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Passing your ASWB exam is a crucial part of beginning your career as a social worker. However, many test-takers don’t realize the amount of preparation it takes to successfully ace the exam until it’s too late. Created by the Association of Social Work Board, the ASWB is the most tried and trusted licensing social work exam in the United States, Canada, and beyond. In other words, if you’re not already preparing for your ASWB exam, you should be.
Social Work Exam Strategies has helped hundreds of social work professionals pass their exams and prepare for a fulfilling career with real-world insight from a licensed clinical social worker who has worked in nearly every aspect of the social work field. That’s why we’ve compiled our top 10 tips for passing your ASWB exam from a team that has been there, done that, and helped others do the same.
Before registering for your social work exam, you should always double-check your state’s guidelines. Depending on where you live, some states may require additional letters of recommendation or proof of hands-on clinical experience before you can be approved to take the exam.
In most cases, participants will qualify for the ASWB exam as long as they have a degree from an accredited social work program and a valid government-issued ID in the state in which they plan to receive licensure.
If you thought getting a degree in social work was enough to pass the ASWB exam, think again. This exam is one of the most comprehensive licensing exams of any professional field, and you can expect to face a range of questions on complex topics in the social work space.
Investing in a high-quality ASWB exam prep program does more than just give you insight into the topics covered in the exam; it also provides you with real-world examples that you can reference long after you’ve received your state license.
At Social Work Exam Strategies, our study guides are tailored by professional social workers specializing in multiple clinical practices, giving unparalleled insight you won’t find in a standard textbook.
Once you’ve been approved for the ASWB exam, you can complete the registration process. Registering for your social work exam can be done online, but you’ll need to have any required documentation, like your college transcripts, ready beforehand.
One benefit of taking the ASWB exam is that the organization strives to create a level playing field for all participants, especially those in need of special accommodations. If you’ve been diagnosed with a mental or physical condition that might impact your ability to take the test, you can apply for any necessary accommodations in advance. This allows you to be fully prepared on test day without having to worry about getting help at the last minute.
The ASWB exam is only administered in person, which is why slots can be somewhat limited. We recommend researching the nearest testing sites in your area so you can start planning the logistics of taking your exam.
Thanks to a surge in demand for social workers and the organization’s robust testing policies, you’ll need to start planning to schedule your test a few months in advance. This gives you plenty of time to finalize in all the details and complete your ASWB exam prep.
Let’s face it: taking a test as important as your social work exam is stressful. Even so, you should plan to get a good night’s sleep before your exam date. The ASWB can last for up to four hours, making it essential to be as clear-headed and refreshed as possible. The more studying you do during your ASWB exam prep, the more relaxed and calm you’ll be the night before your exam.
Along with being well-rested, eating a balanced diet also plays a huge role in your ability to perform at your best. Remember to eat a filling breakfast on the day of your exam and drink plenty of fluids the night before.
Some experts even suggest having sucking on a mint prior to taking a test, as mint has been shown to stimulate memory and boost concentrative in high-stress situations. So, don’t be afraid to pack your favorite breath savers on test day.
When you arrive to take the ASWB exam, you’ll need to provide a copy of your government-issued ID. Whether you choose to use your driver’s license, military ID, or some other form of identification, make sure you have it ready to go to prevent any issues.
Arrive To Your Test At Least 30 Minutes Early
You can expect your ASWB exam to begin promptly within the scheduled time frame. We highly suggest arriving at your test at least 30 minutes early, giving you plenty of time to get through the identification process and get comfortable before your test starts.
As we’ve mentioned, the ASWB exam can last up to four hours and includes more than 170 multiple-choice questions. Even if you finish the exam before your time is up, it’s always a good idea to revisit the questions and double-check your work. Of the 170 questions on the test, only 150 will be chosen randomly for scoring purposes. So, be sure to make every answer count.
At Social Work Exam Strategies, we strive to take the stress out of your ASWB exam prep. Our comprehensive study guides were created by a licensed clinical social worker to give you all the insight you need to pass your social work exam on the first try.
On average, the ASWB exam has a pass rate of around 65%, and participants who choose to prepare ahead of time are exponentially more likely to succeed. Whether you’re taking the test for the first time or revisiting it after a previous attempt, our program was created for you.
To learn more about our ASWB exam preparation materials to kickstart your journey in the social work field, visit our ASWB Journey to licensure page today.
