Test-Taking Tips: Strategies to Conquer the ASWB Exam with Confidence

The  ASWB exams are important steps for aspiring social workers. While the exams aim to assess the competencies of a quality ethical social worker,  effective test-taking strategies are truly imperative to achieving success. Preparation is the key to a successful test-taking experience, so below we will discuss some important strategies needed to take the test with confidence and the best chances for success. 

 Understanding the ASWB Exam

While the ASWB exams aim to assess the competencies of future social workers, even the most high-achieving social work students or practicing social workers must understand and prepare for the specifics of the ASWB exams they are taking for a successful experience.  This included format, duration, and content areas. Our study guide content outlines the exact content covered by each exam. Becoming familiar with and comfortable navigating digital test platforms will also be important for test takers as the tests are administered through electronic test platforms at regulated testing centers. 

It is also important to understand the scoring system of the exam. There is not a set pass score, but rather a range of scores that would be considered a pass based on the difficulty of the exam questions. Additionally, each test taker will be given 170 questions to answer, although only 150 are scored as a part of the pass/ fail score. The other 20 questions are administered as test questions that may be added to future tests. (1)

Time Management Techniques

Each test taker is given 4 hours to complete the ASWB exams. For many test takers, that may seem like a significant amount of them; however, the importance of time management during the exam cannot be overlooked. Test takers should practice and familiarize themselves with how long they have on average to answer each question as well as build stamina for staying engaged and focused for an extensive period. Test takers taking the master’s level exam may still have good stamina for regular test taking as a part of their formal social work curriculum and education. Those who are preparing for the clinical exam may find that they have not been in a position to focus on academic material for extended periods since their formal social work curriculum and education and may find it more challenging to maintain focus. A key part of test preparation is building endurance to sustain focus for the entirety of the exam. 

Effective Study Habits

Developing an effective strategy for study leading up to the exam is key to success. We highly encourage professional learners preparing for these exams to consider their learning styles and needs and use the study tools provided in our program to meet their specific study needs. Some people may need to engage in note-taking and learning along with the lecture content, while other auditory learners may benefit from the repetition of listening to content multiple times. Others may benefit most from reading the written guide. Consider your learning style and plan your study plan accordingly.  

 Approaching Multiple-Choice Questions

Developing a consistent strategy for approaching multiple-choice questions can radically improve your ASWB test performance. We will dive into ways to address multiple choice questions more in our other series on breaking down questions, but for now, know the importance of developing a consistent approach for addressing each question on the ASWB exam. 

Managing Test Anxiety

The ASWB exams are a major part of one’s social work career. As a result, test-day anxiety is common and completely understandable. More than that, anxieties associated with standardized testing are extremely prevalent in test takers of all ages. 

Developing techniques for managing test anxiety, including deep breathing exercises positive self-talk and a day of preparation can be essential to success. We will discuss techniques for managing test anxiety for the ASWB exam later as well. 

 Practicing with Sample Questions

Regardless of how you choose to format your study plan for the ASWB social work exams, the importance of practicing with sample questions cannot be overlooked. Our study guide offers built-in quiz questions for each competency area as well as full-length practice exams. Additionally, ASWB offers a mock exam for purchase for test takers seeking the most realistic practice experience. 

While each test taker may have different specific steps towards success, developing a strategy and implementing the strategies in the exam preparation offer test takers the best potential for success. Confidence in knowing one’s personal needs as well as the specifics of the test are the keys to a successful test-taking experience. Best of luck and happy studying!