Starting to study for the LMSW ASWB exam …

Hi everyone,

I’m getting ready to start studying for the LMSW ASWB exam (master’s level social work exam) and honestly I already feel overwhelmed.

I keep seeing recommendations for things like Pocket Prep, Don Apgar materials, Agents of Change, Therapist Development Center, RayTube, Savvy Social Worker, etc. There are so many resources that I don’t even know where to begin.

My biggest question for people who have taken and passed the exam (or are currently studying) is this:

When you use things like Agents of Change or RayTube/YouTube videos, how are you actually using them?

•	Do you just listen to them while driving or doing other things?

•	Or do you sit down intentionally and take notes while watching?

I’m trying to figure out how to structure my studying because right now nothing feels like it’s sticking.

For example:

•	When I do Pocket Prep, I answer questions but it feels like none of the information is retained.

•	When I listen to videos, I feel like I’m just passively hearing it and not remembering it.

•	When I try to read the entire study book, it feels overwhelming and I shut down.

So now I’m wondering if the issue is that I just don’t know the best study strategy for this type of exam.

If you passed the ASWB:

•	What actually worked for you?

•	How did you structure your studying?

•	Did you focus mostly on practice questions, videos, or reading?

Any advice would really help because right now I’m literally panic-panicking trying to figure out how to even start.