The ASWB exam consists of 170 multiple choice questions taken over four hours. Mastering the art of analyzing and answering multiple choice questions is crucial for success. To that end, here are some effective strategies to help you tackle ASWB multiple-choice questions with confidence and increase your chances of achieving a passing score.

  • Read questions carefully. Don’t lose points by assuming you know a question’s contents. The ASWB exam is partially a reading comprehension test. What’s being asked? What content area is the question from? Pay close attention to keywords, such as “next,” “most,” or “best.” 
  • Predict the answer. Before looking at the answer choices, try to predict the correct answer based on your understanding of the question. This can help you eliminate obviously incorrect options and guide you towards the most appropriate choice.
  • Review all the answer choices. Carefully evaluate each answer choice before making a selection. Be aware of distractors, which are options that may seem plausible but are ultimately incorrect. Pay attention to subtle differences between choices to avoid falling into the trap of selecting the first seemingly correct option.
  • Use the process of elimination. If you are unsure of the correct answer, use the process of elimination to narrow down your choices. Start by eliminating obviously incorrect options. Even if you are uncertain about the remaining choices, your chances of guessing the correct answer improve with fewer options to consider.
  • Consider all relevant information. Be cautious of answer choices that seem partially correct but do not address all aspects of the question. Consider the full context and all relevant information provided in the stem before making a final selection. Don't rush through the question; take your time to ensure a thoughtful analysis.
  • Be mindful of superlatives and qualifiers. Watch out for answer choices that contain superlatives like "always," "never," or qualifiers like "usually," "often," or "sometimes." These words can significantly impact the accuracy of an answer. Evaluate the options based on their level of certainty and appropriateness.
  • Manage your time effectively. Time management is crucial during the ASWB exam. If you encounter a particularly challenging question, don't get stuck on it for too long. Take your best guess, mark the question for review, and move on to ensure you have enough time to address all questions. Return to the marked questions later, if time allows.
  • Practice, practice, practice. Familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions typically asked in the ASWB exam by practicing with mock exams. This will help you become more comfortable with the question structure and refine your analytical skills.

With dedicated practice and a strategic approach, you can enhance your performance and prepare yourself for success on the social work licensing exam.

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Happy studying and good luck!


June 19, 2023
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