I decided to publish my journal entry about the first leg of a two-part process required in order to secure an LCSW license in California. I utilized this study formula for both the law and ethics portion and the final licensing exam. It has been over 2 years since I received my LCSW license, and as I plan to become a supervisor to social workers on their way to becoming an LCSW, I thought this blog post might be helpful to other social workers too.
I wanted to make sure to share my thoughts on preparing for the LCSW tests before I take the tests. In California, we take the Law and Ethics test first (now required for all with an ACSW license) and once the applicant passes the Law and Ethics test, then the social worker must take the ASWB (Association of Social Worker Boards) National Clinical Exam. This presents a BIG change for the those of us navigating the California Board of Behavioral Sciences LCSW licensure process. The Law and Ethics test is a completely new component even though there have always been 2 tests involved in becoming an LCSW. The second test, the National Clinical Exam, is the test I believe the rest of the US has been using for quite some time. I am relieved California changed to the this National Clinical Exam.
Back to the prep work I am doing for the first hurdle (Law and Ethics Exam). I decided to utilize a couple of systems to prepare myself. After consulting with colleagues who have taken their LCSW tests in the past year (even though only two social worker that I know have taken and passed the Law and Ethics exam so far), I made decisions about study material. Many social workers recommended Therapist Development Center. I like the concept behind their study materials because it doesn't involve memorizing concepts, but using logic to work through the questions. All study material is on-line and needs to be printed in order to follow along with the audio portions of the system. An LCSW named Amanda guides the audio portions and provides solid advise on both the actual topics of law and ethics along with great tips on getting mentally/physically prepared for the test. Material is broken down into manageable steps. This system involves creating a schedule of studying that leads up to the actual date of the test. Basically, one could jam through the material and be ready to test in 2 weeks (probably if one was not working full time), or take the approximate 4 or 7 week schedule to prep for the test. I am taking 6 weeks to prepare for the test. I am scheduled to take the exam at the end of the month. This system kind of forced me to call and schedule the test- reality check for me! Once there was a date in place, the clock is ticking. I have up to 48 hours before the test to change my test date, but that won't happen unless I get sick or something unforeseeable occurs.
The second system I have decided to use is through the AATBS (Association for Advance Training in the Behavioral Sciences). This was the other study package recommended by many of my social worker colleagues. In this package, I received a study manual and study cards along with access to their online tests. These tests can be taken over and over again. So this method involves some memorization. I have read over the Law and Ethics manual that was provided, and reviewed the study cards in the areas that I will need to focus on (laws that don't apply to my current or past jobs).
Starting this weekend, I will be devoting massive amounts of time to studying. I have discovered that I just can't study during my work week. I work 10 hour days with added commute times (1 hour each way). I am just too tired for my brain to take in anything after work! I do bring the study cards from the AATBS with me everywhere I go, so I could look at them during free time. So far, this has only happened twice. But since I have a couple of car maintenance appointment coming up, I am sure I will be using the cards to study.
Am I nervous yet? Nope. Maybe I will get nervous about this test as the date gets closer. I will continue to update my blog during my final countdown to to the test and through the entire California Law and Ethics testing process.
