Failing the ASWB exam can be very discouraging. After months of studying, the disappointment of not passing can leave you feeling frustrated, defeated, or even questioning your future in Social Work. But here’s the truth—many successful Social Workers have been in your shoes, and a failed attempt does not define your ability to succeed. Instead of seeing this as the end of the road, think of it as a detour. With the right strategy, resources, and mindset, you can turn this setback into a stepping stone toward passing the exam on your next try.
The key to passing after a failed attempt is understanding what went wrong and making intentional changes. Simply repeating the same study methods and hoping for a different outcome isn’t enough. You need a structured approach that identifies your weaknesses, strengthens your understanding of critical concepts, and builds confidence in your test-taking skills. This step-by-step guide will walk you through exactly how to do that—from analyzing your previous performance to choosing effective study tools and developing strategies for success.
One of the most powerful resources available to ASWB exam retakers is Agents of Change, a trusted platform offering comprehensive study materials, practice exams, live study groups, and flashcards tailored to help you pass. By pairing expert guidance with a focused study plan, you’ll be better prepared than ever. Whether this is your second attempt or you’ve faced multiple setbacks, this guide will provide the actionable steps you need to approach your retake with confidence—and finally pass the ASWB exam. Let’s get started!
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) Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Acknowledge and Process Your Emotions
Failing the ASWB exam is frustrating. You’ve put in time, effort, and money—only to fall short. Before jumping into study mode again, take a moment to process your feelings.
Give Yourself Time to Reflect
- It’s normal to feel disappointment, anger, or self-doubt.
- Take a short break (a few days or a week) to clear your mind before you start preparing again.
- Remind yourself that failure is a learning experience, not a final verdict.
Adopt a Growth Mindset
- Instead of seeing this as a failure, view it as an opportunity to refine your knowledge.
- Many successful Social Workers have failed the ASWB exam before passing.
- What matters is your persistence and willingness to adjust.
Step 2: Analyze Your Exam Performance
The best way to improve is to pinpoint where you went wrong. Understanding your weaknesses will help you create a smarter study plan.
Request Your Score Breakdown
- The ASWB provides a breakdown of your exam performance. Review it carefully.
- Identify sections where you scored the lowest—these should be your main study priorities.
Reflect on Your Exam Experience
Ask yourself:
- Did I run out of time?
- Were the questions harder than expected?
- Did anxiety affect my performance?
- Were there specific topics I felt unprepared for?
Use these insights to refine your approach.
Step 3: Adjust Your Study Strategy
If your previous study methods didn’t work, it’s time for a new plan. Simply repeating the same approach won’t guarantee better results.
Choose the Right Study Materials
One of the most common mistakes is relying on outdated or ineffective resources. Agents of Change offers comprehensive ASWB prep courses, practice exams, live study groups, and flashcards to help you tackle the test with confidence.
Prioritize Weak Areas
- If ethics and professional values tripped you up, dedicate more time to these concepts.
- If practice questions felt overwhelming, take more timed practice tests.
- Strengthen your weakest areas while reinforcing your stronger ones.
Use Active Learning Techniques
Instead of passively reading textbooks, try:
- Practice Questions – Simulate real test conditions.
- Flashcards – Reinforce key concepts and definitions.
- Study Groups – Discuss challenging topics with peers.
- Teaching Others – Explaining concepts out loud helps cement your understanding.
Simulate the Exam Environment
- Take timed practice exams to build stamina.
- Avoid distractions—no phone, no interruptions.
- Mimic real testing conditions so you feel comfortable on exam day.
Step 4: Create a Realistic Study Schedule
Consistency is key! A structured study plan will keep you on track without leading to burnout.
Set SMART Goals
Your study goals should be:
- Specific – Focus on certain topics (e.g., “Review DSM-5 disorders this week”).
- Measurable – Aim for a certain number of practice questions each session.
- Achievable – Avoid overloading yourself with unrealistic expectations.
- Relevant – Prioritize areas where you need the most improvement.
- Time-bound – Set deadlines for when you’ll review each subject.
Break It Down Week by Week
- Week 1: Review past exam performance, set up study materials.
- Weeks 2-4: Focus on weak areas, complete targeted practice questions.
- Weeks 5-6: Take full-length practice exams, work on test-taking strategies.
- Final Week: Light review, rest, and mental preparation.
Step 5: Strengthen Test-Taking Strategies
Knowing the content is important, but so is mastering how to approach the exam itself.
Understand the ASWB Question Format
- Most questions involve critical thinking—memorization alone won’t help.
- Learn to eliminate wrong answers quickly.
- Focus on what the question is really asking (some can be tricky!).
Manage Your Time Wisely
- You’ll have four hours for 170 questions—about 1.4 minutes per question.
- If you’re stuck, mark the question and move on. Don’t waste precious time.
Control Exam Anxiety
- Practice breathing techniques to stay calm.
- Trust your preparation—you’ve put in the work!
- Use positive affirmations to boost confidence before the test.
Step 6: Utilize Reliable Study Resources
The right resources make all the difference. Agents of Change is one of the best prep options for Social Workers retaking the ASWB exam.
Why Choose Agents of Change?
✅ Comprehensive study courses designed for ASWB exam takers.
✅ Live study groups for motivation and peer support.
✅ Practice exams to simulate real test conditions.
✅ Flashcards & study guides for efficient learning.
🔗 Check out Agents of Change here!
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) Common Mistakes to Avoid When Retaking the ASWB Exam
Retaking the ASWB exam requires more than just studying harder—you need to study smarter. Many test-takers fall into the same traps when preparing for a retake, which can lead to repeating past mistakes.
By recognizing these pitfalls early, you can adjust your approach and significantly improve your chances of passing. Below are some of the most common mistakes to avoid when preparing for your ASWB retake.
1. Relying on the Same Study Methods That Didn’t Work Before
If your previous study techniques didn’t lead to success, repeating them won’t magically change the outcome. Instead of simply reviewing the same materials the same way, reevaluate your study plan and make strategic adjustments.
Better Approach:
✔ Identify what worked and what didn’t in your previous attempt.
✔ Use active learning techniques like practice exams, teaching concepts to others, and applying real-world scenarios.
✔ Consider structured prep courses, like Agents of Change, which provide expert guidance and interactive study tools.
2. Ignoring Your Weak Areas
Many test-takers focus too much on what they already know, avoiding the topics where they struggled the most. This creates a false sense of readiness and increases the risk of failing again.
How to Fix This:
- Analyze your ASWB score breakdown to determine weak areas.
- Dedicate extra study time to the sections where you scored the lowest.
- Use targeted practice questions to reinforce these challenging topics.
3. Not Taking Enough Practice Exams
One of the biggest mistakes is underestimating the power of practice exams. The ASWB exam is not just about knowledge—it’s about applying that knowledge under timed conditions.
What You Should Do Instead:
✔ Take full-length, timed practice exams to simulate the real test.
✔ Review not just wrong answers, but also correct ones to understand your thought process.
✔ Use Agents of Change‘s high-quality practice tests to get comfortable with the question style.
4. Overloading Yourself with Too Many Study Resources
More isn’t always better. Some test-takers use multiple books, online courses, and flashcards, leading to information overload and confusion.
How to Keep It Simple:
- Stick to 2-3 high-quality resources that align with the ASWB exam format.
- Use a structured study guide to keep your focus sharp.
- Leverage trusted prep programs like Agents of Change for expert-curated study materials.
5. Neglecting Test-Taking Strategies
Memorizing facts won’t be enough to pass the ASWB exam. Many questions require critical thinking and application—meaning you need solid test-taking strategies.
Key Strategies to Practice:
- Learn how to eliminate incorrect answer choices quickly.
- Understand the importance of first, best, and next questions in Social Work scenarios.
- Improve time management by practicing under real exam conditions.
6. Letting Test Anxiety Take Over
Even the most prepared test-takers can struggle if anxiety takes control. If nerves affected your last attempt, you need strategies to stay calm and focused.
Ways to Reduce Anxiety:
✔ Practice breathing exercises and relaxation techniques before and during the exam.
✔ Visualize a successful outcome to build confidence.
✔ Ensure you’re well-rested, hydrated, and mentally prepared before test day.
7. Cramming Instead of Sticking to a Study Schedule
Last-minute cramming does more harm than good. Instead of fully absorbing the material, cramming leads to stress, exhaustion, and forgetfulness.
A Smarter Approach:
- Follow a 6-8 week study plan with consistent, structured sessions.
- Focus on quality over quantity—it’s better to have deep understanding than surface-level memorization.
- Give yourself at least a day of rest before the exam to avoid burnout.
Final Thoughts
The key to passing the ASWB exam on your next attempt isn’t just studying harder—it’s studying smarter. Avoiding these common mistakes will help you approach your retake with a clearer strategy, improved confidence, and better test-taking skills.
One of the best ways to ensure success is by using high-quality study resources like Agents of Change, which offers comprehensive ASWB prep courses, live study groups, practice exams, and flashcards tailored to help you pass.
Take this opportunity to refine your study plan, learn from your past mistakes, and walk into your next ASWB exam fully prepared! 🚀
3) How to Stay Motivated and Confident After Failing
Failing the ASWB exam can shake your confidence and make it difficult to stay motivated for a retake. It’s natural to feel discouraged, but dwelling on failure won’t help you move forward. Instead, focus on building resilience, maintaining motivation, and reinforcing your confidence so you can return to your studies with a positive mindset. Here’s how you can stay on track and approach your next attempt with renewed energy.
1. Reframe Failure as a Learning Experience
The way you interpret failure has a huge impact on how you bounce back. Instead of seeing it as a final defeat, view it as a temporary challenge and an opportunity to improve.
Shift Your Mindset:
- Remember that many successful Social Workers failed the ASWB exam before passing.
- Think of your first attempt as a trial run—now you know what to expect!
- Focus on what you’ve learned rather than what went wrong.
When you see failure as a stepping stone rather than an obstacle, motivation becomes easier to sustain.
2. Set Clear and Attainable Goals
Without clear goals, studying can feel overwhelming and unstructured. Break your study plan into small, achievable milestones so you can track progress and stay motivated.
How to Set Study Goals:
✔ Set weekly objectives, such as reviewing a specific topic or completing a practice exam.
✔ Track your progress in a study journal or planner.
✔ Celebrate small wins—each completed study session brings you closer to passing!
Example Goal Breakdown:
- Week 1: Analyze past performance and set up a new study plan.
- Week 2-4: Focus on weak areas and complete targeted practice questions.
- Week 5-6: Take full-length timed practice exams and fine-tune test-taking strategies.
- Final Week: Light review, relaxation, and confidence-building exercises.
3. Surround Yourself with Supportive People
You don’t have to go through this journey alone! Connecting with fellow test-takers, mentors, and supportive friends or family members can help keep you motivated.
Ways to Build a Support System:
- Join online study groups or forums where others share their experiences.
- Participate in live study groups like those offered by Agents of Change for encouragement and guidance.
- Lean on family and friends who can provide emotional support and motivation.
Sometimes, just knowing you’re not alone in this process can make all the difference.
4. Visualize Your Success
Your mindset is one of the biggest factors in your success. If you constantly doubt yourself, it becomes harder to stay motivated. Instead, use visualization techniques to build confidence.
Try This:
- Close your eyes and imagine yourself walking into the exam room feeling calm and prepared.
- Picture seeing a passing score and the sense of accomplishment that follows.
- Write a letter to yourself as if you’ve already passed—remind yourself why you started this journey!
Positive visualization boosts confidence and reinforces your belief that you can pass.
5. Take Care of Your Mental and Physical Well-Being
Burnout and stress can derail even the best study plans. Taking care of your mind and body is just as important as studying the material.
Self-Care Tips for Motivation:
- Prioritize sleep – A well-rested brain retains information better.
- Exercise regularly – Even a short walk can improve focus and reduce stress.
- Eat brain-boosting foods – Include protein, healthy fats, and hydration in your daily routine.
- Schedule relaxation time – Read, meditate, or engage in hobbies to recharge.
Your brain needs balance—pushing too hard without breaks can lead to frustration and decreased motivation.
6. Stay Consistent, Even When You Don’t Feel Motivated
There will be days when you don’t feel like studying. That’s normal. What matters is that you stay committed even when motivation dips.
How to Stay on Track:
✔ Stick to a study routine – even 30 minutes a day is better than nothing.
✔ Use a study accountability partner to check in on progress.
✔ Remind yourself of your long-term goal—becoming a licensed Social Worker!
Motivation comes and goes, but discipline and consistency will carry you through.
7. Trust Your Preparation and Believe in Yourself
By the time you sit for the ASWB exam again, you’ll have gained more knowledge, better strategies, and stronger test-taking skills. Instead of focusing on fear, focus on your progress.
Positive Affirmations to Build Confidence:
- “I have prepared well, and I am ready to succeed.”
- “I am capable, knowledgeable, and determined to pass.”
- “I learn from my mistakes and use them to grow stronger.”
The right mindset, paired with an effective study plan, will ensure you walk into your retake feeling motivated and confident.
Final Thoughts
Failing the ASWB exam doesn’t mean you’re not meant to be a Social Worker—it just means you need a better strategy and mindset. By reframing failure, setting achievable goals, leaning on support systems, and taking care of yourself, you can stay motivated and regain confidence for your next attempt.
Remember, the right resources can make all the difference. Agents of Change offers live study groups, expert-led courses, and practice exams designed to help you pass with confidence. Don’t let one setback define you—your success is waiting! 🚀