ASWB MASTERS LEVEL SOCIAL WORK
EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 2026 VERIFIED.
1. A social worker is working with a client who identifies as a member of the
LGBTQ+ community and expresses fear of discrimination when applying for
jobs. Which of the following should the social worker do FIRST?
A. Advocate for the client by contacting potential employers directly.
B. Provide the client with a list of known LGBTQ+ friendly companies.
C. Refer the client to a legal aid organization specializing in employment discrimination.
D. Validate the client’s feelings and explore the impact of these fears on their job search.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In social work practice, the first step is usually to validate the
client’s experience and explore the feelings associated with their concerns before moving
into action-oriented steps or referrals.
2. According to Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, what is the
primary conflict for an individual in middle adulthood (ages 40 to 65)?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Integrity vs. Despair
C. Intimacy vs. Isolation
D. Identity vs. Role Confusion
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Generativity vs. Stagnation is the seventh stage of Erik Erikson’s
theory of psychosocial development, occurring during middle adulthood when individuals
strive to create or nurture things that will outlast them.
, 3. A social worker is conducting an initial assessment with a client who reports
feeling hopeless, having a poor appetite, and sleeping 12 hours a day. The client
also mentions having a plan to end their life. What is the social worker’s MOST
immediate priority?
A. Developing a safety plan with the client.
B. Contacting the client’s family for support.
C. Assessing the lethality and intent of the client’s suicidal ideation.
D. Referring the client for a psychiatric medication evaluation.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: While all options are important, the most immediate priority is
to assess the level of risk (lethality and intent) to determine the appropriate level of
intervention, such as hospitalization or intensive outpatient care.
4. During a group therapy session, members begin to challenge the leader’s
authority and argue with one another about the group’s purpose. According to
Tuckman’s stages of group development, which stage is the group likely in?
A. Forming
B. Norming
C. Storming
D. Performing
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The ‘Storming’ stage is characterized by conflict, competition,
and members testing the boundaries of the leader and the group’s structure.
EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 2026 VERIFIED.
1. A social worker is working with a client who identifies as a member of the
LGBTQ+ community and expresses fear of discrimination when applying for
jobs. Which of the following should the social worker do FIRST?
A. Advocate for the client by contacting potential employers directly.
B. Provide the client with a list of known LGBTQ+ friendly companies.
C. Refer the client to a legal aid organization specializing in employment discrimination.
D. Validate the client’s feelings and explore the impact of these fears on their job search.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In social work practice, the first step is usually to validate the
client’s experience and explore the feelings associated with their concerns before moving
into action-oriented steps or referrals.
2. According to Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, what is the
primary conflict for an individual in middle adulthood (ages 40 to 65)?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Integrity vs. Despair
C. Intimacy vs. Isolation
D. Identity vs. Role Confusion
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Generativity vs. Stagnation is the seventh stage of Erik Erikson’s
theory of psychosocial development, occurring during middle adulthood when individuals
strive to create or nurture things that will outlast them.
, 3. A social worker is conducting an initial assessment with a client who reports
feeling hopeless, having a poor appetite, and sleeping 12 hours a day. The client
also mentions having a plan to end their life. What is the social worker’s MOST
immediate priority?
A. Developing a safety plan with the client.
B. Contacting the client’s family for support.
C. Assessing the lethality and intent of the client’s suicidal ideation.
D. Referring the client for a psychiatric medication evaluation.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: While all options are important, the most immediate priority is
to assess the level of risk (lethality and intent) to determine the appropriate level of
intervention, such as hospitalization or intensive outpatient care.
4. During a group therapy session, members begin to challenge the leader’s
authority and argue with one another about the group’s purpose. According to
Tuckman’s stages of group development, which stage is the group likely in?
A. Forming
B. Norming
C. Storming
D. Performing
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The ‘Storming’ stage is characterized by conflict, competition,
and members testing the boundaries of the leader and the group’s structure.
