From the ASWB exam content outline, a simple topic: The principles of active listening and observation. Let's take a look at the info and then at how this topic may appear on the social work licensing exam. Active Listening Active listening is a crucial skills in effective communication generally, and in social work practice in particular. These principles enhance understanding, build rapport, and foster meaningful connections. Here are the key active listening approaches: Give Full Attention: Focus entirely on the speaker, minimizing distractions. Put away electronic devices and maint ..read more

Here's another ASWB exam content outline item worth a look: Factors influencing self-image (e.g., culture, race, religion/spirituality, age, disability, trauma). The e.g. is helpful here because otherwise just about everything is a factor that influences self-image. Let's dig in and then look at how this material may appear on the social work licensing exam. The Factors Self-image, also referred to as self-concept or self-perception, is a multidimensional construct that encompasses various aspects of an individual's identity. A wide variety of factors can significantly influence a person ..read more

Here's a broad and vague item on in the ASWB exam content outline: Symptoms of neurologic and organic disorders. Which disorders? They're not saying. Do they mean all possible organic disorders? Sounds like a medical exam topic, not one for the social work exam. The idea here is most likely to encourage social workers to get some general knowledge about disorders that aren't in the DSM. That way, social workers know when to refer a client to an MD for rule outs. So let's get some knowledge. Will it help on the licensing exam? You never know. Signs Neurologic and organic disorders can manifest ..read more

From the Assessment and Diagnosis section of the ASWB exam outline, an important topic: The indicators of traumatic stress and violence. Let's review. The Signs Traumatic stress and violence can have a profound impact, manifesting in various ways, which can vary depending on the individual and the specific circumstances. But there are common signs associated with traumatic stress and exposure to violence. Experiencing some of these symptoms doesn't necessarily mean someone has undergone trauma (many of these are symptoms of depression and/or anxiety disorders), but a cluster of these sign ..read more

The ASWB is moving exam operations from Pearson to PSI starting at the beginning of 2024. If you've recently signed up to take the exam, you know this already. Some details, from the ASWB announcement: Registrations for testing at PSI test centers are now being accepted. Candidates who register November 1 or later will test at a PSI test center beginning January 2, 2024. Test-takers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the PSI testing platform. No testing appointments will be available between December 16 and December 31. The exam questions and scoring will re ..read more

From the ASWB exam content outline, another topic to explore as you prepare for the social work exam: Basic human needs. What's your first thought on the topic? Probably Maslow. Which is likely how exam item writers will approach the topic. Let's review Maslow, then look at some other ideas about basic human needs, and wrap up with how this material may look on the licensing exam. Maslow Hierarchy of Needs Human needs are the fundamental requirements and conditions necessary for the well-being and survival of individuals. These needs can be categorized in various ways, and one commonly u ..read more

From the Diversity and Discrimination section of the ASWB exam content outline: The impact of transgender and transitioning process on behaviors, attitudes, identity, and relationships. Not sure how they arrived at that wording. It may reflect some of the confusion and heat around the topic. Below, and effort to reduce confusion and heat and help prepare you for questions on the social work licensing exam. Transgender Identity The impact of transitioning of course varies widely--it's a highly personal and unique experience. It's important to recognize that there is no universal transgende ..read more

From the ASWB exam content outline, a door into a whole world of info you might be expected to know: Basic medical terminology. Well, that could mean lots of different things. Here's a long list of medical terms that's likely to cover what they're looking for followed by some exploration of how this material may appear on the licensing exam. Just look them over, see what you know, what you don't; this is not flash card material. Acute: Having a rapid onset and a short duration. Allergy: An abnormal immune response to a substance that is normally harmless. Alzheimer's Disease: Progressive ..read more

Here's a small part of the social work licensing exam that's a big part of social work: biopsychosocial assessments. (In the outline, it's the components of a biopsychosocial assessment.) These will be probably be familiar to you from social work practice, but let's review and, afterwards, look at how the topic may look on the licensing exam. Biopsychosocial Assessments A biopsychosocial assessment is a comprehensive evaluation approach used in various fields to understand people from a holistic perspective. It takes into account the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors t ..read more

Trauma-informed care makes a several appearances on the ASWB exam content outline. It makes good sense to understand the topic before sitting down for the social work licensing exam. Here are some basics followed by what to expect on the exam regarding the topic. Let's go... The Basics Trauma-informed care is an approach to providing healthcare, social services, and education that recognizes and responds to the widespread impact of trauma. The approach is rooted in the understanding that many people have experienced various forms of trauma in their lives, and that these traumatic experiences c ..read more