Altru Contributor:Charli DaviesCounsellor/Psychotherapist, EMDR Practitioner & Clinical Supervisorhttps://charlidavies.wixsite.com/counselling
Most states use the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam which candidates must pass to gain licensure as a social worker. Some states require licensure at the Bachelors level, Masters level, and Clinical level, while other states only require Clinical licensure. (For a state-by-state listing of licensing requirements, visit this informative website.) My students want to know how to prepare for the exam, and I have some suggestions. 1. Plan ahead. Most states allow graduating students to test up to a month before graduation, which allows you to graduate with licensure. Some jobs may require a license in hand prior to applying or interviewing. You may have to register for the exam as much as a month early, and you may have to travel hours to a test site. Therefore, start planning for a test date several months ahead of time. 2. Know your state's hurdles. Some states require finger printing ahead of time and an application to the state before you can be approved to take the test. Other states require you to test before applying to the state's licensure board. If you are graduating in one state and moving to another after graduation, know the rules in the state where you plan to move. You can transfer test scores but will have to apply to the board in the state where you plan to practice. 3. Develop test-taking skills. Multiple-choice tests are similar in many ways. They require carefully reading options and eliminating bad ones. If you have a methodological approach to analyzing your answers, you will do better. This document lists some strategies to use when you have to guess. The questions often ask for the "best" answer and offer several potentially correct answers- but only one answer can be "best." Look for context and rule-out clues, like "always" and "never." If you have to guess, answers with more detail are often better, and answers related to client safety or confidentiality are often answers to the "what should you do first" questions. 4. Use multiple learning tools. Lots of people like study guides. They have varying quality- you can read reviews on sites like Amazon. Many of the questions relate to developmental theory, and podcasts can help with that sort of information. Here are some podcasts to listen to, either directly at these sites or search for them on youtube. 1. The Social Work Podcast. You can find a list of all the podcasts and direct links here. 2. Social Work Exam Prep. These brief audio clips are direct and to the point. 5. Make it mobile. There are a few exam prep apps you can download on your smartphone. I like the free app called "Social Work Lite" which allows you to choose how many questions you want to practice at one setting. You can turn waiting rooms in to study time. Similarly, if you do have paper-based study materials, scan them and save as a pdf document so that you can open them on your smartphone and read on the go. 6. Look at the free sample questions and the content areas listed at the ASWB website. This will help prepare you for the style of questions and the areas that you are expected to know. ASWB offers a paid online exam and a small booklet with more sample questions. The online exam is a good way to prepare for what it's like to answer questions on a computer, but your mileage may vary- you may not need these paid resources if you are good at using the other free resources I've talked about on this page. 7. Use a buddy system. Plan study dates with another test-taker so that you can hold each other accountable to study time. Use what works together- flashcards, quizzes, reading out loud, or just quiet time together. 8. Consider a local or online test prep workshop. Often your local social work department or chapter of NASW will know who is offering classes locally. Online classes are available- look around the web for reviews before signing up. These can be costly, at about $300 for the class offered by the Extension office at University of Michigan. However, if this is going to grab your attention it may be worth it- it's cheaper than retaking the exam in most cases. 9. If you plan to take the clinical license exam after your supervision hours are complete, enlist your clinical supervisor in test prep. Let your supervisor know your anticipated test date, and about six months early make a concentrated effort to fit some exam study practice in to each of your supervision visits. This may be via discussing theory, clinical scenarios, pharmacology, etc. 10. Do the things that will ease your anxiety. Your first step to a calm test experience is adequate study preparation, so make a plan that is SMART. The week before you drive to your test site, make sure you know the route, have plenty of time, have adequate rest and a good snack, and know the requirements for the test center regarding proof of identity and what you can take with you. Consider some mindfulness or breathing techniques to help you relax. Remember: The test is difficult, but not impossible. Most people pass the first time, and you only need a score of about 75%. Study, think good thoughts, think about the kind of supports that work for you, and relax. Best test-taking wishes to you!
Two helpful acronyms for social workers taking the LMSW (or LCSW) social work licensing exam.
This blog post explains the inter connection between SWOT and Synergy that aids an organization to develop strategic advantage over its compeptitors.
Preparation sounds like hard work. But try working night shift without doing some - it can be a really tough time! So we're here to…
Get prepared today with free ASWB Bachelor's practice test questions. Learn about the ASWB Bachelor's exam with study tips and sample practice questions.
Strategies for defiant behavior that support positive behavior, develop teacher-student relationships, and minimize escalating situations.
As we all know, STAAR 2.0 is upon us, and students will be assessed differently than in the past. Our Boom Cards will prepare your students for success. Do you… feel overwhelmed finding resources that align with STAAR 2.0? have good ideas but no time to create? need help with engagement for practicing new question ... Read more
What is Inquiry Based Learning? Australian educational consultant, Kath Murdoch addresses the question on her website: kath murdoch educational consultant. The site is a rich teacher resource fo…
Sarvangasana prep? This Shoulderstand sequence will prepare your chest and shoulders and help you find a more comfortable, soothing pose.
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Self-control helps children manage their impulses and emotions. Teaching children self-control is one of the best ways that parents and care givers can prepare them for success.
I know passing the PMP Exam is difficult. It requires a tremendous amount of effort. The endeavor itself looks overwhelming. Should it be that way? I can tell for sure. There is a way to make it easier. You just need a proven preparation plan. A roadmap that you can commit to and track against. You
Preparing for anger means being aware of strong emotions that can lead to frustration or outbursts. Kids and teens might not realize how important it is to control their anger, often because they don't fully understand what makes them upset and don't prepare for those situations. The Preparing for Anger worksheet is a useful tool for kids and teens to keep anger at bay when it arises. It lets them figure out what situations make them feel bad and notice the signs that show they're getting angry. They can also make a list of coping skills to help them calm down, like relaxing, doing something else, or moving around. Preparing for moments of anger helps kids and teens understand their feelings better while also improving their relationships. To cultivate emotional intelligence, they can take a pause, breathe deeply, identify the specific emotion they're experiencing, and choose their words wisely before responding during an argument. Parents and teachers can also teach a simple technique called "Pause and Smile" to help kids or teens get ready for tough situations. It's a quick break where they take a few deep breaths and smile when they're upset! *This item is an instant digital download. A link to download your files will be emailed to you once payment is confirmed. Want more resources like this? Check out our full catalog of anger management worksheets and handouts. References: McDonald, L. M., & Cokley, J. (2013). Prepare for anger, look for love: A ready reckoner for crisis scenario planners. PRism, 10(1), 1-11. Sumiya, S., & Pradhan, D. (2018). Importance of anger management for maintaining positive attitude and self-acceptance. Prahladrai Dalmia Lions College of Commerce & Economics, 48.
Paths to Literacy Bridging the Gap: Pre-Braille to Braille Reader. For teachers, families, and others interested in literacy for children and youth with visual impairments
8 Types of Art Therapy To Help Your Clients
Having a partner with PTSD is challenging for both you & your partner. This page focuses on PTSD, its effects & gives tips on how to alleviate its symptoms.
It is often difficult to access helpful, more rational thoughts when we are feeling upset. Coping cards allow us to prepare for this by writing down helpful coping statements ahead of time, so that we can read through these statements when we feel upset and would otherwise find it difficult
This digital download includes a single page PDF planner that can help you maximize your counseling sessions. Have you ever walked into a session unsure of what to focus on, spent the hour feeling scatter-brained, or left and realized you forgot to talk about what's been on your mind the most? It's common for people to forget to check in with themselves, get caught up in daily life and old coping patterns or habits they'd like to change, and sometimes we don't even think about counseling and mental health all-together until the next time we get a text reminder that our next session is coming up. The problem is: therapy is most effective when we check in with ourselves and make meaningful decisions about how our time with our therapists will be most helpful. This planner is designed to assist you with self-reflection, check-ins, deciding what to focus on during sessions, and reflecting on your session take-aways as well as homework or what you would like to keep in mind between sessions. Download once, use forever.
Updated editable version so that you can adjust it to suit your situation.Great brain break for between learning.Students enhance hand-eye coordination and gross motor capabilities as well as cross the mid-line.Can also be used to prepare student's brain and body for learning. File in A3 size to all...
Yoga Sequence Peak Pose: Camel Pose | Ustrasana. Very potent and powerful HEART opening (back-bending) pose that allows us to gently explore the "edge of the pose" in our own body. Ustrasana asks us to explore the delicate balance between our strength and our vulnerability.
So, I've been busy getting my beginning of the year science units together. I start the year off in science the same way I start everything else off--by teaching routines and expectations! We start science on the very first day of school! Day 1: What is Science? I ask the kids what they think "science" is and I record their answers on a chart paper. Be prepared for some pretty funny answers! Then I read What is Science by Rebecca Kai Dotlich. I love this book--it is colorful and fun and really gets kids thinking about science and the world in general! Then, with their minds buzzing with possiblities, we add more ideas to our list. Then I introduce our science notebooks. I tell the kids that these are very special notebooks that will help us ask questions about science; make predictions; record observations and data about investigations; and explain their thinking about what they have learned. I hand out the Science Notebook Expectations and we go over them one by one. Then I show the kids how to glue the expectations in their notebooks--focusing on how to turn one page at a time and how to use glue appropriately...
Finding Equilibrium In Your LifeEssence of Asana: Half Moon pose teaches us that when we look deep within, we can find the perfect balance in every moment. Balance, not perfection. Every human yearns and thrives for inner balance and inner peace. We can all intuitively sense the feeling of serenity, tranquility and peace that resides within but sometimes our hearts get cloaked behind fear, doubt and worry. The practice of Yoga reveals to us that deep within the depths of our heart, there is an a
Part of being at your best means preparing for the worst. bp Magazine columnist, Melody Moezzi, discusses crisis plans—what they are and why you need one.
Learn how to develop the right strategies to tackle the rigors of preparing for the MCAT.
Have you ever had a class that just tried your patience day after day? Have you ever felt like you could walk away from teaching forever tom...
Preparing For A job interview is very important So Here in This Article I have Brought Job Interview Questions and Answers in English
Prepare with our MFT practice test questions. These questions will help you increase your MFT exam score. Learn more.
Prepare your students for successful oral presentations by identifying the
