The 4th time around

[Bridget Unger]

I am going to take the test for the 4th time on Monday. I have received scores of 72, 74, and 73. I am taking the LCSW exam and am in the state of IN. Any hints? I have taken four prep courses, studied since March and have also done the ASWB test online. I have also prepared using the socialworkexam online. Please pray for me!!

[Mary Kathleen Cullison]

I was advised by my supervisor to take a periodic breaks during my study, so that I could be fresh and have the ability to better retain information. I think she may be correct. There comes a point when, Piaget, Kohlberg, Kubler-Ross, Erickson and Freud all begin to run together. Breaks are 24 or 48 hour periods of time when I do not do any study for the exam. Simply, rest, reflect and sort through the information that I have learned. I have also heard that taking a prep course is an excellent way to focus study and re-enforce test taking strategies. This is advice from the two people I know who have actually passed the clinical exam.

[Melissa Gronau]

Bridget how did you score on the ASCB practice exam? also, someone has indicated there are four different LSCSW exams. Clinical, community, and two others? Was your real exam you took more clinically oriented? I sure hope mine is. Isn't that why its called a "clinical exam?" lol

[Melissa Gronau]

Just curious what did you score on the ASWB practice test you took online??? Just curious. I took the practice exam yesterday and got a 77. Only have to have a 70 in the state of kansas to pass. Just wondering how close the practice exam is the actual exam.

[J]

I too didnt know you could appeal. Does anyone know the process for that?

[Arlinda]

I passed the LCSW exam! Praise God. I can finally breathe and go on with my life. This time I focused more on test taking strategies. I studied mainly from Dr. Dziegielewski book, her audio CD, social work dictionary, and took practice tests and sample questions. I found that trying to study from too many different sources to be overwhelming. What helped the most was remembering to: Acknowledge or validate feelings first
Asses before refer
Educate Advocate Facilitate Intervene
I needed to take my time while reading the questions and not read more into it. I think that breaking down the question is the key.

[Lynnette Smith]

Hello Bridget:
I have read your Blogs, I know your frustration and I trully understand the pressures you face. I lost my Job as a Therapist until I could pass the exam. It took me three tries to pass. Please Write me at [e-mail] as an additional support and guidance to you on your Journey to Passing the exam.

[Bridget Unger]

Thank you so much for this information; I actually took her course in 2006 and was not informed of this information.....it may have been that no one asked this question. I will definitely fax my score to her to evaluate for appeaL....................I am not sure of the appeal process either.

[Arlinda]

I will be taking the test in Indiana on June 15 for the second time. I had a score of 72. I feel that my test anxiety get in the way. I am focusing more on studying techniques and sample questions. Did you take Sophia Dziegielewski course? If so, if you fax your paper with your score to her she will take a look at it and can tell if you should appeal or not, she said that if you missed it by 1 point then we should fax it to her.

[Bridget Unger]

Well I took the test and for the fourth time , did not pass!! My score.............74! I am so so so so frustrated. I did the AASWB exam review, I did more auditory review of CDs...even at night while I was sleeping, and took the online practice exam from ASWB for $75.00 more. I am thinking about appealing the ASWB to review my questions. I just don't know what to do now. I only have one more try before I lose my job. My husband is also out of work since June 2008! Any suggestions???????

[Bridget Unger]

Well I am not teaming up with someone this time, but if I have to next time I will. There is something to working with others and listening to their choice of answers and why they chose those answers. I just wish I had done it this time.