Getting Started

important information to consider

Exploring practice questions in the ASWB Examination Guidebook and familiarizing yourself with the ASWB’s question-writing style will be helpful in your preparation process. The phrasing or content of a question may lead to confusion. For example, consider the question on page 27 of the Guidebook, where the correct answer is marked as “A” for education, despite the tone of the stem appearing judgmental and lacking empathy. Moreover, the use of “sexual promiscuity” as a criterion for substance use disorder is inaccurate, illustrating that not every question might align with best practices in social work.

The ASWB has noted, “Passing this multiple-choice examination relies on demonstrating knowledge and competence…” (ASWB, 2022, p. 40). Yet, the example highlighted earlier shows that questions may not always mirror the nuances of effective social work practice. As you prepare, it is essential to discern the answers the ASWB expects, understanding that these might not always match your professional social work experiences.

Another example is found in the application sample question on page 50 of the Guidebook. This question may initially seem perplexing, especially when applying real-world social work principles and knowledge. For instance, when faced with a scenario where one partner “begins to cry and expresses fear about dying,” a social worker’s instinct, grounded in practice, would be to first validate the partner’s feelings. Yet, the question is framed to consider the couple as a unit, indicating the importance of understanding how the ASWB constructs its questions and what it considers the correct approach.

This example highlights the challenge of reconciling real-life social work experience with a standardized multiple-choice exam. For instance, knowledge in specific areas, such as discharge planning and working with older adults, might not directly assist in answering such questions. This discrepancy underscores the issues experienced social workers might face when answering exam questions.

As you prepare for the licensing exam, remember it is a national standardized exam. Also, consider what the exam is and isn’t. The exam does not measure your ability to practice effectively; it measures your ability to take a standardized exam.

studying ksa content

I acknowledge it can be overwhelming to review all the KSAs: ASWB Content Outlines. Spend time first studying the KSAs that you are not as familiar with to maximize your studying process.

The first preparation task I recommend is to print the ASWB course outline to rate your familiarity with each KSA.

Ideas:

• Use a scale of 0-5, with 0 not at all familiar to 5 extremely familiar.
• Another idea is to use highlighters to rate each KSA. Color ideas:
  • Green- Familiar content
  • Yellow- Moderately familiar
  • Orange/Pink- Not at all familiar to Somewhat familiar

How you prepare for the exam is unique to your experiences. Similar to the concept of starting where the client is, starting where you are is essential. Things to consider:

• When do you plan to take the exam?
  • Create a study plan based on how much time you have to prepare.

MSW students and recent graduates often have the competencies and KSAs from their education fresh in their minds. Since the exam emphasizes theoretical knowledge over practical experience, taking it soon after completing your MSW program is a useful approach.

Study Tips

While there are diverse learning strategies, engaging in active learning vs. passive learning is recommended—we learn by doing. Incorporate active learning as part of your study plan. The Learning Scientists website provides user-friendly tips for several learning approaches (e.g., elaboration,  retrieval practice, spaced practice).

While we can have learning preferences, our brains do not have learning styles. Use different senses to enhance your learning experiences. Example of using multiple senses:

• When viewing a video, take notes.
• Review notes, and also verbally articulate your understanding.
• Record your notes and listen to the notes when driving to work or at different periods during the day.
• Use graphic organizers to help the brain see patterns.
  • Graphic Organizers
• Play music (calming music) while studying:
  • Ambient study music (free)
  • Deep focus-music for studying, concentration, and work (free)
  • Cafe Music BGM channel (free)
  • Neo Soul instrumental music (free)
  • Classical music for studying and brain power (free)
• Create songs applied to concepts. Using favorite childhood songs or your favorite songs are easy ways to create lyrics using concepts. Music is powerful and impacts our brains. For instance, if an adult learned their ABCs singing the ABC song, most adults can still sing the song. Some commercials use this method as well. For instance, using a song for the phone number.
• Create a visual representation in your mind of a concept or process.
• Create a visual representation in your mind when you have used a concept or process in your professional and/or personal experiences.

Use the Brain’s Reward System

Tap into your brain’s reward system by creating a study plan that allows your brain to be challenged and to see progress.

Ideas:

• Track progress for your understanding of KSAs.
• Create to-do lists for your study plan.
• Jot down questions as you study to give yourself the opportunity to answer questions. A mind of inquiry stimulates the brain.
• Create SMART goals and action steps as part of your study plan. Check off your action steps toto see progress and achievement.
• Reward yourself for completing tasks.

Take Study Breaks

Give your mind study breaks. Sometimes we do not give our brains adequate time to process information, resulting in the information not being encoded by the brain. Taking breaks can help reduce information overload.

Group Study Methods

Some individuals find including group study opportunities a useful part of their study plan. Group members can also hold each other accountable by meeting at certain times to study.

The Environment

Creating an optimal learning environment helps the brain to learn. Reduce distractions while studying, and find a comfortable place to study (e.g., location, lighting, temperature). Engaging in a brief mindfulness activity before studying can help your brain to focus on being present.

Resource: 22 Mindfulness Exercises, Techniques & Activities for Adults

Self-Care and Self-Compassion

Stressors can affect our ability to focus and retain information.

Tips for Self-Care:

• Sleep
• Nutrition
• Exercise
• Hobbies
• Time for self

Resource: Self-Compassion Guided Practice and Exercises

Reference

Association of Social Work Boards. (2024). Examination guidebook. https://www.aswb.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ASWB-Exam-Guidebook.pdf