ASWB Masters exam prep

Pass your ASWB Masters exam

Everything you need to pass the Masters exam in one course: video and audio lessons, practice questions with detailed rationales, and live study groups with Dr. Meagan Mitchell. Fully updated for the new ASWB exam.

From $125 one-time payment Β· access until you pass
Access until you pass 2 live study groups a month iOS & Android apps
Dr. Meagan Mitchell, DSW, LICSW, founder and instructor of Agents of Change
Built for the Masters examLMSW Β· LGSW Β· CMSW Β· CSW Β· LSW
Learn your wayVideo, slides & audio
122-question practice examTimed, with rationales
πŸ† #1 ASWB Test Prep Trustpilot πŸŽ“ Helped 100,000+ social workers pass 🏫 Trusted by 100s of universities & agencies
About the exam

The ASWB Masters exam at a glance

The Masters exam is the same across the United States and Canada, though masters-level license titles vary by state.

What to expect on test day

Questions
122 multiple choice110 scored, 12 unscored pretest
Testing time
4 hoursPlus an optional 10-minute break after question 61
Where you'll test
Pearson VUEComputer-based exam
Exam fee
$230Paid to ASWB at registration
Content areas
  • Values and Ethics 35%
  • Assessment and Planning 33%
  • Intervention and Practice 32%

How to register

Three steps from application to test day.

  1. Apply to your state board Apply for a license with the social work board where you plan to practice.
  2. Register with ASWB Once your board approves you, register and pay for the exam.
  3. Schedule with Pearson VUE Pick your test date and location, then start your study plan.

Need testing accommodations? Request and receive approval before you register with ASWB.

Who takes this exam

MSW graduates applying for a masters-level license, such as an LMSW, LGSW, CMSW, CSW, or LSW.

What it opens up

Direct practice with individual clients in most settings, especially in mental health.

Not sure it's your exam?

Requirements and license titles vary by state. Email us at [email protected].

What's inside

Everything you need to pass the Masters-level ASWB exam

Agents of Change teaches you the content and how to break down a question, spot what it's really asking, and choose the best answer.

Audio + visual lessons

Every topic includes engaging videos and visual slides, plus audio versions in our iOS and Android apps so you can study anywhere.

Masters-level practice

Hundreds of Masters-level practice questions with video walkthroughs and rationales that help you get comfortable with the language of the exam.

Live study groups

Join 2 live, interactive study groups every month led by Dr. Meagan Mitchell, and connect with a community of learners preparing alongside you.

Your Masters-level course, step by step

A proven path for passing your ASWB exam.

See plans
  1. Getting startedGet organized, set your exam date, and build a study rhythm.
  2. Question strategyBreak down questions with the 5 W's and FIRST, NEXT, BEST task words.
  3. Values and EthicsConfidentiality, supervision, dual relationships, legal obligations, and termination.
  4. Assessment and PlanningDiagnosis, development, risk, abuse, addiction, medications, and defense mechanisms.
  5. Intervention and PracticeTherapy approaches, community work, program evaluation, and agency administration.
  6. Practice questions + rationalesQuizzes in every topic, plus a 122-question timed practice exam in Premium.
  7. Live study groupsBring your questions to Meagan twice a month.
  8. Audio reviewReplay every lesson on the go as you get closer to test day.
  9. Test anxiety strategiesBreathwork, guided imagery, and mindfulness for exam day.
Sample Masters-level question

How would you answer this?

Choose an answer, then see why each option is right or wrong.

Intervention and Practice Β· Supervision Click an answer to see the rationale

A social worker at an outpatient counseling agency has been meeting with a client for several weeks. The social worker notices growing feelings of frustration during sessions and realizes the client reminds them of a difficult family member.

What should the social worker do FIRST?

Strategy tip: the 5 W's

Ask who the social worker is, what's happening, where they are, when this is in the helping process, and why the question is asking. Here: an agency social worker, an ongoing client relationship, and a personal reaction to the client, so supervision comes first.

Every Agents of Change question includes an in-depth rationale explaining why the correct choice is best and why the distractors are wrong.

Student stories

Social workers who passed with Agents of Change

Hear it in their words, and on video.

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Learning how to analyze what the ASWB exam is actually asking for was the single most valuable tool in passing my LMSW exam.

KKara S.
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Breaking questions down into bite-sized parts (what type of social worker I am, what setting I'm in, whether this is our first meeting) really helped me slow down and process each question.

LLauren A.
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I loved that the program is set up to teach you how to take this specific exam. Learning how to break down the questions and get through them in a timely manner was exactly what I needed.

LLa'Tonya H.
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I liked how Meagan teaches how to break down questions and use the elimination process. I learned so much with this program, passed my exam, and have recommended it to two of my friends.

PPaola C.
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The practice test and rationales were super helpful. I also liked the tips in the videos. I don't think I'll ever forget “EAt, PIE.”

EEricka J.
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The topics, videos, slides, and practice questions were all spot on with the exam. I felt very prepared.

CClaire W.
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During my exam, I broke down each question just like the videos, and it helped with my critical thinking. Being able to ask questions in the live sessions was very useful too.

AAmber T.
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Being able to listen to the lessons while working out or on the go helped the most, and having access to a practice exam helped me feel more prepared.

AAmiya M.
Dr. Meagan Mitchell smiling
Meet your instructor

Dr. Meagan Mitchell

DSW LICSW MSW MEd RPTβ„’

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and I know firsthand how overwhelming preparing for the licensing exam can feel. I've been helping social workers prepare for the ASWB exam for more than 11 years.

Along with my DSW and MSW, I hold a Master's in Education, so I build every lesson around how people actually learn. You'll hear my voice in every video, audio lesson, and live study group, and I look forward to partnering with you on your path to licensure.

β€” Meagan

Simple pricing

One payment. Access until you pass.

No subscriptions and no time limits. Keep your course, and every update we make to it, until you pass your exam.

Basics

$125

One-time payment Β· access until you pass

  • Videos, visual materials, and audio files
  • Practice questions with rationales in every topic
  • 2 live study groups a month
  • iOS and Android apps
  • Access until you pass
Get Basics
For schools & agencies

Getting a group ready for licensure?

Hundreds of universities and agencies use Agents of Change. Save up to 20% with group pricing, plus kickoff calls and dedicated study groups.

FAQs

Masters exam questions, answered

Is the Agents of Change Masters course updated for the new ASWB exam?

Yes. All of our Masters lessons, practice questions, and practice exams are updated for the latest ASWB exam format.

Is the Masters exam right for me?

The ASWB Masters exam is for social workers with a master's degree in social work who are applying for a masters-level license, such as an LMSW, LGSW, CMSW, CSW, or LSW, depending on the state. A masters-level license is typically required for direct practice with individual clients, especially in mental health settings.

Does my state require the Masters exam?

License titles and requirements vary by state. Check with the social work board in the state where you plan to practice to confirm which exam you need. Still unsure? Email us at [email protected].

How do I register for the Masters exam?

First, apply for a license with the social work board in your state or province. Next, register and pay for the exam with ASWB. Finally, schedule your test date with Pearson VUE.

What's the difference between Basics and Premium?

Basics includes the full Masters course, practice questions with rationales, and live study groups. Premium adds the Masters Power Pack: a 122-question timed practice exam with rationales, bonus topics, case vignettes with video rationales, past study group recordings, downloadable audio, and priority support.

How long will I have access to the Masters course?

You keep access until you pass your ASWB exam, including every update we make along the way.

How much time should I plan to study?

Most students finish the lessons in 4 to 6 weeks at about 10 hours per week, then review the material a second time before exam day. Want a schedule built for you? Try our personalized study plan.

Does Agents of Change guarantee I'll pass?

With Agents of Change, you’ll have access to your study materials until you pass the ASWB exam. A passing score isn’t guaranteed, but your access won’t expire while you’re preparing. You can study at your own pace, revisit key topics, and keep practicing if you need another attempt. We support our students until they pass!

What is your refund policy?

Full refunds are available within 48 hours of purchase if less than 10% of the course is completed. After that, all sales are final.

Build confidence & get licensed

Let's get you licensed

Join the 100,000+ social workers who passed with Agents of Change. Start with 10 free Masters-level questions, or enroll today.