There’s a lot to learn for the ASWB exam—but it’s helpfully broken into manageable sections. One of the most foundational? Human Growth and Development. This section touches on the core of what it means to be human—and how that understanding supports social work practice.

The good news: you probably know more than you think. This isn’t about memorizing everything—it’s about getting grounded in key concepts and building test-day confidence.

What to Expect in This Section

The Human Growth and Development section spans a wide range of material:

  • Theories of human development across the lifespan

  • Emotional, spiritual, and sexual development

  • The impact of disability and trauma

  • Parenting styles and attachment

  • Defense mechanisms and self-image

  • Socialization and identity

  • The influence of culture, environment, and diversity

Take a few minutes to review the full content outline at ASWB.org. Even scanning the list can help spark recognition and show you what’s ahead.

Study What You Already Know

Don’t start from scratch. Dust off your MSW textbooks or lecture notes—if you’ve got them—and start reviewing. This section is content-heavy, but you’ve likely learned much of it before. Now it’s just about refreshing your memory.

Even if grad school feels like a distant memory, the same study strategies still work:

  • Flash cards

  • Study groups

  • Annotated outlines

  • Teaching the material aloud

Think of yourself as a student again—just temporarily.

Practice, Review, Repeat

Realistic practice questions are your best friend here. They’ll help you:

  • Get used to ASWB exam phrasing

  • Identify knowledge gaps

  • Learn how to eliminate wrong answers under pressure

With SWTP practice tests, you can focus your review by topic. If Human Growth and Development is a challenge, zero in on it and improve quickly. (You may even find this section easier than expected.)

Keep the Big Picture in Mind

Yes, it’s a lot. But the ASWB exam is designed for entry-level competence, not perfection.

Keep reminding yourself:

  • Why this license matters

  • How far you’ve already come

  • That you're not expected to know everything—just enough to practice ethically and effectively

Take breaks. Celebrate small wins. Trust your preparation.

You've got this. Let’s get you licensed. Dig in with SWTP's full-length practice exams to keep moving forward.




April 13, 2023
Categories :
  knowledge  
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