Taking test can be stressful, especially if they are required by your employer. I can help you pass your LMSW exam the first time.
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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.
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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).
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.
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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!
It has been a while since I studied, but I am about to start a uni degree, so I appreciate your study tips!
Awesome!
I don’t know what is LMSW, I don’t think this course has in our country, but this does sound promising. I am pretty sure these tips will prove it’s worth.
Thank you
congratulations! glad to hear all your hard work has been rewarded.
It’s true that not many are licensed while it’s so proper. I hope to become a licensed content creator too soon.
Nice!
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.
Yes maam!
Thank you for sharing your expertise!
These are great tips, anyone in uni will definitely appreciate and should follow them.
Those study jitters are the worse. These are great tips and congrats on passing the test.
awesome tips and ideas to the best study practice! thanks
These are some great hints and tips for people who are studying! Exams can be so stressful so it’s always good to have ideas on your side.
Thank you
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!
Thank you!
Thanks for sharing some amazing tips and ideas. Few people in my list appreciate this when they go through your blog I am sharing with them
Thank you
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…
Yes! Thank you for reading
I have to be honest. I don’t miss the exam days. I was always so stressed out.
Way to go on your license! Taking tests like these can be the worst. You gave some great tips here!
First of all.. CONGRATS! I love all of these tips, especially the meditation part, just taking the time to pause and reflect and find your center is so helpful
It was! Thanks for reading
I don’t know what LMSW test is but I think your tips will work wonders with any kind of test.
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
Thank you for reading
Wow! A lot of acronyms in here. So LMSW is Licensed Masters in Social Work? I admire anyone in that profession.
Thank you! Yes it is!
Congrats on passing. These are great tips. I always get nervous before I take a test.
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.
Yay! This is wonderful news that you passed. Something to celebrate. I plan on going back to school and I remember how frantic I would get about passing a test.
Congratulations! These are some great tips and could work for any student for passing any exam. I am so happy for you. your number 1 tip is a very important one.
wow what great info girl- my friend is taking her test soon so ill be sure to pass this article along to her!
Please do!
These are great tips for someone studing. Its been years for me but being prepared was essential!
Your tips are absolutely wonderful and so useful! I figured it out by my self only by the time I graduated
You still got it!
This is amazing advice for anyone going into that line of work. Really, a lot of these tips are great for anyone studying for a big test. I don’t miss my college days lol
This is very true
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!
Thank you
Great advice it is always nice to learn about new careers and other opportunities. I have two stepdaughters I bet one of them would be interested in changing jobs.
Thank you for your feedback
My best friend has done MSW. I think this is something she will identify with.
That’s awesome
I was nervous reading this which is strange as I am normally great at exams. I’m so glad that you passed the first time. It is also great to see all your tips that led to the great results.
I understand the nervousness! Thank you for reading
It is not easy having to pass exams like this. The pressure, expectations and hard work altogether. Congratulations to all that passed.
Thank you
Congrats on obtaining the LMSW license for the first time! Your hard work paid off!
Thank you
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!💓
Great tips for people getting ready to take a test, my mother just finished College and she is getting ready to take a test that is required for her degree, I will pass this along.
Thank yoi!
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.
Man! You definitely deserved to pass with all of that going on
Girl, I tried to reschedule. My mind wasn’t in the right place. But I was informed that I don’t get a refund…so I said, “what the heck.” And went for it.
Lol cant waste money!
Congratulations on passing your exam! You really did put an effort on studying so you really deserve it. Thanks for all those wonderful tips!
Thank you
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.
Please do!
Thanks for this! ALWAYS inspiring to read about others who give more back than they take, kudos for sharing your insights 🙂
Thank you!
Thank you for sharing. These are great tips for studying in general.
I didnt notice, but you’re right!
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
Yes I’m sure lol
Taking practice exams is always a great idea! Congratulations on getting yours!
Thank you
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.
Exactly! I’d rather be safe than sorry
I’ve learned through my college years that practice tests are so helpful in succeeding!
I loved them and the confidence you get from them!
These are helpful tips. I agree that we should have ourselves licensed because it will open opportunities to us.
We will be better off doing it when it is not required without a time constraint too
I haven’t taken any of these tests yet. I’d like to take them in the future too!
Great tips. I will share this to my readers. It will surely help. 🙂
Thanks
Great information for anyone who needs to pass this this exam.
Thank you
Wow I didn’t know that there was a such thing as an LMSW. I thought that it was just MSW.
I’m glad I was able to inform you!
I’ve never heard about LMSW, exam. but Congratulations on passing your exam! :DD Cheers!!
Thank you!
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!
They are!!
This is a great list! Honestly I think it’s always important to take a practice test like it’s the real thing! That way you know what to expect!
Exactly!
Awesome tips! This is definitely very helpful for people who are pursuing this career!
Thank you
Great tips you shared. Ah I miss taking exams, I love this back in college 😀
Lol I do not miss it!
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.
That’s great!
You have some great tips for anyone who is preparing to give these licensing exams/tests
Wonderful guide for those who take this test. I never heard of such an exam!
I must say, it’s a very detailed and well researched post about LMSW
Thanks for sharing.
Oh,i remember this so well ,so many sleepless nights when it comes to exam preparation.
Right lol
Such good advice!
I think these are great tips to write any exam
Very true!
Congratulations.. these are some great study tips
Thanks
Great tips for the exam !!! I remember, I use to reach early at my examination centre and preparing late night for my exams. This wee the days !!!
Lol I dont miss them