The ASWB's Rationale
The decision to transition to a mixed-format exam is in an effort to improve the examination process for social work candidates. According to the ASWB, the change is aimed at "offering test-takers a better experience by reducing time pressure and ensuring a focus on a test-taker’s social work knowledge." This means that the reduced number of answer options in three-option questions will create a more relaxed atmosphere for test-takers, allowing them to better demonstrate their expertise in social work practice.
The Transition Plan
The ASWB's transition plan doesn't stop at merely introducing a mix of question formats. They have a longer-term vision in place, with the intention to gradually increase the number of three-option questions. The ASWB has indicated beginning in 2024, about 24% of exam questions will feature three-option questions. By 2025, the ASWB’s goal is to have fully transitioned to three-option multiple-choice questions. This gradual approach allows both candidates and educators to adapt to the new format, ensuring a smoother experience for everyone involved.
How This Change Benefits Test-Takers
While a shift in exam format can initially seem daunting, there are several ways in which this transition to three-option questions can be advantageous:
Streamlined Decision-Making: With one less answer option to consider, test-takers can make quicker and more confident decisions when selecting their answers. This can help reduce anxiety and time pressure during the exam.
Enhanced Focus on Key Concepts: The shift to three-option questions places a greater emphasis on assessing candidates' fundamental social work knowledge. It ensures that candidates are tested on their understanding of core principles rather than their ability to decipher complex wording or nuances in answer choices.
Improved Efficiency: The reduced number of answer options simplifies the exam-taking process, allowing candidates to allocate more time to each question and potentially improve their overall performance.
Exam Question Examples
Let's examine how this format change might affect your approach to answering social work exam questions with three sample questions:
Bachelor Level Example Question:
Original Question:
A hospital social worker meets with a man whose wife was diagnosed with cancer a month ago. The man has been told that his wife's prognosis is very poor. He came to the hospital emergency room tonight complaining of acute pain. The doctors treated his pain with medication and then referred him to the social worker because he couldn't stop crying. The social worker believes that the man is experiencing grief. Specifically, the man is MOST likely experiencing which of the following?
A. Anniversary grief
B. Acute grief
C. Anticipatory grief
D. Dual grief
The correct answer is C.
Updated Question:
A hospital social worker meets with a man whose wife was diagnosed with cancer a month ago. The man has been told that his wife's prognosis is very poor. He came to the hospital emergency room tonight complaining of acute pain. The doctors treated his pain with medication and then referred him to the social worker because he couldn't stop crying. The social worker believes that the man is experiencing grief. Specifically, the man is MOST likely experiencing which of the following?
A. Anniversary grief
B. Dual grief
C. Anticipatory grief
The correct answer is C.
Grief generally refers to the intense emotional suffering brought on by the loss of or separation from someone or something that is deeply loved. In eliminating one of the key distractors, this question hopefully feels a little easier. All answer choices involve the terminology of grief. Although only two correspond to a form of grief: anniversary and anticipatory. Dual grief is a distractor that might have reminded you of the dual-process model of coping with grief. Given this man's history, this is the best choice: anticipatory grief is triggered by the realization that a significant loss will occur in the near future. The diagnosis of a terminal illness in a loved one (or in oneself) may precipitate anticipatory grief.
Masters Level Exam Question:
Original Question:
A social worker has been working in individual therapy with a client who has a substance use disorder and has agreed to abstain from using substances. The client has also been attending 12-step meetings. In the current session, the client presents, for the first time, with depression-like symptoms. The social worker learns that the client has been using again. The client's depression-like symptoms suggest that she may be experiencing which of the following?
A. Barbiturate intoxication
B. Cannabis intoxication
C. Opioid withdrawal
D. Alcohol withdrawal
The correct answer is C.
Updated Question:
A social worker has been working in individual therapy with a client who has a substance use disorder and has agreed to abstain from using substances. The client has also been attending 12-step meetings. In the current session, the client presents, for the first time, with depression-like symptoms. The social worker learns that the client has been using again. The client's depression-like symptoms suggest that she may be experiencing which of the following?
A. Barbiturate intoxication
B. Cannabis intoxication
C. Opioid withdrawal
The correct answer is C.
This might be a harder question! You have to really know the symptoms of each of the answer choices. However, by removing one answer choice entirely, it allows a higher percentage of getting the question correct even if you need to guess. Among the signs associated with opioid withdrawal are a dysphoric mood, nausea or vomiting, muscle aches, lacrimation (teariness) or rhinorrhea (runny nose), pupillary dilation, piloerection, sweating, diarrhea, yawning, fever, and insomnia.
Clinical Level Exam Question
Original Question:
A social worker is working in individual therapy with a gay woman. The client reports that she recently came out to her family, and although they were initially shocked and upset, they soon accepted the news and expressed their love for her. Her parents told her that they just want her to be happy. The client says that she is so pleased with this outcome that she is thinking about coming out to her boss and co-workers. What is the social worker's BEST course of action?
A. Validate the client's readiness to disclose her sexuality.
B. Suggest that the workplace may not be an appropriate setting to discuss sexuality.
C. Explore the client's relationships with her boss and co-workers.
D. Discuss with the client the pros and cons of this decision.
The correct answer is D.
Updated Question:
A social worker is working in individual therapy with a gay woman. The client reports that she recently came out to her family, and although they were initially shocked and upset, they soon accepted the news and expressed their love for her. Her parents told her that they just want her to be happy. The client says that she is so pleased with this outcome that she is thinking about coming out to her boss and co-workers. What is the social worker's BEST course of action?
A. Validate the client's readiness to disclose her sexuality.
B. Suggest that the workplace may not be an appropriate setting to discuss sexuality.
C. Discuss with the client the pros and cons of this decision.
The correct answer is C.
The question implies that the client is now thinking about coming out to her boss and coworkers primarily because of the favorable way that her relatives responded to the news. However, family relationships are different from workplace relationships. The social worker's best action would be to facilitate the client's decision-making about this issue, including helping her evaluate the potential costs and benefits of each alternative. Answer choice C encompasses both of the other two options which indicates it is the best choice.
The ASWB's decision to update the exam format by introducing three-option questions is a positive step forward. This transition enhances the exam-taking experience by reducing time pressure, focusing on core social work knowledge, and ultimately better assessing candidates' readiness to practice as social workers. While change can be challenging, this gradual shift in format is geared towards ensuring a more equitable and effective examination process for all aspiring social work professionals. Embrace these changes, and be prepared to excel in your social work journey.
