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Free LCSW practice questions

Here are 10 ASWB Clinical practice questions from Practice Exam A, one of our four full-length practice exams. They cover all three content areas of the 2026 Clinical exam, and each one comes with the same written rationale you get in the full practice exams.

How to use this sample

Choose an answer, then select Check answer to see whether you were right and why.
Read the rationale even when you get a question right. The reasoning is what transfers to the real exam.
Take your time. On the real exam you have about two minutes per question.

These are original, unofficial practice questions. They are not ASWB questions, and LCSW Practice Room is not affiliated with ASWB. If you buy the full practice exams, you will see these 10 questions again in Practice Exam A.

QUESTION 1 OF 10 · VALUES AND ETHICS

A client who has been in treatment for eight months for social anxiety sends the social worker a friend request on a personal social media account. Last week the client said they felt proud of “finally making connections online.”What should the social worker do FIRST?

AAccept the request but limit what the client can see on the social worker's profileBReview the agency's social media policy before deciding how to respond to the requestCSend the client a short private message explaining why the request cannot be acceptedDDiscuss the request with the client at the next session and explain the professional boundary

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QUESTION 2 OF 10 · VALUES AND ETHICS

A social worker is beginning telehealth services with a new client who lives in a rural area and shares a small house with several relatives. The client plans to join sessions from a phone.In addition to the usual elements of informed consent, what is MOST important for the social worker to discuss?

APrivacy risks of the technology and a plan for what to do in an emergencyBHow fees and insurance billing for telehealth differ from in-person sessionsCWhether the client has a reliable internet connection and a backup deviceDThe platform's terms of service and how the company stores session data

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QUESTION 3 OF 10 · VALUES AND ETHICS

A social worker receives a subpoena for a client's records from the attorney representing the client's former spouse in a custody dispute.The subpoena gives a deadline two weeks away. The social worker's agency has legal counsel available for consultation.Which response BEST protects confidentiality while addressing the legal request?

ASend the full record because the subpoena gives a valid deadlineBConsult agency counsel and promptly involve the client in planning a responseCContact the client and release the record if the client does not objectDPrepare a summary of the record instead of releasing the full file

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QUESTION 4 OF 10 · VALUES AND ETHICS

A client asks to read her record after learning that her insurance company received a diagnosis.She is upset and wants to “see what you've been writing about me.” There is no indication that reading the record would cause her serious harm.What should the social worker do?

AArrange access to the record and offer to review it with herBGive her a written summary of the record and the diagnosisCExplore her concerns about the diagnosis before deciding on accessDExplain that the record belongs to the agency and cannot be shared

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QUESTION 5 OF 10 · ASSESSMENT AND PLANNING

A client who lost his job two months ago brings unemployment forms that are due tomorrow and asks for help with them.While sorting the papers, he says, “My family would be better off without me.” He has been treated for depression in the past.What should the social worker do FIRST?

AHelp the client finish the forms so that his benefits are not delayedBRefer the client to his prescriber for a medication evaluationCAsk the client directly whether he is having thoughts of suicideDExplore how the job loss has affected his role in the family

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QUESTION 6 OF 10 · ASSESSMENT AND PLANNING

The parents of an 8-month-old say she has recently started crying when relatives and a new babysitter try to hold her.She is calm and playful with both parents and has met her other milestones on time. The parents ask whether they should be worried.What should the social worker tell the parents?

AA developmental screening would help rule out an attachment problemBThe new babysitter may be causing distress and should be replacedCThis reaction is expected at her age and usually eases with timeDRelatives should hold her more often until she stops crying with them

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QUESTION 7 OF 10 · ASSESSMENT AND PLANNING

In the third session, a client says that everything at home is “fine” and that he and his spouse “never fight.”Each time the spouse is mentioned, his fists clench and his voice tightens. Rapport has been good, and he has been open about other topics.What is the social worker's BEST response?

A“You say things are fine, and I notice your hands tighten when you mention your spouse.”B“It sounds as if you may be angrier at your spouse than you are ready to admit.”C“Many couples have tension at home from time to time, and it's normal.”D“On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your marriage right now?”

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QUESTION 8 OF 10 · INTERVENTION AND PRACTICE

An employee assistance program refers a client who has been late to work twice. He says, “I know I drink too much, but it's the only way I can relax after a long shift.” He adds that his wife has been “on my case” about it.Using motivational interviewing, what is the social worker's BEST response?

A“Drinking helps you unwind, and you worry it has become too much.”B“Would it be OK if I shared some information about alcohol and stress?”C“What are some other ways you might be able to relax after work?”D“Can you walk me through how much you drink on a typical workday?”

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QUESTION 9 OF 10 · INTERVENTION AND PRACTICE

During a first session, a client who was assaulted last year startles and becomes visibly tense when the social worker closes the office door.The agency asks staff to keep doors closed for privacy. The client says, “It's fine, go ahead.”What should the social worker do FIRST?

AOffer to move the client's chair so that it is closer to the doorBAsk the client whether she would feel more comfortable with the door open or closedCExplain that the door is closed to protect her privacy and continue the sessionDNote the reaction and plan to explore it once more trust has been built

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QUESTION 10 OF 10 · INTERVENTION AND PRACTICE

A couple seeks help after years of conflict. During the session, one partner rolls her eyes and mocks the other's way of speaking. The other partner responds by defending himself, and then he stops talking and looks away.According to research by John Gottman, which behavior is the STRONGEST predictor of divorce?

AThe partner's defensivenessBThe history of frequent conflictCThe mocking and eye-rollingDThe partner's withdrawal

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