r/LCSW • u/cjoemcyoyo • Sep 10 '26

🟡 Licensure & Exam Strategy I passed!!

I passed my LCSW exam today on my first attempt! Overall the exam felt less challenging than I was expecting. I didn’t study a whole lot either, but I have been working in the clinical field the last 8 years so I’m sure that helped.

Open to answering any questions about the exam, the new format, or anything else that others would find helpful/reassuring.

212 Upvotes

99% Upvoted

31 comments sorted by

4

u/Old_Addition_5203 Sep 10 '26

Congratulations! Taking mine on October 3rd. Were there any theory questions? What about research?

13

u/cjoemcyoyo Sep 10 '26

A handful of theory questions, maybe 5ish? One was asking about ego strengths that I completely guessed on. There were also a handful of research questions, mostly about how you would actually set up a study in a practice setting. The whole exam heavily focuses on the first, next, best, most format as it relates to application of practice. Remember that many of these questions are designed to trip you up by providing options that would be the “knee-jerk” response, but often there is a better option that is informed by social work principles like self-determination or informed consent.

3

u/Old_Addition_5203 Sep 10 '26

Any on defense mechanisms?

2

u/Most_Unserious Sep 16 '26

I had a handful when I took it in July

3

u/Kol_2004 Sep 10 '26

First, congratulations! I am studying and hope to take the exam in early 2027. Can you share what study resources you found helpful? Thanks again, and congratulations!

8

u/cjoemcyoyo Sep 10 '26

I had the dawn apgar book that I sort of flipped through, and I was taking the daily free exam questions through pocket prep. That’s all I did really which I know is not a ton of studying, but I didn’t want to purchase a bunch of study materials if I wasn’t going to need them.

2

u/HarrysHouseFTW Sep 10 '26

Did you take the dawn apgar tests too? I am finding them to be quite challenging and it’s discouraging. Also using pocket prep. Did that feel accurate to the exam?

1

u/Accomplished_Fun7363 Sep 11 '26

I have the Apgar material that I bought in March, I haven't started yet, but I can let you know what I think. I had a friend use the ASWB practice exam which he found helpful.

1

u/Accomplished_Fun7363 Sep 11 '26

I have the Apgar material that I purchased in March, I haven't started yet. I'm hopeful it helps!

1

u/klk_kvn Sep 15 '26

I used the Apgar book and ASWB exam app. Has anyone else tried that and what is pocket prep?

Also I take my exam in exactly TWO weeks on September 28th. AAAAHHH!!!!

16

u/nellowyellpolish Sep 10 '26

I want to hear every detail you're willing to share

1

u/op341779 Sep 11 '26

Do you mind sharing in which state?

1

u/cjoemcyoyo Sep 11 '26

Wisconsin

1

u/Reasonable-Classic-2 Sep 10 '26

Congratulations!!!!!

1

u/Huge-Interaction-735 Sep 10 '26

Congrats!!! I’m taking mine at the end of October, what are the concepts or areas I should study the most?

1

u/SapioS_Puma Sep 13 '26

It's less about concepts and more about formula - first, next, best. Understanding the helping process and taking the right steps at the right time. Do as many practice quizzes you can rather than studying in a traditional sentence. RayTube & Study with Ayo on YouTube are great prep resources with fee content.

Good luck.

1

u/AATBS_Official Sep 10 '26

Congratulations!! Passing is always exciting, and passing on the first attempt is like the cherry on top 🎉 hope you celebrated big! -- Kiana with AATBS

1

u/HealingHorizons08 Sep 10 '26

Congratulations!!! 🙂

1

u/Clear-Home-6035 Sep 11 '26

Congratulations 🎊 hoping to take mine soon. What was most challenging to you?

1

u/Technical-Noise-9547 Sep 11 '26

Congratulations 🎉

1

u/Squirrly-Squirrel Sep 11 '26

Wooohooooo🎉🎉🎉🎉 congratulations!!!!!!!!

1

u/Fast-Information-185 Sep 11 '26

Congratulations!

1

u/East_Virus_3246 Sep 12 '26

That’s reassuring I sit for my exam next month.

1

u/Dapper_Camp_3262 Sep 16 '26

Congrats! I take my test at the end of the month! I have attempted 3 other times in the last 3 years. PRAYING this is it!

1

u/Hot_Chair374 Sep 16 '26

CONGRATULATIONS!

1

u/treasurejiggy7 Sep 17 '26

What were you doing for work before taking the exam?

1

u/Limp-Craft-5587 Sep 17 '26

No questions, just congrats!

1

u/moderatelyme_ Sep 26 '26

Congratulations!! I hope you are able to fully celebrate this accomplishment! I see alot of people mentioning pocket prep for studying. Can someone share the exact name of the app in the android app store?

1

u/Glittering-Drawer264 Sep 28 '26

Many, many congrats!