Common Questions and Concerns About the Bachelors, Masters, and Clinical ASWB Exams

Common Questions and Concerns About the Bachelors, Masters, and Clinical ASWB Exams

To pass your ASWB exam, you need to thoroughly prepare. Whether you’re taking the Bachelor ASWB exam, the Masters ASWB exam, or the Clinical ASWB exam, studying and knowing the information on the exam is clearly essential. Additionally, you’ll also want to know as much as possible about the test structure.

The following are some of the most commonly asked ASWB exam questions and concerns about the ASWB test that we hear at Agents of Chane!

Are the Exams Different by State? 

No, they are the same in each state. The only aspect that is different is that each state doesn’t offer every type of ASWB test. The licensing requirements for each state are also different.

Where do You Take the Exam?

Pearson VUE is an organization that provides test centers globally for a variety of professions. They have dozens of sites throughout the United States. You’ll register to take the exam at one of their test centers.

How do You Register for the Exam?

You’re able to register by mail, fax, or online. Registering takes just three easy steps. This includes applying for a license, registering and paying, then scheduling your test date.

How Should I Study for the Test?

The best way to prepare is to make sure you study all key KSA areas and are prepared for different types of questions. Cramming and pulling all-nighters are definitely not the best way to study! Make sure to download and review the ASWB Exam Guidebook. You can also prepare for your exam by learning how to reduce anxiety in addition to learning the materials.

Can I Keep My Belongings With Me During the Test?

The Candidate Rules Agreement states that you’re required to keep all your belongings in a locker or in your vehicle. You can ask for scrap paper, a pencil, and earplugs, but you can’t bring anything into the testing area. Check out the 2023 updates for the exam.

How Should I Manage My Time During the Test?

Four hours sounds like a long time, but you’ll need to consciously manage your time. There are 170 questions you’ll need to answer, which means you have about 90 seconds or fewer for each question. You’ll need a strategy for answering questions in a timely manner.

Are Testing Accommodations Allowed?

Some accommodations are allowed for documented disabilities. You’ll need to have any testing accommodations arranged with the ASWB in advance and approved by your state licensing board. You’ll want to know how to apply for various accommodations.

Is the Difficulty of the Exam I’ll get Different than Others?

There are multiple forms of every exam and passing scores may be different. The overall difficulty level, however, is the same for each exam. To make sure you do as well as possible, you’ll want to implement a variety of study techniques.

Is the Exam Written or Computerized?

You’ll complete the exam on a computer, but no specialized computer skills are required. There is a brief tutorial explaining how to take the test when you initially sit down in front of the screen. This time, however, doesn’t count toward your 4 hours. Make sure you’re well prepared by taking advantage of programs and courses at Agents of Change.

How Long is Each Exam?

Every test taker has 4 hours to complete the exam. While you’re able to take short restroom and standing breaks throughout the test, the clock doesn’t stop. Any breaks are included in your 4-hour time limit. To make the most of your time, you’ll want to use the best reading strategies.

How Many ASWB Exam Questions are There?

There are a total of 170 questions. However, 20 of these questions are unscored. To adequately prepare, you’ll want to take several practice tests and ensure that you’re achieving a passing score on those practice exams!

What are the Main Content Areas?

The areas include content areas, competencies, and KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities). Content is broad areas of knowledge. Competencies are meaningful sets of knowledge within content areas. KSAs provide further details about exam content.

Is It Better to Leave Questions You’re Unsure of Blank?

No, you should attempt to answer every question! You’ll want to have a plan to make sure you have time to adequately answer every question. Having a testing plan will ensure that your exam day goes as smoothly as possible.

Is Everyone at My Testing Center Taking the Same Test?

No. Other people are likely to take different tests in various disciplines. Don’t worry if other people finish their test earlier than you do. Make sure to learn as much as possible about the ASWB exams.

What is the Difference Between the LCSW exam and the LMSW exam?

Both exams are very similar.

LMSW exam questions include 27% about human diversity, development, and behavior in the environment, 25% about professional relationships, values, and ethics, 24% about interventions with clients and client systems, and 24% about assessment and intervention planning.

LCSW exam questions include 30% about treatment planning, as well as questions about assessment and diagnosis. 27% about clinical interventions, psychotherapy, and questions regarding case management, 24% about human development, diversity, and behavior in the environment, and 19% about professional ethics and values.

What are all the Requirements to be Eligible to Sit for Each Exam?

In the Associates category, it’s not necessary to hold a social work degree. For the Bachelor’s exam, you need a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. For the Masters exam you’ll need a Masters degree in Social Work. Both the Advanced Generalist and Clinical Exam require a Masters degree in Social Work as well. Each state will have specific requirements for becoming licensed.

What is a Passing Score?

Of the 150 scored questions, a passing score is generally anywhere from 93 to 106 questions answered correctly. While this number may vary, the overall difficulty of different exam versions is intended by the ASWB to be very similar. Learn everything you can about the exams to increase your chance of passing.

If I Fail, Do I Retake the Same Test?

No. You won’t have the same questions on any future tests. If you fail, you’ll normally need to wait 90 days to test again. You can, however, apply for a waiver to be eligible to re-test sooner.

When Will I Receive My Exam Results?

You’ll receive an unofficial copy of your exam results when you leave the testing center. The results won’t tell you particular questions you answered correctly or incorrectly. Your results will only state how many questions you were asked and how many you answered correctly. You’ll want to know as much as possible regarding programs and materials to help you pass the exam.

What if I’m Late for the Exam?

If you haven’t arrived by the scheduled time and haven’t already rescheduled your exam, you’ll forfeit your fee and be considered a no-show. You’ll need to schedule another exam. If you believe you have a reasonable excuse for your absence, complete the form for an excused absence.

What Steps Should I Take Before the Exam?

The ASWB Exam checklist includes the following key steps:

  1. Download and study the ASWB Exam book.
  2. Next, apply to your state board and register with the ASWB.
  3. After receiving the authorization for testing email, schedule your test appointment.
  4. Review the Confidentiality Statements and Candidate Rules Agreement.
  5. Before your test, take practice tests and invest in study guides.

Preparing with an ASWB studying checklist will help you organize all the information you need.

Agents of Change can also help you with a variety of materials. No matter what ASWB exam concerns you may have, good study habits and thorough preparation are the keys to doing well on your Bachelors, Masters, or Clinical ASWB exam!

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► Learn more about the 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

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