Go over the outline of the particular social work exam you will be taking. Outlines are available on the ASWB website. They are available for the bachelor’s, master’s, advanced generalist and clinical exams. They explain how much of the exam will cover various specific topics. For example, the topic of direct and indirect practice constitutes 21 percent of the bachelor’s exam.
Purchase a study guide for $30 from the ASWB. You can order by calling 800-225-6880, or by faxing an order form to 540-829-0562, or by ordering from the ASWB website. Other study resources are available, such as those from Social Work Examination Services Inc. or SocialWorkExam.com.
Take practice exams, such as the 170-question practice test available on the ASWB website for a fee of $75 (as of July 2010). The practice exam can only be taken once online, and it can only be purchased when you have registered for the real exam. The real exam takes four hours to complete, and the practice exam from ASWB is also four hours long. You are able to stop and start the practice exam as many times as necessary within 30 days of purchasing the exam. When you finish, you will be given the correct answers along with explanations of ones you answered incorrectly. Social Work Examination Services Inc. offers practice test software, and SocialWorkExam.com also offers practice exams.
Allow yourself plenty of time to study. Study in short spurts over a long period of time. Finish studying a couple of days before the exam by taking a final practice test and going over any wrong answers you may have had. Avoid cramming, and sleep and eat well before the exam.