Social Work Exam Guide

With Sample Questions and Rationales

Authors
Amanda Rowan, LCSW
Bethany Vanderbilt, LCSW

Amanda is the Founder of the

Therapist Development Center. She
used her background in the
neuroscience of learning to develop
the innovative and highly effective
study systems. She believes that by
“studying smart,” social workers can
pass their exams and advance
confidently in their careers.

Bethany is the Director of Social

Work Programs at the Therapist
Development Center. In addition
to developing study materials,
she provides LCSW exam
coaching and support to people
using Therapist Development
Center Study Systems. She loves
helping fellow social workers
pass with confidence.

To learn more about Bethany and Amanda,

visit www.therapistdevelopmentcenter.com/about-us
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

About the Social Work Exam 4

Study Tips 5

Practice Questions 6

Rationales 8

How Our Program Works 9

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About the SW Exams
Understanding the ASWB
About the ASWB
—  The ASWB has been developing social work licensing exams since 1979, and
nearly every state uses them as part of their licensure process (California is
the only exception). Their goal is to ensure “minimum practice competency”
and to “verify that a social worker has the knowledge and skills necessary to
provide a SAFE level of practice”
—  Your test will consist of 170 questions, 150 of which are scored. The number
you need in order to pass varies, but it’s usually between 94 and 107
questions. It’s a good idea to check with your state board to see if your state
has a specific passing percentage required.
—  Different states refer to the exams and licensure levels differently, so make
sure you know which test you should be taking in order to advance your career.

About the Clinical Exam (LCSW)

—  In 2011, 78.1% of first-time test takers passed the Clinical Exam
—  Approximately 85% of the questions on the Clinical Exam are reasoning-based
—  The ASWB has the Clinical Exam content broken down into 4 categories:  
—  Human Development, Diversity, and Behavior in the Environment
—  Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment Planning
—  Psychotherapy, Clinical Intervention, and Case Management
—  Professional Ethics and Values.

About the Master’s Exam (LMSW)

—  The Master’s Exam is the most frequently taken, and most frequently PASSED
ASWB exam!
—  In 2011, 82.9% of first-time test takers passed the Master’s Exam
—  Approximately 65% of the questions on the Master’s Exam are reasoning
based
—  The ASWB has the Master’s Exam content broken down into 4 categories:
—  Human Development, Diversity, and Behavior in the Environment
—  Assessment and Intervention Planning
—  Direct and Indirect Practice
—  Professional Relationships, Values, and Ethics  

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10 Study Tips
For Social Work Exam Success
①  The social work exam is challenging but fair. There are NO TRICK
QUESTIONS. With the right tools, you can pass with confidence.

②  The social work exam is a measure of your competence, not of your

ability to memorize.

③  Competence is measured through reasoning-based questions.

④  A majority of the questions on social work exams are reasoning-

based, so you will need clear strategies to know how to figure out
the answers.

⑤  The exam is predictable. There are certain clinical situations that the
board will want to be sure you know how to address.

⑥  The best way to manage test anxiety is to have clear test taking
strategies so you know how to read the questions.

⑦  An organized study plan is essential. Otherwise you can waste a lot

of time “studying” but not actually “preparing to pass.”

⑧  Not all exam prep materials are created equally. In fact, most study
products and workshops are created by people who have NEVER
taken the exam. Some aren’t even social workers. Be sure to find
out whether the authors and instructors have taken the exam
recently.

⑨  It’s best to study in sessions of 2 hours or less. The average person

stops learning after 90 minutes, so you won’t learn most of what is
taught in daylong workshops. If you plan to study “all day” take
breaks every 2 hours to go have some fun.

⑩  Being able to talk through concepts and rationales you don’t

understand is essential to the learning process. Look for a study
program that provides access to coaches who have taken the exam.

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Practice Questions
Get a feel for the LCSW Exam
1. A social worker sees a couple who describe frequent conflict and arguments. During a
session, the wife tells the social worker that her husband never wants to talk about his
feelings. The husband confirms this but says that when he tries to express himself his wife
gets upset and yells at him. The wife jumps in and says loudly, “That’s not true! He’s
always making things up about me!” The husband then says, “See?” and crosses his arms,
sitting in silence. The social worker should NEXT:
A.  Recommend that the husband and wife be seen individually.
B.  Point out the communication pattern that just occurred.
C.  Move the conversation to a topic that is less conflictual.
D.  Teach the couple more effective communication techniques.

2. A social worker facilitates an inpatient therapy group for adolescents. One member of
the group, a 14-year-old female, has been prescribed medication for a mood disorder and
shares that she does not want to take it. The other members of the group identify with the
girl’s feelings and become angry, yelling at the social worker and demanding that the
social worker do something on the client’s behalf. The social worker should FIRST:
A.  Explore group members feelings about medications.
B.  Bring the conversation back to the client’s behaviors that prompted the medication.
C.  Acknowledge the group members’ anger and explore underlying issues.
D.  Maintain confidentiality and refuse to discuss the case.

3. A 28-year-old man seeks treatment from a social worker. He reports being dissatisfied
with his career but cannot identify why or what he would like to be different. He also states
that he’s unhappy about his current relationship, wishes he was in better shape, and can’t
seem to find a way to change. He says, “Every time I try to change something, I get
overwhelmed and end up right back where I started . . . or worse.” The social worker
should FIRST:
A.  Assist the client in prioritizing his concerns.
B.  Identify behavioral objectives to help the client change his behavior.
C.  Apply a strengths-based perspective by focusing on his strengths.
D.  Use mindfulness-based skills to help decrease stress.

4. A 26-year-old woman is referred to a social worker in private practice by a close friend.

During the initial session, the client describes a number of problems, including a recent
breakup with her boyfriend, a history of trauma, and almost daily methamphetamine use.
The social worker should FIRST:
A.  Explore the client’s reasons for drug use.
B.  Assess the client’s motivation for change.
C.  Explore the connection between the trauma and the client’s current problems.
D.  Refer the client for a substance abuse evaluation.

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Practice Questions
Get a feel for the LCSW Exam
5. A social worker at a community agency begins working with a family which reports
frequent arguments centering around the teenage son’s behavior. The mother reports that
while he maintains good grades and participation on the school soccer team, he is “totally
uninterested” in family life. The father then interrupts and states that his wife has
“unrealistic expectations” for his son. They continue to bicker about discipline while their
son sits silently, rolling his eyes. The social worker should FIRST:
A.  Refer the parents for couple’s treatment.
B.  Suggest individual treatment for the son.
C.  Concentrate on interpersonal communication between family members.
D.  Obtain a release of information to contact the son’s teacher.

6. An emergency room social worker is asked to evaluate a 43-year-old woman who was
brought in complaining of heart palpitations and an inability to sleep. The social worker
notes that the woman’s pupils are dilated and that she is wrapped in a large blanket
despite the reasonable temperature in the ER. The client has most likely been using:
A.  Cocaine
B.  Oxycontin
C.  Alcohol
D.  Heroine

7. A social worker has been working with a 9-year-old boy and his parents to address
emotional and behavioral issues. A psychological evaluation has revealed that the boy has
a learning disorder; the parents have requested an IEP from the boy’s school but have had
difficulty making contact with the special education coordinator. The social worker’s calls
to the school administration are not returned. The social worker should FIRST:
A.  Recommend that the family obtain legal representation.
B.  Request that the psychologist attempt to contact the special education coordinator
directly.
C.  Send a registered letter to the special education coordinator and administration with
the psychologist’s recommendations.
D.  Contact the school board about the need for action.

8. A client seeks services at a community mental health center. He reports that his chief
complaint is that he can’t get a job so he is “stuck living in his parents’ basement.” He is
dressed in pajamas with a neck tie. He reports that his only friends are people he knows
online in an alien tracking club. He asks if the social worker believes in ghosts. What
diagnosis should be considered for this client?
A.  Schizoid Personality Disorder
B.  Schizophrenia
C.  Schizotypal Personality Disorder
D.  Schizopreniform

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Answers & Rationales
Get a feel for the LCSW Exam
1. B - Rationale: B is the best answer because the therapist should first help the couple
become more aware of their existing communication patterns. A does not make sense
because the problem is in the relationship. C avoids the problem for which they are being
seen, which is counterproductive. D may be a useful intervention but not until the clients
are more aware of their current communication style.
 
2. C - Rationale: C is the best answer because the social worker needs to start where the
group members are and help identify any underlying issues that may be contributing to
their responses. B and D both disregard the group members’ feelings of anger. A might be
useful but not until the social worker has recognized the feelings that are being expressed
and allowed group members’ to process them.
 
3. A - Rationale: When a client reports having multiple concerns and feels overwhelmed,
the most helpful intervention is to help them separate and prioritize their concerns (A). B,
C, and D might all be useful interventions but not until the client feels more in control.

4. D - Rationale: D is the best answer because substance abuse should be addressed first.
A, B, and C are all useful interventions but only after the therapist refers the client for a
substance abuse evaluation.
 
5. C - Rationale: The family is demonstrating the communication patterns that are causing
their distress, so the social worker should start where they are (C). A and B might be
useful later if it becomes apparent that either the son or the parents are in need of
focused treatment. D does not really make sense at this time since the son is described as
doing well in school.
 
6. A - Rationale: This is a recall question. The symptoms described in the stem are all
indicative of cocaine abuse. B, C, and D would all be described differently. You can expect
3-5 exam questions related to substance abuse and different drug effects.
 
7. C - Rationale: C is the best answer because it creates a paper trail that can be
referenced in later interactions and ensures that someone in the school will receive the
communication. A may be necessary, but attempts to contact the school in writing should
be done FIRST. B and D may not do anything to accomplish the family’s goal if these
telephone calls are also not returned.
 
8. C - Rationale: This is a good example of a diagnosis question. Schizotypal Personality
Disorder is characterized by social isolation, odd behavior, unusual dress and thinking,
and unconventional beliefs.

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Study With Us
Learn How Our Program Works
ü  Our LCSW Study System is an online program that you can
access immediately once you sign up. Just log in and start
studying.

ü  We provide an organized, 10-step study plan with handouts,

lectures, Quick Study sheets, quizzes, and practice exams.

ü  Our program includes 600+ on-line practice questions like

the ones in this guide.

ü  In addition to reviewing content, we emphasize the test

taking strategies and reasoning skills you need to pass.

ü  We provide FREE access to LCSW EXAM COACHES (who

have passed with a score of at least 90%) to answer any
questions you have while studying, including whether you
are ready to take the exam.

ü  We are with you until you pass. Extend or repeat the
program for FREE. You only pay ONE time.

ü  95% of social workers pass using our system in one try. For
people who have failed using other prep material, scores
increase an average of 18 points with our program.

Study Smart. Sign up today.

Save $20 with coupon code: LCSWTIPS

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