Social Workers Struggle with Exam Prep
Social work exam candidates experience significant anxiety and frustration related to inconsistent study materials, unreliable practice exams, and technical issues during testing. Many feel unprepared despite extensive studying and seek community support for tips and resources. The exam's focus on application rather than rote knowledge also proves challenging.
SOURCES (60)
“I was in the exact same boat as you! I redid the audit course on my own time 3 months prior to Core 1 starting and reviewed key financial reporting topics- leases and bonds mostly. It helped immensely. It’s a big commitment for sure. Remember,…”
“Ok guys, I’ve been studying for months, completed the course and am taking the practice quizzes over and over. I also use my pocket prep and have watched some videos on YouTube. My test is Tuesday and first time I missed it by 5 questions, but feel more prepared now. Is there any last minute advice anyone can give me so I go in and really do great on this test? submitted by /u/Less-Ad3293 [link] [comments]”
“writing my cpaer on Monday, I don’t feel completely confident to write it. I’ve been studying for a month and I feel like I’m just not studying properly and it’s really stressing me out. I’ve been doing practice quizzes and reading the text book but the content is just not clicking in my head submitted by /u/janonymous21 [link] [comments]”
“I’m testing this upcoming week and I feel unprepared. I made myself a study guide based on advice people shared online but still I get inaccurate responses. Aiming for a minimum of 7 and ideally an 8 or 9. Any advice? submitted by /u/Mammoth_Opinion_3920 [link] [comments]”
“just wondering how long prep usually takes for this exam submitted by /u/amburgueso [link] [comments]”
“What was the case on and did you feel you bombed it? Case writing is important and FR is the biggest part, if you just totally botched it I wouldn't bother.”
“NC on FR in the MCQs means you're pretty far. The case marks suggest you know your stuff, but you haven't got the MCQ technique down. It's more exam taking than anything else.”
“hey guys! im rlly stressing out for the law and ethics exam for california board. i just got embrasure space. but is there naything else to do? can someone offer any insight to this??? thanks!!! submitted by /u/Many_Guava_8120 [link] [comments]”
“I’m glad I wore extra deodorant to the testing center because nervous sweats are legit but that’s all fine and dandy because I PASSED MY CDM EXAM🥳🥳 Shoutout to everyone here who’s provided advice and assistance and everything in between, both in my previous post and posts I’ve looked at for info. I’m really thrilled to see where this credentialing takes me 🙏🏻 submitted by /u/RenoChef19 [link] [comments]”
“What works best? K2/FOF still the best way to go? Any better options? For those of you who took it tell me about it, was it super tricky or pretty straightforward? submitted by /u/twitchrdrm [link] [comments]”
“I finished my phd written exams and am now in the awkward limbo right before the cumulative orals. My PI did a mock exam with me and while I did okay, my biggest issues are letting my anxiety control me. I have social anxiety disorder and know my limitations going in, but what can I do to prevent freezing and rambling? When I get stuck freezing, I start to hyperfocus on everyone staring at me and panic more, ultimately spitting out some lame response which might put me into a hole. I can also ge”
“Hey, I’m hitting a wall with the Admin exam. I’m consistently scoring 90%+ on K2 and I’m active in my Dev Org, but I failed the real exam. The questions were extremely situational, focused on edge cases not covered in K2. Specifically, I got 0% on Agentforce—the questions were completely disconnected from what I studied. How are you guys preparing for these convoluted, scenario-based questions? What resources are actually up-to-date for the current exam (especially for Agentforce)? I need to bri”
“Finally decided it's time to start studying for my journeyman exam. I've been in the trade for a while, but I want to make sure I'm using good study material instead of wasting time. Any recommendations for study guides, practice tests, books, or other resources that really helped you pass? Appreciate any advice. Thanks! submitted by /u/Inside_Ad_5175 [link] [comments]”
“Of course! What you don't practice, you forget... there are some units that make you practice everything haha”
hi did u ever end up getting it? im on my first attempt please
“I started studying in June for the exam. The following is what I used: 1) Agents of Change on YouTube (all topics and practice question videos) 2) RayTube on YouTube (what helped me specifically was his shortcut to learn meditations) 3) PocketPrep (did NOT pay for their Premium) to do tons of practice questions. 4) I also printed out the NASW Code of Ethics to highlight and read throughly. 5) Quizlet for practice questions: https://quizlet.com/1090330170/aswb-complete-practice-exam-flash-cards/?”
“I am a new R1 and want to purchase maybe 1-2 physical books. Which would you recommend? submitted by /u/Any-Session9919 [link] [comments]”
“I genuinely don't understand how I managed to get a 1 (4th percentile!!) on this test. Am I a sociopath and I just didn't realize it? I have read a lot of schools don't actually care about the score you got. Anyone have some words of encouragement, or is my app DOA at schools that require it? I have secondaries due before I'd be able to retake it (several schools gave a 2 week turnaround time). FML. submitted by /u/homegrowntapeworm [link] [comments]”
“I’ve been reading a chapter a day for 16 days and taken notes on all of them. I would like to have my cert by August 5. I plan to reread the textbook maybe 1-2 more times. Does anybody have any suggestions outside of that? Shot in the dark, but any kahoot or quizlet links? God bless submitted by /u/Own_Ebb3388 [link] [comments]”
“Hello everyone! I'm currently two weeks out from my RD exam (eek!) and have made my way through almost all of pocket preps questions (I plan to finish up the last few in the question bank by today!) From the jump, I've been trying my best to avoid simply memorizing questions, and have been intentional about making sure I fully understand why I got things wrong, looking into and learning any other related concepts mentioned in the question/answer choices, and diving into the topics the qu”
“ALL assessment is subjective. Period. My tests are mainly about showing understanding. Of course I include questions on direct knowledge because how else would I figure out where they're getting tripped up when they get a question wrong? I have a coworker who only gives tests that are almost purely knowledge based. You might say their test is seen as more objective but how hard of questions do they put? How many? What topics? Its all subjective! Hell caring about knowledge vs understanding i”
“So I took it three times, missed by a question each time. I needed something to help push me over the edge this time around. Previous methods used were trailhead and FoF. I drilled those practice exam questions so many times but I was still missing fundamental knowledge. Trailhead is very click and do, and I can’t learn that way. I need to understand the why behind it. FoF was still missing that for me. This time, I plugged in a few prompts into Chat: essentially asking for the breakdown of each”
“Hi Folks! I will be writing CFE in September and do not have a lot of resources. I would appreciate if y’all could share some tips that worked for you. Also if anyone is writing with me feel free to dm and we can discuss and help each other out. submitted by /u/badbuddyshah [link] [comments]”
“The biggest tip is wait a few years and then you’ll be better at it. In the meantime, practice recitation of things in a format. SBAR, ABCDE, etc. it can help your brain to pause. Focus on a system that you use for communication formulaic like. And use that system over and over. Eventually you’ll start using the format without realizing it. Also, see how you like box breathing over simply deep breathing.”
“https://preview.redd.it/5w7cvgno2qch1.jpg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d26b451e8404dc64edaa1acd55dd746b9e29b0b8 yess i did it submitted by /u/Kazuxasuna [link] [comments]”
“I completed the Tutoring 240 course and it was either overshot on many concepts and didn't address some things on there. Does anyone have a better course or idea of how in-depth on topics? I failed the first try. submitted by /u/Nearby-Bad8818 [link] [comments]”
“Hi all! My job is on the line and I really need some honest advice. I'm doing my practice exams for life, accident & health with ExamFX and have my test very soon. Does anyone know how ExamFX compares to the actual exam? Are they good for similar wording/questions and answers? I'm asking because I have a learning disorder so struggle with tricky word scenario questions BUT I can retain all of the information by memorizing the practice questions and correct answers, otherwise, I'm”
“Was using CDL prep app for a week lead up to my test today, and the questions have been updated from the last time I used it which was earlier last year, so that app is now pretty much obsolete. Does anyone know of a different app/cheat sheet or study guide? submitted by /u/Content_Shoulder_635 [link] [comments]”
“Realized I didn't get enough TCM test days for Foundations to get access to the test trends for foundations. I'm taking this exam first. But I did get enough for the Acu exam, so I'm willing to trade!! I would love to take a look at the Foundations test trends to help me in my final cramming for the exam. Thank you, thank you if you are willing! submitted by /u/uncreativeusername75 [link] [comments]”
“Hi all, I have been on an intensive msp course this week, passed foundation exam on wed pm and have the practitioner exam tomorrow afternoon. I have been scribbling so many notes on my book and working through the practice papers with decent results but a residual feeling of analysis paralysis over analysing everything and shock when I did get the right answers. (Trying up break the habit of doing a final read over and scrubbing out correct answers) I have been in proj/prog management for about”
“I am planning on taking the EAS exam in less than a month and the multi subject content exam a few weeks after. What are some resources I should be using in order to pass. I have also just started studying this month, is it foolish to not give myself at least 3 months for the content exam to study. LMK! submitted by /u/eviebunnicula [link] [comments]”
“Use praxis made practice tests!!! I paid for them and it was worlds better! I tried the other sites and failed twice. Tried the ones made by praxis and passed.”
“Professional Teaching Knowledge Exam essay question tips—these exams reward structured response over pedagogical brilliance. IRE-like frame: identify the pedagogical issue, respond with named theory / practice, evaluate against student context. graders check for terminology accuracy + rubric-mapping.”
“Hi! What have people found most helpful for studying for the AOBFP? I’m considering Amboss vs. TrueLearn and can’t decide which qbank to choose. I know many people like working through old ITEs and in-service exams, but if I wanted to get a dedicated qbank, which one is best? submitted by /u/lesliron [link] [comments]”
“I’m starting school in September and want to get a head start on everything. Do you guys have any good study material? submitted by /u/Shoddy_Kangaroo_7558 [link] [comments]”
“Hi, I have been using the contracts (a201 and b101), ahpp and black spectacles to study but still feel I need to brush up on construction details and other technical info. I did a practice exam in black spectacles and scored 60% but felt there was still some technical questions that were not in the study materials like hvac info, specification divisions and details. What source do I use to study those?? Please help. submitted by /u/jaywalkerjellybeans [link] [comments]”
“i take the praxis 5038 .. in 20 days , do i have enough time to prepare.. life has been crazy and i haven’t had the chance. i take the secondary ed licensure a week after my first test . thankfully my graduation requirement is to take them so it’s not the end of the world if i don’t pass them the first time . i plan on studying today for both and from here on out dedicating a hour or 2 every other day to each test. i know some people in my classes study months before and i hope i didn’t mess up”
“I've done the practice test on the Acuity site and read some example problems but that's about it. It doesn't seem particularly difficult but does anyone have video recommendations for wording/how to format your answers? The thing I worry about the most is blanking on a question and not knowing how to put my thoughts into words submitted by /u/sputnikfalling [link] [comments]”
“Any recommendations for prep courses? I have seen Jade Learning often recommended. submitted by /u/mikael122 [link] [comments]”
“hey there, im looking to find information about the MCQ.. i did my first one and paid the $681.11 and i was just under the sucess rate (66 when i needed a 70) im looking to rebook but I'm unsure if I have to pay for the exam again. when in school i was told we had 3 attempts and didnt have to pay for a second one but when booking on the website it isn't giving me to option to not pay. if I could get some guidance that would be greatly appreciated! i was looking on google but couldn’t fin”
“"I don't feel like I'm set up to fail" Damn, sounds magical ✨️ wish I knew what that was like 😭😭😭”
“I just failed my first PPD For the first time, I thought I was ready enough to pass! And the exam was not “difficult” so I thought I had a good chance but I failed! I used Amberbook and Elif questions, and I was focusing on understanding things not just memorizing…ughh maybe that was not enough So far, I passed Pcm, Pjm and PA. But never on my first try lol. Anybody out there experienced similar struggle as me? I will not give up and I already scheduled PDD in 2 weeks. And will take PPD again af”
“How does everyone feel about the exam? I am constantly anxious about the results and feel horrible on how I did. submitted by /u/SnooPets3121 [link] [comments]”
“I am seeking some advice. I have failed the BCGP exam twice. The first time, I studied minimally for 3 weeks using BCGP secrets book. I knew that I was underprepared but I wanted to establish my baseline I scored 476. I retook the exam a few weeks ago and this time, I studied for 2 months using the ACCP material. I felt good going into the exam but received a preliminary fail. I have not received my score report yet but I’m feeling pretty defeated right now. I could use some advice on other reso”
“So i did uworld x3 made flashcards on each question and do them. What else can i do for this test? I feel like i dont have enough to pass ? Please please any advice??!!! submitted by /u/Particular-Ad-403 [link] [comments]”
“Genuinely asking because the charting alone feels like a second job and then renewal deadlines show up and its another thing to figure out on top of everything else Finding courses that actually count for the right requirements isnt straightforward either. Some states want specific topics, some have hours minimums for certain categories, and piecing it all together while seeing a full panel is its own research project Wondering if anyone has found a more efficient way to handle this or if its ju”
“Hi, just looking for some advice on what to prepare myself for with my MTTC exams coming up. I am taking both Professional Knowledge and Skills (7-12) (136) and English Language Arts (7-12) (130) within the next month. I have both of the Mometrix books for each of these tests as well as the practice tests. I am truly one of the worst test takers and am feeling anxious. The more information and materials I have, the better I feel knowing I covered all my bases. I know people who studied for month”
“Thank you. How do I get the EA? Is it just studying and passing a test or do I need some kind of experience to do it?”
“Any specific tips relevant to studying for and passing this exam? I have done the trails and it took me a long time. I tried to go slow to absorb. I also bought the FOF practice tests and study guides. Any other tips for passing this cert? I know its still a fairly newer one, so I am not sure how much material has actually been put out there submitted by /u/Safe_Ant8701 [link] [comments]”
“Thought that I would make this post to try and help anyway that is self studying for the CPT test. I have also included any topics that were in the test that I can remember. I am not in the industry and anything that I knew about this domain beforehand came from self study and interest. The first step that I will list here, I actually didn't do this time, but I had watched these videos before, more than once and in my opinion they are some of the best videos to gain a very quick understandin”
“Every time I click on the tutorial for the PSI all it does is send me in a loop to download a file. Nothing actually opens. I’m so confused, my proctored test is in 13 hrs submitted by /u/Last-Storm-5456 [link] [comments]”
“Taking boards in August - Looking to find a study buddy who has MKSAP 20 and want to do it together. I already did UW/MKSAP 19. I can teach as we do questions if it is useful for you. submitted by /u/Individual-Maybe3445 [link] [comments]”
“IF I CAN DO IT YOU CAN DO IT! Sharing my experience because there’s not much aPHR content out there and reddit threads helped me: That test was really hard. I don’t have my specified results yet, but there were multiple, multiple questions/concepts that were not emphasized in the course prep. My satisfaction feedback reflected that. I took every pretest under the sun and was confident through all of them, I am surprised I passed even with hours and hours and hours of studying. If you’re planning”
“Hey guys! Me again! I was finally able to study last weekend and decided to appear for the exam on Monday (June 29).. cleared it in one attempt, (19/20). Took a screenshot of the page and am now waiting for the next step. Question: when do I see the test results updated? Background is completed, everything else apart from oath ceremony is in progress. I completed the exam in like 10-15ish minutes, did not look anywhere else, probably read the question a bit but that’s how I usually read question”
“Taking boards in August - Looking to find a study buddy who has MKSAP 20 and want to do it together. I already did UW/MKSAP 19. I can teach as we do questions if it is useful for you. submitted by /u/Individual-Maybe3445 [link] [comments]”
“I am freaking out negl! my advisor has me running around in circles and i genuinely dk which direction in going and today is my qualifying and im so so worrieddd! submitted by /u/vile_tomato [link] [comments]”
“I saw many people complaining last year about the process just overall being shitty and I was wondering if it actually boosts odds or if it would be a better idea to consider a different similar calibar school. submitted by /u/Automatic-Candle-282 [link] [comments]”
“hi! I'll be starting my review for boards na po. i would like to ask for your opinion when it comes to review centers. mas naiintindihan ko po yung lessons if magaling magturo yung lecturer ko po. so saang RC and sinong lecturer po yung suitable for me? could vary po depending sa subject. thank you po submitted by /u/Still-Shock-1916 [link] [comments]”
“Had a massive brain fart on one of the easier AO’s on the exam today and ended up discussing the wrong/incorrect issue, can’t really imagine that I’d score anything above an NC for that AO. Does this mean a pass is out of the question? I feel pretty good about the rest of case, just that one part that got away from me. submitted by /u/Top-Alternative2499 [link] [comments]”