Passing the LCSW Exam

FYI. In order to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in North Carolina, you have to fulfill a variety of requirements. One major requirement is passing the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical Level Exam. 

I failed my test 3 times. The 3rd time I failed, I failed by only 1 point. I. Was. Over. It. But not over it enough to give up.

Background

Being a social worker is naturally who I am. It comes easy. So when I failed my test, I was devastated. I was frustrated. I cried. I wanted to quit for a brief moment. But I knew that failing was not the end. 

Quick Spiritual Story: The 3rd time I tested and failed by one point I was really beginning to question my path. I continued to pray and ask  GOD to for his guidance and direction. I returned to work that Monday still praying, reorganizing some things, getting prepped to re-take the exam. Tuesday I went to work feeling a little better and randomly got a visit from a previous patients' mother. I  had helped her son weeks prior. She came in and told me verbatim..."I just came to say thank you so much for helping me and my son. When I showed up that day I wasn't sure what would happen but I am so glad you were here. Your smile is so contagious and we need more people like you here. I hope you don't plan on leaving anytime soon." I almost broke down into tears. That was truly divine timing and more confirmation for me to continue to do the work and stay focused on my goal: Passing the exam.

There are many things that helped me get through the process. First was having support. Second was having healthy coping skills and a good self care routine. Thirdly was having the tools I needed in order to be successful. Below are tips that were helpful to me before and during the test:

Preparation & Study Tips

Self care. Pray, meditate, ground yourself, go get a massage. The process of preparing, studying and taking this exam can be draining and exhausting. ​So it is important for you to have healthy coping skills and a good self care routine. 

Surround yourself with positive, supportive people. Not everyone needs to know your plans but the more support you have, the better. Your support system should consist of people who you can trust to pray, keep you motivated. Also, if you have friends who are going through this process with you, lean on one another for support, study tips and fun. I am a super private person so I get wanting to keep things like this personal. But going through this process in isolation may not be healthy. 

Choose tools that will help you succeed. There are is so much study material out there. I purchased multiple tools which became overwhelming after a certain point. Knowing your study style makes a huge difference. I used books, flashcards and practice tests. The main and final program I used was helpful because it provided a comprehensive list of topics the test covers, a study timeline, visual and auditory study material, along with practice tests. If you email me (blackwomananonymous@gmail.com) I will share the name of the program.

Create a good study routine. Try to map out study times that fit your schedule. I studied every other day and skipped Fridays and Saturdays. Those were my designated self care and fun days.  I also chose specific time frames to study. I'd spend most of my times studying after work and on Sundays. An hour on one section taking a break, then another hour on the next etc. 

During the Exam

Be mindful of your self talk. Don't allow yourself to get wrapped up in the anxiety and what ifs. Practice affirming your and go in as the expert. 

Beware of possible distractions. There will be other people in the room who will be taking exams. Not all exams will be the one you are taking. People will be coming in and out at various times throughout your test taking time frame. So if someone gets finished quicker than you, that's okay. 

Use the materials the testing center provides. I am not sure of what each center gives specifically. At my center, I received ear plugs, a dry erase board, tissue and a marker. Use them all. Take notes. Plug your ears. Doodle. 

Take a break. I believe you can get up and use the restroom. Find a good stopping place and stand, walk out, stretch, take some deep breaths. 

Read carefully. Read the question in it's totality and all of the answer choices. You won't be able to read out loud but you can move your mouth as if you are. Do that so you don't miss words or add any words that aren't there.

Choose the best answer. First, eliminate the answers you know are not correct. Then, choose the answer that not only makes logical sense, but also the choice that answers the whole question. Not just a part of it. Also pay attention to key words such as, first, last, best etc. If placing yourself in the situation as a clinician works for you do that. Remember this test is examining your basic social work knowledge.

Mark questions you are unsure about. If you reach a question and are not absolutely sure of the answer, choose the one you think it is, mark it, then go back. When you go back, do not change your answer unless you are absolutely sure. Sometimes, other questions trigger answers to previous questions, so it can happen. But again, only change your answer with confidence.

What isn't helpful

Comparing yourself to other social workers. Not everyone has the same learning style. What works for you may not work for another person and vice versa. Don't get caught up in feeling like a failure or feeling like you aren't a good social worker if you do not pass the first time. This test is hard. Testing is hard period for many different reasons. Do the best you can and if becoming licensed is something you truly desire, it can happen. Take a break from the process and return back if you have to. That's okay.

Using the acronyms. It didn't work well for me. Each question is worded different and each scenario will not be handled the same or follow the same flow. The acronyms became a bit confusing and were hard to memorize in addition others other material. Again, do what works for you.

Bonus Tips

Talk to your medical provider. We are not able to eat or drink during the exam unless a doctors note is provided. I noticed that when my blood sugar dropped, my energy level and focus did as well. 

(Hypoglycemia). Because of this and because my provider knew my testing situation, she was able to provide me with a note that allowed me to step out of the room to drink some orange juice and have a snack. I went back in with energy. 

If you fail the exam you technically have to wait 90 days before re-testing. However, if you fail the exam by 5 points or less AND you are at risk of losing employment before your associate license expires, your supervisor can submit a waiver the waive the 90 days. This happened to me. I passed within one week of my license expiring.  Make sure you are aware of all guidelines and rules under your state social work board. You can check the NCSWLB here. 

This process is not an easy one. I wish you all the best of luck on your licensing journey. Do not give up!

Resources

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypoglycemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20373685