Social Work Exam Prep Reviews

Aleksandra Smrha, LCSW

I would first like to thank you for putting this program together and utilizing audio lectures to make the process of studying (for hours) bearable. I personally have a difficult time studying for hours but not with this program and the audio lectures. It brought back the memories of being in class lectures which I personally loved. Going over the exam questions and having an explanation provided for each answer was extremely helpful during the actual exam because I was able to think about each questions and ask myself, "How would they like me to answer this?" There was several times that I even asked myself, "How would Amanda answer this?" which reassured me that I can do this! And I did it! Practicing actual exam questions is crucial to passing this exam which is exactly what this program offered. In addition to having all of the study content organized, the practice exams and each explanation provided was very helpful. In addition to utilizing this program, I did purchase the ASWB practice exam 3 days before my actual exam, just to prepare myself using the actual modality used during the LCSW exam which was also helpful. If it wasn't for TDC there was no way I would have spend as many hours as I did studying. I will continue to praise your program and again from the bottom of my heart, I thank all of the individuals who made this program possible and available to us. I was looking forward to writing this knowing that I would pass my exam. Thank you for the confidence that you instilled throughout the program which is also very important. 

Mary-Jo Olsen, LCSW

It took me a long time to get around to studying for and taking my LCSW exam, related to various professional (not technically needed in my job as an Assertive Community Treatment Team Clinician) and personal issues (life, parenting). I had put off studying for it for years because I have been out of school for 25 years and the idea of doing seemed daunting given a full time, very demanding job in the field and life in general. My friend, who was in a similar situation, used TDC and passed the exam. She recommended the program to my husband, another friend and I. All three of us ended up using TDC, two of us have passed and one is just starting her studying process. The TDC system structured the information I needed to learn in a way that I could not have done as well on my own. The program was rigorous, challenging, comprehensive and more than adequately prepared me for a difficult exam. The LCSW exam did not seem intuitive at all to me. You really do have to learn how to answer the questions. Having a good understanding of the Knowledge Areas was helpful in picking correct answers or ruling out wrong answers on nearly all the questions. It also gives you a stronger sense of confidence going into the test than you would have had otherwise. Thank you TDC. SO glad that is over. Good luck everyone.

Kiki Wato, LCSW

I really enjoyed studying with TDC! The materials/topics covered were pretty much spot on with what's on the exam. I felt adequately prepared and the mock exams were extremely helpful in terms of identifying what areas I need to focus more on. I started using Apgar's study book but immediately felt overwhelmed with amount of content I needed to read/study. TDC had just enough study materials that didn't seem too overwhelming. I particularly enjoyed listening to the audios and listened to them multiple times on my commute to work. The quick studies were great for on the go and I always carried them around just in case I got an extra 10-15 minutes to study during the day or in between clients. The final pep talk was also helpful and put my mind at ease with some anxiety I was experiencing. I recommend completing the program at least twice and take advantage of the coaches that are available for any questions/clarifications. The ASWB practice exam is very helpful too. I was a little burned out after taking three 4 hour long practice exams (different days of course) but kept in mind that it was only to help prepare me for the actual exam. Also, please remember your self-care throughout this studying journey. Take some time to relax a bit in between study sessions, during days off, as well as the day before your exam. Good luck to all of you and remember, you got this!! :)

Christina Stroup, LCSW

I PASSED!!!! That felt amazing to walk in and out with complete confidence. I was feeling unsure and not confident due to the unknowns. However, through the audios and rationalizations provided I could hear myself talking through the process. With that came the confidence. I had the knowledge, however, why did I know that answer was unclear to me at times. After studying with this program I understood why I did. I would review the questions I answered incorrect as well as the ones I got correct to develop a deeper understanding. I highly encourage same practice. Yes, it took more time but was worth it. In addition, the suggestion of drinking of apple juice really was solidified as I practiced. There was a difference in my answers being correct after a break with some juice. I discovered this through the mocks. Highly recommend, DRINK THE JUICE!  Also, one of the key aspects that was significant was anytime I had a question I could email. The response was always very quick which allowed me to move forward and gather more clarity. When studying solo with a book I didn't have that kind of support. This program gave me confidence. Actually it helped me find my confidence within the unknown areas. I went in with full confidence and did not experience the levels of anxiety as I usually do. It felt amazing to move along the exam without worry. I took four breaks and had 15 minutes remaining. I am thankful for this program and recommend anyone to invest. The peace that resided in me as I arrived on exam day was priceless.

Rachel Gosselin, LCSW

While I have always been a strong test taker, it is hard to not be intimidated by this exam. With people whispering in your ear, "you know 75% of people fail on the first try," and "I'm on my 3rd (4th,5th) try," it is hard not to let that get to you. When I first started studying, I ordered a 2019 book and SLAM, it hit my table and my spirit like a brick. I remember by the end of my first day using it, I had filled out a pack of note cards and felt ten times more anxious than when I first sat down to study. Then, several of my co-workers told me about the Therapist Developmental Center. They did not say things like, "It's good," or "it was helpful." In fact they said, "this program changed the way I study and look at this test," and "I passed on the first try using JUST this program." They were so pumped up about the TDC that I could not help but try it out. YES, it costs money, but my co-workers passed on the FIRST TRY. In the long hall, how much money are you actually saving by not having to take it over and over again? So, I bought it, put my ear phones in and started. -From the first module I started feeling my stress ease away. I know that sounds corny, but for someone who takes tests as serious as I do, I have never felt that feeling before. The study materials are thorough but also given in a way that is understandable. Amanda walks you through step by step every question, every rationale, every technique in such a rational way that, after a while, all of the material seemed easy. So easy, in fact, that by the third month I was concerned that there was no way I knew everything I needed to know. But I did. I took Amanda into the test with me, like she suggested and, right before I went in, I asked for both my Higher Power and, of course, Amanda, to be by my side. In the four hour time allowed, I finished in TWO hours and with an 80% passing score. Now I am so close to full licensure I can taste it and I, truly, have TDC to thank for it. You have helped more people reach their dreams than you can ever imagine and I will forever be grateful for this program.