Oh no! I was never a good test taker, I have always had test-taking anxiety, and now I have to pass a standardized exam to become a social worker! There was so much material to study and the pile of books I had from my upcoming study course was overwhelming. I had no idea where to begin, so I waited until I started the study course offered by Adelphi University. The instructor suggested that we take a practice exam to determine what areas we need to concentrate on based on a percentage breakdown of the number of questions answered correctly on each topic. I was freaking out! I only got a 51~~I knew I had a lot of work to do!
The study course ultimately taught me to analyze each question by deciding if it was a situational or factual question. The next steps are to decide who the client is and what the clinician should do in the given scenario. Nearly all questions on the actual Master's level social work licensing exam (in New York) were: what happens FIRST, what happens NEXT, or what is the BEST choice to make (by the clinician). They all had factual information built into the question.
How to pass the social work licensing exam:
Don't over think the questions. They are not meant to trick you, and sometimes the right answer is obvious.
Ask yourself at every question - what is in the best interest of the client? No matter how reasonable other answers are, most questions focus on the client, not their family, doctor, or others needs and wishes.
Take a lot of practice exams. When I was ready to sit for the exam, I noticed a pattern in the questions and I began to understand what type of answer the "test makers" wanted. It is certainly not always what we would do in social work practice!
If it is possible, take as long as you need to prepare for the exam. I studied for nearly 5 months so that I could understand the information enough so that I did not have to memorize all of it. For instance, compare the problem solving model (acknowledge problem, define problem, brainstorm solutions, evaluate options, implement intervention strategies, and evaluate outcome) to program development (problem statement, goal/plan, resources, objectives, decide on program operation - evaluation tools, cost, usefulness of program, implementation, and evaluation). In my opinion, the steps are so similar that if I had a question related to either one, I would know what was involved in the process. I placed each similar topic on an index card and kept them paper clipped together. Of course, there are plenty of instances where memorization is necessary.
While I look for a social worker position, I have created a website to help social work graduates study for the 2011 Social Work Exam.
The website is: [http://www.socialworkexamhelp.com/] Please use
this as a study guide and test exam prep only and understand that it is
not inclusive of all study material needed for the examination(s). This
information can be useful for those studying to obtain a social work
license for the national ASWB exams including the BSW, LMSW, LSW, LCSW,
and the LMHC, LMFT (bachelor, master's, advanced generalists, clinical
social work, case work, family therapy, & mental health counseling).
I have also included a feedback section, so please keep me up-to-date
on your progress. Remember, you can do this - and you deserve it!
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