5 Reasons the ASWB Social Work Licensing Exam Updates Aren’t as Scary as You May Think

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ASWB TEST QUESTIONS

I WOULD FIRST LIKE TO SAY THHANK YOU AS THIS ARTICLE WAS VERY IMFORMATIVE AND HELPFUL. AUGUST 22 OF THIS YEAR I SAT FOR MY SOCIAL WORK EXAM AT THE BACHELORS AND I DID NOT PASS. I RECOGNIZE THAT ANXIETY ASIDE FROM ME WAKING UP 3AM THE MORNING OF THE TEST PLAYED A PART, HOWEVER, I FELT THAT THE QUESTIONS ON THE EXAM WERE NOT GEARED TOWARDS WHAT IS ACTUALLY TAKING PLACE IN THE SOCIAL WORK FIELD. THEY SEEMED MORE OLD SCHOOL TEXT BOOK BASED. IN RESPECT I MUST SAY NOT ALL OF THE TEST QUESTIONS WERE THAT WAY BUT IN MY OPINION MANY OF THE QUESTIONS WERE NOT REFLECTIVE OF THE ACTUAL SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE IN THE REAL WORLD. READING THIS ARTICLE, AND FINDING OUT THAT IN 2018 SOME CHANGES WILL BE MADE ON THE EXAM GEARED TOWARDS MORE REALISTIC SCENARIOS OF SOCIAL WORKERS INTERACTIONS IS REFRESHING. I CONTINUE TO STUDY AND POLISH UP IN THE AREAS OF THE EXAM THAT I DID NOT SCORE AS HIGH. I LOOK FORWARD TO RETESTING IN NOVEMBER OF THIS YEAR, AS WELL AS FEELING RENEWED AND REFRESHED FOR INCOMING TESTERS IN 2018. I AM GREATFUL THAT THE ASWB RECOGNIZED THAT SOME CHANGES NEEDED TO BE MADE CONCERNING THE EXAM.

Kaneisha Dennis more than 5 years ago

ASWB EXAM

I just passed the LCSW exam in Texas. It was my 4th time... I did it though.
I realized that I really needed to understand the concepts in dept.... yes really know the theories underhand them . Know what the exam items were asking of me. Reasoning questions . No sws normally don’t think jay I’m in the exploration or goal attaintment phase of the helping process but this is what the test is about . One must know these basic Sw concepts processes theories frameworks and understand the presets have problem and meet the client where they are and identify what setting u are in because u have to practice within the scope of ur license. School social workers handle things different then a social worker in a clinical setting . Safety and hierarchy of needs clients self determination must be respected and must be promoted and I had to really come to terms with taking this test letting go and just doing it. I had to do it like it was my first tjne. I had a great time with a study group and attending a supervision group each month to refresh . I really learn by all styles and I have to talk and process and visually and auditorialy learn from videos and webinars . I studied with my best friend who isn’t a Sw and taught her Sw! I passed because I was determined to grow during this bizarre pause in my career ! I can move forward and focus on my skills and enhancing them

Jillinda (Jill) smith, LCSW more than 5 years ago

Social work Exam

I can relate to how you felt taking the exams 4 times. I graduated in 2000 with my MSW, I took the exams 5 times, spent a lot of money on study materials, study books and tapes and stills have not passed the exams, I just gave up and Say forget about. I think the questions are too objective, no two case scenarios are the same. I really think that there need to be less case scenarios and more assessments, there really need to be a whole new structure of the exam process. . so much money I have put out on the exams it's very discouraging. I've spoken to many people who have taken the exams as much as 7 times. Something is wrong with the exams structure.

Una Assam more than 4 years ago

Social Work EXAM

I have taken the test 3 times and am going for my 4th time. The questions are not up to date. We go through so much to get here to take a test 4 times is ridicules and I am so discouraged with the aswb that I would love to give them a piece of my mind. Its a disgrace that as social workers we help so many people and when it comes to the aswb helping us out they don't. I am looking into another field if I fail it again. Its disgusting and a disgrace.

Jewels more than 4 years ago

I hear you 100%

I just took the AWSB Clinal today and failed miserbly after taking two whole months of study time and a week off of work to concentrate efforts. I even paid for an online service with a coach on weekly visits to tutor me on exam. This is my second time taking it the first was two years ago and I actually did better then than I did this time..something is definitely wrong and it's not me I did all that I could, no stress or anxiety issues etc and still did not pass. I agree with you something is very wrong with the exam and how they grade it...what to do??
One thing is certain based on taking this the exam, it caters to a dominant group..I'm gonna leave it at the.. I wish you the best and hope you pass next time.

Steve more than 4 years ago

lcsw exam

I soooo relate to all the comments here! I've failed 3 times twice by two points and the second time by ten. It has been so discouraging considering my success working with my clients. I'm not giving up but something is wrong. I also think the testing centers should allow you to get a sip of juice or at least eat a piece of fruit. You can only get a sip of water and use the bathroom during the four hours and thats it. Sometimes we just need that extra sugar for our brains after using so much energy focusing for four hours.

Lynn more than 4 years ago

ASWB Masters

I am currently in a doctorate program for clinical psych, and working as a medical social worker. Took the exam for the SECOND time yesterday, paying $500 each time- having to wait 90 days. I find it interesting that SOOO many people have taken the exam multiple times- due to not taking the same version each time and fail. They do no provide you with a printout that shows which questions you missed only how many you got correct (it's not like one is going to get the same questions/exam again). If they think people are going to cheat and be able to memorize 170 questions- then they do not need to be a social worker due to not having integrity and honesty. So the concept of learning from your mistakes is non-existent in this field. Social workers are not allowed to write scripts- so why should we be tested on name brands of medications for disorders? I am not an MD nor a pharmacist to say "these drugs can pose a deadly interaction for this patient." 90 percent of those with dx know which antidepressants they regularly take and if they do not, I can easily pull their medical file/pharm with their consent. 4 hours without a single break during the exam is insane! Can not even have water unless you are willing to forfeit precious time on your exam to go get it with an escort. A body check, fingerprinting twice before and after, is just ridiculous for a social work exam. I went through more security checks for this exam then when I served for the United States Army! The whole process needs to change time now! Find it interesting that more than 90% failure their first time. Maybe the State is looking to make $500 off of people every 90 days who HAVE to have this license for a job- where their whole lively hood depends on passing this exam which now where mirrors what the social worker does daily on the job! I hope this helped someone who is about to take the exam.

Kristine more than 3 years ago

Response

Thank you for your comment and expressing your views and experience with the exam.

To correct a couple of points, the cost of the exam is $230 or $260, depending on the level of exam you take. Pass rates as of 2018, according to ASWB, are:
Associate 72.1%
Bachelors 69.2%
Masters 75.5%
Advanced Generalist 56.2%
Clinical. 73.2%

SocialWorker.com more than 3 years ago

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