Blog | SWTP

Nov

20

The use of client/client system records

November 20, 2024 | knowledge | practice

Another day, another ASWB exam content outline item. This time, the use of client/client system records. Let's dig in and then try out a practice question on the topic. This repeats material we've covered already--but we're being thorough.

knowledge | practice

Nov

18

Legal and/or ethical issues related to the practice of social work

November 18, 2024 | ethics | knowledge | practice

This ASWB exam content outline item is a lot: Legal and/or ethical issues related to the practice of social work, including responsibility to clients/client systems, colleagues, the profession, and society. All those words, and so unspecific.

ethics | knowledge | practice

Nov

15

The phases of intervention and treatment

November 15, 2024 | knowledge | practice

Trekking through the ASWB exam content outline, we arrive here: The phases of intervention and treatment. Let's poke around in the material some, then try out a practice question on the topic.

knowledge | practice

Nov

13

Risk assessment methods

November 13, 2024 | knowledge | practice

Risk assessment methods is our next ASWB exam content outline item. Let's read up and then try a practice question on the topic.

knowledge | practice

Nov

11

Parenting skills and capacities

November 11, 2024 | knowledge | practice

Today's ASWB exam content outline item: Parenting skills and capacities. Parenting skills echo social work skills in a lot of ways (and vice versa). Let's take a look, then run a practice question based upon the material.

knowledge | practice

Nov

08

Indicators and dynamics of abuse and neglect throughout the lifespan

November 8, 2024 | knowledge | practice

Next up in our ASWB exam content outline tour: Indicators and dynamics of abuse and neglect throughout the lifespan. Let's look at the content and then at a practice exam question.

knowledge | practice

Nov

06

Social and economic justice

November 6, 2024 | knowledge | practice

Next stop in our ASWB exam content outline journey: Social and economic justice. Let's take a look and then run a practice question.

knowledge | practice

Nov

03

The dynamics of diversity in the social worker-client/client system relationship

November 3, 2024 | knowledge | practice

Now we arrive at this ASWB exam content outline item: The dynamics of diversity in the social worker-client/client system relationship. Let's explore and then run a quick practice question on the topic.

knowledge | practice

Oct

30

The impact of immigration, refugee, or undocumented status on service delivery

October 30, 2024 | knowledge | practice

Next up on our ASWB exam content tour, a timely topic ripped from the headlines: The impact of immigration, refugee, or undocumented status on service delivery.

knowledge | practice

Oct

28

Methods to assess the client’s/client system’s communication skills

October 28, 2024 | knowledge | practice

Our ASWB exam content outline tour continues with this: Methods to assess the client’s/client system’s communication skills. Let's take a look at the material and then try a practice question.

knowledge | practice

Oct

23

Community organizing and social planning methods

October 23, 2024 | knowledge | practice

Here's an ASWB exam content outline topic that seems to have been source of more and more questions on the exam itself: Community organizing and social planning methods. Let's dig in and then try a practice question on the topic.

knowledge | practice

Oct

21

The factors and processes used in problem formulation

October 21, 2024 | knowledge | practice

Our hop through the ASWB exam content outline now comes here: The factors and processes used in problem formulation. Let's take a look. In social work, problem formulation is a critical first step in understanding and addressing client issues.

knowledge | practice

Oct

16

The indicators of the client’s/client system’s strengths and challenges

October 16, 2024 | knowledge | practice

The ASWB exam content outline keeps on going and so do we. Next up: The indicators of the client’s/client system’s strengths and challenges. Let's take a look and then run a practice question on the material.

knowledge | practice

Oct

14

Consultation approaches

October 14, 2024 | knowledge | practice

Strolling through the ASWB exam content outline, we now pause at this: Consultation approaches (e.g. referrals to specialists). Let's look at the material and then try out a practice question on the topic.

knowledge | practice

Oct

09

Methods to teach coping and other self-care skills

October 9, 2024 | knowledge | practice

Our journey through the ASWB exam content outline now brings us to this: Methods to teach coping and other self-care skills to clients/client systems. As ever, let's walk through the material and then try a free practice question on the topic.

knowledge | practice

Oct

04

The components of a safe and positive work environment

October 4, 2024 | knowledge | practice

Here's another ASWB exam content outline you might easily skip over while preparing for the licensing exam: The components of a safe and positive work environment. Let's not skip. Let's dig in and finish off with a practice question.

knowledge | practice

Oct

02

Legal and ethical issues regarding confidentiality

October 2, 2024 | knowledge | practice

Here's a crucial ASWB exam content outline for your review: Legal and/or ethical issues regarding confidentiality, including electronic information security. Let's review and then try out a practice question on the topic.

knowledge | practice

Sep

30

Task-centered approaches

September 30, 2024 | knowledge | practice

ASWB exam content outline tour next stop: Task-centered approaches. Get ready to answer ASWB exam questions on the topic by reading on! Task-centered approaches are a highly practical and time-

knowledge | practice

Sep

02

Social Work and Labor

September 2, 2024 | knowledge | practice

For Labor Day, here's a post dedicated to labor and social work, finishing with a a free social work exam practice question on the topic.

knowledge | practice

Aug

07

The effects of addiction and substance abuse

August 7, 2024 | knowledge | practice

As we continue steaming through the ASWB exam content outline, we arrive here: The effects of addiction and substance abuse on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

knowledge | practice

Jul

26

Biopsychosocial responses to illness and disability

July 26, 2024 | knowledge | practice

As we continue our hike through the ASWB exam content outline, we arrive at this: Biopsychosocial responses to illness and disability.

knowledge | practice

May

26

Legal and/or ethical issues regarding termination

May 26, 2024 | knowledge | ethics | practice

Next stop on our ASWB exam content outline tour: Legal and/or ethical issues regarding termination. Let's look at the topic and try out a practice question afterwards.

knowledge | ethics | practice

May

08

Partializing techniques

May 8, 2024 | knowledge | practice

Here's another ASWB exam content outline item to brush up on: Partializing techniques. Partializing is the process of breaking down complex problems or situations into smaller, more manageable components.

knowledge | practice

Apr

12

Crisis intervention and treatment approaches

April 12, 2024 | knowledge | theory | practice

Next up as we jump around in the ASWB exam content outline: Crisis intervention and treatment approaches. This review will be a good overall look at key treatment approaches in social work.

knowledge | theory | practice

Apr

08

The indicators of client/client system readiness for termination

April 8, 2024 | knowledge | practice

When is it time to end treatment? Next up in our tour of the ASWB exam content outline: The indicators of client/client system readiness for termination. Let's dig in and then see how this material may look on the social work licensing exam.

knowledge | practice

Apr

05

The supervisee's role in supervision

April 5, 2024 | knowledge | practice

Supervision is a two-way street and an important part of good social work practice. Which is undoubtedly how the ASWB arrived at this exam content outline topic: The supervisee's role in supervision (e.g., identifying learning needs, self-

knowledge | practice

Feb

26

Techniques used to evaluate a client's/client system's progress

February 26, 2024 | knowledge | practice

The ASWB exam content outline tour we're doing continues with this topic: Techniques used to evaluate a client's/client system's progress. Simply put, the topic is, "How do I know how a client is doing?

knowledge | practice

Feb

19

Role modeling techniques

February 19, 2024 | knowledge | practice

Next up in our tour of the ASWB exam outline: Role modeling techniques. Read up to get prepared for the social work licensing exam. Stick around for the free practice question at the end of the post!

knowledge | practice

Feb

07

Methods to assess organizational functioning (e.g., agency assessments)

February 7, 2024 | knowledge | practice

Agency and community questions seem to have grabbed a greater portion of social work licensing exam questions than they once claimed. The ASWB exam content outline has had those topics all along.

knowledge | practice

Jan

24

The principles and features of objective and subjective data

January 24, 2024 | knowledge | practice

The ASWB exam content outline keeps on going, and we keep on digging in. This time: The principles and features of objective and subjective data. This one's pretty straightforward.

knowledge | practice

Oct

26

Professional objectivity in the social worker-client/client-system relationship

October 26, 2023 | knowledge | practice

The ASWB exam includes this item under Professional Development and Use of Self: Professional objectivity in the social worker-client/client-system relationship. The licensing exam will very likely touch on this, so let's explore. A free, ASWB exam-

knowledge | practice

Oct

23

Interdisciplinary Collaboration and the Social Work Exam

October 23, 2023 | knowledge | practice

Interdisciplinary collaboration is one of those vague ASWB exam content outline items that it's tempting to ignore. But let's take a look. What do you need to know? And how might this look on the social work licensing exam?

knowledge | practice

Oct

17

Theories of Conflict and the Social Work Exam

October 17, 2023 | theory | knowledge | practice

Here's another item from the ASWB exam content outline worth of look: theories of conflict. It's in the HBSE section of a social work exam--

theory | knowledge | practice

Oct

13

The impact of stress, trauma, and violence

October 13, 2023 | knowledge | practice

Here's an ASWB content outline item worth a look: The impact of stress, trauma, and violence. Let's explore. A practice question is at the end of the post. The impact of stress, trauma, and violence on individuals can be profound and multifaceted.

knowledge | practice

Oct

11

PTSD Criteria with a Social Work Exam Practice Question

October 11, 2023 | dsm | practice

To be diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) using DSM-

dsm | practice

Oct

07

Feminist Theory and the Social Work Exam

October 7, 2023 | theory | knowledge | practice

Another item on the ASWB's exam outline: feminist theory. Let's review to get you ready to handle any feminist theory questions that come up on the social work licensing exam. We'll finish with a free practice question.

theory | knowledge | practice

Sep

28

Social Work Exam Knowledge: The Impact of Caregiving on Families

September 28, 2023 | knowledge | practice

Another item from the HBSE section of the ASWB exam content outline: The impact of caregiving on families. Let's brush up on the topic. A free ASWB-exam style practice question follows.

knowledge | practice

Sep

26

The effect of aging on biopsychosocial functioning

September 26, 2023 | knowledge | practice

Continuing through the ASWB content exam outline, here's a simple seeming item: The effect of aging on biopsychosocial functioning. Just by living and knowing people--friends, family--you have a handle on much of this material.

knowledge | practice

Sep

19

Theories of racial, ethnic, and cultural development throughout the lifespan

September 19, 2023 | knowledge | practice | theory

Here's a item straight from the ASWB content outline: Theories of racial, ethnic, and cultural development throughout the lifespan. You may know them well; they may be entirely new to you.

knowledge | practice | theory

Sep

11

Theories of Spiritual Development and the Social Work Exam

September 11, 2023 | knowledge | practice

Right near the top of all levels of the ASWB's content outline is a simple-seeming item: Theories of spiritual development throughout the lifespan. But there aren't a ton of well-known theories of spiritual development.

knowledge | practice

Sep

08

Anxiety Disorders and the Social Work Exam

September 8, 2023 | dsm | practice

A client reports experiencing recurrent, sudden episodes of intense fear, sweating, and a sense of impending doom. These episodes are often accompanied by feelings of unreality or detachment from the self.

dsm | practice

Sep

06

Confidentiality and the Social Work Exam

September 6, 2023 | ethics | practice

A client struggling with substance abuse issues has shared sensitive information during a counseling session including illegal activities related to their substance use.

ethics | practice

Sep

01

The Mental Status Exam

September 1, 2023 | knowledge | practice

You may not have used the Mental Status Exam (MSE) as a social worker. You may not have encountered much about it at school. But there's lots on it worth knowing as you prepare for the ASWB (and a social work career). Here are some of the essentials.

knowledge | practice

Aug

31

ASWB Practice Questions Speed Run

August 31, 2023 | video | practice

Need a jolt in your ASWB exam practice? Check out our new series of short videos, each containing a complete (fast) question, (speedy) answer, and (quick) explanation. We’re posting them semi-regularly on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.

video | practice

Aug

28

Depressive Disorders and the Social Work Exam

August 28, 2023 | DSM | practice

A social worker is conducting an initial assessment with a 35-year-old client who reports experiencing a persistently low mood, loss of interest in hobbies, and feelings of guilt and worthlessness...

DSM | practice

Aug

21

Psychotic Disorders and the Social Work Exam

August 21, 2023 | DSM | practice

Imagine an ASWB exam question like this: A social worker meets with a client who reports hearing voices and occasionally seeing shadows… In other words, a client with psychotic symptoms. The question asks for the best diagnosis. How do you answer?

DSM | practice

Aug

17

Understanding Personality Disorders

August 17, 2023 | knowledge | practice

Personality disorders are characterized by enduring patterns of inner experience and behavior that deviate significantly from cultural norms, causing distress or impairment in functioning.

knowledge | practice

Aug

14

Substance Intoxication vs. Withdrawal

August 14, 2023 | knowledge | practice

Substance withdrawal and substance intoxication both come up regularly in social work practice. Don’t be surprised to find them on the ASWB exam! Here's a breakdown of each term, followed by some substance-by-

knowledge | practice

Aug

10

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

August 10, 2023 | theory | knowledge | practice

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is a psychological theory proposed by Abraham Maslow in the 1940s. The theory suggests that individuals have a hierarchy of needs that must be fulfilled to realize one's full potential.

theory | knowledge | practice

Aug

07

A Freud Primer

August 7, 2023 | theory | knowledge | practice

Sigmund Freud (1856–1939) was the founder of psychoanalysis. His groundbreaking work delved into the unconscious mind, proposing that it influences human behavior and emotions.

theory | knowledge | practice

Aug

04

Theories of Couples Development

August 4, 2023 | knowledge | theory | practice

A couple has recently started dating and is in the early stages of their relationship. They have just begun to share more personal information with each other, and their interactions are becoming more frequent and intimate.

knowledge | theory | practice

Aug

03

Understanding Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development

August 3, 2023 | knowledge | theory | practice

Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development was developed in the 1950s and 1960s, outlining the stages individuals progress through in their moral reasoning from childhood to adulthood.

knowledge | theory | practice

Aug

03

The Family Life Cycle and the Social Work Exam

August 3, 2023 | knowledge | practice

Various models and theories have been proposed to describe the stages of the family life cycle. While some models follow a linear progression, others consider more dynamic and diverse family structures.

knowledge | practice

Jul

27

Erik Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development

July 27, 2023 | knowledge | practice

Erik Erikson (1902-1994) was a prominent German-American psychologist and psychoanalyst known for his theory on psychosocial development.

knowledge | practice

Jul

03

Macro Practice and the ASWB Exam

July 3, 2023 | practice | knowledge

Preparing for the ASWB exam, it's easy to get caught up the small details of micro practice (eg, "How many weeks of depression before it can be considered a Major Depressive Episode?"). But don’t sleep on macro practice.

practice | knowledge

Jun

16

Demystifying the ASWB Exam

June 16, 2023 | aswb | tips and tricks | practice

The journey to becoming a licensed social worker involves successfully navigating the ASWB exam. It can be difficult to gather the basic information needed to understand what you’re in for when you sign up to take the test.

aswb | tips and tricks | practice

May

04

Free ASWB Exam Practice

May 4, 2023 | aswb | practice

Between the ASWB exam fees and prep program fees, the cost of getting licensed can be overwhelming. Happily, there are lots of free resources on the web to help you get ready to pass the social work licensing exam.

aswb | practice

Apr

17

Free Social Work Exam Practice Question: Suicidal Ideation

April 17, 2023 | practice

Here's a free practice question to help you get ready to pass the social work licensing exam. Read carefully (as always!).

practice

Apr

10

Social Work Ethics and the Licensing Exam

April 10, 2023 | practice | ethics

If you were to (for some strange reason) study only one topic to prepare for the ASWB exams, it would have to be social work ethics. Understanding the NASW Code of Ethics is essential to passing the exam. Every exam will include ethics questions.

practice | ethics

Mar

07

Free Practice Question: Elder Abuse Reporting

March 7, 2023 | practice

Another free (free? yes, free!) practice question to help get your ready to pass the ASWB exam. Create an account at SWTP to get our (also free!) study guide and get started on full-length practice tests.

practice

Mar

02

Free Practice Question: Trauma-Informed Care

March 2, 2023 | practice

Here's a free practice question to help you get ready to pass the ASWB exam. (Find much more on trauma-informed care here.) A social worker is working with a group of adolescents who have experienced trauma. The social worker wants to use a trauma-

practice

Jan

17

Differences Between Bipolar I & II (ASWB Exam Content Spotlight)

January 17, 2023 | DSM | practice

Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings, including periods of high energy and activity (mania) and periods of low energy and activity (depression).

DSM | practice

Jan

10

ASWB Exam Practice--Self-Determination

January 10, 2023 | practice | video

Here's a video walk-through of a question we posted a while back. Learn some content while getting the hang of ways to approach questions. For deeper practice, try our full-length practice tests.

practice | video

Dec

19

Free ASWB Exam Practice Question: How CBT Works

December 19, 2022 | practice

Here's an AI-generated practice question (with some formatting adjustments). Is AI the future of test prep? Will bots be doing CBT with clients? Stay tuned… First, here's that practice question: How can cognitive-

practice

Dec

05

Free Practice Question: CBT Terminology

December 5, 2022 | practice

How do you get to licensure? Practice, practice, practice.

practice

Apr

15

Free Practice Question: DSM-5-TR

April 15, 2022 | practice | DSM

If you've been closely following additions to the DSM that came with the new text revision, you may have an easy time with this free practice question: A client who's wife died a little over a year ago reports "constantly thinking" about her.

practice | DSM

Nov

22

Research Scales and the Social Work Exam

November 22, 2021 | practice

Here's a quick research design practice question: What type of scale is being used in a research question offering two choices, A and B? A. Nominal B. Ordinal C. Interval D. Ratio Did you cover this material in school?

practice

Nov

01

Social Work Exam Practice and the Updated NASW Code of Ethics

November 1, 2021 | ethics | practice

Were you paying attention a couple of posts ago about recent changes made to the NASW Code of Ethics? Let's find out. here's a quick quiz-

ethics | practice

Oct

11

Social Work Exam Question Making–Home-Based Services

October 11, 2021 | practice

Where do social work exam question come from? They come from social workers like you-or maybe like you a few years from now. Exam writers are licensed social workers who, for a fee, agree to help generate new content for the ASWB exam.

practice

Sep

20

Community Organizing and the Social Work Exam

September 20, 2021 | practice | knowledge

Social workers are not permitted to talk about what they encountered on the ASWB exam and we never ask. Which is how it should be. The social work exam changes fairly regularly.

practice | knowledge

Sep

06

Social Work Exam Practice–Client Fired for Missing Work

September 6, 2021 | practice

Here's a holiday-themed free practice question to help get you ready to pass the ASWB exam: A client tells a social worker that he was fired after no-showing for work on Labor Day. He plans to sue his former employer for wrongful termination.

practice

Aug

03

Free Social Work Exam Practice: Vaxxed and Positive

August 3, 2021 | practice

Here's a new, free practice question to help you get ready to pass the ASWB exam. See how you do. A social worker tests positive for COVID-19, though she has been vaccinated and has no symptoms.

practice

Jul

13

Free Social Work Exam Practice Question: Vaccine Hesitancy

July 13, 2021 | practice

Let's look to the headlines again as a source of a free social work exam practice question. The ASWB exam will generally avoid fleeting topical questions, but the underlying issues here are exactly like what you'll encounter on the real exam.

practice

Mar

19

Social Work Exam Content: Self-Determination

March 19, 2021 | ethics | practice

Self-determination shows up multiple times in ASWB exam content outlines. Here's how self-determination appears in the clinical outline's Professional Values and Ethics section: Techniques for protecting and enhancing client/client system self-

ethics | practice

Feb

27

Free Social Work Practice Question: Vaccine Line-Skipping for Sale

February 27, 2021 | practice | ethics

Here's a free social work exam practice question ripped from recent headlines. Most of the ASWB exam will be involve more timeless social work topics. But exam writers are people too.

practice | ethics

Dec

08

Free Social Work Exam Practice: School Social Work

December 8, 2020 | practice

Getting ready to get licensed?

practice

Jun

26

ASWB Exam Practice: Client with COVID

June 26, 2020 | ethics | practice

Here's a timely practice question. A clinic social worker is seeing a client remotely who has recently tested positive for COVID-19 after experiencing respiratory symptoms, which are ongoing.

ethics | practice

Jun

22

Social Work Exam Practice: Family Systems

June 22, 2020 | practice

Some free social work licensing exam practice: A family meets with a social worker following a teenage daughter's breakup with her boyfriend. The mother states that she really liked the boy and has felt very depressed since the breakup.

practice

May

26

ASWB Practice Question: Parent Attitudes and Child Substance Use

May 26, 2020 | practice

A mother tells a social worker she knows her teenager will experiment with drugs at some point because "all kids try marijuana." How is this mother's attitude likely to affect her child's substance use? Okay, stop here.

practice

May

11

Social Work Exam Practice: ASD Treatment

May 11, 2020 | practice

Here's a free practice question to help get you ready for the social work licensing exam: A social worker provides consultation to a local preschool program. There's a four-year-old in the program who's been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

practice

Apr

14

ASWB Exam Practice: Elder Abuse Screening

April 14, 2020 | practice

Here's a question from our free study guide. ("What free study guide?" The one you get when you create an account on SWTP. Sign up and it's yours.

practice

Apr

02

Social Work Exam Practice: Narrowing it Down

April 2, 2020 | practice

Here's another exam question that includes content you may not have encountered during your social work education, practice, or in your preparations for the ASWB exam. That doesn't mean you can't answer it. Common sense and good test-

practice

Mar

30

Social Work Exam Practice: When You Don’t Know the Content

March 30, 2020 | practice

Here's one from the discard pile, an exam question that requires some knowledge of Imago Therapy. Imago Therapy will not be on the exam. Even so, try the practice question and see if you can use your deduction techniques to get the right answer.

practice

Mar

24

ASWB Exam Practice: Family Systems

March 24, 2020 | practice

New, free practice question. A family meets with a social worker following a teenage daughter's breakup with her boyfriend. The mother states that she really liked the boyfriend and has felt very depressed since the breakup.

practice

Mar

19

Free Social Work Exam Question: Encopresis

March 19, 2020 | DSM | practice

A mother and her twleve-year-old son meet with a social worker after the child was referred by his primary care physician, who has diagnosed the boy with encopresis.

DSM | practice

Mar

09

ASWB Exam Practice: Risk Assessment

March 9, 2020 | practice

Here's a free social work exam practice question to keep you sharp: On an initial intake with a community clinic social worker, a client reports that he made a threat to a co-worker and was given a leave of absence from work as a result.

practice

Feb

26

Birth Order and the ASWB Exam

February 26, 2020 | practice

Here's a rejected question from the SWTP archives. Why didn't we include it in a practice exam? It's just not the type of material that generally appears on the social work licensing exam.

practice

Jan

29

Social Work Exam Practice Question: ECT

January 29, 2020 | practice

A severely depressed and suicidal client agrees to several rounds of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

practice

Dec

11

Social Work Exam Practice: Telemedicine

December 11, 2019 | practice

Here's a question from our free study guide. (You receive the study guide when you create an account--no purchase necessary!) It goes something--exactly--like this: A social worker provides services at a rural health care facility.

practice

Dec

02

ASWB Exam Practice: Enraged Client

December 2, 2019 | practice

During a therapy session, a client suddenly becomes enraged. She stands up, slams her fist on the desk, and throws a book across the room, breaking a picture frame. How should the clinician respond FIRST? A. Shout for help. B.

practice

Nov

27

ASWB Exam Practice Question - Subjective Data

November 27, 2019 | practice

A school social worker meets with a parent and child. The child has been refusing to come to school at least one day per week for the past two months. The social worker wants to gather some subjective data about the client's school refusal.

practice

Nov

19

ASWB Exam Practice: Fear of Flying

November 19, 2019 | DSM | practice

You may travelling ahead. First, you have this free ASWB exam practice question about flying phobia: A client seeks therapy to address his phobia about flying.

DSM | practice

Nov

07

ASWB Exam Practice: "The boy makes it clear he doesn't want to talk about the condition..."

November 7, 2019 | DSM | practice

Some more free ASWB exam practice. A mother and her 8-year-old son meet with a social worker after the child was referred by his primary care physician, who diagnosed the boy with encopresis.

DSM | practice

Nov

01

ASWB Exam Practice: "Asked to assess a four-year-old girl who has been having nightmares..."

November 1, 2019 | practice

A clinician has been asked to assess a four-year-old girl who has been having nightmares since a house across the street from hers burned down two months earlier. One of the BEST ways to get information from the client is: A.

practice

Oct

12

Free Practice: “A mother meets with a social worker because she is worried about her 16-year-old son's substance abuse…”

October 12, 2019 | practice

A mother meets with a social worker because she is worried about her 16-year-old son's substance abuse. She reports catching him smoking marijuana several times. He says pot is "not a big deal" and is not interested in seeking help.

practice

Oct

04

Disruptive, Impulse-Control, and Conduct Disorders

October 4, 2019 | knowledge | DSM | practice

Let's take a look at the Disruptive, Impulse-Control, and Conduct Disorders chapter of the DSM. How do you distinguish the diagnosis from one another? This could come in handy on the licensing exam. First, the criteria.

knowledge | DSM | practice

Sep

25

A social worker meets with a man who has a gambling problem...

September 25, 2019 | practice

Here's a free practice question to get you a little more ready to pass the ASWB exam: A social worker meets with a man who has a gambling problem.

practice

Sep

16

ASWB Exam Practice - "You two are really good are arguing."

September 16, 2019 | practice | knowledge

Here's a free practice question to help get you ready to pass the ASWB exam. A couple has been meeting with a social worker for three weeks. They report wanting to work on their marriage.

practice | knowledge

Sep

10

Social Work Exam Practice - New Dx for a Client with MDD

September 10, 2019 | practice | DSM

A client previously diagnosed with major depressive disorder reports that she has recently been experiencing unusual giddiness at work and has been spending more than usual on groceries. She reports sleeping much more than she's used to.

practice | DSM

Aug

26

ASWB Exam Practice – Failure to Thrive

August 26, 2019 | practice

Here's another free ASWB exam practice question. Children may be diagnosed with failure to thrive when: A. Their height is stunted compared to their peers. B. They are underweight compared to their peers. C.

practice

Aug

08

Free ASWB Exam Practice: A 15-year-old boy is court-ordered into therapy...

August 8, 2019 | DSM | practice

Here's a free practice question to help you get ready for the social work licensing exam: A 15-year-old boy is court-

DSM | practice

Jul

08

ASWB Exam Practice - PTSD Symptoms

July 8, 2019 | video | practice | DSM

How well do you know the criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder? This video journey through a DSM practice question will test and strengthen your PTSD symptom knowledge. How best to narrow down to the best answer?

video | practice | DSM

Jul

01

ASWB Exam Practice Question – A Client Suddenly Becomes Enraged…

July 1, 2019 | practice | aswb

Here's a free practice question for the social work licensing exam. See how you do: During a meeting with a social worker, a client suddenly becomes enraged.

practice | aswb

Jun

24

ASWB Exam Practice Walk-Through: Social Worker Psych Ward Burnout

June 24, 2019 | aswb | DSM | practice | video

A new ASWB exam practice question video walk-through. This one's about social worker burnout.

aswb | DSM | practice | video

Jun

17

ASWB Exam Pratice—Erikson’s Stages

June 17, 2019 | practice | knowledge

April 1, 2019 | practice | video | DSM

What's the difference between schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and schizophreniform disorder? When do you diagnose MDD with psychotic features? Here's a walk-through of a practice question from the blog that should help clear some of that up.

practice | video | DSM

Mar

27

Pass Sheet Selfie: Andrea, new LSW

March 27, 2019 | passed the ASWB exam | success stories | LSW | practice

"I am excited to announce the passing of my exam!" Congratulations, Andrea! Andrea's now an LSW in Mississippi. Passing the ASWB exam can open all kinds of doors. New positions, new jobs, new salary.

passed the ASWB exam | success stories | LSW | practice

Mar

26

ASWB Exam Prep Video: Client Records and Confidentiality

March 26, 2019 | video | practice | ethics

Is it okay to talk to a client's previous therapist? What if the client doesn't want you to? Here's a walk-through of a question from the blog addressing that very scenario.

video | practice | ethics

Mar

25

ASWB Exam Question Walk-Through: Colleague Burnout

March 25, 2019 | video | practice | ethics

What to do when a colleague says she hates her clients? This practice question, pulled from an earlier post, gets you to the answer. (Spoiler: knowing the NASW Code of Ethics is a big help!) Here's the Facebook no-longer-live video.

video | practice | ethics

Mar

17

ASWB Exam Prep: Anorexia vs. Bulimia

March 17, 2019 | practice | video

Here's a video walk-through of a question we posted a little while back. (Not all ASWB exam test prep has to involve reading.) In this vignette, an apparent eating disorder. A 17-year-

practice | video

Mar

13

ASWB Exam Prep via Facebook Live

March 13, 2019 | video | practice

Hey look, it's more video! Here's an inaugural Facebook Live exam question walk-through. The first in a series. We'll probably be doing a bunch of these, so if you like A/V studying, follow SWTP on Facebook and YouTube and stay tuned.

video | practice

Mar

11

ASWB Exam Practice via Video

March 11, 2019 | practice | video

For those who want to click once, sit back, and get some ASWB exam practice, here's a video version of some free questions from the site. Includes an (optional) bouncy studying soundtrack. These are the type of tricky, close-

practice | video

Feb

19

What's the difference between schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder?

February 19, 2019 | knowledge | DSM | practice

They sound alike and look alike. They're not the same thing. Here's how to tell the difference between schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. The DSM devotes a chapter to Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders.

knowledge | DSM | practice

Feb

12

What's the Difference Between Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa?

February 12, 2019 | knowledge | DSM | practice

Given the similarities between bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa, binge-eating/purging type, there's room for confusion when making a diagnosis, whether on the ASWB exam or in real life. Let's take a look at what the DSM says about each.

knowledge | DSM | practice

Jan

28

Diagnose This: Gradual Memory Loss and Occasional Confusion

January 28, 2019 | DSM | practice

Here's another free ASWB exam practice question from our old bonus exam. The more practice you get, the better.

DSM | practice

Jan

23

Free ASWB Exam Practice Question: Bipolar Disorder

January 23, 2019 | DSM | practice

Hello ASWB exam preppers. Here's a free question--one that didn't make the cut to be included in our full-length practice, since it's a little too simple and info-based. See how you do. The typical age of onset for bipolar disorder is: A. Mid-40s.B.

DSM | practice

Sep

21

Social Work Exam Question: Psych Ward Social Worker

September 21, 2018 | practice

Here's a quick, free exam-style question. A little practice, outside of our full-length practice tests, to get you ever-more prepared for the licensing exam.

practice

Aug

29

Free Practice Question: Kid Trouble and the Social Work Exam

August 29, 2018 | vignette | DSM | practice

Here's something to help you get prepared to pass the social work licensing exam. It's part of our ongoing, intermittent, free question series. Put yourself in this social worker's shoes and figure out what you would do?

vignette | DSM | practice

Jun

20

Free Practice Question: Cluster B Boss?

June 20, 2018 | DSM | practice

Ready for another practice question? Here's a vignette about an truly awful boss. No reason!

DSM | practice

Jun

08

Free Practice: The Red Carpet and the Social Work Exam

June 8, 2018 | ethics | practice

Seems like a good day for a free practice question. Here's one based upon the updated NASW Code of Ethics. For lots more questions about social work ethics and most everything else you might encounter on the ASWB exam, sign up and choose full-

ethics | practice

Jul

13

Free Social Work Exam Practice (5)

July 13, 2017 | practice

We get it. You're a social worker, not an investment banker. You're not looking to own a yacht. Nor are you looking to spend a bunch of money on your social work licensing exam prep. That's why we keep the prices for our practice tests nice and low.

practice

May

16

Free Practice: Anxiety Disorders

May 16, 2017 | DSM | practice

You've reviewed the anxiety disorders material in the DSM by now. But do you know it? Know it, that is, well enough to correctly answer questions about the material on the social work licensing exam?

DSM | practice

Feb

17

ED and the Social Work Exam

February 17, 2017 | DSM | practice

Let's revisit the DSM for today's free practice question. Flipping randomly into the purple book, just as an exam item writer might, we land on the Sexual Dysfunctions chapter.

DSM | practice

Feb

08

Code of Ethics Review: Dating Colleagues and the Social Work Exam

February 8, 2017 | practice | ethics

We're working our way through the second section of the NASW Code of Ethics, a question at a time. For complete, 170-question exams covering ethics and much, much more, go here and build the exam bundle that best suits your study plan.

practice | ethics

Jan

23

Ethics Review: Colleague Confidentiality vs. Impairment and the Social Work Exam

January 23, 2017 | ethics | practice

Confidentiality is likely to come up again and again as you prepare for the social work licensing exam. Most questions are likely to cover client confidentiality.

ethics | practice

Jan

13

Ethics Review: Respect Toward Colleagues and the Social Work Exam

January 13, 2017 | ethics | practice

Ethics are in the daily spotlight these days. They're never out of daily consideration for practicing social workers. And ethics are even more front-burner for social workers preparing to pass the social work licensing exam.

ethics | practice

Jan

09

Free Practice Question: Client's Previous Treatment Records

January 9, 2017 | practice

From the earliest days of SWTP, here's a question that never got included in an exam. It may have been too easy. We've toyed with it a little--made it a little trickier--and present here as another in our long series of free practice questions.

practice

Nov

21

Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders and the Social Work Exam

November 21, 2016 | DSM | practice

Let's all keep going. Here's another free practice question to help you get prepared to pass the ASWB exam.This time, we're digging into the Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders chapter of the DSM.

DSM | practice

Oct

28

Narcissistic Personality Disorder and the Social Work Exam

October 28, 2016 | DSM | practice

Preparing for the ASWB exam? Here's a free practice question, this one from the Personality Disorders chapter of the DSM. But first, can you define all the personality disorders. Do you know which cluster each belongs in?

DSM | practice

Oct

15

PTSD and the Social Work Exam

October 15, 2016 | practice | DSM

Let's hop to the Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders chapter of the DSM. It's stressful out there, so questions from this chapter may seem especially pertinent.

practice | DSM

Oct

06

Practice Question: Reporting

October 6, 2016 | practice | ethics

Let's return to the NASW Code of Ethics for some practice questions.

practice | ethics

Sep

30

Free Practice Question: Schizoaffective Disorder

September 30, 2016 | practice | DSM

Let's do one more free practice question from the psychotic disorders section of the DSM. We'll forego the usual vignette style of our practice questions. Not all questions on the ASWB exam are vignettes.

practice | DSM

Sep

22

Name That Diagnosis

September 22, 2016 | practice | DSM

More free practice from the Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders section of the DSM. Answer this: A client tells a social worker that her apartment is infested with tiny insects. "They want to change my thoughts," she reports.

practice | DSM

Sep

07

Psychotic Disorders and the Social Work Exam

September 7, 2016 | DSM | practice

Let's look now to the Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders chapter of DSM-5 as a source for some free ASWB-exam-style practice questions.

DSM | practice

Aug

19

Sleep-Wake Disorders and the Social Work Exam

August 19, 2016 | DSM | practice

Another day, another free practice question! This one comes from the Sleep-Wake Disorders chapter of the DSM. What's in that chapter?

DSM | practice

Aug

15

Recurrent Temper Outbursts and the Social Work Exam

August 15, 2016 | practice | DSM

Our series of free practice questions to help you ready yourself for the social work licensing exam continues.

practice | DSM

Jun

20

MDD and the Social Work Exam

June 20, 2016 | practice | DSM

For most social work exam items covering DSM material, you need just a basic understanding of what's what. The big picture. However, for some diagnoses, a little more detailed knowledge may be tested for in exam questions.

practice | DSM

May

17

Name that Anxiety Disorder

May 17, 2016 | DSM | practice

We're coming near the end of anxiety disorders to include in these blog questions. If you've been following along from the start, you may be able to get this one by process of elimination. What's left?

DSM | practice

Apr

29

Agoraphobia and the Social Work Exam

April 29, 2016 | DSM | practice

Here comes another section in the anxiety disorders chapter of DSM-5. It's agoraphobia. (Memorization clue: Agora is Greek for a public open space. Fear of that, more or less.) Agoraphobia is a new dx in DSM-5. Criteria look like this: A.

DSM | practice

Apr

20

Separation Anxiety Disorder and the Social Work Exam

April 20, 2016 | DSM | practice

Let's continue our journey through the DSM-5 anxiety disorders chapter by taking a look at separation anxiety. What's separation anxiety disorder?

DSM | practice

Apr

19

The SWTP DSM Booster is Here!

April 19, 2016 | DSM | materials | practice

We're very excited to announce the arrival of a new SWTP practice test, our DSM Booster. The 56-question, DSM-only exam is a great way to work out your DSM-5 test-prepping muscles.

DSM | materials | practice

Apr

07

Panic Disorder and the Social Work Exam

April 7, 2016 | knowledge | DSM | practice

Your client reports occasional "freak outs" during which she experiences: 1. Palpitations 2. Sweating 3. Trembling 4. Shortness of breath 5. Choking feelings 6. Chest pain 7. Nausea 8. Dizziness 9. Chills 10. Numbness 11. Feelings of unreality 12.

knowledge | DSM | practice

Mar

31

DSM Practice: Anxiety Disorders

March 31, 2016 | DSM | practice

We're overdue for a practice question here on the SWTP blog. Today, let's take a look at the DSM chapter covering anxiety disorders.

DSM | practice

Mar

04

DSM Practice: Depressive Disorders

March 4, 2016 | DSM | practice

Here's a section of the DSM that shows up in social work settings all the time and is just as likely to show up in diagnostic questions on the social work licensing exam: depressive disorders. Here's the complete list from DSM-

DSM | practice

Feb

22

DSM Practice: Paraphilic Disorders

February 22, 2016 | DSM | practice

Another blog post, another free DSM practice question to help get you ready for the social work licensing exam. This one comes from the paraphilic disorders chapter. Do you know one from the other? Here's the complete DSM-

DSM | practice

Feb

05

DSM Practice: Eating Disorders

February 5, 2016 | DSM | practice

Continuing our occasional series of free practice questions based upon the DSM. Here's one that comes from the Feeding and Eating Disorders chapter. There are eight diagnoses included in the chapter (including Unspecified Feeding or Eating Disorder).

DSM | practice

Jan

25

DSM Practice

January 25, 2016 | DSM | practice

As we've said here before, the majority of the DSM questions that show up on the social work licensing exam are likely to be about the diagnoses that most often show up in regular social work practice.

DSM | practice

Jan

13

Delusional Disorder and the Social Work Exam

January 13, 2016 | practice | DSM

We've been reviewing to the NASW Code of Ethics for a while now. Let's look to another book that's just as vital to your preparation for the social work licensing exam: the DSM-5.

practice | DSM

Jan

06

Psychosexual Development and the Social Worker Exam

January 6, 2016 | practice

Let's review some Freud. Take a look here to brush up on Freud's Stages of Psychosexual Development: Wikipedia AllPsych SimplyPsychology Better yet, don't review and answer this social work licensing exam-

practice

Dec

15

Termination of Services and the Social Work Exam

December 15, 2015 | practice | ethics

Last stop in part one of the NASW Code of Ethics is Termination of Services. Its six parts go like this: Social workers... Should terminate when services no longer helpful.

practice | ethics

Dec

10

Privacy and Confidentiality and the Social Work Exam

December 10, 2015 | ethics | practice

Out of order, but welcome anywhere, 1.07, Privacy and Confidentiality. This is a huge part of the NASW Code of Ethics and a huge part of social work practice. Really, the section is gigantic, the biggest in the code (at least in part one).

ethics | practice

Dec

08

Interruption of Services and the Social Work Exam

December 8, 2015 | practice | ethics

Nearing the end of the first part of the NASW Code of Ethics, we get to 1.15, Interruption of Services.

practice | ethics

Dec

07

Clients Who Lack Decision-Making Capacity and the Social Work Exam

December 7, 2015 | ethics | practice

As we near the end of the first part of the NASW Code of Ethics, we arrive at 1.14, Clients Who Lack Decision-Making Capacity. It's a short, single-

ethics | practice

Dec

02

Payment for Services and the Social Work Exam

December 2, 2015 | practice | ethics

Next item in our question-a-section voyage through the NASW Code of Ethics: 1.13, Payment for Services. This is a three-

practice | ethics

Nov

30

Derogatory Language and the Social Work Exam

November 30, 2015 | ethics | practice

Here's what's next in our question-a-section expedition through the wilds of the NASW Code of Ethics: 1.12 Derogatory Language.

ethics | practice

Nov

23

Sexual Harassment and the Social Work Exam

November 23, 2015 | ethics | practice

Next up, a section of the NASW Code of Ethics that's just a concise two sentences, 1.11 Sexual Harassment. In order not make this trickier than if would be if you read the section first, here's a definition-

ethics | practice

Nov

19

Physical Contact and the Social Work Exam

November 19, 2015 | ethics | practice

As we continue working our way through the NASW Code of Ethics, we next come to 1.10 Physical Contact. This is a short one.

ethics | practice

Nov

16

Access to Records and the Social Work Exam

November 16, 2015 | ethics | practice

Next up is 1.08, Access to Records. This is a two-parter. Goes like this: a) Social workers should provide clients access to records unless there are exceptional circumstances where serious misunderstanding or harm to the client is anticipated.

ethics | practice

Nov

12

Conflicts of Interest and the Social Work Exam

November 12, 2015 | practice | ethics

Tiptoeing through the NASW Code of Ethics, we come to 1.06, Conflicts of Interest. This is a big one. It's hard to imagine 170 social work exam questions that don't touch on this section. A lot. The section is in four parts A-

practice | ethics

Nov

11

Cultural Competence, Social Diversity, and the Social Work Exam

November 11, 2015 | practice | ethics

You've caught on perhaps by now that we're working our way through the NASW Code of Ethics with a free question per section. We've made it up to section 1.05, Cultural Awareness and Social Diversity.

practice | ethics

Nov

06

Competence and the Social Work Exam

November 6, 2015 | practice | ethics

Next in our question-a-section journey through the NASW Code of Ethics, 1.04, Competence.

practice | ethics

Nov

05

Informed Consent and the Social Work Exam

November 5, 2015 | practice | ethics

Next in our romp through the NASW Code of Ethics is 1.03, Informed Consent. The section is a long one, a six-parter. It lends itself to questions about a variety of topics--

practice | ethics

Nov

04

Self-Determination and the Social Work Exam

November 4, 2015 | quiz | practice | ethics

Our question-a-section trek through the NASW Code of Ethics continues. All aboard! Next up, 1.02, Self-Determination. The section is quick: Social workers respect and promote the right of clients to self-

quiz | practice | ethics

Sep

19

Code of Ethics Practice Question: Solicitations

September 19, 2014 | ethics | practice

There's no section in the NASW Code of Ethics that you can just shrug off as you're practicing social work and/or preparing for the social work licensing exam. Everything's there for a reason.

ethics | practice

Mar

10

Code of Ethics Spotlight: Sexual Relationships

March 10, 2014 | ethics | practice

Here's a section of the NASW Code of Ethics that doesn't need a lot of rereading and figuring. Can ethical social workers have sexual relationships with clients or former clients? No. It takes the code a while to get this said, in Section 1.

ethics | practice

Aug

13

SWTP Bonus Exam: More Free Social Work Exam Practice

August 13, 2013 | practice

Get access to a free bonus exam by spreading the word about Social Work Test Prep! Here's how: When you post about SWTP on social media, you'll get a free copy of SWTP's Ethics Booster as a thank you.

practice

Apr

09

Social Work Ethics Scenarios

April 9, 2013 | practice | ethics

From Tamitha R. Price, Executive Director of the NASW Missouri chapter (2010), here's a 25-page slide show, Evolving Ethics for Social Work Practice. Check out the two case scenarios beginning on page 15--

practice | ethics

Jul

27

Social Work Career Development

July 27, 2012 | practice

A blog by Dorlee M., MBA, MSW, putting those two degrees to use helping social workers. Here's her collection of exam-related posts, which includes a couple of sets of free practice exams, exam tips, etc.

practice

Oct

30

Social Work Exam Zone

October 30, 2010 | practice

Another site, another 20 free practice questions. To get started with SWTP's practice tests, sign up.

practice

Oct

02

Social Work Exam Prep Quiz

October 2, 2009 | quiz | practice | ethics

Tinkering with ProProfs with a Hepworth, Rooney, and Larsen on my lap, came up with a few questions. May add more. UPDATE: More were added. Get complete social work exam practice tests here.

quiz | practice | ethics

Aug

11

Vignette Exam Practice: Kevin, Question Three

August 11, 2009 | practice | vignette | ethics

A law and ethics question. My answer and explanation are in comments. On the exam (or at least on practice questions I've seen), questions may ask exclusively about law or ethics. Different answers, so heads up.

practice | vignette | ethics

Aug

11

Vignette Exam Practice: Kevin, Question Four

August 11, 2009 | practice | vignette

Last question of the bunch: barriers to treatment.In your first meeting with Kevin, 47, he tells you that he's been "feeling funny" lately, having trouble getting up in the morning, sleeping "too much.

practice | vignette

Aug

11

My First Social Work Exam

August 11, 2009 | practice

For the most-of-

practice

Aug

11

LCSW Exam

August 11, 2009 | practice | vignette

Realistic online practice can help prepare you for the LCSW exam like nothing else. Try Social Work Test Prep's free practice exam to get a sense of our program. Being ready to sit for the real, four-

practice | vignette

Aug

10

Vignette Exam Practice: Kevin, Question Two

August 10, 2009 | practice | vignette

Next question. Worth noting: Groups of answers aren't in any particular order. Your task is to rate each item and choose the answer group that best answers the question.

practice | vignette

Aug

09

Vignette Exam Practice: Question One

August 9, 2009 | practice | vignette

Some test materials for the vignette exam suggest writing questions yourself to get a behind-the-scenes view of the process. So I did. Here's the first of several questions for the following exhibit. Who knows what the test really looks like?--

practice | vignette

Apr

08

Free Online Social Work Practice Exams

April 8, 2009 | practice

If you're new to this site, welcome. Here's a collection of free online social work practice exams collected over time. Running practice tests seems to be everybody's agreed-upon way to best get prepared for the social work licensing exam.

practice

Mar

31

Vignette: It Begins

March 31, 2009 | practice | vignette

One down, one to go. So...getting started. Looks like I'll do AATBS again. Worked for the first and no one's warned me against it. They suggest 60 days to study. I'm going to try to get it done in six weeks.

practice | vignette

Mar

15

Practice Giving

February 7, 2009 | practice

Dr. Hutch over at socialworkexam.com has launched a new earn-scholarship-money-for-someone-while-running-test-questions thing along the lines of that earn-rice-for-hungry-people-while-running-vocabulary-questions thing (Free Rice [No Longer Up]).

practice

Feb

05

Another 10 Practice Questions

February 5, 2009 | materials | practice

Another ten practice questions here. By taking practice tests, you can assess your knowledge and skills in different areas covered by the ASWB exam.

materials | practice

Jan

09

Question: Attachment

January 9, 2009 | practice

According to John Bowlby's Attachment Theory, what are the four types of attachment in children? A) secure, insecure, anxious, and avoidantB) secure, anxious-preoccupied, dismissive-avoidant, and fearful-avoidantC) secure, anxious-

practice

Jan

06

Question: Hamster

January 6, 2009 | practice

Your client is a hamster who reports being unable to tolerate when other people are messier than he is. The hamster reports being a "perfectionist" and getting anxious and angry when things do not go his way.

practice

Jan

02

Practice

January 2, 2009 | materials | practice

Conventional wisdom says that passing the social work licensing exam is equal parts learning the material and learning the exam. Since I haven't heard any unconventional wisdom on this question, I'm going with the chestnut.

materials | practice