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LCSW Exam Prep
for the ASWB Clinical Level Exam

There’s a better way to study.

And you just found it.

Why you should study with TDC:

  • Fully updated for the new ASWB exam, featuring all NEW audio as well as an extra half mock exam and full mock exam
  • Our 10-step study system was developed based on the neuroscience of learning by LCSWs who have passed the exam
  • More comprehensive than any other exam prep program! Approximately 80 hours of content, with the option to repeat the program as needed
  • We provide a combination of evidence-based exam taking strategies to help you confidently approach reasoning-based questions and succeed on exam day
  • Engaging online audios, downloadable handouts, and clinical examples help you understand concepts, not just memorize them.
  • 800+ practice exam questions with detailed rationales that demonstrate the applications of our strategies
  • You’re not alone; real-life licensed clinical social work coaches are available to answer questions, provide support, and help you manage your anxiety (we will NEVER use AI ‘coaches’ like other programs out there)
  • Your online access starts immediately upon purchase-no need to wait for anything in the mail
  • Free extensions as needed - We’re with you until you pass! 

Study smart. Pass with confidence.

Disclaimer: The licensure preparation programs and materials associated with them were not included in the Association of Social Work Boards Approved Continuing Education (ACE) review and are not approved by ASWB for continuing education nor endorsed by ASWB in any manner. 

Important: Candidates for the Massachusetts and Maryland LCSW (master's level) exam should purchase our LMSW Test Prep Program. Our LMSW program is the study system that provides preparation for both of these states’ LCSW licensing exams. Our LCSW exam prep is for the Clinical Level Exam that corresponds to Massachusetts’ LICSW license and Maryland's LCSW-C license.

Get Inspired by Our Reviews

“The LCSW journey is filled with emotion, uncertainty, and pressure, and choosing the right study program can feel overwhelming with so many options out there. As a visual learner, I wasn’t sure if TDC would be the right fit for me, but it ended up being exactly what I needed. The structure of the program, the clear reasoning strategies, and the steady encouragement from the live coaches helped me stay grounded and focused. TDC refreshed my fundamentals, strengthened my clinical judgment, and gave me the confidence to walk into the exam prepared rather than panicked. What stood out most was how supported I felt throughout the process. I never felt alone in this journey. TDC didn’t just teach me content, it taught me how to think through the exam with clarity and trust myself.If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, I want you to know there is a program that can guide you through this. TDC helped me succeed, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone pursuing their LCSW.”
     
Jay Panaigua, New Jersey
“I completed the TDC program and passed the second time I took the ASWB exam. I felt that I was more prepared after going through the TDC course twice. The updates to the program reflected the current new exam format, so I felt prepared. What helped me the most was the lecture in the first half reviewing the next, best, first, most, etc questions. These questions were the majority of my exam, so this section really helped me the most with passing the exam. I also felt that the updated ethics exam was up to date, and the enhanced audios were even more helpful! I did not pass the exam the first time, but continuing to use TDC a second time with studying is what helped me pass.”
     
Brooke Reisenbuechler, Florida
“Therapist Development Center (TDC) played a huge role in helping me pass my LCSW exam. After previously falling short, I needed more than just content—I needed to understand how to think through the questions. TDC’s explanations, practice exams, and test-taking strategies helped me build both my knowledge and my confidence. The program taught me to slow down, identify what the question was really asking, and choose the best clinical response. I’m incredibly grateful for the support and would highly recommend TDC to anyone preparing for the ASWB Clinical Exam.”
     
Destiny Ortiz, Connecticut

FAQs

1. What is the structure of the ASWB Clinical (LCSW) Exam?

The ASWB Clinical (LCSW) Exam is a computer-based standardized exam. The exam includes 122 multiple-choice questions. 110 of those questions are scored. The test also includes 12 nonscored ‘pretest’ questions mixed in throughout the scored items.

Test-takers are given 4 hours to complete the exam, with an optional 10-minute break after question 85. Prior to taking the 10-minute break after question 85, you must submit the first half of the exam. You may not return to the first half of the exam after submitting it. You can distribute the 4 hours for the exam however you want (it is not split into two 2-hour halves).

2. What is the passing score for the ASWB Clinical (LCSW) Exam?

According to the ASWB website, "generally, pass points range from 66-78 correct of the 110 SCORED questions. Remember that the test also includes 12 nonscored 'pretest' questions mixed in with the scored items." 

3. When am I eligible to take the ASWB Clinical (LCSW) Exam?

Eligibility to sit for the exam varies by state. Contact your state licensing board to receive the application and to confirm eligibility requirements. Once you are approved by your state to take the clinical exam, they will notify the ASWB, and you'll receive an authorization-to-test email with instructions to register. 

4. How often is the ASWB Clinical (LCSW) Exam administered?

The ASWB clinical exam is offered year-round and can be scheduled any day of the week (some facilities are closed on Sundays).

5. How can I apply for testing accommodations for a disability or other health condition?

Special accommodations can be requested by individuals needing nonstandard testing arrangements due to a disability. The ASWB recently published a handbook for candidates requesting nonstandard testing arrangements.

In addition, certain states allow test takers to request special arrangements if English is not their first language.

6. Does my state provide special accommodations for ESL candidates?

Not all states and provinces allow nonstandard testing arrangements for ESL, so the ASWB encourages candidates to check with their specific licensing board for details. Those testing in California must request and obtain preliminary ESL approval from the California Board of Behavioral Sciences before requesting ESL arrangements for extra time from the ASWB. Additionally, California does not permit the use of an English or bilingual dictionary.

7. What accommodations are provided for ESL candidates?

The ASWB provides additional time (up to two extra hours), and candidates may request permission to use up to two dictionaries (one bilingual translation dictionary and/or one general English dictionary). 
California does not permit the use of an English or bilingual dictionary.

8. Is the ASWB exam administered in other languages besides English?

No, at this time, the AWB social work exams are only offered in English.

9. What do I do if I’m licensed, but moving to another state? 

The answer to this question will vary based on the state you are moving to and the requirements established by the state’s social work licensing board. Contact the licensing board in the state you are moving to. The good news is, once you pass the clinical exam in one state, you should not have to take it again. 

A growing number of states have passed legislation to join the social work licensure compact, which will allow licensed social workers to practice across state lines without needing to obtain additional licenses in each participating state.

10. How does the LCSW clinical exam compare to the LMSW masters level exam? 

Content-wise, there is a good deal of overlap between the two exams (if you think about things like the DSM, developmental models, therapy theories, research, how to respond to crises, etc., these things do not change whether you’re taking the masters or clinical-level exam).

The main difference between the two tests comes down to the types of questions on the exam. For the LMSW masters level exam, typically over half of the exam is made up of reasoning-based scenarios. For the LCSW exam, nearly all of the exam is made up of reasoning-based scenarios (there are very few recall questions). 

11. Can I use the LMSW program to prepare for the LCSW exam?

While there is overlap in the factual content, we do recommend purchasing the LCSW program. This will give you access to three new half mocks, three new full mock exams (nearly 550 questions and rationales), as well as continued access to email coaching with a real life, licensed clinician (unlike some programs out there, we will NEVER use AI ‘coaching’) . We do offer a discount for returning customers due to the overlap in factual content, so if you are a returning LMSW customer preparing for the clinical exam (or a customer who purchased our LCSW program previously and now needs to take the LMSW exam), reach out to Lynda@therapistdevelopmentcenter.com to receive a coupon code

12. I passed my LMSW exam with TDC. Can I get a discount on the LCSW program?

Yes! Returning LMSW customers receive a discount for the LCSW program since many key topics overlap between the two exams. To claim your discount, email info@therapistdevelopmentcenter.com with the email address you used for your LMSW program, and we'll send you a personalized coupon code.
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