Studying for the social work licensing exam can feel overwhelming—so many topics, so little time. That’s why a study plan matters. It keeps you focused, reduces stress, and helps you use your time wisely.
Whether you’ve got six weeks or six months, here’s how to make a study plan that works.
Start by visiting aswb.org and reviewing the outline for your exam level (Bachelors, Masters, or Clinical). This breaks the test into sections like Human Development, Ethics, Practice Evaluation, and more. It’s your map.
Use it to:
Get a sense of what’s covered
Spot areas you already know
Identify topics you’ll need to review
Before you dive into studying, take a full-length practice test. Not to ace it—just to get a baseline. This helps you understand the exam structure and reveals your strengths and weaknesses.
At SWTP, you can see results and review questions by topic. Focus where you've got the most room to grow.
How much time can you realistically study each week? Even 30–60 minutes a day adds up.
Try this:
Choose 2–3 content areas per week
Rotate topics to keep things fresh
Schedule review sessions (not just new content)
Some people like calendar apps, some prefer notebooks. The format doesn’t matter—consistency does.
Mix it up. Use:
Practice questions
Flashcards
Summary sheets
Study groups or tutoring
If one approach isn’t clicking, switch it up. The goal is progress, not perfection.
Check in weekly:
What’s working?
What’s not?
Are you hitting your goals?
It’s okay to shift your plan as you go—especially once you start scoring higher on practice questions.
The exam is passable. You can do this. Make a plan, stick to it, and take it one day at a time. Start with a practice test to see where you stand—and build from there.
Right now, get SWTP's online practice exams at a reduced price. Just $39. Get additional savings when buying more than one exam at a time-- less than $30 per exam!
Keep going till you pass. Extensions are free.
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