LCSW Exam Prep

Prolonged grief disorder Beginning January 2024, the ASWB exams will begin testing the DSM-5-TR (which was released in March of 2022). As we mentioned in last month’s blog reviewing the overall changes, the updates are relatively minor and shouldn’t be a cause for concern for those of you preparing for your social work exams. TDC’s DSM materials will be updated later this fall to ensure those of you preparing for exams in 2024 will be ready for the TR content. This month we are diving a little deeper into a new diagnosis in the DSM-5-TR: Prolonged grief disorder. Why the new diagnosis for

Last month, the ASWB announced they will no longer use Pearson test centers and will switch to PSI testing centers in 2024. Why the Change? ASWB announced two main reasons for the change. The first being values and the second being a remote testing option. The ASWB shared that PSI better aligns with their values as an organization. Together, they plan to develop a scholarship fund for repeat test-takers. ASWB and PSI have each pledged to contribute to a fund for future outreach to and support for test-takers, particularly those from historically marginalized communities. There will be a remote

DSM-5-TR The DSM-5-TR was released in March of 2022, and beginning in January 2024, the ASWB exams will begin testing the TR version of the DSM-5. (Through 2023, they will continue testing the DSM-5). Thankfully, the changes are relatively minor and shouldn’t cause any panic for test takers whether you're taking the exam this year or next. Later this year, TDC will update our LMSW and LCSW content to reflect these changes. Rest assured, whether you are taking the test this year or in 2024, we will give you everything you need to be well prepared to pass your exam with confidence. The primary

As social workers, how do we respond to animal abuse? Are we required to maintain confidentiality, or are we mandated to report? Find out in today's ASWB blog for the LMSW and LCSW exams.

Whether therapists operate in group collectives, a hospital setting, or private practice, each of us are connected within a broader mental health community that’s upheld by supporting and regulating each other. If a colleague significantly transgresses the laws or ethics of the field, there are specific steps of action the BBS expects clinicians to take to help resolve the violation. On the law and ethics exam, you’ll most likely see issues with colleagues show up in one or two ways. You may be tested on questions regarding colleagues who engage in sexual relations with their clients, or you

Last month’s blog focused on the differences between adoption dissolution and adoption disruption. We offered a FREE ASWB practice question on this topic to prepare you for your LMSW or LCSW exam. Last month’s blog feature a recall question. This month, we are back with a reasoning based question on this topic. Adoption Disruption vs. Dissolution: First, here is a quick review of the difference between these two things: An adoption disruption is when an adoption is terminated before it is legally finalized. An adoption dissolution is when an adoption is terminated after it is legally finalized

Adoption Dissolution vs. Disruption Adoption dissolution refers to the the ending of an adoption after it has been legally finalized. If the end of the adoption takes place before the adoption is legally finalized, this is considered a disruption. For example, if a person is in the final stages of adopting a child and decides to not go through with the adoption, this would be considered an adoption disruption. However, if the adoption has been legally finalized and has to be terminated, this is known as dissolution. Why do Adoption Dissolutions Occur? Adoption dissolution is rare. This is an

This month, we’re tackling the topic of duty to protect as it relates to the 1976 Tarasoff ruling by the California Supreme Court. If you’re a new therapist and you can’t remember the protocol for Tarasoff situations, you’re not alone. Most associates have little to no professional experience with clients who are a danger to others, which can often lead to confusion around a therapist’s legal responsibilities, particularly on the CA law and ethics exam. And that’s where we come in. Here are the primary ways the BBS will evaluate your understanding of Tarasoff on the test: How to assess for

Last month’s ASWB exam prep blog for the LMSW and LCSW exams covered the topic of parenting styles. We reviewed the characteristics of the four main parenting styles: authoritarian, authoritative, permissive, and uninvolved. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out last month’s blog for the factual information on this topic. We wrapped up with a reasoning based question, but want to circle back to offer a question testing your factual knowledge. Today’s free ASWB practice question is an application question on parenting styles. ASWB Exam Parenting Styles Application Question: A social

This month’s FREE ASWB practice question for the LCSW and LMSW exams covers the topic of parenting styles. Parenting styles refer to the standard strategies, behaviors, attitudes, and emotional climate parents use in their child rearing. There are four main parenting styles we will cover today. The four most common parenting styles are: authoritarian, authoritative, permissive, and uninvolved. Four Parenting styles Authoritarian parenting can be thought of as strict and controlling. With authoritarian parenting, parents exert control through power. They believe strongly in stated rules and if