Pass the social work licensing exam. Tips and links to help you arrive at exam day relaxed and ready to get licensed.

1. Pass the
Social Work
Licensing Exam

2. You're Not Alone
Use this presentation and the links included
to help you...
● Study thoughtfully
● Manage anxiety
● Arrive prepared
Thousands pass this exam every year.
You're next!

3. Study Thoughtfully
● The content of the social work licensing
exam isn't a mystery. Licensing boards
publish detailed exam outlines that give a
good idea of what you can expect:
ASWB (Most of the US & Canada)
BBS (California only)

4. Essential Knowledge
● Board expectations (see ASWB or BBS
sites)
● NASW Code of Ethics
● DSM Basics
● Theory and Practice Basics

5. NASW Code of Ethics
● Understanding of the NASW Code of Ethics
can help guide your answers on a large
percentage of exam questions. Learn it!
NASW Code of Ethics

6. DSM Basics
● Learn the big diagnoses—not everything.
(Make sure you're studying the right DSM.
DSM-IV-TR will remain on the exam till
2015.) On the web:
DSM @ Wikipedia
DSM @ Behavenet

7. Theory Basics
● Use your MSW textbooks to brush up on
theory and practice essentials. Find
additional information online here and
elsewhere:
Wikipedia Psychology Portal
The Social Work Podcast (see early theory
episodes)

8. Focus on Exam Process
● Don't overstudy content. Learn the process
of taking the exam—4 hours, 170 questions
(200 questions BBS). Take real-time, online
practice exams!
Practice tests @ Social Work Test Prep

9. Manage Anxiety
● Use your social work skills. Take care of
yourself. Challenge automatic negative
thoughts. You can and will pass this exam.
Test anxiety tips

10. Arrive Prepared
● Once you've studied the basics, taken some
practice exams, and are feeling somewhat
confident...you're ready! Try to get some
sleep, arrive early at the test site, and go get
licensed!
Good Luck!

11. Congratulations in advance!