Social Work Licensure Exam Support

Prepping for and taking the Social Work Licensure Exam is a stressful process; we are here to help!

We are taking a multi-pronged approach to licensure support assisting current students the classroom and our alumni in the community. We have developed support for our students with updated curriculum to ensure they enter the workfield with the knowledge needed to pass the exam, the completion of required practice exams in their MSW Program and the use of practice exam questions weaved throughout their courses. In support of our alumni and upcoming graduates planning to take the exam, we have created a menu of support resources below to assist you in tackling the exam prep process and passing the exam. From virtual live sessions geared to help you understand effective study skills and the content of the exam, to practice exams, we have something for everyone.

SW Licensure Prep Series

This ten-week series will support social workers' preparation for taking the licensing examination. Participants will leave the course with a greater understanding themselves as effective learners, setting goals, and strengthening time management and study skills while developing a greater awareness of the factors that influence success and the habits that can support success. Through discussions and activities, each social worker will review exam content and leave with connections to create a study group and access to our exclusive WSU Social Work Licensure Exam Hub resources available on Canvas. The upcoming winter 2025 will be a self-paced asynchronous virtual session from January 24 and April 11, 2025 on the following topics.

Breana Lewis smiling

I prepared for my exam using purchased resources and the Wayne State University School of Social Work 10-week Lunch and Learn series. TheLicensure prep series was extremely helpful., especially the interactive portion. I was able to see my progress in carefully reading the sample questions provided to fully understand what I am being asked. This series truly prepared me to think like a social worker in different settings. I feel more confident in my broader competence in this profession as a whole as opposed to just my own area of expertise. The structure of the series was unbelievably helpful to me. Being able to participate in the lectures, and have PowerPoints and additional resources provided was amazing. This made my study process feel 1,000 times easier and more manageable. The Lunch and Learn truly enhances test-taking confidence. Thank you!
- Breana Lewis, LMSW

Spring 2025 series details

Participants will complete asynchronous sessions at their own pace between January 24 and April 11, 2025, with new sessions available for viewing each Friday by 6 p.m. We are also offering two optional bonus live virtual sessions to support your learning.

Information session:

Learn more about the Licensure prep Series by viewing our pre-recorded Information Session.

Asynchronous virtual sessions:

Learning, goals and managing stress by WSU Academic Success Center staff and Social Work faculty
- Week 1 available Jan. 24: What do you know and how well you know it
- Week 2 available Jan. 31: Study strategies
- Week 3 available Feb. 7: Understanding examination questions, and connecting exam questions to content areas
- Week 4 available Feb. 14: Performance stress and anxiety management
Clinical Exam Content Refresher by WSU Social Work faculty
- Week 5 available Feb. 21: Human development, diversity, and behavior in the environment
- Week 6 available Feb. 28: Assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning
- Week 7 available March 7: Psychotherapy, clinical interventions, and case management
- Week 8 available March 14: Professional values and ethics
Wrap-Up by licensure mentors and WSU Social Work faculty
- Week 9 available March 21: How to Develop Study Groups
- Week 10 available April 4: In-person Practice Exam Session, location TBD
Recommended live virtual sessions:
- Drop-in Welcome Session: Jan. 24, 2025, from 5:30 - 6:30 pm EST on Zoom
- Check-in, Learn How to Use Mindfulness Meditation as a Test-Taking Strategy: Feb. 21, 2025 from 6 - 7 pm EST on Zoom
- Check-in, What's next for your study plan? April 11, 2025, 6 - 7 pm EST on Zoom

Spring 2025 registration is open now open. Deadline to register is January 10, 2025. Space is limited.

Study Groups

Studies have shown that group learning produces results. Groups provide participants with greater resources, fosters learning and comprehension, create opportunities for critical thinking, reduces procrastination, increases motivation and accountability, and helps break up the monotony of studying alone. Those interested in connecting with fellow alums to form a study group are encouraged to join our private WSU Social Work Licensure Facebook group, post a note introducing yourself and seek out a study group. Participants can select from either a virtual or in-person format to fit their learning styles and schedules. Virtual options can include the use of Zoom, Teams, and Google video conferencing by the study group. WSU alumni looking to meet on campus and utilize library study space, can request a free Alumni OneCard, or groups can select a meeting place within their community to gather.

Join the WSU Social Work Study Group Facebook Group

Practice Exam

The Social Work Continuing Education Office is now offering students, alumni and community members the option to purchase a 90-day subscription to the Social Work Examination Services (SWES) online clinical practice exam. The online computer-based SWES exam is designed to respond to the ASWB social work license exams in all states and can be taken from the comfort of your own home at a time that is convenient to you.

Customers will receive:

A 90- day subscription to Social Work Examination Services' Online Clinical Practice Exam.
The 90-day subscription includes two four-hour timed clinical exams with 170 questions drawn from a question bank of 700 practice questions. Users can attempt each exam THREE times.
The 90-day subscription includes a mini-clinical exam test with 30 questions. Users can attempt the mini-exam THREE times.
Unlimited access to our WSU Social Work Licensure Exam Hub available on Canvas, which is designed to guide you through the exam preparation process using evidence-based learning strategies.
Access to instant reports that allow you to see what question you got wrong and an explanation of the correct answer.

Learn more about the SWES Practice Exam Subscription

For questions regarding the practice exam contact the Social Work Office of Continuing Education at ce_ssw@wayne.edu.

Resources

Assocation of Social Work Board Resources:
High Stakes Exam and Text Anxiety
Licensure Checklist
SSW Licensure Exam Program Event Recordings:
- Exam Prep and Planning Moving Forward presentation with alum Mikki Mason
- Exam Prep and Next Steps presentation with alum Tyree Woods
- Exam Prep and Planning presentation with alums Sara Berlin and Lawrence Robinson

Contact

For more information on social work licensure support resources contact the Social Work Office of Continuing Education at ce_ssw@wayne.edu.