Agents of Change ASWB exam prep has helped 100,000+ social workers pass, with video and audio lessons, hundreds of practice questions, and live study groups. Start with 10 free practice questions.
Preparing for the ASWB exam can be a daunting task. The exam covers a wide range of Social Work knowledge and asks you to apply it in realistic scenarios, and many test takers feel overwhelmed by how much there is to master.
Peer review is a powerful tool that’s often overlooked. In a peer review session, members of a study group explain concepts, work through practice questions together, and give each other feedback. It builds understanding, sharpens critical thinking, and makes studying less isolating. This guide covers why peer review works, how to set up and structure sessions, and how to handle common challenges.
Learn more about the ASWB exam and create a personalized ASWB study plan with Agents of Change. We’ve helped more than 100,000 Social Workers pass their ASWB exams and want to help you next!
Quick answer: using peer review in ASWB study sessions
- Why it works: explaining concepts and debating answers deepens understanding and reveals gaps.
- Group size: 3 to 6 members who come prepared.
- Structure: a clear agenda, rotating roles (topic leader, question leader, timekeeper), and practice questions every session.
- Focus on rationales: explain why the best answer is best and why the others aren’t.
- Protect exam security: never share actual ASWB exam or official practice test questions.
Jump to: Why Peer Review Works · Setting Up Sessions · Structuring Sessions · Common Challenges · Practice Questions · FAQs
1) Why Peer Review Works
| Benefit | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Deeper understanding | Explaining a concept to others is one of the most effective ways to learn it, and it quickly shows you what you don’t know yet. |
| Critical thinking | Peers challenge your assumptions and push you to defend your reasoning, which is exactly what ASWB vignettes require. |
| Different perspectives | Members bring different experiences and strengths, so you see more ways to approach a question. |
| Practical application | Case discussions and role plays help you apply theory to realistic situations. |
| Less stress | A supportive group makes studying feel less isolating and keeps everyone accountable. |
| Confidence | Presenting topics and getting positive feedback builds confidence in your knowledge. |
Agents of Change packages include video and audio lessons, hundreds of practice questions, a personalized study plan, and 2 live study groups each month so you’ll be ready for test day!
2) Setting Up Effective Peer Review Sessions
Find the Right People
Reach out to classmates, colleagues pursuing licensure, and online communities like our free ASWB Facebook group. Agents of Change packages also include 2 live study groups each month, where you can meet other test takers.
Keep the Group Small and Varied
Aim for 3 to 6 members so everyone can participate, and look for a mix of experiences and strengths.
Set Ground Rules
- Respect every member’s input
- Keep feedback constructive
- Start and end on time
- Come prepared with your assigned topic or questions
- Never share actual ASWB exam questions or questions from the official ASWB practice test, which are confidential
Choose Your Tools
Use a video meeting platform with screen sharing for virtual sessions, a shared document for notes and agendas, and a group chat for questions between meetings.
3) Structuring Your Peer Review Sessions
| Part of the Session | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Set goals | Agree on the topic and the number of practice questions before the session. |
| Assign roles | Rotate a topic leader, a question leader who brings practice questions, a timekeeper, and a note-taker. |
| Present | The topic leader summarizes key points in 10 to 15 minutes. |
| Practice questions | Answer questions independently, then compare answers and explain your reasoning. |
| Review rationales | Discuss why the best answer is best and why the others are weaker. Resolve disagreements by going back to the question stem. |
| Wrap up | Summarize key takeaways and assign topics for next time. |
Where to find practice questions: use questions from your prep program, such as Agents of Change’s practice questions and full-length practice exams, our free practice questions, or questions your group writes together. Our six-step ASWB answer strategy gives everyone a shared approach for explaining their reasoning.
4) Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
| Challenge | Strategies |
|---|---|
| Scheduling conflicts | Use a scheduling poll, agree on a regular time (like every Wednesday at 6 PM), and use a shared document or chat for members who can’t attend. |
| Different skill levels | Pair less experienced members with more knowledgeable ones, rotate roles, and invite questions from everyone. |
| Going off track | Use an agenda, a timekeeper, and a “parking lot” list for off-topic ideas. |
| Unequal participation | Use turn-taking, invite quieter members directly, and check in about how the group is working. |
| Conflict | Set ground rules early, listen actively, and return to the shared goal of passing the exam. |
| Low motivation | Celebrate milestones, vary activities (quizzes, role plays, case discussions), and set clear goals. |
| Inconsistent preparation | Assign topics in advance, use accountability partners, and keep a shared folder of resources. |
| Burnout | Keep a balanced schedule, include short stress-relief breaks, and allow flexible participation. |
5) Practice Questions to Try as a Group
Answer each one on your own first, then compare your reasoning:
Question 1: A Social Worker facilitating a group notices that two members frequently interrupt each other and the discussion becomes tense. What should the Social Worker do FIRST?
A) End the session early
B) Acknowledge the tension and revisit the group’s agreements about communication
C) Ask both members to leave the group
Correct Answer: B) Acknowledge the tension and revisit the group’s agreements about communication
Rationale: Addressing the dynamic directly and returning to group norms supports a safe, productive group. Ending the session or removing members doesn’t address the issue.
Question 2: During a session, a client gives a vague answer about recent drug use. What is the BEST response?
A) Move on to avoid making the client uncomfortable
B) Gently ask follow-up questions to clarify the client’s use
C) Confront the client about being dishonest
Correct Answer: B) Gently ask follow-up questions to clarify the client’s use
Rationale: Clarifying in a nonjudgmental way gathers the information needed for assessment. Confrontation can damage rapport, and moving on leaves gaps.
Question 3: A Social Worker supervising a new employee notices that the employee’s case notes are frequently late. What should the supervisor do FIRST?
A) Report the employee to human resources
B) Discuss the issue with the employee and explore what’s getting in the way
C) Complete the notes for the employee
Correct Answer: B) Discuss the issue with the employee and explore what’s getting in the way
Rationale: Supervision starts with understanding the problem and supporting the employee. Escalation may follow if the issue isn’t resolved.
6) FAQs: Peer Review and ASWB Studying
What if my peers and I have different study styles?
That can be a strength. Rotate formats such as discussion, written summaries, flashcards and quizzes, and visual aids, so each session works for different learners.
How often should we meet?
Weekly works well for many groups, and every two weeks can work for busy schedules. Consider meeting more often as your exam dates approach.
What if a group member isn’t contributing equally?
Talk openly with the group, set clear expectations, offer support if someone is struggling, and rotate roles so everyone has a turn to lead.
7) Conclusion
Peer review turns studying into active learning. With a small, committed group, a clear structure, and a focus on rationales, you’ll deepen your understanding, sharpen your judgment, and feel more supported on the way to test day. Pair it with a personalized study plan and full-length practice exams for well-rounded preparation.
► Learn more about the Agents of Change course here: https://agentsofchangeprep.com
About the Instructor, Dr. Meagan Mitchell: Meagan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been providing individualized and group test prep for the ASWB for over 11 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
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.
