Passing the LMSW Exam | Advice, Tips & My Personal Experiences

I failed my LMSW exam the 1st attempt by 6pts, I passed the 2nd attempt by 15pts! A lot of hard work, dedication & prayer!! I can now say that I am a LMSW!! Believe in yourself & your abilities!

[@MommaKong7]

I'm trying to change my outlook on the exam. I've been putting it off from anxiety. I take it in December. Pray for me😊 UPDATE: I PASSED IT‼️🤪 🤗 😌

[@thegoodethebadtheugly]

I had bad anxiety as well. You just have to believe in yourself! You got it!

[@leahwechsler981]

This is to inform you that Haxedge Solutions provide an easy way to success. I'm a living proof of their amazing work, i passed my LMSW exam easily. Write them through [haxedge.co] for help.

[@elishiabrown1157]

Congratulations. Any tips ??

[@adrianprestell]

Congratulations!

[@Sophia-kl1qs]

Congratulations! I'm studying now and its great to hear success stories. Thank you for sharing!

[@simonemf904]

I don't know if you will ever see this, but I have a duty to share my appreciation for your video and advice. I found your video three days before I took my exam. I was focusing on only the Apgar books. You had several recommendations and I took every one!!!!! Thank you. Today, 12/18/2021 I passed my exam on the first attempt. Thank you for sharing and steering me in the right direction. Thank you so much!!!!

[@thegoodethebadtheugly]

Congrats Simone, LMSW! Thank you for your feedback, I’m glad you found my tips helpful! Now take some much needed time to rest and relax!

[@simonemf904]

@@thegoodethebadtheugly I will!!

[@GlowinNaturally]

i’m currently studying for my LMSW and thank you so much for the advice and tips!!

[@jennyblairmcd]

Congrats! This was super helpful.

[@rochelldaalexander7237]

Great advice! Sadly I failed my 1st exam by 5 points😩 and in 19 days I go in for round 2, my FINAL ROUND!🙏🏾

[@Dreamsareareality]

Awesome video! Congratulations!!

[@mzglamourchica]

Congrats! Thank you for the tips!

[@happylove5417]

I feel you. I didn't pass by 4 points. Unfortunately, I got timed out with 20 questions left. I will pass in January.

[@Lisa_Joyous42]

Thank you!! Congrats!!

[@erikasolgos2066]

thanks for sharing your experience! I've been googling terms I don't fully understand, and that really helps! Just reading it from a different perspectives seems to help it sink in.

[@lezahbrown1643]

I take mine next month, I’m so nervous. It’s like a weight on my shoulders. But I really do appreciate people who give tips on how to take this test because this is the non-glamorize version of finishing grad school I don’t think people understand the amount of work comes with being a clinical social worker

[@carltonsmith9884]

This is such a great video. Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@XOPaulineJo]

This is awesome thank you so much congrats!

[@zambiangal1]

This was sooo helpful!!! Thank you sis 😀🙏🏾 And congratulations!!!!

[@adrianprestell]

Thank you got this review of the test as well as pointers. I found this to be very helpful. Thank you again.

[@Faith23331]

Congratulations 👏 👏 👏

[@sharondastiggers]

Thank you so much! 🙏🏽🤞🏽🤎

[@eberjom9119]

Thank God I saw your video. I have never heard of the "farm, grits, road" reference. I test in a month and this helped me.

[@zekeIsC00L]

Wow! I had the EXACT experience you did Friday and I am so discouraged. I am hoping to take some of these tips! Thanks

[@tokiswan4285]

Thank you so much...you gave me clarity

[@tippysgrammy3118]

🎉Many CONGRATS on passing the LMSW Exam!👏🎊 I know someone who failed the first time by one or two answers. Ugh! It totally sucks that you have to pay to retake it. I feel like if a person gets that close, it proves that he/she knows the material. Though I graduated three years ago, I plan to take the exam ...... just keep putting it off (Pre-covid).

[@zakila2cute]

Thank you so much for the tips, really appreciated.

[@melissagivens3037]

Congratulations 🎉🎈🎊🍾

[@lesliehazel3224]

Thanks for the information 🙌🏽

[@ididnotdoit5108]

Thanks for your help.

[@BJ-zt1tv]

Congratulations!

[@yourbrandofchoice]

I take my exam on Monday. I am writing this comment hoping to manifest this shit. Thank you for all of your help!

[@falcoperegrinus2292]

Congrats!

[@happylove5417]

She mentioned Phillip Luttrell videos. Dr. Haskell is another great resource.

[@MichelleTL7]

Congratulations beautiful LMSW’r!!! Thank you for your positive and helpful suggestions. I am taking the ASWB exam now and you are correct, I will wear my mask. Thank you and God bless❤️

[@thegoodethebadtheugly]

You got it! Stay positive

[@thesocialworkeragency3238]

Congrats I am a MSW 2nd year and starting now to prep for LMSW

[@marcusransom9066]

Congratulations!!! Great information, I am scheduled to take my exam in 2 months. Thank you for blessing us with your experiences and being so transparent. CSU produce the best students!! Tell my guy Avery, Marcus Ransom said what's up!! Thanks again CSU fam! #blackexcellence

[@thegoodethebadtheugly]

You got this! Let me know if you have any additional questions as you’re studying.

[@demetriuskeller831]

Will love more videos, I am taking the exam on Jan 12th, the second time. The first I failed by 6 points.

[@carmelitacarter3913]

Congratulations!!! I have been putting it off for about 1 year because of my anxiety. I am going to take the test in February.

[@carmelitacarter3913]

Please say a prayer for me. I am 54 years old.

[@lisacalahan7459]

Just wanted to let everyone know I passed, first try! I watched this video which really resonated. Took my exam in the afternoon. Also best study tools for me were the practice exam and videos from Phil and resolution today.

[@thegoodethebadtheugly]

I’m glad the video was able to help you out. Congrats on passing!!

[@elishiabrown1157]

Congratulations. Any tips ? Also , where can I find sample macro question?

[@kelliskaggs5557]

I also watched Megan Mitchell’s videos on KZbin a lot- she’s great in addition to Phillip Luttrell!

[@TheDanaHanna]

thank you :) very helpful

[@DonawaVi]

thank you!

[@LoveMe2Today]

I failed my test today. I am devastated and most of my test questions were on Marco level too I didn't take any macro classes because I was a clinical Concentration.

[@thegoodethebadtheugly]

Ms_Smart_Ass2018 I understand that feeling. It’s okay, it happens. Take a 2 week break or longer if you need it and then get back to studying. Now you know what to expect going into it. Your next test will be completely different so I’d suggest just starting from the beginning of the book again. My second test didn’t have nearly as much macro level!

[@LoveMe2Today]

@@thegoodethebadtheugly hey girl I finally pass last month

[@deshuanroker3328]

Congratulations, I am studying now as well.

[@dani23dani85]

I took the exam and failed :( hoping to taking it again soon!

[@thegoodethebadtheugly]

It happens to the best of us. Use your time to relax and get back at it soon! You have to wait 90 days so just enjoy some free time right now!

[@kevinshea5819]

Congratulations

[@lizabethea2002]

Please share more guidance on the “Steps”

[@zambiangal1]

Just failed my exam today by 1 point. I took it at 8am too and it was my first attempt. 😭😭 So hurt!

[@thegoodethebadtheugly]

I’m sorry to hear that! But you were so close!! Take a break and then get back at it! Next time, try for a later time. It may help you out a little.

[@zambiangal1]

@@thegoodethebadtheugly thank you sooo much!!!! I will definitely try for a later time this time! Your video was so helpful!!

[@wynellfuller8630]

The same thing happened to me. I am soo devastated. It gave me a print-out, but not sure where to find study material. Assessment, interventions, CM. Would love some direction

[@thegoodethebadtheugly]

@@wynellfuller8630 you don’t want to use too many different study materials. Review the whole book again and focus on those weaker areas. You were really close!

[@zambiangal1]

@@wynellfuller8630 awwww I'm so sorry!!! It definitely hurts!!! Cause we were sooo close!!! But we got this! I'm taking some time to heal and gather myself before my next attempt hehe and then I'll review the book again and watch more Phill Luttrell videos (I found his videos SUPER helpful).

[@venuselam6602]

Congratulations on passing your exam. I’m in the process of taking the exam, any additional tips or comments . Nervous.

[@thegoodethebadtheugly]

Just believe in yourself, if you’ve studied all you can, then that’s all you can do at this point.

[@pamelamance7811]

Hi...you mentioned distractor answers and the acronyms for them. Since I have never heard of distractor answers, can you please provide the acronym again. Thank you

[@thegoodethebadtheugly]

Pamela Mance hi, please see the link here. It will give you the acronyms and what it stands for. Remember, these are choices that you should eliminate (distractors) www.studyblue.com/notes/note/n/distractors-farm-grits-road/deck/15887251

[@pamelamance7811]

@@thegoodethebadtheugly thank you. this will come in handy as I am studying.

[@itssimplyshan4089]

I just failed by one point and I wanted to cry 😢

[@TheRealTycoonJoe]

Very attractive women! Congrats on earning your LMSW🙌🏼

[@taytay42291]

I would love your notes on the acronyms. Do you know where I can find them ?

[@feliciamitchell1558]

Search Phili Luttrell on KZbin he breaks down the questions using the acronyms that she is talking about.

[@eberjom9119]

Definitely watch the videos posted by Phillip Lutrell

[@krissypoo161]

Hi there. Thank you so much for talking about your experience the first time around! I didn't pass my first time and I am waiting to take it again. Watching your video I was able to relate to everything you were saying--my exam had a lot of macro and a lot of situational questions. I feel that the Dawn Apgar book was not very helpful for assisting with test prep because the exam questions were very difficult. What would you recommend would be a better book/test prep for the second time around?

[@thegoodethebadtheugly]

Hi, I still utilized Apgar’s book the second time around. I just took a different approach in my studying. Since I semi knew what to expect, I could prepare better in my studying. The second time I focused more on concepts than the small irrelevant details. This video has been pretty popular, this week I think I will make a study tip video to help out a little further.

[@samhinze5009]

Thank you for this video! And congratulations on passing the test! I have a question about the acronyms? Where can I find the study material for this? What exactly are acronyms? How do they help you rule out wrong answers? Thank you!

[@thegoodethebadtheugly]

There’s not any study material on the acronyms. It was made for us, by us as a way to help on the exam. You can Google or KZbin social work test acronyms and they will come up. Its something you will not understand until you research it a bit. But they were definitely helpful.

[@thade2293]

You spoke of an acronym at the end used to avoid particular answers. What is the acronym and where can I find the definition of it

[@thegoodethebadtheugly]

SFAREAFI - if you google it, it’ll come up. Philip Luttrell on KZbin does a great at breaking the acronym now for you to explain it.

[@thegoodethebadtheugly]

Here is the link for the distraction answer choices, sorry, I misread your question. www.chegg.com/flashcards/distractors-farm-grits-road-cbee549a-30a2-41c8-b1f7-bdf2ef60d902/deck

[@jimariemorales6757]

What videos did you watch that you mentioned in the beginning? Also, what are the acronyms? Thank you for doing this and congratulations!

[@thegoodethebadtheugly]

Jimarie morales his name is Phillip Luttrell on KZbin. I watched all of his videos. He will show you and break down the acronyms there

[@TheCutiepie2004]

The acronyms are: Safety (Protect life), Feelings, Assess, Refer, Advocate, Facilitate, Intervene. it is based on the fareafi acronym, but he puts an S in front for safety as safety is always first

[@nathanielshumsky2283]

Congratulations on Passing! I was wondering how you went about getting accommodations for the exam? I read on ASWB that it needs to be submitted before registering. How long did you have to wait to get approval for your accommodations? Thanks, Nathaniel

[@thegoodethebadtheugly]

Hi, thank you. There is an accommodations form on the ASWB website. That is correct that you have to submit the accommodation PRIOR to registering for the exam and you must receive approval before registering. I don’t remember the turnaround time but I know it wasn’t a long drastic wait.

[@carolyn4113]

We’re you able to work as a social worker first before taking your test?

[@thegoodethebadtheugly]

I was working as a case manager during that time. It was my first job after receiving my MSW. I later left that position and went into therapy which is one of the current roles that I hold.

[@carolyn4113]

@@thegoodethebadtheugly Wonderful to hear I hope to start my msw soon asking all I can am so nervous

[@michellebieliunas4845]

Hello, my name is Michelle and I was wondering if I can connect with you as I recently failed my LCSW exam and this is my third attempt. Will you send the link? I need help with the helping process. Please reply and looking forward connecting with you

[@angiemoore3586]

Congratulations! Could you tell me where can I get the practice exam from?

[@thegoodethebadtheugly]

Yes, after you have registered to take your exam, you can pay for it on the ASWB website. It is $80.

[@angiemoore3586]

@@thegoodethebadtheugly Thank you sooo much! Also what acronyms are you referring to in this video?

[@thegoodethebadtheugly]

@@angiemoore3586 SFAREAFI - if you google it, it’ll come up. But also, Phillip Luttrell on KZbin does a great job at breaking the acronym down.

[@elishiabrown1157]

Hello. Any example questions on community similar to the exam ? Any specific information I can study ?

[@thegoodethebadtheugly]

My suggestion would be to purchase the practice exam after you register for your test. That’s the most similar practice to the exam that you will get.

[@michellebieliunas4845]

What’s the name of the KZbin videos. Philip who?

[@eberjom9119]

Phillip Lutrell

[@brandihagerty958]

What did your flash cards consist of? Definitions? Thanks for your tips! Congrats! Did you read through the books and write notes as you read or read through first before?

[@thegoodethebadtheugly]

My flashcards were tailored to things that I struggled with. I read through the entire APGAR book and broke it down into sections to study it. Took the practice exam to gauge where I was at and then made flashcards.

[@tawanapinkney1712]

What did you put on your flash cards?

[@thegoodethebadtheugly]

Anything that I was having trouble grasping the concept of. So if it was steps of the research process for example, I would put that on the card with examples beside it.

[@tawanapinkney1712]

@@thegoodethebadtheugly got it, thank you!

[@selfloveisfirst4970]

SAFARI ACRONYM..can you tell me what this refers too.focus Areas:...know.. cultures..Ethics..a little bit of DSM 5....Research a little...the difference btw supeona and court orders....can you tell me what you said to stay away from..I did not catch that...I believe we had the same exam with the Macro questions I too failed by six points and I had to wear a mask the entire time...I needed a 98 to pass but got a 92....I used the same study guide and one of my class mates gave me the practice exam I am watching Philips videos now but I did not watch them before...I took it in the morning but will be sure to take it around 200pm. You mentioned goggling terms I am doing that now and using my own life has my real examples...I take it again in September so I have a good solid 2 months to finish studying..Grits farm or goats? Can you tell me what this refers too..

[@jrudder100]

Is there anyone on this thread that finds Dawn Apgar's book too dense?

[@thegoodethebadtheugly]

I did! But I think I was reading too much into it. It has the basic information that you need to know.

[@zekeIsC00L]

That’s what I used and made a bunch of flash cards with the definitions and it was not helpful in the exam

[@khaily6645]

Can you provide resources about the acronyms you're talking about in your video? Thank you!

[@thegoodethebadtheugly]

Hi, if you google LMSW exam acronyms they should come up.

[@khaily6645]

@@thegoodethebadtheugly Thank you!

[@khaily6645]

​@@thegoodethebadtheugly Update, I passed thanks for sharing these great tips!!

[@thegoodethebadtheugly]

@@khaily6645 congrats!!! I’ll be taking my LCSW exam within the next few months. Will post tips after I pass that exam (claiming it)!

[@khaily6645]

@@thegoodethebadtheugly You got it, you will pass!!! Looking forward to your LCSW video ☺️

[@michaelboucher4317]

t pain

[@robertives3049]

This is great. I’m so happy I won’t be resting. Most of my problems was due to anxiety and test fear. I got all the help I needed via Spiralxbinuclease on IG after months of study. So glad.