Just Call Me Jess

Mood Disorders and Mindfulness

Pass Your LMSW Exam The First Time

Taking test can be stressful, especially if they are required by your employer. I can help you pass your LMSW exam the first time.

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Before we begin I want to acknowledge that many individuals are not (or do not want to be) licensed. I believe that eventually many organizations are going to ensure all of their MSW’s are licensed.

The main differences between an LMSW(Licensed Master Social Worker) and MSW (Master Social Worker) career wise is pay, flexibility, mobility and stability. Most individuals that focus on obtaining their liscensure want to use it to practice clinically.

I remember my heart racing as I hit submit….on the registration for the test on the LLR website.

All I could think was: if I am panicking now what am I going to do when I am actually sitting for the test.

Fortunately, I passed my FIRST time taking it. There are a few things you can do to ensure that you pass the Master Social Worker Level Liscensure exam.

Pass Your LMSW Exam The First Time:

What To Do Before Exam

Give Yourself Enough Time

I think that everyone has reached the consensus of 3 months of actively studying. I can agree with this.

I studied for four months as I had to wait a little longer to be approved for the test. Four days a week I studied for two hours. My study time included videos on YouTube, reading, practice test and quizzes from Quizlet.

Study The Right Things And The Right Way

I used the Dawn Apgar guide to study. Get yours below, I swear by it!

 It was perfect! I studied heavily in Part one/Human Behavior portion and not as much in DSM related information. I ensured I did not just study to memorize because that is not how the test is set up.

Related Post: Tips To Cope With Anxiety

I studied so that I knew what I would need to do first, next and last. In saying that I used the well known acronyms FAREAFI and AASPRIPINS.


Take The Practice Test Like It Is The Real Thing

Purchase practice exam through Social Work Test Prep. I was conflicted on whether or not I should purchase this because it had mixed reviews but I was nervous and wanted to be as prepared as possible.

This turned out to be one of the best things I did. I was able to take three practice exams online.

It was timed and a lot of the questions on the exam were similar to the practice test I took. Once you purchase you can retake the exams multiple times.

Watch “Day To Day Social Work”

I watched a video a day if not MORE! I would normally let it play as I drove to work, walked my dog or worked out!

This channel will breakdown the DSM-5 disorders, Ethics, and the like. I also watched Medical Info‘s video’s for a breakdown on similarities and differences on all DSM-5 disorders.

Join Facbook Groups

The LMSW Study Group on Facebook post questions each day and give the answer with explanation within a few hours. It is also motivating to see individuals passing their exam and what has worked for others.

Purchase The Pocket Prep MSW App

100% this app is well worth the money and they occasionally have deals or specials so that you can save some money when making the purchase. You can use it on the go or on your home computer!

Once you answer questions it will explain why it is correct or not and give you the page number in the Dawn Apgar book for reference.

Related Post: Self Care

Pass Your LMSW Exam The First Time:

What To Do During The Exam

I only drank water the morning of and left the house early to ensure I would not be late due to traffic.

I arrived 20 minutes early and meditated for 10 minutes using the Insight Timer app on my phone. I had 10 more minutes to sign in and use the bathroom.

When I sat in for the test I took a deep breath and hit START. I took three breaks and started having negative repetitive thoughts.

Once I submitted the test and saw I passed, I was not shocked to see I took a harder version of the test. (You know you had a hard version by the minimum amount of questions you needed to get correct).

via GIPHY

I happily raised my arm and switched my way out of there confidently! I remember telling myself “I knew I would pass, I mean it is me after all”. I have no idea where this person was during the exam but it was nice to see her haha.

Pass Your LMSW Exam The First Time:

What To Do After The LMSW Exam

I excitedly turned my documents in to HR at my place of work and received a raised within a month. I was also able to secure a second job due to being licensed!

I also practiced self care that night as I cut off all electronics and enjoyed the fact that I had nothing pressing to do.

Related Post: 30 Days Of Goal Slaying

Now I have to ensure I get 40 CEU’s to re-certify every two years. I love that LLR holds LMSW’s accountable and ensures that we continue our education to e able to best serve the community we are in!

When do you take your exam? Need help preparing for it? Are you thinking of becoming a social worker?

As always I am here to help!

 

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Comments

  5. Getting practice tests online is a great idea! I remember that I took so many preparing for my driving exam, and I passed from the first try. They surely help.

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  11. I have taken so many of these types of test over the years. I feel your anxiety while waiting for results. Congrats on passing it!

    Reply

  13. OOOOh – I love that you posted breathing techniques! Great unique tip! And, aren’t Facebook Groups fantastic? A resource I always forget to tap into…

    Reply

  18. Never hear of lmsw in our country too but it sounds interesting and your tips could be very useful. Thanks for sharing this topic to us – Grace

    Reply

  21. Passing the LMSW for the first time, like any test, can be challenging. You invest time in studying, fees to take the test, and then look forward to reaping the rewards once you pass. If you don’t pass the first time, it can be disappointing. With these tips, though, one can avoid that and pass the first test.

    Reply

  28. Congrats on your accomplishment! I work with social workers a lot in my field and I know what an important role they play to patients and families a like. Good luck in your future endeavors!

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  32. It is not easy having to pass exams like this. The pressure, expectations and hard work altogether. Congratulations to all that passed.

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  34. I love that you weren’t afraid to suggest purchasing study materials! I think we often forget to actually INVEST in ourselves. It’s scary but it’s always so worth it! Thanks Jess!💓

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  36. These are great tips! I didn’t know about the online study groups. I am also a first time passer on the NCMHCE. I really feel that if it’s for you and you’ve prepared to the best of your ability. Then the rest is up to high powers. The day before my exam one of my long time clients got removed from her home and went down south. And I was battling w a severe sinus infection. It was all in the hands of faith from that point.

    Reply

  38. Even though this is not my field I love this post a lot. I have friends that have to take the test and have been putting it off, because they acknowledge they need the time to study. I’ll pass down this post to them.

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  41. This is amazing! I bet my friends who are social workers wished that would have known about the resources before they took their test a few times haha

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  43. awesome tips! I think it’s well worth doing. It’s true, it usually starts out optional but eventually it will become a requirement. at that point things get enough tougher. might as well be proactive and get it done now.

    Reply

  50. I’ve been considering taking a few iTunes University courses, just to learn a few new skills, and I think these are tips that can be applied towards any exam!

    Reply

  54. I totally agree with your advice and tips. When I was studying I did the same as you gave advise above and especially I reached 30 minutes early on the examination day.

    Reply

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