Preparing for the ASWB exam is one of the biggest milestones in your Social Work career. It’s not just another test, it’s the gateway to licensure, new opportunities, and the ability to make a broader impact in the field. But with so much riding on it, knowing how to study can feel just as overwhelming as the material itself. One of the first questions that stumps many test-takers is: Should I study alone or join a group?
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some Social Workers find that being part of a study group keeps them motivated and sharp, while others prefer the quiet focus and control of solo study. Your ideal study style depends on your personality, habits, and how you learn best, but it’s also something that can evolve as your prep continues. The key is to understand the benefits and challenges of each approach so you can build a study strategy that actually works.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the pros and cons of study groups and solo studying, offer tips to maximize each method, and explore how blending both might be your best bet. We’ll also highlight how a powerful resource like Agents of Change can support your study goals no matter which path you take, offering live study groups, practice exams, flashcards, and a study plan to keep you moving forward. Ready to figure out your ideal ASWB study style? Let’s dive in.
Learn more about the ASWB exam and create a personalized ASWB study plan with Agents of Change. We’ve helped tens of thousands of Social Workers pass their ASWB exams and want to help you be next!
1) Study Groups or Solo Study? Finding Your Ideal ASWB Study Style
When it comes to preparing for the ASWB exam, how you study can be just as important as what you study. You’re probably already asking yourself: Am I better off studying with a group, or should I hit the books on my own? The answer isn’t as simple as picking one or the other—it depends on your learning preferences, lifestyle, and even the kind of support you need along the way.
Let’s take a closer look at both options, how they work, and how you can make each one more effective.
Agents of Change packages include 30+ ASWB topics, 2 free study groups per month, and hundreds of practice questions so you’ll be ready for test day!
2) Why Study Groups Work for Many Social Workers
Studying for the ASWB exam can feel isolating, especially when you’re deep in a mountain of practice questions and theoretical frameworks. That’s exactly why study groups can be a powerful tool, especially for Social Workers, whose professional work is inherently collaborative, interpersonal, and rooted in communication.
Study groups aren’t just about getting through the material; they’re about staying motivated, building understanding through conversation, and creating a shared space where accountability and encouragement naturally happen.
Let’s explore why this method resonates so well with many in the Social Work field and how to make group study sessions productive and essential.
Built-In Accountability That Keeps You Going
One of the biggest struggles in preparing for the ASWB exam is sticking with it. When life gets hectic, it’s easy to bump studying down your list. A study group gives you a reason to show up, even when motivation is running low.
Why accountability matters:
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You’re less likely to skip a session when others are counting on you.
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Knowing there’s a set meeting time can keep you from procrastinating during the week.
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Regular check-ins provide subtle pressure to stay on track.
Even if you’re someone who’s usually disciplined, the simple act of committing to a group can help you keep your momentum. Plus, seeing others pushing through the same material can be surprisingly motivating.
Deepening Understanding Through Discussion
Some concepts are easier to grasp when you talk them out. Study groups naturally create opportunities for discussion, clarification, and explanation—sometimes in ways that a textbook just can’t.
How group discussion enhances learning:
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Explaining helps you learn: When you teach a concept to someone else, you’re reinforcing your own understanding.
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Different perspectives matter: A peer might interpret a practice question in a way that reveals something new.
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Real-world context: Many Social Workers bring their job experience into discussions, grounding abstract concepts in reality.
For example, one group member might explain how they approached a crisis intervention at work, and suddenly, a dry practice question becomes a vivid, relatable scenario. That kind of learning sticks.
Reducing Stress and Building Confidence
Let’s face it—the ASWB exam is stressful. Between the pressure to pass and the volume of material, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Study groups don’t just help you study; they can be a real emotional safety net.
Emotional and psychological benefits:
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You’re not alone: Sometimes just knowing others are going through the same thing is a huge relief.
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Validation and support: Sharing struggles, confusion, or setbacks reminds you that it’s okay to not know everything right away.
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Celebrating progress: Group members can celebrate small wins together, which builds motivation over time.
Social Workers are trained to support others, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need it themselves. A study group can provide the type of community care you’re often giving to others.
Structure Without Rigidity
Study groups often offer just the right balance between structure and flexibility. Unlike a formal class, you can co-create your own rhythm, but there’s still a consistent framework to keep you from drifting.
Ways structure helps:
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Regular meeting times create consistency.
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Shared agendas keep sessions focused.
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Planning in advance allows the group to stay on track and avoid spiraling into side topics.
It’s especially helpful when you use external resources like Agents of Change, which hosts two live study groups per month—professionally led and strategically planned, so you don’t have to figure it all out yourself. These sessions are focused and effective, offering both flexibility and direction for busy learners.
Study Group Formats That Work Best
Not all study groups look the same, and that’s a good thing. Depending on your learning style and goals, you might choose a more traditional setup or something more creative.
Popular formats include:
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Focused Topic Rotations: Each session dives into a specific content area (e.g., ethics, human behavior, interventions).
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Practice Question Reviews: Go through a handful of questions as a group, discussing rationale and possible answers.
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Peer Teaching: Each person “teaches” a topic to the group, boosting confidence and retention.
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Case Study Discussions: Use real or hypothetical client scenarios to explore how you’d apply Social Work principles.
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Flashcard Drills: Quick-fire rounds using digital or physical flashcards to reinforce terminology and definitions.
Try different formats until your group finds its groove. Just make sure you’re staying productive and hitting all major content areas over time.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Study Group
A great study group doesn’t just happen, it’s built with intention. Whether you’re starting one yourself or joining a pre-existing one, these best practices can make a big difference:
Set clear expectations from the beginning:
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Decide how often you’ll meet and for how long.
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Choose a primary study resource everyone will use (Agents of Change is a great unifying option).
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Rotate leadership or facilitation duties to keep things fair and dynamic.
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Agree on respectful participation—everyone’s voice matters, but time management is important.
During sessions:
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Use a timer to stay on task.
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Begin with quick updates on how everyone’s progressing.
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End with goals for the next meeting (i.e., “Review 3 chapters,” “Complete 50 questions,” etc.).
Between sessions:
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Check in on each other via group text or email.
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Share useful resources or articles.
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Encourage, don’t compete.
When a Structured Group Makes All the Difference
If you’re finding it hard to organize or sustain a study group on your own, you’re not alone. That’s where a platform like Agents of Change can really step in. With two live study groups each month—facilitated by experts and focused on ASWB content—you get all the benefits of group study, without the hassle of planning it yourself.
Agents of Change study groups offer:
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Structured sessions with targeted topics.
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Peer engagement with others studying for the same exam level.
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A space to ask questions, discuss, and clarify material in real time.
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Confidence-boosting community support.
Whether you’re a natural group learner or just looking to add a little variety to your study plan, these professionally run sessions can be the game-changer you didn’t know you needed.
3) Going It Alone: Solo Study for the Win
While study groups can offer connection and collaboration, many Social Workers find that solo study is where they truly shine. If you’re someone who enjoys setting your own pace, prefers quiet environments, or just finds groups a bit overwhelming, then solo study might be your best path to ASWB exam success.
This method isn’t about isolating yourself—it’s about creating a focused, flexible, and deeply personal learning process that puts you in full control of how, when, and what you study. Done right, solo study can be incredibly effective, especially when paired with the right tools and structure.
Let’s break down why solo study works so well, the common pitfalls to avoid, and how to set yourself up for success.
Why Solo Study Works
Solo studying offers something few other study styles can: complete autonomy. You get to decide what your study environment looks like, how long you’ll spend on each topic, and when to switch gears. That level of flexibility is a huge advantage, especially for Social Workers juggling jobs, family, and other responsibilities.
Key benefits of studying solo:
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Self-Paced Learning: Move quickly through familiar content and linger on the areas you struggle with—without holding anyone back or feeling behind.
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Maximum Focus: No small talk, off-topic detours, or distractions from group dynamics.
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Customized Schedule: Study at 6 AM, on your lunch break, or late at night—whatever fits your lifestyle best.
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Deep Concentration: Solo time often leads to better absorption of complex topics that require reflection or repeated review.
For introverted learners or those with highly variable schedules, solo studying isn’t just convenient—it can be empowering.
Common Challenges (And How to Overcome Them)
Of course, going it alone isn’t always easy. Without external accountability or shared discussion, it’s possible to feel unmotivated or unsure whether you’re on the right track. The key is recognizing those risks early and having a plan to counter them.
Solo study pitfalls to watch for:
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Procrastination: No one’s checking in on you, so it’s tempting to push study time aside.
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Burnout: If you’re grinding too hard without variety or breaks, your brain will start to check out.
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Content Gaps: Without group input, you might miss a key concept or misinterpret a practice question.
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Stagnation: Studying the same way day after day can make you plateau in your progress.
Solutions that work:
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Stick to a study plan: Use structured materials like those from Agents of Change, which include built-in study calendars and goals.
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Switch up formats: Mix reading with flashcards, video reviews, timed quizzes, and even talking aloud to reinforce learning.
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Schedule “check-ins”: Set weekly goals and reward yourself when you meet them. Or share your progress with a mentor or friend for accountability.
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Practice exam simulations: Take full-length tests in a quiet space to mimic real exam conditions and identify weak spots.
Making Solo Study Highly Effective
Studying alone doesn’t mean you’re on your own. With a strategic approach, solo study can become your most powerful tool for mastering the ASWB exam.
Tips for smarter solo study:
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Create a dedicated study space: Keep it clean, quiet, and free of distractions.
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Use time blocks: Try the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of study, 5-minute break) to maintain focus without burnout.
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Track your progress: Keep a journal or checklist of completed topics, questions, and scores.
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Teach it back: Pretend you’re teaching a topic to someone else—if you can explain it clearly, you probably know it well.
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Use high-quality resources: Platforms like Agents of Change offer solo learners everything they need—comprehensive content, flashcards, practice questions, and progress tracking.
The flexibility of solo study is a double-edged sword: it gives you the freedom to design your path, but it also requires discipline. The right tools and mindset make all the difference.
When Solo Study Might Be the Best Fit
Not sure if solo study is your ideal style? Here’s when it tends to work best:
Solo study may be right for you if:
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You prefer working quietly and independently.
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Your schedule makes group meetings hard to attend.
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You’re naturally self-motivated and like setting your own goals.
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You retain information better when you reflect and process it alone.
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You want to customize your study sessions to fit your own pace.
You might also consider starting with solo study and later integrating group sessions—especially for difficult areas like ethics, policy, or human development, where discussion can clarify tricky topics.
Why Solo Learners Still Benefit from Structured Support
Just because you’re studying alone doesn’t mean you should be piecing everything together from scratch. High-quality, structured support can turn solo study into something truly strategic. That’s where Agents of Change comes in.
How Agents of Change supports solo learners:
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Study plans: Every program comes with a guided schedule to keep you on track, even when motivation dips.
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Unlimited access: Start early, pause when needed, and come back strong—access lasts until you pass, so you can’t buy “too soon.”
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Flexible materials: Practice exams, flashcards, video lessons, and more—all available 24/7 to fit your routine.
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Live study groups (optional): Join twice-monthly group sessions when you need a break from solo time, or just want to clarify tough topics.
Even if you thrive on solo study, structured resources help ensure you’re not missing anything crucial. With the right support system, independent prep doesn’t mean isolated prep—it means focused, effective learning on your own terms.
4) Blending the Two: Best of Both Worlds
When it comes to studying for the ASWB exam, you don’t have to choose between solo study and study groups. In fact, the most effective approach for many Social Workers is a smart combination of both. By blending independent study with collaborative sessions, you can maximize the strengths of each style while avoiding their individual downsides.
This hybrid strategy is flexible, adaptable, and—best of all—highly personalized. Whether you’re reviewing flashcards alone or diving into practice questions with peers, the blend allows you to reinforce your knowledge from multiple angles.
Let’s explore how to make this mix work in your favor and what tools can support you along the way.
Why a Hybrid Approach Works So Well
The ASWB exam tests not just memory, but your ability to apply knowledge in real-world scenarios. That kind of skill-building benefits from both focused, individual reflection and interactive discussion. Blending study styles creates a dynamic learning process that strengthens comprehension and boosts confidence.
Key advantages of combining solo and group study:
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Balance: Avoid the burnout of too much social or solo time.
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Efficiency: Use solo sessions for memorization and group time for clarification.
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Accountability + Autonomy: Stay on track without losing flexibility.
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Variety: Mix up your routine to keep things fresh and avoid mental fatigue.
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Deeper understanding: Learn the material independently, then test and apply it in conversation with others.
With the right structure, this blend becomes more than just a time-management tactic—it becomes a smart strategy for long-term retention and test readiness.
What a Balanced Study Week Might Look Like
You don’t need a perfect formula. The blend can shift weekly depending on your progress, schedule, or energy level. Still, having a loose framework helps keep you grounded.
Sample weekly hybrid plan:
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Monday: Solo review of key concepts (Human Development, DSM-5, etc.)
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Tuesday: Complete a timed practice quiz on your own
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Wednesday: Join a live study group (like the ones from Agents of Change)
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Thursday: Solo flashcard review and journaling on areas of struggle
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Friday: Group chat/discussion on ethical scenarios
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Saturday: Self-guided mock exam
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Sunday: Light review or rest day
This kind of rhythm offers structure without rigidity, allowing you to adjust based on what’s working.
How to Make Each Component Stronger
Just combining the two isn’t enough. You want to make sure each element of your hybrid study plan is purposeful.
Solo Study Tips in a Blended Plan:
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Use solo time for new content, personal reflection, or timed test drills.
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Focus on areas that require memorization or deep reading.
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Keep a “confusion list” of questions or topics to bring to your next group session.
Group Study Tips in a Blended Plan:
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Use group time to walk through practice questions and discuss rationale.
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Assign rotating “leaders” to present short topics—this helps reinforce the material.
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Role-play ethics scenarios to practice decision-making in real time.
Together, these methods build layers of understanding—what you learn alone is expanded through discussion, and what you process in a group gets reinforced in solo review.
Adapting to Your Needs Over Time
The beauty of blending study styles is that it’s fluid. Your needs may change as your exam date approaches or as you identify certain strengths and weaknesses.
How to adapt your blend:
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Feeling overwhelmed? Pull back from group sessions and focus on solo review.
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Losing motivation? Increase group engagement for a boost of accountability.
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Struggling with one topic? Review it solo, then discuss it in-depth during a group session.
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Doing well in most areas? Use group time to test your knowledge under pressure.
Remember: your study style should evolve with your progress. What worked the first month may not be what gets you across the finish line.
How Agents of Change Supports a Hybrid Study Plan
If you’re looking for a study program that supports both independent and group-based learning, Agents of Change is an ideal fit. Their platform is built to meet you wherever you are—and adapt as your needs change.
Here’s how Agents of Change helps you blend both styles:
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✅ Structured Study Plans: All programs include clear, customizable study calendars so your solo sessions stay on track.
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✅ Live Study Groups (2 per month): Join when it fits your schedule. These sessions are focused, interactive, and led by experts who understand ASWB content inside and out.
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✅ Practice Exams and Flashcards: Use these independently to reinforce concepts, then bring tricky questions to group sessions.
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✅ Access Until You Pass: Start early, take your time, or revisit concepts later—you’ll never have to worry about timing it “just right.”
This kind of flexibility allows you to create a study plan that works for your life, not the other way around.
Quick Checklist: Signs a Hybrid Study Plan Might Be Right for You
✔ You enjoy working independently but sometimes need a motivation boost
✔ You want a balance of flexibility and accountability
✔ You prefer to process information alone, but benefit from hearing others’ viewpoints
✔ You want to test your knowledge with peers, not just books
✔ You’re juggling work, family, or unpredictable hours and need adaptability
If you nodded along to most of these, a blended approach might be your best bet.
When you’re balancing a job, life responsibilities, and ASWB prep, tools that work are non-negotiable. Agents of Change gives you options and structure, no matter how you learn best.
Check it out at: Agents of Change Course Selection