ASWB License Exam Prep and Study

Introduction and Welcome!

Here is where I'm writing notes as I prepare and study for the ASWB license exam. I'm studying on my own for the exam, and looking for resources, so I guess you are, too! This page is offered to the public for free, in hopes of aiding my fellow graduates of social work schools in studying for the ASWB license exam.

This site will always be a work-in-progress; it is by no means perfect, nor am I -- thank goodness! Good luck to you all! Please leave me comments if you find this site helpful. Also let me know if there's anything you'd like to see covered that's not here already.

NOTE: A lot of the information I've posted is from Wikipedia, which provides reliably factual social work study materials. I remember a time when professors warned that Wikipedia was not appropriate for use in scholarly writing because its information was unreliable and lacked citations. That is no longer the case (if it ever was true), as Wikipedia has progressively become a resource work that contains only verifiable references for all contents. Please join Wikipedia's Social Work Wiki Project to help expand the amount of available information about social work in the web's free encyclopedia!

The Application and Exam Process

First of all, I would like to mention that it took quite a bit of time just to apply for the social work license. I started in July 2012 and am still waiting for approval and permission to take the exam as of September 2012.

I had to fill out the 3-page application as well as include payment for the application process, order my graduate transcripts from my alma mater to send to the state board, have fingerprints taken, fill out the authorization forms to run a criminal background check (CORI), buy a money order to have it sent to the state police to run it, and finally take and include a passport photo of myself. I got a letter acknowledging receipt of the application and saying that they are waiting on the state police to send my criminal records.

The next step in the process is for the board of social work examiners to decide whether to approve my application; they meet only once every six weeks. The board will then send me permission to register for the exam. I will need to register with ASWB, pay for and schedule the exam, which I guess will take a week or two, at least. I will know immediately after the exam whether I passed or not, but I will need to wait for the scores to be sent to the state office, which will then send me notice that I passed and can be licensed. I will then pay the fee to be licensed and later get my license verification (and certificate). In Louisiana, I will be licensed as an LMSW (Licensed Master of Social Work). At that point, I will start my job search in earnest as a credentialed practitioner.
I started this process in July 2012 and expect to be employed by November 2012.

Needless to say, it has taken much longer than I anticipated. You may choose to do things in a different order than I did -- as far as getting a job without being licensed -- but, at any rate, it's wise to be prepared for a lengthy process of your own.

Site Organization

1. Focus Areas of the License Exam

I. HUMAN DEVELOPMENT, DIVERSITY, AND BEHAVIOR IN THE ENVIRONMENT 28%

A.THEORIES AND MODELS

• Developmental theories, Systems theories, Psychodynamic theories
• Family theories
• Group theories
• Behavioral, cognitive, and learning theories
• Community development theories
• Person in environment
• Addiction theories and concepts
• Communication theories
• Defense mechanisms
• Normal and abnormal behavior
• Indicators of normal physical growth and development
• Adult development
• Effects of life crises
• Impact of stress, trauma, and violence
• Emotional development
• Sexual development
• Aging processes
• Family life cycle
• Family dynamics and functioning
• Cognitive development
• Social development
• Child development
• Basic human needs
• Adolescent development
• Human genetics
• Gender roles
• Impact of environment on individuals
• Impact of physical, mental, and cognitive disabilities on human development
• Interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors
• Effects of family dynamics on individuals
• Dynamics of grief and loss
• Impact of economic changes on client systems
• Effects of body image on self and relationships
• Cultural, racial, and ethnic identity development
• Strengths perspective

B.ABUSE AND NEGLECT

• Abuse and neglect concepts
• Indicators and dynamics of sexual abuse
• Indicators and dynamics of psychological abuse and neglect
• Indicators and dynamics of physical abuse and neglect
* Characteristics of abuse perpetrators
• Indicators and dynamics of exploitation

C. DIVERSITY, SOCIAL/ECONOMIC JUSTICE, AND OPPRESSION

• Influence of culture, race, and/or ethnicity on behaviors and attitudes
• Influence ofsexual orientation and/or gender identity on behavior and attitudes
• Influence of disability on behaviors and attitudes
• Effects of differencesin values
• Impact of cultural heritage on self-image
• Impact ofspirituality and/or religious beliefs on behaviors and attitudes
• Effects of discrimination
• Systemic (institutionalized) discrimination
• Professional commitment to promoting justice
• Impact ofsocial institutions on society
• Impact of diversity in styles of communicating
• Influence of age on behaviors and attitudes

II. ASSESSMENT AND INTERVENTION PLANNING 24%

A. BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL HISTORY AND COLLATERAL DATA

Psychopharmacology
• Components of a biopsychosocial history
• Components of a sexual history
• Common prescription medications
• Components of a family history
• Basic medical terminology
• Symptoms of mental and emotional illness
• Symptoms of neurologic and organic processes
• Indicators ofsexual dysfunction
• Indicators of psychosocialstress
• Indicators of traumatic stress and violence
• Indicators ofsubstance abuse and other addiction

B. USE OF ASSESSMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES

• Use of collateralsourcesto obtain relevant information
• Methods used to evaluate collateral information
• Process used in problem identification
• Methods used to assessthe client’s communication skills
• Use of observation
• Methods of involving clientsin identifying problems
• Indicators of client’sstrengths and challenges
• Use of assessment/diagnostic instrumentsin practice
• Methods used to organize information
• Current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual diagnostic framework and criteria
• Components and function of the mentalstatus examination
• Process ofsocial work assessment/diagnosis
• Methods used in assessing ego strengths
• Methods used to assess community strengths and challenges
Methods used in risk assessment

• Indicators of client danger to self and others
• Indicators of motivation and resistance
• Methods used to identify service needs of clients
• Use of interviewing techniques
• Process of assessing the client’s needed level of care

C.INTERVENTION PLANNING

• Factors used in determining the client’s readiness/ability to participate in services
• Criteria used in selecting intervention modalities
• Components of an intervention or service plan
• Human development considerations in the creation of an intervention plan
• Methods used to develop an intervention plan
• Techniques used to establish measurable intervention or service plans
• Methods used to involve clients in intervention planning
• Methods for planning interventions with groups
• Methods for planning interventions with organizations and communities
• Cultural considerations in the creation of an intervention plan

III. DIRECT AND INDIRECT PRACTICE 21%

A.DIRECT/MICRO

• Client advocacy
• Empowerment process
• Methods used in working with involuntary clients
• Psychosocial approach
• Components of the problem-solving process
• Crisis intervention approach
• Task centered practice
• Short-term interventions
• Methods used to provide educational services to clients
• Methods of conflict resolution
• Use of case management
• Techniques used to evaluate a client’s progress
• Use of contracting and goal-setting with client systems
• Use of timing in intervention
• Phases of intervention
• Indicators of client readiness for termination
• Techniques used for follow-up in social work practice
• Use of active listening skills
• Techniques used to motivate clients
• Techniques used to teach skills to clients
• Use and effects of out-of-home placement
• Methods used to develop behavioral objectives
• Client self-monitoring techniques
• Technique of role play

• Assertiveness training

• Role modeling techniques
• Limit setting
• Methods used to develop learning objectives with clients
• Models of intervention with families
• Couples intervention/treatment approaches
• Interventions with groups
• Techniques for working with individuals within the group context
• Use of expertise from other disciplines
• Approaches used in consultation
• Processes of interdisciplinary collaboration
• Methods used to coordinate services among service providers
• Multidisciplinary team approach
• Case recording and record-keeping
• Methods used to facilitate communication
• Verbal and nonverbal communication techniques
• Techniques that explore underlying meanings of communication
• Methods used to obtain/provide feedback
• Methods used to interpret and communicate policies and procedures
• Methods used to clarify the benefits and limitations of resources with clients
• Use of case recording for practice evaluation or supervision
• Use of single-subject designs in practice
• Evaluation of practice
• Interpreting and applying research findings to practice
• Process used to refer clients for services
• Use of cognitive behavioral techniques
• Culturally competent social work practice

B.INDIRECT/MACRO

• Applying concepts of organizational theories

• Impact of social welfare legislation on social work practice

• Methods used to establish service networks or community resources

• Techniques for mobilizing community participation

• Techniques of social planning methods

• Techniques of social policy analysis

• Techniques to influence social policy

• Techniques of working with large groups

• Use of networking

• Approaches to culturally competent practice with organizations and communities

• Advocacy with communities and organizations

• Impact of agency policy and function on service delivery

IV. PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS, VALUES, AND ETHICS 27%

A.PROFESSIONAL VALUES AND ETHICAL ISSUES
• Professional values and ethics
• Client self-determination
• Intrinsic worth and value of the individual
• Client’s right to refuse service
• Ethical issues regarding termination
• Bioethical issues
• Identification and resolution of ethical dilemmas
• Applying ethics to practice issues
• Responsibility to seek supervision
• Use of professional development to improve practice
• Professional boundaries

B.CONFIDENTIALITY
• Legal and ethical issues regarding confidentiality, including electronic communication
• Use of client records
• Ethical and legal issues regarding mandatory reporting
• Obtaining informed consent

C.SOCIAL WORKER ROLES AND RELATIONSHIPS

• Social worker-client relationship patterns

• Concept of empathy

• Process of engagement in social work practice

• Concept of a helping relationship

• Principles of relationship building

• Professional objectivity in the social worker-client relationship

• Concepts of transference and countertransference

• Use of the social worker-client relationship as an intervention tool

• Social worker-client relationships in work with communities and organizations

• Social worker-client relationships in work with small groups

• Methods used to clarify roles of the social worker

• Social worker’s roles in the problem-solving process

• Client’s roles in the problem-solving process

• Influence of the social worker’s values on the social worker-client relationship

• Dual relationships

• Influence of cultural diversity on the social worker-client relationship

Advanced Generalist Social Work Practice Area	Percentage of the Exam
Direct and Indirect Practice (Micro and Macro)	22%
Human Development & Behavior in the Social Environment	18%
Professional Values and Ethics	11%
Assessment and Diagnosis (Treatment Planning)	11%
Service Delivery	9%
Supervision, Administration, and Policy	8%
Diversity and Cultural Competency	7%
Communication	7%
Professional and Therapeutic Relationships	5%
Research and Evaluation	2%