Next up on our ASWB exam outline tour: Methods to establish program objectives and outcomes. With all the clinical material to learn as you're preparing for the exam, it's wise not to ignore mezzo and macro knowledge. It's on the exam outline and will be on the licensing exam.  Methods Establishing program objectives and outcomes in social work involves careful planning and consideration of the needs of the target population, available resources, and the overarching goals of the organization or initiative. Here are some methods to help establish these objectives and outcomes: Needs ..read more

Next up as we jump around in the ASWB exam content outline: Crisis intervention and treatment approaches. This review will be a good overall look at key treatment approaches in social work. Once we've done that, let's look at how crisis intervention questions may look on the licensing exam. What is Crisis Intervention? First, a definition: Crisis intervention is a short-term, immediate, and focused approach aimed at providing timely support and assistance to individuals or groups who are experiencing acute distress or facing overwhelming situations. It involves a series of targeted interv ..read more

The indicators of mental and emotional illness throughout the lifespan is next up in our ASWB exam content outline tour. Let's take it a milestone at a time and then look at how this topic may look on the social work exam. Lifespan Specifics Mental and emotional illnesses can manifest differently across the lifespan, and recognizing the indicators is crucial for early intervention and treatment. Your mileage--or your clients' mileage--may vary. That said, here are some common indicators of mental and emotional illness at different stages of life: Infancy and Early Childhood: Indicators ..read more

When is it time to end treatment? Next up in our tour of the ASWB exam content outline: The indicators of client/client system readiness for termination. Let's dig in and then see how this material may look on the social work licensing exam. Termination There's perhaps more art than science in assessing readiness for termination. Has the client has achieved their goals and are they equipped to navigate their challenges independently or with reduced support? Here are some indicators that suggest a client (or client system) is ready for termination: Achievement of Goals: The client has ac ..read more

Supervision is a two-way street and an important part of good social work practice. Which is undoubtedly how the ASWB arrived at this exam content outline topic: The supervisee's role in supervision (e.g., identifying learning needs, self-assessment, prioritizing, etc.). Let's take a look and then try out a practice question on the topic. Here are some key aspects of the supervisee's role in supervision: Identifying Learning Needs: Actively participate in identifying areas for professional development and learning. Reflect on strengths, weaknesses, and areas of interest or challenge in ..read more

Next up in our foray into the ASWB exam content outline: Group work techniques and approaches (e.g., developing and managing group processes and cohesion). Let's walk through the topic then look at home it might appear on the social work exam. Group Work There's lots to say about running groups. The pictured book about group therapy runs over 800 pages.  Here are some key techniques and approaches commonly used in social work group work: Forming and Structuring Groups: Identify the purpose and goals of the group. Determine the size, composition, and duration of the group. Establis ..read more

Next up as we navigate our way through the ASWB exam content outline: The elements of a case presentation. Let's review then examine how this info may look on the social work exam. Case Presentations Case presentation format and requirements can vary widely from site to site, from meeting to meeting, and from supervisor to supervisor. Here are the key elements commonly included in a case presentation: Client Demographics: Start by providing basic information about the client, such as age, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and any other relevant demographic details. Presenting P ..read more

Our expedition through the ASWB exam outline continues with this: Primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention strategies. Let's take a look at what the terms mean, some examples, and then how this material may appear on the social work licensing exam. Definitions Primary Prevention: Actions taken to prevent the onset of health problems or diseases before they occur by promoting health and wellness, reducing risk factors, and creating supportive environments. Secondary Prevention: Interventions aimed at detecting and intervening early in the progression of health problems or diseases to pr ..read more

The ASWB exam is designed to assess the knowledge and skills necessary for competent, beginner social work practice. Is it hard? Well, yes and no. On one hand, you just need to correctly answer around 70% of the scored questions to pass. On the other hand, according to the latest figures from the ASWB, only 58-72% of test takers passed the exam (depending upon level). A good number of those people were retesting. So, it's not not hard. The difficulty you experience on the exam can vary depending on preparation, familiarity with the content, test-taking skills, and which exam you get ..read more

Eventually we'll run out of ASWB exam content outline topics to examine here. But for now, we've got plenty to go. Next up: Methods to engage and work with involuntary clients/client systems. Let's dive in then look at how the topic may appear on the social work licensing exam. Working with Involuntary Clients Engaging and working with involuntary clients (or client systems) is challenging but comes up all the time (some examples later). Here are some methods to effectively engage and work with them: Respect Autonomy: Even though the client may be involuntary, it's important to respect t ..read more