [comments]”
“Hello All! Is anyone taking boards later this year ? Also those who have passed what all resources helped you the most ? submitted by /u/Secret_Opinion3559 [link] [comments]”
“This is especially focused for Social Workers in Massachusetts, but I'm curious if people know/have thoughts on the SUPER Act? It would eliminate the initial exam for Master's graduates and would also provide state funding for students completing practicums in MA. It’s currently moving to the House and will be debated on Wednesday, 7/22. https://www.votervoice.net/NASWMA/Campaigns/120221/Respond https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S160 I am happy that there is some attempt to address how”
“Wow you got RC and C's across the board. I got a mix of not competent, reaching competent, and competent and managed to pass. Was my rewrite too.”
I failed the first time. The second time, I basically felt like I guessed the MCQ but the case I did very well. Repition and Rote Memorization. But mostly repition. Do ALL…
“thank you and yayyy i love that for u!! any tips on how u got it in the bag the third time?”
“thank you!!! i really needed that:) did u have any techniques u think helped u the third time?”
“Passed! MCQ MA: RC, S&G: C, FIN: C, FR: C Case: MA: C, S&G: C, FIN: RC Thank goodness I dont have to go throught Core 2 again!!! Congratulations to all who passed, and to those who didnt, don't loose hope! Reach out to anyone who passed, and maybe we can help! ❤️”
“I studied for three weeks, 2-4 hours almost every day. Therapist Development Center was mostly useful. They had good pdfs and lectures, but the practice questions and explanations aren't that great. PocketPrep app, which got a lot better since I used it for the LMSW! Quizlet/Flashcards of an ASWB practice exam. YouTube playlists that included Agents of Change, Raytube, Sprouts (good for Piaget, Erikson, Freud, and Maslow explanations), and Dr. Karen Magruder (good Code of Ethics lecture and”
“Guess I’m looking for some stories of reassurance. I’m headed back to the classroom after 4 years in other roles. I just had a baby and did an interview with a great school at 39 weeks pregnant! I’m close to the start of the school year and got an email today saying I didn’t pass the criminal background check. The thing is, there is no way this is possible lol I have never been arrested, part of an investigation or anything of the sort. I’ve already emailed and asked them about the nature of the”
“took my LCSW exam yesterday and passed! 125 of 103. i primarily used the premium version of Pocket Prep. i took all 3 mock exams on that, took the official ASWB practice exam, and did the daily questions/various quizzes over the course of approx 2 months. i brushed up on general knowledge stuff here & there but there really weren’t that many recall questions! mostly first/next/best! best of luck to anyone prepping! submitted by /u/nootaru [link] [comments]”
“And feel very blah lol. My viva actually went so much smoother than I thought it would, and my examiners were exceptionally lovely. But as soon as I got back home after celebrating with some folks from my department, examiners, and supervisors, got sucked into family nonsense which put a massive damper on things and spent most of the day feeling bummed. Oh well. At least I did the thing! 🥳 submitted by /u/hadikhh [link] [comments]”
“How many UWorld questions did you able to do today? submitted by /u/Residency_Rover_Pro [link] [comments]”
“Just read those beautiful blue letters…provisional PASS on PPD first try! Four exams down, two to go! US submitted by /u/Young_Fits [link] [comments]”
“Core really is a beast of an exam. Now that results are out and I’ve had some time to relax, sharing my personal thoughts and experiences. The earlier you start studying the better, it’s never too early to start reading and doing questions. Use the resources that work best for you but try to not overload yourself with too many, especially 3rd year. Use a few throughly. Don’t underestimate the nis and risc portions. It’s absurd how big of a component they are but ultimately are some of the easier”
“I have been crying for fifteen minutes omg I’m so happy submitted by /u/escapesnap [link] [comments]”
“I passed my clinical aswb after the third try today. After dealing with postpartum and finally getting on meds plus using TDC I passed. So very grateful and looking forward to the next steps. submitted by /u/Ok_Armadillo624 [link] [comments]”
“Looking at my portal I can see that the results are out. Weirdly though, didn’t get an email. submitted by /u/medgeek1994 [link] [comments]”
“I passed the ASWB clinical exam! Now, I'm at a loss at what to do next. The group practice I work for will hopefully up my caseload and raise my pay. The CMH I work in, well, I'm struggling to find reasons besides my clients to stay. submitted by /u/Creative_Repair_7087 [link] [comments]”
“Test anxiety is a real thing. If you’re taking the test feeling stressed and pressured you’ll second-guess every question and create issues when you could have seen things more clearly. If you re-take it, try to get yourself to a neutral/positive state before taking the test and while you’re taking it. If you catch yourself spiraling stop, take a few deep breaths, then keep going once you feel better.”
“Just took the test for the second time, paid for study dot com, used the practice tests, I GENUINELY feel as though I understand what Im doing and yet I get a lesser score than I did last time. My state requires a 179 to pass and I've gotten a 139 and a 149 now. Dont know what to do. Legitimately never felt like Ive understood something more and yet I just keep failing. According to everything Im studying, I get it too, and Im passing these stupid practice tests. I feel lost and stupid.  ”
“I scored a 126 with a 101 needed to pass. I mostly used Pocket Prep to study and that was helpful to gain insight into the content I needed to be aware of on the test and to get in test taking mode. I started answering their questions of the day at the beginning of March. Then in mid-June I paid for one month of Pocket Prep Premium and went to town on their quizzes. In total, I answered 962 questions on the app, and I did one of their full length practice exams just shy of two weeks prior to my”
“I passed! I was super nervous, but I took my time, relaxed, and focused on what I knew. They ended up giving me a bar chart of my scores for the individual areas of the test, and it looks like I got a perfect score on talent acquisition! I'm very proud of myself. In preparing for the exam, I ended up reading a lot of posts on this sub about this exam and what to expect. If anyone has any questions, let me know and I'll do my best to answer them without disclosing the exam materials. If I”
“Congrats. I'd mention that perhaps you may not get to choose the timing of the piece that has to do with the emotional transitions or fluctuations.”
“Yeah, probably the first of several tests. Especially since you're overachieving on the retention. I usually see 2-4 distinct bursts of testing over the first 3 days. Kinda frustrating that it takes so long, but what can you do? BTW, how does that 5.8% compare to your usual?”
“I passed. Was so intimidated by it because it’s been 3 years but felt it was easier than the LMSW 😅 how’d yall think it was?? I suck at recall but vignettes I’m pretty good at (which was mostly the test) submitted by /u/RBshiii [link] [comments]”
“Hello everybody. I'm planning to get my QAL after I finish school later this year here in Los Angeles, California. For those of you who have already taken the exam, do you have any study tips, study guides, or materials that helped you prepare? Also, what study methods worked best for you when it came to remembering all the information? Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance, and may God bless you all! submitted by /u/Amar_96 [link]”
“Just requested access!! But yes I’ve heard about mark k so I will definitely watch him”
“I have been doing questions daily on UWorld and Archer, and my assessment scores have been mid 50s and 60s. My test is the 16th, so I am so nervous about failing. However, I find that when I do YouTube videos with questions I do better. Does anyone have any advice or know what I should do? Is Archer and UWorld similar to the NCLEX? submitted by /u/mmmacoroni [link] [comments]”
“I FINALLY passed my LCSW exam after my 3rd attempt! I'm so glad to finally be over the exam and the studying! The 3rd time around I focused primarily on practice questions and never once took a full mock exam. I utilized pocket prep, SWTP - specifically their ethics and DSM, RayTube. I had TDC but decided to not use it this go around as some stuff felt conflicting. On average i did 222 practice questions a week on the pocket prep app alone! submitted by /u/Heavy-Dirt-5845 [link]”
“After 2 years of on and off learning i passed my exam thanks to the suggestions here.. since having no experience in the field would really appreciate any suggestions to get started even if its free work for experience. Based in east coast looking for ideas submitted by /u/mmkiani [link] [comments]”