Learn more about the ASWB exam and create a personalized ASWB study plan with Agents of Change. We’ve helped thousands of Social Workers pass their ASWB exams and want to help you be next!
1) Key Updates to ASWB Exam Guidebook for 2024
- Registration Process: There are changes in how candidates register for the exam, including a new company adminstering the exam (PSI); learn more about those changes here: 2024 ASWB Exam Changes And How To Register With PSI For Your Exam
- Scheduling and Taking the Exam: Changes include new testing center locations and test date and time availability.
- Special Arrangements: The process and criteria for requesting special arrangements, such as for disabilities or ESL accommodations, has been updated to reflect current best practices and accessibility standards. Learn more directly in the guidebook! Requests for nonstandard testing arrangements must be submitted and approved before the test-taker registers and pays for the exam with ASWB.
2) Understanding the ASWB Exam
The ASWB (Association of Social Work Boards) Exam is a cornerstone in the journey of Social Workers seeking licensure. It is a comprehensive test designed to assess the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for safe and effective practice in the field of Social Work.
Here’s a snapshot of what this exam includes:
- Exam Structure: The ASWB exam is structured to encompass several domains of Social Work practice. Each domain addresses specific areas of knowledge and skill sets necessary for competent practice.
- Content Areas: The exam covers a wide range of topics, including human development, social and economic justice, and the application of Social Work ethics and values. This diverse content ensures a well-rounded assessment of a candidate’s readiness for professional practice.
- Question Types: The exam uses multiple-choice questions designed to test both theoretical understanding and practical application. This format challenges candidates to think critically and apply their knowledge in different scenarios.
- Every ASWB question uses a 3 or 4 option multiple-choice format with these parts:
- Stem: The main body of the question that poses the problem to be answered
- Options: The possible answers
- Key: The correct answer
- Distractors: The incorrect answers
- Capitalized and bolded words in the stem provide important information to test-takers. Pay close attention to qualifiers like BEST, FIRST, NEXT, and MOST.
- Stems have either a direct question or incomplete statement, or they contain a vignette — a short scenario or situation that leads to the question itself.
- A Social Work task (or question) may require:
- Recall. This is simply remembering something—for example, information you learned in school or from a seminar or text.
- Application. This means using what you’ve learned in a particular situation.
- Reasoning. This involves sorting through what you’ve learned, along with considering the situation and other relevant information
- Every ASWB question uses a 3 or 4 option multiple-choice format with these parts:
- Updating the Exam: The ASWB continually updates the exam to reflect the evolving nature of Social Work practice. This means that the content stays relevant and aligns with current professional standards and practices.
3) Preparing for the Exam
As you embark on the journey to pass the ASWB exam, the guidebook offers a treasure trove of strategies and insights for effective preparation:
Understanding the Exam’s Structure
- Exam Categories: The guidebook describes the different categories of the ASWB exam, ensuring you know exactly what type of questions and content areas you’ll encounter.
Developing a Study Strategy
- Study Materials and Resources: The ASWB does not directly endorse any testing providers. However, more than 15,000 Social Workers have used Agents of Change materials to pass their ASWB exams.
- Study Plans: The guidebook emphasizes the importance of a personalized study plan, tailored to your learning style and the exam category you’re preparing for. All Agents of Change programs include personalized study plans and 2 live study groups per month.
Practicing with Sample Questions
- Sample Questions: To give you a taste of the actual exam, the guidebook includes sample questions. These questions help you familiarize yourself with the exam format and question style. Premium Agents of Change programs include full length practice exams, answers, and rationales!
Test-Taking Tips
- Strategies for Answering Questions: The guidebook offers strategies on how to approach and answer exam questions effectively, increasing your chances of selecting the correct answers. Learn more about breaking down questions with the 5 W’s Method.
Utilizing Practice Exams
- Practice Tests: The ASWB online practice test is recommended as a crucial part of your preparation, simulating the real exam experience. After you register for your ASWB exam, you can purchase the practice exam from the ASWB.
Understanding Scoring
- Interpreting Scores: It explains how your exam will be scored, helping you understand what is needed to pass and how to gauge your readiness. Learn more about interpreting ASWB exam scores here.
This section of the guidebook is instrumental in providing a structured and focused approach to your exam preparation, ensuring you’re well-equipped to tackle the ASWB exam with confidence.
Get 100’s of practice questions, answers, and rationales with Agents of Change.
4) Registration and Exam Day Procedures
5) Exam Day Strategies
Getting Ready for the Big Day
Before the Exam
- Review the Material: Revisit key topics and practice with sample questions.
- Rest and Relax: Ensure you get a good night’s sleep before the exam.
Morning of the Exam
- Eat a Healthy Breakfast: Choose something light yet energizing.
- Dress Comfortably: Choose layers to adjust to the room temperature.
At the Test Center
- Arrive Early: Aim to be there at least 30 minutes before the exam.
- Check-in Process: Present your ID and complete any necessary formalities.
- Familiarize Yourself: Understand the layout and rules of the test center.
- Here’s a video explaining what you can expect at a PSI testing center
- What items aren’t allowed inside the testing room?
- Outerwear (Coats or Jackets)
- Scarves
- Head coverings (except those for religious or medical reasons)
- Jewelry wider than 1/4 inch
- Mobile phones/electronic devices
- Purses/wallets and backpacks/bags
- Drinks (can be consumed in the waiting area)
- Food (can be stored in the check-in area and consumed during a break)
- Weapons
During the Exam
- Read Questions Carefully: Pay attention to the wording.
- The testing program allows the test-taker to move freely through the exam, change answers, mark questions for later attention, skip questions, highlight or strikethrough text, and review questions
- Manage Your Time: Allocate time wisely for each question (you have approximately 1 minute 30 seconds for each question)
- Stay Calm: If you feel stressed, take a moment to breathe and refocus.
After the Exam
- Reflect on the Experience: Think about what went well and areas for improvement.
- Relax and Reward Yourself: Take time to unwind after the hard work.
These strategies, adapted from the ASWB Exam Guidebook, are designed to help you approach the exam with confidence and clarity, increasing your chances of success.
6) Post-Exam Process
Navigating the post-exam phase is a critical part of your ASWB journey. The guidebook offers a detailed roadmap:
- Results and Feedback: You receive pass/fail results immediately after the exam. Detailed feedback on performance across different sections is provided, which is very important for those who may need to retest.
- Scoring Explained: Understand how your responses are evaluated. The guidebook demystifies the scoring process, helping you interpret your results accurately.
- Retake Guidelines: If you need to retake the exam, the guidebook outlines specific procedures, including waiting periods and reapplication steps.
- Licensure Application: For those who pass, the next step involves applying for licensure in your state. The guidebook offers guidance on this process, ensuring a smooth transition from candidate to licensed Social Worker.
- Continued Professional Development: The guidebook also touches on the importance of continual learning and professional development in Social Work, encouraging successful candidates to keep advancing in their careers.
7) Practice Questions from the ASWB Guidebook
Bachelors Exam
1. What action by the Social Worker is MOST likely to facilitate rapport between a Social Worker and a client who is anxious about receiving services?
A. Assessing mutuality in the relationship
B. Acknowledging the client’s difficulty in resolving the presenting problem
C. Disclosing to the client that the Social Worker has similar feelings
D. Validating the client’s feelings with a nonjudgmental attitude
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Each of these options are actions that a Social Worker might take while working with an anxious client, but (KEYD) is the only option that directly addresses the importance of using a nonjudgmental attitude in relationship building. While it may be important for the Social Worker to evaluate mutuality in the relationship (A), assessing mutuality will not facilitate rapport building with the client. Acknowledging the client’s difficulty in resolving the problem (B) or self-disclosing similar feelings (C) may be helpful, but validating the anxious feelings in a nonjudgmental way will MOST likely help with establishing rapport.
KSA tested: III. Interventions with clients/client systems>IIIB. Intervention processes and techniques>The principles and techniques of interviewing
2. A Social Worker meets with a couple to discuss options for assisted living. During the session, one partner begins to cry and expresses fear about dying. What should the Social Worker do FIRST?
A. Assess the couple’s concerns relative to their stage in the family life cycle
B. Refer the couple to a therapist who specializes in gerontology
C. Ask the couple’s children for their recommendations
D. Plan for the couple to move into an assisted living unit
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: All options are possible actions that a Social Worker might take, but this item asks what should happen FIRST. It is premature for the Social Worker to refer the couple to another therapist (B). Similarly, the Social Worker would not first contact the couple’s children for their recommendations (C). Planning for a move to assisted living (D) does not consider the reactions that are being expressed. By FIRST assessing the concerns relative to the family life cycle stages (KEY A), the Social Worker will be guided on what action to take next.
KSA tested: I. Human development, diversity, and behavior in the environment>IA. Human growth and development>Theories of human development throughout the lifespan
3. A school Social Worker meets with a student for the first time. It is believed the student is being abused in a relationship with another student. During the meeting, the student is quiet and reluctant to answer the Social Worker’s questions. How should the Social Worker respond to the student’s silence?
A. Confront the student by focusing on the lack of cooperation
B. Acknowledge the hesitancy, encouraging the student to talk when ready
C. Allow the student’s silence while explaining the danger of abusive relationships
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This question requires recognizing how to manage reluctance and silence in an initial interview where a student may be involved in an abusive relationship. By acknowledging the student’s hesitancy and encouraging the student to talk when ready (KEY B), the Social Worker is respecting the student’s need for more time. Confronting the student about not cooperating (A) is inappropriate and potentially harmful to establishing a helping relationship. Allowing the silence while explaining the danger of abusive relationships (C) assumes that the abusive relationship is a fact when it has only been suspected.
KSA tested: III. Interventions with clients/client systems>IIIB. Intervention processes and
techniques>The principles and techniques of interviewing
Masters Exam
1. What is the PRIMARY purpose of contracting between a Social Worker and a client?
A. To ensure that the client will follow the social worker’s plan
B. To define who will be responsible for which assigned task
C. To meet the requirement of agency policies for documentation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This question requires an understanding of the purpose of contracting with a client. A contract’s primary purpose is to provide clarity on tasks to be accomplished and who will be responsible for each task’s completion (KEY B). While some agencies may require contracting as part of their documentation policies (C), it is not its PRIMARY purpose. The treatment plan should be considered a joint plan, not a Social Worker’s plan that a client must follow (A).
KSA tested: III. Interventions with clients/client systems>IIIA. Intervention processes and techniques for use across symptoms>Client/client system contracting and goal-setting techniques
2. During an initial session with a social worker, an adult who was sexually abused as a child is fearful and hesitant to respond to a request for specific information about the abuse. What should the Social Worker do FIRST?
A. Change the subject to one more comfortable for the client
B. Confront the client about these fears
C. Acknowledge the client’s reluctance to discuss these experiences
D. Ask whether the client would prefer to end the session
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: This question requires recognizing how to manage fear and hesitancy in response to a specific request for sensitive information such as sexual abuse. By FIRST acknowledging the client’s hesitancy to discuss these experiences (KEY C), the social worker is respecting the client’s difficulty in sharing this information and validating the reaction. Changing the subject to a more comfortable one (A) does not address the client’s emotional reaction. Confronting the client about the fears (B) is inappropriate and potentially harmful to establishing a helping relationship. Asking the client about ending the session (D) may be action taken after acknowledging the client’s reluctance but would not happen FIRST.
KSA tested: I. Human development, diversity, and behavior in the environment>IB. Concepts of
abuse and neglect>Indicators and dynamics of abuse and neglect throughout the lifespan
3. A Social Worker meets with an adolescent who is in an emergency department for a dog bite. During the mental status exam, the adolescent discloses abusing the dog and reports hearing internal commands to hurt a teacher. What should the Social Worker do FIRST?
A. Assess the adolescent’s understanding of cause and effect
B. Assess whether the adolescent has a specific plan for harming the teacher
C. Determine whether the adolescent has told the teacher about these thoughts
D. Determine whether the parents are aware of the adolescent’s impulses
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Abusing an animal and hearing internal commands to cause harm to a specific individual are warning signs that require the Social Worker to assess for the potential of serious harm occurring. The Social Worker must FIRST assess whether there is a specific plan for harming the teacher (KEY B). After this has been evaluated, it is reasonable to then determine whether the teacher is aware of these thoughts (C) or whether the parents have knowledge of them (D). Assessing the child’s understanding of cause and effect (A) may be appropriate but would not be done before assessing for a specific plan.
KSA tested: IV. Professional relationships, values, and ethics>IVB. Confidentiality>Legal and/or ethical issues regarding confidentiality
Clinical Exam
1. A client with schizophrenia presents with poor hygiene, a lack of emotion, and poverty of speech. What term BEST describes these symptoms?
A. Negative symptoms
B. Cognitive deficits
C. Positive symptoms
D. Functional deficits
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Negative symptoms in schizophrenia are those that are present in most people but not in a person diagnosed with schizophrenia. Most people have good hygiene, show emotions, and can express themselves. Poor hygiene, a lack of emotions, and poverty of speech are all examples of negative symptoms (KEY A). Positive symptoms (C) are those that most people do not have, such as hallucinations or delusions but that a person diagnosed with schizophrenia may have. Cognitive (B) and functional deficits (D) may explain various symptoms but are not the BEST terms to describe the client’s presentation.
KSA tested: II. Assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning>IIB. Assessment and diagnosis>The use of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association
2. A Social Worker is providing individual therapy to a married client. The Social Worker receives a call from the client’s spouse, who asks if the client is currently at an appointment with the Social Worker. The client has not signed a release of information. What should the Social Worker do FIRST?
A. Offer to deliver a message to the client
B. Ask the spouse to sign a release of information
C. Explain the limits of confidentiality to the spouse
D. Tell the spouse not to call the clinic again
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The code of ethics says that Social Workers must respect a client’s right to privacy. Offering to deliver a message to the client (A) or requesting a signed release from the spouse (B) when the client has not signed a release would inform the spouse of confidential information. In addition, requesting a signed release from the spouse (B) would not be appropriate because the spouse is not the person who must provide the consent. Asking the spouse to not call again (D) may be appropriate, but it would be done only after explaining the limits of confidentiality. The Social Worker’s FIRST action should be to explain the limits of confidentiality (KEY C) in a general way.
KSA tested: IV. Professional values and ethics>IVB. Confidentiality>Legal and/or ethical issues
regarding confidentiality
3. A school Social Worker meets with a mother who is concerned about her 15-year-old daughter. The mother recently read in her daughter’s diary that she had sex with an adult man who is a family acquaintance. What should the Social Worker explore FIRST?
A. The relationship between the mother and daughter
B. The possibility that the daughter is being sexually abused
C. The daughter’s need for a father figure in her life
D. The reason the mother read the daughter’s diary
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: There is a high incidence rate of sexual abuse perpetrated by men known by victims and their family. The initial concern is with the teenage daughter’s safety; the Social Worker should explore the possibility of sexual abuse occurring FIRST (KEY B). Exploring the relationship between the mother and daughter (A), the presence or absence of a father figure (B), and the reason the mother read the daughter’s diary (D) may be actions that the Social Worker would take later, after safety has been established.
KSA tested: I. Human development, diversity, and behavior in the environment>IB. Human
behavior in the social environment>Indicators and dynamics of abuse and neglect throughout
the lifespan
8) FAQs – ASWB 2024 Test Handbook Updates
Q: What is the Process for Receiving Exam Scores?
A: After completing the ASWB exam, candidates immediately receive pass/fail results. Detailed feedback is provided, which includes performance in various content areas. This information is crucial for candidates, especially if a retake is necessary.
Q: How Do I Understand and Interpret My Exam Scores?
A: The guidebook explains the scoring system in detail, assisting candidates in comprehensively understanding their performance. It explains how scores are calculated and interpreted, which is important for evaluating readiness for professional practice.
Q: What Should I Do If I Need to Retake the Exam?
A: For candidates needing to retake the exam, the guidebook outlines specific procedures, including the waiting period and reapplication steps.
9) Conclusion
► Learn more about the Agents of Change course here: https://agentsofchangeprep.com
About the Instructor, Meagan Mitchell: Meagan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been providing individualized and group test prep for the ASWB for over five years. From all of this experience helping others pass their exams, she created the Agents of Change course to help you prepare for and pass the ASWB exam!
Find more from Agents of Change here:
► Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aswbtestprep
► Podcast: https://anchor.fm/agents-of-change-sw
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Disclaimer: This content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment
