I'VE STARTED LOOKING AHEAD to the licensure exam which means I am scouring the Internet for Master's Exam study guides.
I would love to hear how you plan to prepare and, if you'd like to, please share the tools and guides you plan to use. I recently ordered a package from Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), the board that "develops and maintains the social work licensing examinations used across the country and in several Canadian provinces" (http://www.aswb.org/). The association is a source for information on the legal regulation of social work.
I will let you know what I think of it. I have been considering flash cards and other stuff to help me succeed.
It would be great to hear from YOU! If you have already taken the exam, and have any "words of wisdom" or tips for us newbies, please bring it on! Whether you passed or failed, please let us know your thoughts.
~Ms. T. J.
I am still trying to conquer the licensing exam for social work... I did order the study guide from aswb and found it alright not at all what I expected- it gives you tips on how to prepar and study and practice test but I needed more... I did find another book that was a review of the different sections and then a test at the back... it all depends on how you are as far as preparing and reviewing.
ReplyDeleteYou are asking questions that are right up my alley! I graduated in 02 and was recently bemoaning the fact that I did not take the licensure exam after graduation. I was too busy looking for a job for a year after graduating,yes but I will always be sorry that I did not find a way to do it sooner. Nevertheless I must deal with this now and want to share with you the aid I have found the most helpful so far. The website is called "Social work license exam test review". What I like the most is the variety of options one can utilize to help. I found that this was the selling point for me, and those reviewing the site that I read before starting said the same thing. So if on Tuesday flash cards are the way to go, they are there. If it's pretesting it's there. Check it out and see what you think.
ReplyDeleteI am still working towards, so keep me posted on how you do and what you decide. Best wishes,
Saryj
I just got in the mail my approval to take my exam!!!! In SC I can take it during my last semester. SO I now need to schedule it. And study! So this is a perfectly timed post!
ReplyDeletePlease keep us in your loop! And congrats to you, Amy Rose. Exciting stuff.
ReplyDeleteI took the test numerous times. So i have experience with many different studying programs. The best advice i could give anyone is to locate your local NASW chapter and take the class that they offer. I went to one located in NJ - they have an 88% passing rate (88% of the ppl who took this course passed the first time they took the exam!) I took the exam 4 times (i think, lost count!) and it was amazing! GOOD LUCK!
ReplyDeleteI'm about to graduate and I'm looking for which place has the best review materials too. I'll be watching this post. I've heard LEAP is good, but was wondering which is the best.
ReplyDeleteI just took and passed the test on my first attempt two weeks ago! I took a prep class offered by the Pennsylvania NASW chapter and basically used the practice book that they provided to do a bulk of my studying.
ReplyDeleteFinding a study guide that has plenty of practice questions, as well as a full-length practice exam would be helpful. I didn't do the practice exam until the night before I took the actual exam because I didn't want to psych myself out too much. Between the prep class & the practice exam, it worked, and I passed! :)
Good luck!!
CONGRATULATIONS, Ashley!
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for all the helpful information.
~Ms. T. J.
where is the office for nasw located where you took the class.
ReplyDeletethanks
I have not taken the class, yet, and I am guessing you are directing your question to Ashley, who made a comment about taking the test but does not blog on this page. Hopefully she will visit again and see your question.
ReplyDeleteGlad you visited!
~Ms. T. J.
i have registered to take the exam, but i am still confused on how it all really works. Do they send you where you take the exam and dates? Or I have to find a location. How does the process work? I already took the jurisprudence exam and submitted the required forms. Please help :D
ReplyDeleteEllie-
ReplyDeleteIt's a bit of a hurry up and wait situation, isn't it? I, too, have submitted all my paperwork. Try getting on the ASWB website, find your state, and then poke around. In my state, we have to be "approved." I have to admit that I am taking my time right now because I am still regrouping after graduating and starting a new job in rather short order. As soon as I hear from them, I plan to set my goals for studying and taking the exam.
Best to you--
Ms. T. J.
I just took the exam in new york state and passed the first time. Although it is nerve wracking the exam wasn't terrible. I used the AATBS study guides and online practice tests and made my own flash cards for every answer I got wrong in the practice tests. My husband then quizzed me on the flash cards right before we went to bed at night. I also took the ASWB on line pratice exam the night before. Although it costs 75 dollars and you cannot take it until you are actually registered for the exam, it is the best practice exam because it is in the actual format of the real exam and is made up of questions that have been retired from old exams. I would thoroughly recommend it. I took four days off work and crammed right before the exam. I needed 104 out of 150 (although the test is 170 questions only 150 count toward your score) to pass and got 129 correct answers. You have more than enough time to do the test and recheck your answers. It took me about 2 hours to finish. Once you are done they get you to take a quick survey and then they it flashes up on the screen whether you have passed or failed. The proctor will give you a print out of instructions and your actual passing score and the number of questions you had to get right to pass the exam. One word of advice...go with your gut, seriously!!! I have heard of people going back and double guessing their first response to questions and then failing as a result so unless you really know that you answered incorrectly your gut is probably right. Also when answering remember safety first (is always the right answer) as well as anything to do with rapport building or listening to the clients perspective. Hope this helps
ReplyDeleteHi Linda,
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you are hearing positive things about LEAP. I represent LEAP and we do have the highest pass rates in the industry. We stick with our customers and provide excellent service. If you need anymore information, you can find us at www.licensingprep.com.
I have passed LCSW in New York . I used many different study guides, on line free questions and many more. If you have questions, please feel free to email me. I also selling a lot of very practical materials for both LMSW and LCSW. Good luck everybody!! My email is olgamysic@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI just took and passed the exam on my first try this pass Friday. I did not use any study guides. I just had to learn how to break down the questions, and pull the BEST answers.
ReplyDelete<span><span>I would like anyone's (informed) opinion on a BA in Social Work vs a BS in Human Services. I've done as much text research as i can stand right now... Need to figure this out by mid-next week...</span></span>
ReplyDeleteI just passed the LMSW exam this past Saturday. It was my first time taking the exam. I utilized the website www.socialworkexam.com to study. Good Luck!!
ReplyDeleteHey there, I am in my last semester and was wondering what is the name/title of the book you stated "book that was a review of the different sections and then a test at the back"?
ReplyDeleteThanks to all the feed back :)
PLEASE HELP WHAT IS THE BEST ANSEWR WHEN THERE IS A QUESTION THAT ASKS WHAT WOULD THE SOCIAL WORKER DO WHEN THE CLIEN WHO IS MENTALLY ALERT AKS THAT SHE NO LONGER WNTS TO LIVE AND WANTS TO BE SENT TOA HOSPICE. SO THE SW SENT CLEINE TO GET SUPPORT FROM FAMILY MEMBERS OR SEND CLIENT TO HOSPICE.THANKS
ReplyDeleteI am a graduate of Rutgers University School of Social Work 2002. I did not test for my LSW until last year (2012) utilizing the LEAP materials. I loved the fact that there were six CD's which I could listen to daily as I drove. I passed the exam on my first try. I will also utilize LEAP materials when I test for the LCSW.
ReplyDelete