The ASWB exam is a major step in your journey to becoming a licensed Social Worker, and managing your time effectively on test day can make all the difference. With 170 multiple-choice questions and a strict four-hour time limit, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Many test-takers find themselves running out of time, second-guessing their answers, or rushing through the final questions. Without a solid time management strategy, even the most well-prepared candidates can struggle to perform their best.
The good news? You don’t need to be a speed reader or a test-taking wizard to stay on track! By using smart pacing techniques, knowing when to move on from a tough question, and keeping a clear strategy in mind, you can confidently navigate the exam without feeling pressured by the clock. Your goal isn’t just to finish—it’s to use your time wisely so you can answer as many questions correctly as possible.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best test-day time management strategies to help you stay focused, work efficiently, and avoid common pitfalls. You’ll learn how to pace yourself, handle tricky questions, and maintain your mental energy throughout the exam. With the right approach, you can walk into the testing center with confidence and leave knowing you gave it your best shot. 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) Understanding the ASWB Exam Format
Before developing a solid test-day strategy, it’s essential to fully understand the structure of the ASWB exam. Knowing what to expect will help you pace yourself and avoid surprises on test day. The exam format remains the same regardless of whether you are taking the Bachelor’s, Master’s, Advanced Generalist, or Clinical exam, so the following breakdown applies across all levels.
Exam Structure: What You Need to Know
The ASWB exam consists of:
- Total Questions: 170 multiple-choice questions
- Scored Questions: 150 (20 questions are unscored and used for future test development)
- Time Limit: 4 hours (240 minutes)
- Question Format: Four answer choices per question, with only one correct answer. Note: Some questions will have three answer choices as of 2024.
- No Penalty for Guessing: Unanswered questions count as incorrect, so it’s best to answer every question
You won’t know which questions are unscored, so it’s important to treat all 170 as equally important.
Question Types: What You’ll Encounter
The ASWB exam primarily tests applied knowledge rather than simple memorization. Expect questions that assess:
- Recall & Knowledge-Based Questions – These test your understanding of Social Work principles, ethics, and theories.
- Application & Scenario-Based Questions – Many questions present real-world Social Work scenarios, requiring you to choose the best response.
- Reasoning & Best Judgment Questions – These test your ability to analyze situations and determine the most appropriate action based on Social Work practice standards.
Some questions may feel ambiguous, but they are designed to measure critical thinking rather than rote memorization.
Time Breakdown: Pacing Yourself Effectively
Understanding how long you should spend on each question is crucial. Here’s a time breakdown to help you stay on track:
- 1 minute 25 seconds per question (on average)
- First 50 questions: Aim to complete in 60 minutes
- Next 50 questions: Aim to complete in 60 minutes
- Last 50 questions: Aim to complete in 60 minutes
- Final 20-30 minutes: Review flagged questions and make final checks
This structure ensures you complete the exam within the allotted time while leaving a buffer for review.
Understanding Your Test-Day Interface
The ASWB exam is computer-based, and the interface includes:
- A timer to track your remaining time
- A flagging option to mark questions for later review
- A navigation panel to move between questions
Familiarizing yourself with this setup in advance—through practice exams and study tools like those offered by Agents of Change—can help you feel more confident on test day.
By understanding the exam’s structure, pacing yourself, and using the available tools wisely, you’ll set yourself up for success. Now, let’s explore the best strategies for managing your time efficiently during the exam!
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) Test-Day Time Management Strategies
Managing your time effectively on the ASWB exam is just as important as knowing the material. Even if you’ve studied for months, poor time management can lead to rushed answers, skipped questions, and unnecessary stress. The key is to have a clear plan for pacing yourself throughout the four-hour test while maintaining focus and confidence.
Below are practical strategies to help you maximize your time, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure that you answer every question thoughtfully.
1. Set a Realistic Pace from the Start
Since you have 170 questions and 240 minutes, you technically have about 1 minute and 25 seconds per question. However, some questions will take longer, while others will be quicker. To keep a steady rhythm, follow this pacing breakdown:
Suggested Time Allocation:
- First 50 questions: Complete in 60 minutes
- Next 50 questions: Complete in 60 minutes
- Last 50 questions: Complete in 60 minutes
- Final 20-30 minutes: Review flagged questions
This structure ensures that you never fall behind, while also leaving extra time at the end for review.
Pro Tip:
If you notice you’re spending more than two minutes on a question, flag it and move on. This prevents one tough question from disrupting your entire exam flow.
2. Use the “Two-Pass” Strategy
A tried-and-true test-taking method is the two-pass approach. Instead of treating each question as a roadblock, prioritize efficiency:
- First Pass: Answer all the questions you’re confident about. Skip or flag the ones that require extra thought.
- Second Pass: Go back to flagged questions and spend more time on them.
This strategy ensures that you’ve answered all the easier questions first, preventing time loss on tougher ones.
When to Flag a Question:
- If you’re debating between two answer choices but aren’t sure.
- If the question is taking more than 1.5-2 minutes to answer.
- If you feel mentally stuck and need a fresh perspective later.
By the time you return to flagged questions, your brain will be in a different state, making it easier to analyze them clearly.
3. Keep an Eye on the Clock (But Don’t Obsess Over It!)
Time awareness is essential, but constantly checking the clock can be counterproductive. Instead, set checkpoints throughout the exam:
- After 50 questions: Am I on track (around 60 minutes in)?
- At the halfway mark (85 questions): Do I have at least 120 minutes left?
- With 30 minutes left: How many flagged questions remain?
If you’re behind schedule, don’t panic! Instead:
- Pick up the pace slightly without rushing.
- Use educated guessing to move past tricky questions.
- Focus on staying calm—stress leads to poor decision-making.
4. Don’t Get Stuck on Tricky Questions
Every test-taker encounters difficult or confusing questions, but the worst mistake is letting one question derail your momentum. Here’s how to handle them:
- Break it down: Look for key terms like first, best, most likely, least likely—they often point to the right answer.
- Use elimination: Cross out obviously wrong choices to increase your odds of guessing correctly.
- Trust your gut: Overanalyzing leads to second-guessing, which often results in changing the right answer to the wrong one.
- Move on if necessary: If you’re truly stuck, choose the best option and flag it for review.
Remember, there’s no penalty for guessing, so never leave a question blank!
5. Stay Focused & Avoid Mental Fatigue
Even the most prepared test-takers experience brain fog during long exams. To stay sharp, try the following:
Mini Mental Resets (Every 30-40 Questions)
- Take a deep breath and stretch your fingers.
- Look away from the screen for a few seconds to reset your focus.
- Adjust your posture—sitting upright boosts alertness.
Avoid Overthinking
- Many test-takers waste time second-guessing themselves.
- Studies show that first instincts are often correct, especially for well-prepared students.
- Unless you catch a clear mistake, stick with your first choice instead of changing answers impulsively.
6. Use the Last 20-30 Minutes Wisely
By the time you reach the final portion of the exam, your energy may be dwindling—but this is crucial review time.
Here’s how to use your remaining minutes effectively:
- Return to flagged questions: Now that you’ve answered everything else, take a fresh look.
- Double-check answers: Especially for questions that seemed tricky the first time around.
- Don’t over-edit: Avoid second-guessing unless you know an answer is wrong.
- Ensure every question is answered: Even if you have to guess, an answer is always better than none.
7. Prepare Your Mindset Before the Exam
Proper time management starts before you even walk into the testing center. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:
- Get a good night’s sleep—fatigue slows down processing speed.
- Eat a balanced meal—low blood sugar affects concentration.
- Stay hydrated—but not to the point where you need frequent bathroom breaks.
- Arrive early—eliminate unnecessary stress by getting to the testing center ahead of time.
- Practice time management beforehand—use full-length practice exams from trusted sources like Agents of Change to build your timing skills.
Final Thoughts: Execute Your Plan with Confidence
Effective time management isn’t about rushing through the exam—it’s about using your time efficiently to maximize your score. By following these strategies, you’ll be able to maintain a steady pace, handle tricky questions wisely, and finish with confidence.
Quick Recap of Key Strategies:
✅ Set a clear time goal per question (aim for 60 questions per hour).
✅ Use the two-pass strategy—answer easy questions first, flag tougher ones.
✅ Keep track of time at major checkpoints, but don’t obsess over the clock.
✅ Move past difficult questions without getting stuck.
✅ Take mini mental resets to avoid fatigue.
✅ Use the last 20-30 minutes for a strategic review.
With the right mindset and preparation, you’ve got this! Walk into the ASWB exam with a plan, stay on pace, and trust in your knowledge. 🎯
3) Strategies for Staying Focused During the Exam
The ASWB exam isn’t just a test of knowledge—it’s also a test of endurance. With four hours of continuous focus required, mental fatigue can creep in, leading to poor decision-making, second-guessing, and a loss of momentum. Staying sharp throughout the exam is key to maximizing your performance.
Here’s how to maintain focus, minimize distractions, and keep your brain engaged from start to finish.
1. Manage Test Anxiety Before It Manages You
Feeling nervous before and during the exam is normal, but excessive anxiety can disrupt focus. The key is to control your stress response rather than let it control you.
Pre-Test Anxiety Reduction Techniques:
- Breathe deeply: Try the 4-7-8 breathing method—inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, and exhale for 8.
- Use positive affirmations: Replace self-doubt with confidence—“I’ve studied for this. I am prepared.”
- Visualize success: Picture yourself answering questions calmly and confidently.
- Avoid cramming: Last-minute studying can increase stress rather than improve performance.
During the Exam:
- If you feel panic rising, pause for 10 seconds to take a deep breath and reset.
- Remind yourself: “One question at a time.” Don’t let future questions distract you from the one in front of you.
- Keep a growth mindset—instead of thinking “I can’t do this,” shift to “I will do my best with what I know.”
2. Use Intentional Breaks to Maintain Focus
While the ASWB exam doesn’t include scheduled breaks, you can still create mini mental resets to stay fresh.
Best Times for Mental Resets:
- Every 30-40 questions—take a brief pause to prevent burnout.
- After finishing a challenging question—reset your focus before moving on.
- At the halfway mark—take 10-15 seconds to stretch, breathe, and refocus.
Quick Reset Techniques:
- Close your eyes for 5 seconds to relieve screen fatigue.
- Roll your shoulders or stretch your hands to release tension.
- Look away from the screen and refocus before reading the next question.
These small, intentional breaks can keep you alert without eating into your exam time.
3. Avoid Falling into the Overthinking Trap
Overanalyzing is one of the biggest focus killers. Many test-takers lose precious minutes second-guessing themselves instead of trusting their preparation.
How to Avoid Overthinking:
- Stick with your first instinct—studies show that test-takers who change their answers often switch from correct to incorrect.
- Don’t create unnecessary “what-if” scenarios—stick to the facts given in the question.
- Limit rereading—if you’ve read the question twice and still don’t know the answer, make your best choice and move on.
If you find yourself re-reading a question multiple times, take a breath and refocus. Your brain may need a quick reset before you can process it clearly.
4. Read Carefully, but Efficiently
Misreading a question can lead to avoidable mistakes, even if you know the material well. The ASWB exam often includes tricky wording, so it’s important to slow down just enough to ensure accuracy.
Key Reading Strategies:
- Pay attention to keywords like first, best, most likely, least likely. These words change the meaning of the question.
- Read the last sentence first in long scenarios to understand what’s being asked before analyzing details.
- Underline or mentally note critical details—for example, whether the question is about an ethical decision or a clinical intervention.
- Don’t assume facts—answer based only on the information given, not outside knowledge.
Practicing these skills with ASWB-style questions (such as those from Agents of Change) can help you develop a sharp eye for test wording before exam day.
5. Stay Physically Comfortable to Keep Your Brain Engaged
Physical discomfort can be a huge distraction during a long exam. If you’re uncomfortable, it’s harder to concentrate.
Ways to Stay Comfortable:
- Dress in layers—testing centers may be too cold or too warm.
- Sit with good posture—slouching can lead to fatigue and discomfort.
- Adjust your chair position if necessary to maintain comfort.
- Blink often—staring at the screen for long periods can cause eye strain.
Small adjustments can prevent physical discomfort from pulling your focus away from the test.
6. Block Out Distractions & Stay in Your Own Zone
Even in a quiet testing center, distractions happen. Someone might cough, shuffle papers, or type loudly. The key is to tune out everything except your own exam.
How to Stay in Your Zone:
- Use earplugs or noise-canceling headphones (if allowed by the test center).
- Ignore what others are doing—just because someone finishes early doesn’t mean they did well.
- Mentally “zoom in” on the screen—pretend it’s just you and the test, nothing else exists.
Your focus should be on the next question in front of you—not on the noises or movements around you.
7. Keep Your Energy Levels Steady Throughout the Exam
Mental fatigue can set in by the two-hour mark, leading to slower thinking and careless errors. To maintain steady energy:
Optimize Your Energy Before the Exam:
- Eat a balanced meal—avoid heavy, sugary, or greasy foods that can cause crashes.
- Stay hydrated—but not so much that you need frequent restroom breaks.
- Avoid excessive caffeine—too much can increase anxiety and restlessness.
During the Exam:
- Control your breathing—deep, steady breaths improve focus and oxygen flow to your brain.
- Check in with yourself periodically—ask, “Am I still engaged?” If not, take a short mental reset.
Maintaining consistent energy levels helps prevent mistakes caused by fatigue or mental drift.
Final Thoughts: Keep Your Mind Sharp & Stay in Control
Staying focused during the ASWB exam isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter. By managing anxiety, maintaining energy, and preventing distractions, you can keep your brain engaged for all four hours.
Quick Recap of Focus Strategies:
✅ Control anxiety with deep breathing and positive self-talk.
✅ Use mini mental resets every 30-40 questions.
✅ Avoid overthinking—trust your first instinct.
✅ Read questions carefully, especially key wording like “best” or “first”.
✅ Stay physically comfortable to avoid distraction.
✅ Block out testing center distractions and stay in your own zone.
✅ Keep energy steady with proper nutrition and hydration.
By implementing these strategies, you’ll walk into the ASWB exam fully prepared to stay focused, pace yourself effectively, and perform at your best. You’ve got this! 🚀