Just when you thought your days were already bursting at the seams, you now have to squeeze in study time for your ASWB exam! Finding the time to balance work, personal commitments, and then adding in a hefty helping of exam prep can be a challenge.
Well, hang in there because it’s not mission impossible. Creating time to study for your ASWB exam can seem like looking for a needle in a haystack, but with the right approach and strategies, you can effectively carve out the needed study hours, even with a full-time job or other commitments.
So, let’s get to work and unravel this time puzzle together!
1) Digging Deeper: Understanding the Challenge
The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam is no cakewalk. It’s a comprehensive and rigorous test that demands deep knowledge and understanding of Social Work. The real challenge? Finding the time to study amidst your already busy schedule.
But remember, where there’s a will, there’s a way!
Time, the Elusive Commodity
We’ve all got the same 24 hours, but it seems like some people have figured out how to pull some extra time out of a magician’s hat! So, what’s the secret? Well, it’s all about management. Time management is an essential tool that can help you transform seemingly insufficient hours into of productive study time.
2) Unearthing Extra Hours: The Practical Steps
Taking charge of your time demands more than wishful thinking. It calls for a well-planned and methodical approach. So, how can you find hours to study for your ASWB exam?
Let’s break it down:
1. Conduct a Time Audit
First, let’s determine where your time is currently being used. Do you know how much time you spend on social media, commuting, or in unproductive meetings?
Once you know where your time is going, you can identify the gaps and opportunities for more study time. It might seem like you’re too busy to breathe, but you’d be surprised where a few hidden minutes might be lurking!
2. Prioritize and Organize
Not everything that screams for your attention deserves it. Prioritize your tasks and focus on what’s important. Remember, the squeaky wheel gets the grease, but don’t let minor distractions hijack your schedule.
Use tools like to-do lists, planners, and digital apps to organize your tasks effectively. Learn more in our post The Do’s And Don’ts Of ASWB Exam Preparation
3. Implement Time Blocking
This strategy is like finding a genie in a bottle! Allocate specific blocks of time to specific tasks. By doing so, you’re less likely to be swayed by distractions, and you’ll create a predictable schedule that accommodates your study time.
Whether you use a physical calendar or Google calendar, it doesn’t matter!
4. Maximize Downtime
Turn your downtime into productive study time. Waiting in line, commuting, or even during your lunch break, use flashcards or apps to review or learn something new. Every minute counts!
Make sure to check out our post on How To Use Habit Stacking And Mindfulness To Support Your ASWB Studying
5. Seek Support!
Don’t be a lone ranger. Let your family, friends, and colleagues know about your upcoming exam. Their understanding and support can help you create more time for study.
Learn more about study groups and how they can help you prepare for your exam.
3) FAQs
Q: How much time do I need to prepare for the ASWB exam?
A: Generally, it’s recommended to start studying 2-3 months before your exam. However, the exact time required will vary depending on your current knowledge, understanding of the subject, and the specific ASWB exam you’re preparing for.
Q: Can I study while working full-time?
A: Absolutely! It may require better time management and some sacrifices, but with careful planning, it’s entirely possible. Here’s how Maeve, Agents of Change Community Manager, did it!
Q: What are some effective study techniques for the ASWB exam?
A: Techniques like active recall and spaced repetition can be very useful. Mixing up subjects (interleaving), and practice tests are also effective ways to prepare. Learn more about Agents of Change Practice Tests here
4) Conclusion
Creating time to study for your ASWB exam is not about trying to add more hours to your day—it’s about optimizing the hours you have.
By conducting a time audit, prioritizing your tasks, implementing time blocking, maximizing your downtime, and seeking support, you can effectively find the time you need to prepare.
Remember, it’s not just about finding time, but making the most of it. So, put these strategies to work and watch as you magically unearth those extra hours for your ASWB exam prep.
So, gear up, dive in, and give it your all – you’ve got this (And Agents of Change is here to help)!
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► 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
