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See where you stand before you buy. These sample questions match the ASWB
Clinical exam style — scenario-based, single best answer, with a rationale that explains the
reasoning. Work each one before reading the answer.
Unlock 600+ LCSW practice questions across 4 full-length simulators — $19.99 lifetime →
How close are these to the real ASWB Clinical exam?
The current ASWB Clinical exam (for LCSW licensure) is 170 questions (150 scored) over 4 hours.
It tests clinical judgment across assessment and diagnosis, intervention, human development and
diversity, and professional ethics. The samples below reflect that.
Sample LCSW questions
- A client discloses a specific, credible intent to seriously harm a named individual. The
social worker’s primary obligation is to:- A. Maintain absolute confidentiality
- B. Take steps to protect the potential victim (duty to warn/protect)
- C. Terminate services immediately
- D. Document and address it next session
Answer: B. A serious, foreseeable threat to an identifiable person triggers the
duty to protect, which can override confidentiality. Knowing the limits of confidentiality is core
clinical-ethics content. - What should a clinical social worker do FIRST when beginning work with a new client?
- A. Develop a treatment plan
- B. Conduct a biopsychosocial assessment
- C. Assign homework
- D. Make a referral
Answer: B. Assessment precedes intervention. A thorough biopsychosocial
assessment grounds an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate, individualized plan — the ASWB
exam consistently rewards assessing before acting. - A defense mechanism in which unacceptable impulses are attributed to others is:
- A. Sublimation
- B. Projection
- C. Reaction formation
- D. Regression
Answer: B. Projection attributes one’s own unacceptable feelings or impulses to
someone else. Recognizing defense mechanisms is high-yield for the clinical exam. - Which approach focuses on identifying and changing distorted thoughts to influence
feelings and behavior?- A. Psychodynamic therapy
- B. Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- C. Narrative therapy
- D. Solution-focused therapy
Answer: B. CBT targets cognitive distortions to change emotional and behavioral
responses — a frequently tested, evidence-based modality. - A social worker realizes a client shares their cultural background and feels strong
identification. The best response is to:- A. Self-disclose extensively to build rapport
- B. Remain aware of countertransference and keep the focus on the client
- C. Refer the client elsewhere
- D. Avoid discussing culture entirely
Answer: B. Strong identification can fuel countertransference; the clinician
maintains self-awareness and keeps the work client-centered rather than over-disclosing.
How did you do?
If the ethics or theory felt fuzzy, that’s what practice is for. Our bank has 600+ LCSW questions
across 4 timed simulators with rationales like these, plus a free sample test.
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Sources & references
The exam facts on this page are drawn from official certifying-body materials, reviewed 2026-06-18 by the DrCertifications exam-prep team (10+ years in exam preparation and publishing).