The ASWB exam aims to test your knowledge of key concepts and skills necessary to practice social work effectively. Preparing for the exam can be a stressful and overwhelming experience (as if practicing social work wasn't already stressful and overwhelming enough). To help you succeed, here's some advice on what to do before, on day of, and after the ASWB exam to help you stay relaxed, organized, and confident.
Before the Exam
Study Early and Often: Start studying well in advance of the exam to give yourself plenty of time to review the material. For some people that's several months, others manage preparing in just days or weeks. However long you give yourself, create a study schedule and stick to it, breaking down your study sessions into manageable chunks.
Get Organized: Keep all of your study materials in one place, such as a binder or folder (either IRL or electronic). This will help make it simpler to find the information you need when you need it and allow you to jump into studying mode with ease.
Choose Materials That Work for You: Cater your studying of basic info to your learning style (audio, visual, text). Apply your knowledge--and gain still more knowledge--using high-quality practice tests (like those from SWTP). However you prepare, practice tests are generally a key component of thorough social work licensing exam preparation.
Practice Relaxation Techniques: Find ways to relax and reduce stress, such as meditation, deep breathing, or exercise. These techniques can help you stay calm and focused in the days leading up to the exam.
Exam Time
Get a Good Night's Sleep: Try to get plenty of rest the night before the exam. A well-rested mind is better able to focus and retain information.
Eat a Healthy Breakfast: Eat a nutritious breakfast before the exam to fuel your brain and keep you focused. (Really, if you can, why not aim to sleep and eat well all the time?)
Arrive Early: Plan to arrive at the testing center at least 25 minutes before the exam begins. This will give you time to settle in and reduce stress.
Stay Focused: During the exam, take deep breaths, stretch, and remind yourself that you've studied and prepared for this moment.
After the Exam
Celebrate Your Success: Take time to celebrate your hard work and dedication, regardless of the outcome. Treat yourself to something special, like a nice meal or a fun activity. (If you passed using SWTP, let us help you celebrate--send us a pass-sheet selfie to post!)
Reflect on Your Performance: After the exam, reflect on what went well with your preparation and, if necessary, what you can improve as you for future exams.
Use Feedback: If you have to retake the test, let your results work for you. Take a careful look at topic areas that you struggled with and for your next time through the process, laser focus on those areas. That's where you'll pick up the points needed to pass next time.
The ASWB exam is an important milestone in your social work journey, and it's natural to feel nervous and stressed about it. By doing what you can to stay organized, relaxed, and focused, you can increase your chances of success on exam day. And again, don't forget to celebrate your hard work and dedication once the exam is over! You're a social worker and you deserve celebrating every single day!
Happy studying and good luck on the exam!
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