Brooks 2006
1
Licensing Exam Practice Questions
Everyone has a different study style but the best way to study for this exam is to test your self on
the art of the multiple choice question. The exam will have 170 multiple choice questions. Most
are based on social work practice theory. The most common questions involve a vignette with a
client presenting with a problem and then asking what would you do first. The advantage of
practicing this type of question is to learn patterns of questions and patterns of what they think
are right answers (usually all are good answers but only one is what you would do first). For
example the most common answers focus on: assessing first before you treat; or building a
relationship first; or focusing on a client's affect first; or dealing with basic needs before
psychological needs. There will also be questions on DSM diagnosis; family systems concepts;
group theory; ethics, etc. Expect a few questions on Research and a few on Policy, but 80% will
be practice based. Please see the ASWB Study Guide for more questions and consider the
NASW Review Course
1. In an initial session with a social worker, a client mentions having been hospitalized several times
for depression. When the social worker attempts to explore the hospitalizations, the clientr
becomes tense and guarded, saying "it's old history". The client refuses to give permission for the
records to be released. The social worker should FIRST:
(A) explore why this topic appears to be upsetting the client
(B) acknowledge the client's right to decide about release of records
(C) reassure the client that the focus will be on present issues
(D) assess the client's current level of depression
2. When faced by a hostile client in an agency setting, it is BEST for the social worker to:
(A) suggest that the client's attitude is making the situation worse
(B) accept the client's hostility and talk about nonthreatening topics
(C) set limits and structure on the interview session
(D) acknowledge the client's feelings and encourage discussion of them
3. A client who has received services for several years in a dialysis unit appears for a routine visit.
The nurse notices a markedly changed affect and refers the client to the social worker. When
seeing the social worker, the client seems detached, self-absorbed, and tearful. The social worker
should FIRST assess the client's:
(A) life situation and recent changes
(B) compliance with medical care
(C) concerns about dying
(D) feelings about dialysis
4. During Mrs. S's first appointment in a family agency, the social worker encourages her to express
her feelings about the recent placement of her child in a residential facility for the
developmentally disabled. Mrs. S talks at length instead about her physical health problems. The
social worker should:
(A) use Mrs. S's remarks about her health to identify unresolved parenting issues
(B) refocus the interview on the child's behavior and the reason for the residential placement
(C) explore with Mrs. S how her health problems are related to the recent placement of her
child
(D) listen to Mrs. S's description of her health as a beginning of a relationship and means of
assessing her self-perception
