LMSW Exam Prep
for the ASWB Masters Level Exam
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FAQs
1. What is the structure of the ASWB Masters (LMSW) 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 will not be permitted to return to the first half of the exam after submitting it. You can distribute the 4 hours for the exam how you want to (it is not split into two, 2-hour halves).
2. What is the passing score for the ASWB Masters (LMSW) 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 Masters (LMSW) Exam?
Eligibility to sit for the exam varies by state. Contact your state licensing board for 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 Masters (LMSW) Exam administered?
The ASWB masters level 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.
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 ASWB 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.
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 level 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 the entire exam is made up of reasoning-based scenarios (there are very few recall questions).
11. Do all states require the masters level (LMSW) exam?
Not all states require the masters level (LMSW) exam. Some states only require the clinical exam to be taken. States such as Washington, Wyoming, Nebraska, Florida, Michigan*, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, California, and Wisconsin do not require the masters level exam prior to taking the clinical exam.
*Clinical licensure in Michigan is referred to as ‘LMSW’, but corresponds to the clinical exam (what we and most states refer to as ‘LCSW’. If you are testing in Michigan, you want to sign up for our LCSW program, not our LMSW program).
*Clinical licensure in Michigan is referred to as ‘LMSW’, but corresponds to the clinical exam (what we and most states refer to as ‘LCSW’. If you are testing in Michigan, you want to sign up for our LCSW program, not our LMSW program).
