What is the LCSW Exam?

The LCSW Exam is a multiple-choice exam that is designed to measure the core skills and knowledge necessary for a Clinical Social Worker.

What is the LCSW Exam?

The LCSW Exam is a multiple-choice exam that is designed to measure the core skills and knowledge necessary for a Clinical Social Worker.

What is the LCSW Exam?

The LCSW Exam is a multiple-choice exam that is designed to measure the core skills and knowledge necessary for a Clinical Social Worker.


LCSW Exam is a Multiple-Choice Exam

The LCSW Exam is a multiple-choice exam that is designed to measure the core skills and knowledge necessary for a Clinical Social Worker.

The LCSW exam is what social workers must take to become licensed by the state. In order to become a licensed social worker, you must pass what is known as the LCSW exam.

The LCSW Exam covers five major topic areas, including clinical practice with individuals, families, and groups; social work values, ethics, and professional issues; diversity in human behavior and society; research methods for social workers; foundations of public policy relevant to individual problems.

Who administers the ASWB Clinical Exam?

The ASWB Clinical exam, like all ASWB exams, is administered by Pearson VUE.

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How many questions are on the LCSW exam?

The LCSW exam is 4 hours long and contains 170 questions. However, only 150 of the questions are scored; the remaining 20 are test questions being considered for possible inclusion in the next version of the test.

How is the ASWB Clinical exam scored and what is the cutoff score?

The ASWB Clinical exam is a pass/fail exam. There are a minimum number of questions a candidate must answer correctly to pass the exam, but that number is determined by the ASWB and can fluctuate based on a number of factors. It is generally between 90 and 107 correct answers of the 150 scored questions.

What content areas are covered by the ASWB Clinical exam?

The following domains are covered by the ASWB Clinical Exam:

  • Human Development, Diversity, and Behavior in the Environment
  • Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment Planning
  • Psychotherapy, Clinical Interventions, and Case Management
  • Professional Values and Ethics

Visit https://www.aswb.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/2018-Clinical.pdf for additional details.

How do I register for the ASWB Clinical exam?

You can register for the ASWB Clinical exam here. Just select the state in which you are seeking licensure, and follow the steps to get started. If you have questions about the registration process, the ASWB has an FAQ here https://www.datapathdesign.com/ASWB/CRCdswb/Prod/htmlfiles/RegistrationFAQ.html

How much does it cost to take the ASWB Clinical Exam?

The registration fee for the ASWB Clinical exam is $260. If you fail the exam, you will need to register and pay the full fee to retake the exam.

What types of exam prep do we offer at Gerry Grossman Seminars?

Self Study Exam Prep:

Study for the LCSW Exam at your own pace with one of our self-study packages. Self-study packages are perfect for those who have unpredictable schedules or otherwise prefer to prepare at their own pace.

Live Online:

Gerry Grossman Seminars offers comprehensive live online study sessions. These live online sessions are instructor-led and provide an interactive community to support candidates with their exam prep journey.

Learn more about our study materials and how to pass the LCSW Exam by visiting our exam prep page at Gerry Grossman Seminars here.

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Curious about questions on the exam? Click here to learn how long the LCSW Exam is.


Other Frequently Asked Questions


The LCSW Exam can be daunting, but with time, hard work, and the right materials, success is achievable! Before you begin studying, it’s important that you understand what will be covered and put together a study plan to guide you through the process.

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The LCSW Exam (aka the ASWB Clinical Exam) is a 4-hour test that consists of 170 multiple-choice questions. Only 150 of these questions are scored, while the remaining 20 questions are being tested for inclusion in future exams. Passing the LCSW Exam is required in order to become licensed as a Clinical Social Worker.

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A common question for those who are interested in pursuing a career as an LCSW is what happens if you fail the licensing exam. If you are in this position, just remember that there are options available for retaking the test and obtaining licensure.

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It is important to familiarize yourself with the types of questions that appear on the exam. Many of the questions will present realistic clinical scenarios and ask the candidate to assess the client’s presentation.

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Gerry Grossman Seminars offers a variety of live and online courses to help you pass your Social Work Licensing Exam. At Gerry Grossman Seminars we offer live online workshops that offer an interactive learning environment, with the opportunity to engage directly with our expert instructors.

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Workbooks and study aids to help you pass your ASWB LCSW Clinical Exam


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