It’s All About the Mindset: Preparing To Pass the Social Work Licensing Exam

by Sandy G. Alzubi, MSW, MA, LSW

     I am living proof that you can still pass the ASWB licensure exam even 18 years after graduating.  My journey was long, but I am glad to finally have crossed over.  Soon after I graduated with my MSW degree, I tried to pass every three years or so.  I didn’t have a clear system for studying, so I tried studying using different methods, such as doing practice questions, reading for the exam content, and writing down terminology. 

     I gave up for a long time.  Passing the ASWB exam wasn’t required for my current job, after all.  In the meantime, I sought to fulfill other goals.  I received another master’s degree and pursued a professional certificate, but I felt in my heart that I had to pass this exam. I thought of eventually getting to it, and I was scared, because I didn’t have a starting point, which led me to basically map out a plan.   

     As you embark on the journey of taking the exam, remember what brought you to graduate school and what led you to get your social work degree.  Remind yourself of all you’ve done, and know that this exam doesn’t reflect your true professional value. Don’t ignore your experience of being a social worker—use this feeling of unfulfillment to propel you to start your journey. Truly believe that being licensed is possible and that you will get to achieve this goal. Here are some steps that helped me along the way:   

• Assess which learning style(s) work best for you.  Are you an auditory learner? Or, perhaps, a kinesthetic or tactile learner? Think about how you learned best when you were in school.  Once you find out how you learn, you can play on your strengths. 
• Familiarize yourself with the exam content by visiting the ASWB website.  If you need special accommodations for testing, make sure to apply well in advance of your exam.  Set up a daily study routine, and try your best to stay on track. If you’ve not yet taken a licensing test prep class, consider doing so, as well.    
• Find a tutor or test prep app that works for you. While doing an online search, I found many different tutors, as well as lots of free resources.  I strongly advise you to find (and stay) with a program and/or app that motivates you to keep going because studying for a national license exam of this type can be a daunting process, especially if this is not your first time attempting to pass. 
• Stay motivated by creating a positive affirmation jar or setting up a daily reminder on your phone, which can include a countdown along with a positive affirmation. Reach out to like-minded peers for support (in person or online) that can cheer you on. Trust your gut and know your own process. If someone’s suggestion doesn’t speak to the way you learn, then it would probably not work for you, because everyone learns differently.  Visualize success—the messages you tell yourself are vital. 
• Fuel your creative side by creating your very own musical playlist using apps such as YouTube or Spotify. Create a space where you can list all those songs or musical pieces that make you feel energetic and add to a positive mindset. You can take it a step further by adding some inspiring lectures from your personal role models and/or listening to podcasts that stress exam content.
• Don’t neglect self-care. You can’t pour out water from an empty cup. Think healthy body equals healthy mind. Reward yourself after studying by taking a nature walk, catching up with friends, watching a movie, reading a book, or perhaps taking up a hobby that you enjoy. Take care of your physical side by having a well-balanced diet and exercise to relieve stress.  Find your own energy source to keep you going during your prep, as well as on the day of the exam.
• If your anxiety is too great and affecting your performance, speak to a professional. This will create a sense of empowerment for you.  Working on yourself is perhaps the toughest part, because it is very easy to give up. At times you may feel like giving up, but keep in mind that your goal of being a licensed social worker (LSW) or a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) needs to be stronger than any obstacle that could prevent you from passing.
• On exam day, feed the positive energy of your spiritual side.  For some, this can be as simple as saying a prayer, reciting a mantra, or meditating.  Let go of things you cannot control. You will not be able to control for the exam content or result, but you can control your response. 

     On the day when I took the exam, I had put a sparkler in my bag as an incentive. I told myself, “If I pass, this will be a way to celebrate my accomplishment.”  Sure enough, my hard work and dedication paid off, and I found out that I had passed the exam! Afterwards, I ignited the sparkler.

     I challenge you to ignite your true and unique power as a social worker and evolve to achieve your professional goals and become the best version of yourself.

Sandy G. Alzubi, MSW, MA, LSW, is a bilingual school social worker and a parent advocate.