How I prepared

[Manulua]

There are a lot of good study materials on the web. There are some good sites where people made flashcards that they've shared. I also looked up test samples and took a bunch of free online test samples just to get into the practice of taking the test and deducing answers. I also had some study guides that friends gave me. I spent about 1-2 hours each day studying for the exam. This consisted of those online tests, reading, thinking, even formulating test scenarios within my own daily work. I was careful not to overload myself with information because I would start to lose sleep. Based on the things I was studying from all different sources, I made myself a study sheet on the computer which had mnemonic devices and other ways to help remember things. These were written in my own words and in ways I understood them, rather than using screwy psycho-babble jargon for describing simple things. For example:

Regression, Repression, Reaction Formation - Anything with "Re" is unconscious and the persons response is more childhood learned responses to uncomfortable situations.

SSRI meds: CELEXAPROZAC PLZ [pronounced 'please'] - Celexa - Lexapro - Prozac & Paxil, Luvox, Zoloft

ASPIRINS: Assess before action - Start where the client is at - Protect life above all else - Informed consent - Rule out medical conditions - Intoxicated/Influence, do not treat - Non judgmental - Support self determination.

I think the study sheet really helped because as I was rewriting things, I was actually learning them and imprinting it in my brain. The couple of days before the test I made sure I got good rest. The day of the test, I got there early and reviewed my study sheet to commit all my strategies to memory.

Websites that have helped:
http://www.flashcardexchange.com/tag/lcsw
http://www.bbs.ca.gov/pdf/publications/lcsw_exam_studyguide.pdf
http://lcsw.blogspot.com/
http://socialworkpodcasting.com/index.php?cat=LCSW
http://socialworkexam.com/exammail/exchange.html (good practice test site and it's free!)

[Anna]

Thank for taking your time and responding to my email. I was wondering how to start and where to get the free test questions i am really open to any sugestions. What do you think? You noted on your email you made a study sheet how did you start that please give me more insight.
thank you
anna

[Adrilyn Walker-Smith]

I am considering taking the BSW exam and I have been out of SW for 11 yrs. I have read the comments and I have been on- line and I do not want to make an investment that will not benefit me. Please keep in mind, I have not looked at any Social Work info in 10 yrs. I took a couple of sample test and I scored 66% of 100. Does anyone have any suggestions or suggestive study guides..I just want to make the right decisions..I feel like I am going to have to start over....Thx

[Lynnette Smith]

Adrilyn:
I lost my job until I could pass the test. I purchased a practice test program with three books. I failed the test again. I found socialworkexam.com did the practice exams, purchased the program, followed Dr. Linton's Program from start to finish. Dr. Linton keeps it real. The site is designed for all learning styles. I am a more visual and hands on learner. I began to have insight to all the book knowledge and actual life experiences in order to sit and be tested for four hours on what you learn. I passed the test on June 2, 2009.

[monica ianelli]

I am scheduled to take the LSW in a couple of weeks and have never been more stressed out and anxiety filled in all of my llife. I graduated in May,and have been studying for about a month-have 3 weeks left before I take it. Am I really giving myself enough time to study? I'm not working so I'm spending about 3 or more hrs studying a day. (here and there) Any thoughts? (using socialworkexam.com)

[diane king]

I am scheduled to take the LMSW exam in July for the third time. I am really having a difficult time studying for this exam. I purchased the socialworkexam.com and I still failed. The program is a good tool to use I believe I failed for the third time becasue my method of studying is not good. Does anyone have suggestions on study technics. If so please share with me.

[Melissa Gronau]

did you take the practice exam full length on ASWB website. If so, how similar did you find the questions between the practice exam and the real exam? I have been studying with www.socialworkexam.com full length and exam and then took the ASWB clinical full length practice exam and did pretty well and the questions seemed much more straight forward and easier than the www.socialworkexam.com website. What is your experience with the real exam compared to ASWB practice exam?

[Ernestine]

I find that making a list of what areas you have difficulty in is very helpful. Writing key words and as manuala presented on the blog is an excellent idea. I will be using this technique. I am planning on taking the LCSW at the end of September and I am currently studying for the exam now. Anyone has any suggestions of how to keep all this information fresh in my mind?

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