How to Prepare For the ASWB Masters Exam 2025
When it comes to preparing for your ASWB Masters Exam 2025, there are plenty of things you need to know. You’ll need to learn the right questions to ask, as well as how to study for the exam.
Free ASWB Masters Practice Test Online
ASWB Masters Exam Study Guide PDF
ASWB (the Association of Social Work Boards) offers a variety of resources to help students prepare for the certification exam. These include a variety of practice tests. There is also an in-depth guide available to help students get a good idea of how they will do on the actual test.
The ASWB exams are administered at local testing centers. Candidates must register and pay a fee before they can take the test. They are allowed to re-take the exam after 90 days. However, there are restrictions regarding food and bag size. It is best to check with your state’s regulatory board.
ASWB exams are comprised of several questions across four different content areas. They are administered over four hours. Each section contains multiple questions, including a comprehensive review at the end.
The ASWB has a few official resources available online. You can get a free study guide from the organization. To do so, find the study guide link on the homepage and follow the instructions.
If you are looking for a full study guide, the TDC ASWB Study Guide is a good option. This package includes a PDF download, audio lectures and a practice test. The program takes about 50-60 hours to complete.
| What is the ASWB exam? | The ASWB (Association of Social Work Boards) exam is a standardized licensing exam for social workers at bachelor's, master's, advanced generalist, and clinical levels. It assesses competency for independent social work practice. |
| What is the ASWB Masters exam? | The ASWB Masters exam is a 170-question test for social workers with MSW degrees seeking state licensure. It covers human development, assessment, interventions, and professional relationships. |
| What does ASWB stand for? | ASWB stands for Association of Social Work Boards, the organization that develops and maintains social work licensing exams across the US and Canada. |
| How long is the ASWB Masters exam? | The ASWB Masters exam consists of 170 multiple-choice questions with a 4-hour time limit. Candidates receive 15 additional pretest questions that don't count toward the score. |
| What is on the ASWB Masters exam? | The exam covers human development/behavior (28%), assessment and diagnosis (24%), psychotherapy and interventions (25%), and professional relationships and ethics (23%). Questions test application of social work knowledge. |
| How many questions are on the ASWB Masters exam? | The ASWB Masters exam has 170 scored questions plus 15 pretest questions (185 total). Only the 170 scored questions count toward your pass/fail result. |
| What is the passing score for the ASWB Masters exam? | The passing score is 93 out of 170 correct answers (approximately 55%). Scores are scaled from 400-900, with 450 as the minimum passing scaled score. |
| Is the ASWB Masters exam hard? | The ASWB Masters exam has moderate difficulty with a 70-75% pass rate nationwide. Success requires thorough preparation, understanding of social work theory, and strong test-taking skills. |
| How to register for the ASWB Masters exam? | Apply through your state licensing board first, receive approval and authorization to test (ATT), then schedule your exam through Pearson VUE at www.pearsonvue.com/aswb. Registration requires payment and valid ID. |
| Where can I take the ASWB Masters exam? | Take the exam at any Pearson VUE testing center nationwide, with locations in all 50 states. Find your nearest center at pearsonvue.com or through your ASWB account portal. |
| How much does the ASWB Masters exam cost? | The ASWB Masters exam costs $230 for the first attempt. Retake fees are $260, and scheduling changes cost $50 if made within 2 business days of your appointment. |
| What are the ASWB Masters exam requirements? | Requirements include an MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program, state board approval, and completed application. Some states require supervised hours before testing—check your state board's specific requirements. |
| How long does it take to get ASWB Masters exam results? | You receive your pass/fail result immediately after completing the exam at the testing center. Official score reports are available online within 1-2 business days through your ASWB account. |
| Can you transfer ASWB Masters exam scores? | Yes, passing scores can be transferred to other states through the ASWB Score Transfer Service for $100 per state. Transfers typically process within 2-4 weeks after payment. |
| How many times can you take the ASWB Masters exam? | Most states allow unlimited retakes, but require a 90-day waiting period between attempts. Some states limit total attempts—check your state board's specific retake policies. |
| What happens if you fail the ASWB Masters exam? | You can retake the exam after 90 days by paying the $260 retake fee and rescheduling through Pearson VUE. Your score report identifies weak content areas to focus your study efforts. |
| Where can I find ASWB Masters practice exams? | Practice exams are available through ASWB's official practice test ($85), Social Work Test Prep, Pocket Prep app, and TDC (Therapist Development Center). The official ASWB practice test most closely mirrors the real exam. |
| Are there free ASWB Masters practice tests? | Yes, free resources include ASWB sample questions, Quizlet flashcards, social work forums, and limited-question apps. However, paid comprehensive prep courses offer more thorough preparation. |
| What are the best ASWB Masters study materials? | Top materials include the ASWB Masters Exam Study Guide, official ASWB practice test, Social Work Test Prep courses, and Dawn Apgar's review books. Combine study guides with practice questions for best results. |
| How long should I study for the ASWB Masters exam? | Most candidates study 6-12 weeks, dedicating 10-15 hours weekly. Recent graduates may need less time, while those out of school longer should plan 3+ months of focused preparation. |
ASWB Masters Practice Exam Free
The ASWB Masters practice exam is an important step for social workers looking to begin their career. In fact, the Association of Social Work Boards Masters Exam is required in all US states. It is also required in some Canadian provinces.
It’s not just the number of questions that matters though. It’s the time you spend studying for the test. You should study for the test every day. This will help you to retain the information you have learned.
ASWB offers four levels of exams: Bachelors, Associate, Masters, and Clinical. Each level is designed for different types of social workers. Higher-level exams require more detailed knowledge. They are usually matched to the type of education the candidate has.
ASWB offers multiple practice tests online. These tests will simulate the experience of taking the actual test. Unlike actual tests, these practice tests are only available to test candidates.
There are a few things to keep in mind when preparing for the ASWB masters practice exam. First, the ASWB Masters exam is made up of 170 multiple-choice questions. However, only 150 of these are scored. That’s not enough to determine a passing score, so the higher your scores are, the better your chances of passing.
ASWB Masters Exam Practice Questions
The ASWB Masters exam is one of the most important exams to pass if you are interested in working in the social work field. This exam is a comprehensive test that tests your knowledge and understanding of the social work field. It is taken on a computer and is a four-hour long test.
To take the test, you must register with the ASWB and pay a registration fee. You must also present two forms of identification.
After you complete the test, you will receive an unofficial score report. If you pass, you will receive an official score report that is sent to the ASWB. In some cases, it can take up to two weeks to receive your score.
There are a number of practice questions available for you to use. These help you prepare for the test. They show you what types of topics will be covered on the exam and how you should approach them.
To get a passing grade on the ASWB exam, you should be able to answer at least 93 of the 107 questions. However, this number varies by version of the test and by jurisdiction.
ASWB Masters Exam Book
When you are preparing to take the ASWB Masters Exam, there are several options to choose from. Some social work test prep books include specific tips to help you succeed. These guides are usually broken down by level and are customizable to your needs.
One of the best is Dawn Apgar’s third edition. It includes a 170-question practice exam and test-taking strategies. This is a comprehensive guide that is written by a social work educator with decades of experience.
The guide also includes tips on identifying areas of strength and weaknesses and strategies for parsing questions and overcoming common pitfalls. There are also numerous challenge questions.
The ASWB Masters Exam contains multiple questions in each of four content areas: professional relationships, human development, interventions with clients, and assessment. It is administered electronically at a number of Pearson Professional Centers around the country.
In addition to the study guide, there is also a free app. This app features an entire section of practice questions and a section explaining what the correct answers are. You can use this as a tool to determine how well you do on the exam and how you can improve.
ASWB Masters Exam Flashcard Study System
The ASWB Masters exam can be an intimidating undertaking, but that doesn’t have to be the case. In fact, the test is not nearly as daunting as it may sound. You can take the requisite courses, and use them to your advantage. With a little luck and some ingenuity, you could be on your way to your dream career in no time. One of the best ways to achieve this is to learn more about your field of study. For example, you can take a social work course at your local community college, and learn more about the subject matter. Alternatively, you could sign up for an accelerated bachelors or masters degree program.
Using a reputable study guide will help ensure a smooth ride. Whether you are looking for a crash course in the field of social work, or you are looking to get a leg up on the competition, there’s no reason to go it alone. That said, you might find yourself a lonely fish in the water. It’s a good thing you’ve got a friend in the form of a study tool like the above mentioned aforementioned system.
ASWB Masters Exam Pass Rate
The Association of Social Work Boards Masters Exam is a licensing examination that tests a social worker’s competency. In order to take the exam, you must have an accredited master’s degree. Taking a practice test will help you get familiar with the questions and feel more confident about the exam. You can also get a guidebook to prepare you for the ASWB test.
ASWB’s Masters Exam is divided into 10 sections. Each section covers 25% of the exam. There are 170 multiple choice questions in each section. Your score is calculated based on how well you answered each question. It is scored on a scale of 90-107. Depending on your jurisdiction, you may be required to pass the test in a specific number of attempts.
According to the ASWB, a white social worker is more likely to pass the exam than a Black, Latine/Hispanic, or Indigenous person. However, there are significant disparities in pass rates for each racial group. For example, in 2025, the first-time pass rate for a white social worker was 85 percent, while the first-time pass rate for a Black social worker was 46.2%.
ASWB Masters Exam Prep
If you are interested in pursuing a master’s degree in social work, you may need to take the ASWB Masters Exam. This test is administered over four hours and is comprised of 170 multiple-choice questions. You need to answer at least 90 to 107 of these questions correctly to pass.
Taking the exam may be a daunting prospect, but it can be made easier with a little study. There are many resources available to help you prepare. But, it’s important to know which ones to use.
ASWB Masters Exam Prep is a comprehensive guide that helps you prepare for the ASWB Masters Exam. It’s written by Dawn Apgar, a licensed social worker who has studied and passed ASWB exams at every level. She also shares strategies to help you overcome test anxiety.
The guide breaks subject matter into logical sections and includes a practice exam. These tests mirror the actual exam. They’re a great way to familiarize yourself with the testing environment and to hone your skills.
Each exam includes 150 scored questions and 20 unscored questions. The scores are used to determine a passing or failing grade.
ASWB Masters Exam Secrets Study Guide
The ASWB Masters Level Exam is a daunting task, especially if you’re new to the profession. However, with the right study guide, you’ll be prepared to pass on the first try. This article will provide you with a guide to the best options.
If you’re in the market for an all-in-one test prep solution, consider the Dawn Apgar Guides. These are written by a licensed social worker who has been a part of the industry at every level. With over 335 questions in the book and a free app, you’ll be prepared for the real thing.
The Mometrix ASWB Masters test prep book is another excellent choice. This book contains numerous practice questions as well as a comprehensive glossary of vocabulary and technical terms relevant to Social Work.
One of the best parts of this product is that it comes in two books, so you can get the complete overview of the test as well as the comprehensive review of the ASWB Masters Level Exam. It also includes an additional book with a full-length, 170-question practice exam.
ASWB Masters Exam Questions and Answers
Licensed social workers (LMSW) earn $50,000-$65,000 annually on average. Clinical social workers (LCSW) earn $60,000-$80,000+, with salaries varying by location, setting, and years of experience.
The Masters exam is for LMSW licensure and covers generalist practice. The Clinical exam is for LCSW licensure, requires 2+ years supervised experience, and focuses on clinical assessment and psychotherapy.
Requirements vary by state—some allow testing immediately after MSW graduation, while others require supervised hours first. Most states require 2,000-4,000 hours post-Masters for clinical licensure.
You must apply through a specific state board, but passing scores transfer to other states via ASWB Score Transfer. Each state has unique application requirements and fees.
ASWB ACE is the Association's continuing education registry where social workers can track CE credits for license renewal. Many state boards accept ACE-approved courses for maintaining licensure.
Yes, the ASWB exam content is identical nationwide, but each state sets its own passing score, application requirements, and licensure regulations. The exam itself doesn't vary by location.
Log into your ASWB account at www.aswb.org to view official score reports within 1-2 business days. You receive immediate pass/fail notification at the testing center after completing the exam.
You check in with ID, store belongings in a locker, and take the computerized exam in a monitored testing room. The exam is adaptive—question difficulty adjusts based on your performance.
Yes, an on-screen calculator is available during the exam for any questions requiring calculations. You cannot bring your own calculator or any personal items into the testing room.
The ASWB Examination Guidebook is a free resource outlining exam content, format, sample questions, and test-taking strategies. Download it from www.aswb.org before starting your exam preparation.