Misty With LMSW Pass Sheet

The ASWB Masters-level exam may be all that stands between you and an LMSW. The first step to passing the LMSW exam is knowing what to expect. Below, find information about exam content, steps to getting licensed, and some important study guidelines.

What's on the LMSW Exam?

The ASWB Masters exam consists of 122 multiple-choice questions divided into two 61-question sections, with two hours allotted to each section. Of those 122 questions, 12 are unscored pretest questions being evaluated by the ASWB for possible use in future exams. There's no way to know which questions are scored and which aren't, so treat every question like it counts.

The LMSW Exam

The content area weighting for the LMSW exam is as follows:

VALUES AND ETHICS — 35%

ASSESSMENT AND PLANNING — 33%

INTERVENTION AND PRACTICE — 32%

Questions are spread fairly evenly across the three areas. Ethical judgment, assessment, planning, and social work interventions will all feature prominently. Be sure to balance your studying!

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Steps to Getting an LMSW

Different states have different requirements for licensure. Check with your state licensing board for details where you live. Generally:

  • Meet your state's education and other eligibility requirements.

  • Apply with the licensing board for approval.

  • Register with the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) and schedule your exam.

  • Study.

  • Pass!

Passing the LMSW Exam

Not everyone passes the LMSW on the first try. To avoid extra hassle and expense, try to get familiar with the exam content and process through dedicated studying. SWTP offers five full-length practice tests that can help with both.

The LMSW exam is designed to assess the knowledge and judgment expected of social workers entering professional practice. Take care not to overstudy and sink time into learning obscure facts that are unlikely to appear on the exam. Do be sure to have the basics at your fingertips. Knowing the NASW Code of Ethics well, for example, is invaluable.

Staying focused over four hours can be tricky, especially since so many questions on the exam are reading-heavy, often with tension-increasing vignettes featuring clients and social workers in difficult situations. The exam is divided into two 61-question sections, with an optional 10-minute break between them. Once you complete the first section, you can't go back to it. Practicing your pacing, getting used to the two-hour sections, and figuring out whether you'll need a snack or bathroom break can give you a meaningful advantage on exam day.

Many LMSW questions can be narrowed down to two strong answer choices. The key is understanding why one option is slightly stronger, safer, or more aligned with social work values than the other. Targeted practice helps sharpen that judgment.

LMSW Success

Thousands have used SWTP to prepare for and pass the LMSW exam. Here are just a few of the thank-you notes we've received:

"I PASSED THE TEST! I think anyone who has to take the social work test needs to purchase your prep. Great way to learn the information and experience the wording of the test so a person can process the information. Thank you again for a great product!" -- Athena

"I finally passed my LMSW exam today! I used a bunch of different study materials in the past that didn't help much. I sat down and took one of your exams before I took my test. The rationales you give along with the resources to look them up is simply amazing! It actually helps you get a better overall picture! Thanks sooooo much SWTP! I am still speechless!" -- Tameka

"SWTP exams were breathtakingly critical to me successfully passing my LMSW exam." -- Jason

"Thank you for the test preparation. I passed on my first try and couldn't have done it without tons of practice. The information attached with each question helped as well! I'm officially a LMSW!" -- Misty

"SWTP definitely helped me to pass my exam on the first try! SWTP, I'll be back when it's time for my clinical exam." -- Grace

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