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How to Pace Yourself Through 170 ASWB Exam Questions

How to Pace Yourself Through 170 ASWB Exam Questions

Preparing for the ASWB exam can feel overwhelming—170 questions, four hours. Whether you’re sitting for the Bachelors, Masters, or Clinical level exam, the pressure to perform under a strict time limit is real. It’s not just about knowing the material; it’s about managing your energy, keeping your focus, and making it to the final question without burning out. And that’s exactly where pacing becomes your secret weapon.

Many test-takers walk in with solid content knowledge but struggle to finish on time, or end up rushing through the last 30 questions in a panic. That’s why learning how to pace yourself through 170 ASWB exam questions isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. You need a strategy that helps you stay sharp, manage time wisely, and navigate the inevitable moments of doubt without getting stuck.

In this post, we’ll break down the timing structure of the exam, offer actionable tips to keep you moving confidently, and show you how resources like Agents of Change can take your prep to the next level. With tools like live study groups, flashcards, practice exams, and detailed study plans, you’ll not only study smarter—you’ll build the kind of mental endurance that gets you across the finish line. Let’s get into it.

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 Structure

Before you can figure out how to pace yourself through 170 ASWB exam questions, you need to understand exactly what you’re walking into on test day. The structure of the ASWB exam is consistent across all levels—Bachelors, Masters, and Clinical—so once you know the format, you can begin crafting a strategy that works for you.

black male student confidently studying

The Basics: What You’re Up Against

At first glance, the ASWB exam might look like just a long multiple-choice test—but there’s more to it than that. Every aspect, from the number of questions to how they’re scored, impacts how you should pace yourself.

Here’s a snapshot of the exam format:

Component Details
Total Questions 170
Scored Questions 150 (counts toward your final score)
Unscored Questions 20 (unmarked)
Time Limit 4 hours (240 minutes)
Break One 10-minute break after Q85
Question Format Multiple choice (1 correct answer)

Scored vs. Unscored Questions

This is where many test-takers get tripped up. Out of the 170 questions, only 150 actually count toward your final score. The remaining 20 are unscored pre-test items used by the ASWB to pilot future exam questions. The catch? You don’t know which ones are which.

What does this mean for you?

  • Treat every question as if it counts. There’s no way to identify the 20 unscored ones.

  • Don’t panic if a question seems oddly worded or off-topic. It may be one of the unscored items.

Question Types You’ll Encounter

While all questions are multiple choice, they vary in style and complexity:

  • Recall-based questions: Straightforward and factual.

  • Application questions: Test your ability to apply knowledge in real-world scenarios.

  • Reasoning questions: Require analysis and prioritization, often with multiple “plausible” answers.

Being familiar with these types ahead of time can prevent you from wasting valuable minutes figuring out what a question is asking.

Understanding the structure of the ASWB exam isn’t just helpful—it’s foundational to managing your time and energy. When you know what’s coming, you’re less likely to panic, second-guess yourself, or get overwhelmed halfway through.

Now that you’ve got a handle on the layout, the next step is figuring out how to move through it efficiently, without rushing or burning out. Let’s explore that next.

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) The Math of the Clock: Timing It Out

When you’re facing 170 questions and a ticking timer, pacing can’t be a guessing game—it has to be intentional. Understanding how much time you really have per question, and how to distribute that time across the exam, is what separates confident test-takers from those who fizzle out halfway through.

Let’s break it down. The ASWB exam gives you 4 hours total, or 240 minutes, to complete 170 questions. That includes everything—reading, answering, reviewing, and even the break (though the clock stops during that 10-minute window after question 85).

Here’s the raw math:

  • 240 minutes ÷ 170 questions = approximately 1.41 minutes per question

  • That’s about 85 seconds per question

It doesn’t sound like much, but don’t panic. Not every question will take the full 85 seconds. Some will be quick wins—especially straightforward recall questions. Others, especially clinical scenarios or complex prioritization items, might take a little longer. The key is balance.

Suggested Timing Framework

To stay on pace without constantly staring at the clock, you can break the exam into manageable chunks. Here’s one practical timing plan to follow:

Section Questions Time Allotted Running Total
First Segment Q1–30 ~40 minutes 40 minutes
Second Segment Q31–60 ~40 minutes 80 minutes
Third Segment Q61–85 ~40 minutes 120 minutes (halfway)
10-Minute Break — Use the full 10 minutes 130 minutes
Fourth Segment Q86–115 ~40 minutes 170 minutes
Fifth Segment Q116–145 ~40 minutes 210 minutes
Final Segment & Review Q146–170 ~40 minutes ~250 minutes total (including the break)

This structure gives you clear mile markers and helps prevent time-drain in any single section. You can modify the pace slightly to suit your style, but stick close to the goal of about 42–45 questions per hour.

Keep an Eye on the Clock—But Don’t Obsess

It’s smart to check the timer periodically, but don’t fixate on it. Instead, pick a few checkpoint questions (like Q30, Q85, Q130) where you pause for 10–15 seconds just to verify you’re on track. If you’re more than 10–15 minutes behind by the halfway point, you’ll need to speed up slightly, but resist the urge to rush. Skimming leads to mistakes.

A few time-saving habits can make a big difference:

  • Read the question stem before the full scenario (especially if it’s long)

  • Eliminate obvious wrong answers first

  • Trust your gut on first instincts unless something strongly contradicts it

The Big Takeaway

Pacing through the ASWB exam isn’t about moving quickly—it’s about moving steadily. Some questions will take longer. Others will fly by. Don’t waste time panicking over tricky ones, and don’t breeze past ones that deserve more thought.

Your mission is to find a rhythm—consistent, calm, and intentional. And if you’re unsure how to practice that rhythm? That’s where timed practice tests from Agents of Change come in. Their full-length exams mimic the real thing, giving you a true sense of your pacing strengths and where you need to tighten up.

Next up, let’s look at how to recognize the warning signs that you’re getting stuck—and how to keep things moving.

3) When to Push Forward and When to Pause

Even if you’ve nailed down your timing strategy, the real challenge is knowing when to trust your instincts and move on—and when it’s worth stopping to think a bit longer. The ASWB exam isn’t just a knowledge test; it’s a mental endurance game. And pacing isn’t just about watching the clock—it’s about managing your attention, confidence, and energy.

Let’s walk through how to make smart judgment calls in the moment so you stay in control of the exam instead of the other way around.

Knowing When to Push Forward

The worst thing you can do on test day? Get stuck. If you find yourself rereading the same question three or four times and still feeling unsure, you’re probably in a spiral. That spiral costs time and focus. The better move? Push forward.

Signs it’s time to move on:

  • You can’t eliminate at least one answer confidently

  • The question feels vague, confusing, or oddly worded

  • You’re already over 90 seconds in and still undecided

  • You feel your anxiety ramping up just looking at it

Instead of forcing a decision, make your best guess, flag it, and move on. You may come back with a fresh perspective later—or you may never need to. Getting bogged down early only steals time from easier questions later on.

How and When to Pause (But Productively)

Pausing doesn’t mean freezing. It means giving a tough question a brief, focused moment of attention, then making a decision and moving forward.

Situations where a short pause helps:

  • You’ve narrowed it down to two strong answers

  • The question is complex, but the scenario feels familiar

  • You’re rushing through too quickly and second-guessing everything

  • You notice a pattern of mistakes and need to reset your thinking

If you do pause, give yourself a hard cutoff: no more than 60–90 seconds max. Then make the best choice you can, mark it if needed, and keep going. Even on tricky ones, momentum matters more than perfection.

Using the Flagging Function Strategically

Flagging is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal—when used with intention. Just don’t fall into the trap of flagging everything that makes you uncomfortable. Be selective.

Smart flagging tips:

  • Limit yourself to 10–15 flagged questions max

  • Don’t flag just because you’re unsure—only if a second look might genuinely help

  • Mark the question only after you’ve selected an answer (never leave blanks!)

Later in the exam, when you’re reviewing flagged questions, you’ll have a clearer mind—and you might notice something that didn’t register before.

Momentum vs. Perfection

A big part of pacing is letting go of perfection. You’re not expected to get every question right—just enough to pass. And most people who run out of time aren’t failing because they didn’t know the material—they’re failing because they froze or obsessed over just a few questions too long.

Trust the work you’ve done. Trust your study. Trust your gut.

In fact, Agents of Change teaches this exact balance in their practice sessions. With their timed exams and detailed rationales, you learn how to spot red flags in answers, make a choice with confidence, and move forward without second-guessing every move.

Quick Checklist: Push or Pause?

Ask yourself:

  • ✅ Can I eliminate two wrong answers? → Pause and focus—pick the best one

  • ❌ Can’t eliminate anything? → Guess, flag, and push forward

  • 😰 Feeling panicked or mentally stuck? → Take a deep breath, move on, revisit later

  • 🧠 Know the content but doubting yourself? → Pause, trust your prep, then move on

By learning when to pause with purpose and when to push with confidence, you’ll conserve energy, avoid burnout, and finish the exam with your brain—and your score—intact. Up next, we’ll talk about how to make the most of your one and only break. Use it right, and it could make all the difference.

4) Making the Most of the 10-Minute Break

After question 85, you’ll be prompted to take a 10-minute break that doesn’t count against your 4-hour time limit to complete the exam.

It might not seem like a big deal—just 10 minutes—but it’s a critical window to reset your brain, manage your nerves, and recalibrate for the second half. Think of it less like a pause and more like a pit stop. Skip it, and you might find yourself mentally running on fumes by question 120.

Here’s how to make every minute count.

Step Outside Your Head

You’ve just spent two hours focused on clinical vignettes, community interventions, and ethical dilemmas. Your brain needs a breather. The break is a chance to detach from test mode for just a moment.

  • Physically move. Stand up, stretch, walk around—even if it’s just a lap or two in the hallway.

  • Avoid reviewing questions in your head. Don’t spend your break reliving questions you weren’t sure about. They’re behind you. Your only job now is to reset for what’s ahead.

Fuel Up—But Lightly

You might not feel hungry, but your brain still needs energy to stay sharp. Bring something small and easy to digest.

  • ✅ Smart choices: A granola bar, trail mix, fruit, or even a few crackers

  • ❌ What to avoid: Heavy meals, high-sugar snacks, or anything that could make you crash in 30 minutes

And yes—hydrate. A few sips of water can go a long way in helping you feel refreshed.

Breathe, Reset, Re-center

Stress builds quietly during an exam, and by question 85, you might not even realize how tense you are. A few deep breaths can make a world of difference.

Try this simple 2-minute reset:

  1. Inhale deeply for 4 seconds

  2. Hold your breath for 4 seconds

  3. Exhale slowly for 6 seconds

  4. Repeat 3–5 times

You’ll feel calmer, clearer, and more grounded heading into the second half. And that’s exactly where most people start to get fatigued—so anything you can do to stay mentally sharp is a win.

Final Tip: Keep It Tidy

Your break is optional, but once it ends, there’s no going back to questions 1–85. So:

  • ✅ Review any flagged questions BEFORE you trigger the break

  • ✅ Double-check your time and pacing

  • ✅ Make sure you’ve answered every question up to that point—no blanks!

Once your break ends, you’ll be dropped right into question 86. No warm-up. Be ready to go.

5) Common Pacing Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Even with a solid plan, pacing can fall apart fast if you slip into habits that drain your time or energy. Some pacing pitfalls are so common, most test-takers don’t even realize they’re falling into them until it’s too late. But with the right awareness and preparation, you can catch yourself before things go off track.

Here are the top five pacing pitfalls—and exactly how to avoid them.

1. Starting Too Fast

What happens: Adrenaline kicks in, and suddenly you’ve answered 20 questions in 15 minutes. It feels like you’re “on a roll,” but you’re more likely just rushing—and possibly missing key details.

How to avoid it:

  • Slow your pace intentionally during the first 10–15 questions. Think of it as your warm-up.

  • Use your first time check at question 30 to confirm you’re around the 40–45 minute mark.

  • Remember: speed early on usually costs you accuracy later.

2. Overthinking Every Question

What happens: You get caught in a cycle of reading and rereading, second-guessing yourself, and trying to remember every detail from your notes. Before you know it, five minutes are gone—and you’re still staring at the same screen.

How to avoid it:

  • Stick to a 90-second rule: If you’re not confident after a minute and a half, make your best guess, flag it, and move on.

  • Practice decisiveness ahead of time with timed exams from Agents of Change. Get used to making confident calls even when you’re unsure.

3. Skipping the Break

What happens: You reach question 85, feel “fine,” and decide to push through. But your brain gets foggy around question 110, and your focus tanks.

How to avoid it:

  • Always take the break—even if you feel okay. It’s your only chance to recharge without the clock running.

  • Use the break to stretch, breathe, hydrate, and mentally reset. The second half of the exam is where most people slow down.

4. Flagging Too Many Questions

What happens: You flag nearly every question you feel unsure about, promising yourself you’ll come back later. You finish with only 10 minutes left and 25 flagged questions to recheck, which is impossible.

How to avoid it:

  • Set a cap: Try to flag no more than 10–15 questions total.

  • Only flag a question if you’re genuinely torn between two answers and a second look might help.

  • Don’t use flagging as a way to delay decision-making. If you’re unsure, guess confidently, flag it, and move on.

5. Ignoring the Clock Entirely

What happens: You’re focused and steady, but forget to check the clock until you’re on question 100… with less than an hour left. Panic sets in, and pacing goes out the window.

How to avoid it:

  • Do a time check every 30 questions. You should hit:

    • Q30 by ~45 minutes

    • Q60 by ~90 minutes

    • Q85 by ~120 minutes (then break!)

  • If you’re behind, don’t rush. Just tighten up your focus and reduce overthinking. Trust your prep.

Bonus Tip: Practice Like It’s Real

Avoiding these pitfalls on test day is much easier if you’ve already worked through them in practice. That’s why using Agents of Change for your ASWB prep is such a game-changer. Their timed exams simulate the real testing experience—including pacing challenges—so you’re mentally and emotionally ready for the real thing. You’ll learn how to make quick decisions, manage your break, and keep a steady rhythm through all 170 questions.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you’re not just managing your time—you’re preserving your mental clarity, focus, and confidence across the entire exam. And that’s exactly what it takes to pass.

6) FAQs – How to Pace Yourself Through 170 ASWB Exam Questions

Q: What should I do if I’m behind schedule during the ASWB exam?

A: If you find yourself behind schedule—say you’re only at question 60 when you should be nearing question 85—it’s important to stay calm. Panicking will only make it harder to think clearly. The first step is to acknowledge it without judgment. Then, start tightening your pacing from that point forward.

Here’s what helps:

  • Stop overthinking each question. Aim for 60–90 seconds per item.

  • Use educated guessing when you’re truly unsure—there’s no penalty for wrong answers.

  • Avoid revisiting flagged questions until the end, unless you have a strong reason.

Most importantly, don’t let a slow first half sabotage your mindset. Even if you’re behind, many test-takers still finish strong by staying focused and trusting their instincts.

Q: Is it okay to guess on questions I really don’t know?

A: Absolutely. In fact, you should. The ASWB exam doesn’t penalize you for incorrect answers, so leaving a question blank is the only real mistake. If you encounter a question that feels completely unfamiliar or confusing, take your best guess, flag it if you think a second look might help, and move on.

Here’s a smart guessing approach:

  • Eliminate obvious wrong answers first to increase your odds.

  • Trust your gut—your first instinct is often correct, especially if you’ve studied consistently.

  • Practice this skill ahead of time using tools from Agents of Change, which help you get comfortable with decision-making under time pressure.

Remember, your goal isn’t perfection—it’s passing. And sometimes, strategic guessing is part of a passing strategy.

Q: How do I train myself to pace better before test day?

A: Pacing is a skill—and like any skill, it gets better with practice. The most effective way to train is by taking full-length, timed practice exams under realistic conditions. This helps you understand your natural pace, recognize where you tend to slow down, and build the stamina to stay focused for four hours straight.

To pace better, make sure you:

  • Use a timer every time you take a practice test

  • Simulate real test-day conditions, including taking a 10-minute break at question 85

  • Review your timing as part of your score analysis—note where you lost time and why

With Agents of Change, you get access to multiple timed practice exams, complete with study plans and live support to help you build both content knowledge and test-taking endurance. The best part? You get access until you pass—so you can start preparing as early as you want, without wasting your investment.

7) Conclusion

Pacing isn’t just a test-day tactic—it’s a mindset you build throughout your ASWB exam prep. Understanding the structure, doing the math, knowing when to push forward and when to pause, and avoiding common pitfalls are all pieces of the same puzzle. When you walk into that exam room with a clear pacing strategy, you give yourself the space to think clearly, stay calm, and make solid choices—even when the pressure is on.

What makes the difference isn’t just content knowledge; it’s how well you manage your time, attention, and energy across all 170 questions. 

So if you’re serious about passing the ASWB exam—and doing it without feeling overwhelmed—make pacing part of your study plan from day one. Use the tools that reinforce steady progress, not just cramming. Walk into that exam confident, well-prepared, and ready to finish strong. You’ve got this—and with the right strategy, timing is on your side.

► 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 10 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://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/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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