ASWB case studies
ASWB · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The ASWB social work licensing examinations are the assessments that state and provincial regulatory boards use to judge a candidate's competence to practice ethically and safely. They are not a single test: ASWB maintains separate exams for the four categories named on its exam overview - Bachelors, Masters, Advanced Generalist, and Clinical - and each draws on three content areas defined by the 2026 blueprint published in the ASWB Examination Guidebook. Every form contains 122 questions - 110 scored and 12 unscored - mixing three-option and four-option multiple choice under a four-hour time limit. Registration fees are US 230 for the Associate, Bachelors, or Masters exam and US 260 for the Advanced Generalist or Clinical exam. The ASWB case studies are 5 cases and about 4,623 words.
1Amara, 13: Self-Injury, Secrecy, and a Family That Runs on Her Translation
You are a school social worker at a Title I middle school. Amara, 13, was referred after a teacher saw cuts on her forearm.
917 words, about 5 min2Mr. R, 71: Grief, Weight Loss, Wine, and a Score of 24
You are a social worker at a community mental health clinic. A primary care physician refers Mr.
926 words, about 5 min3Marcus, 34: A Mandated Group Member, a Missed Session, and a Partner Who Calls
You facilitate a 12-week court-mandated anger management group at a nonprofit. Marcus, 34, was ordered to attend after a domestic violence conviction involving his partner.
897 words, about 4 min4Deshawn, 7: ADHD, Suspension, and a Grandmother Who Says He's Fine at Home
You are a therapist at a child and family clinic. Deshawn, 7, lives with his maternal grandmother, his legal guardian, following two foster placements after removal at age 4.
910 words, about 5 min5Ms. T, 41: Bartering, Two Overlapping Roles, and Being the Only Provider in Town
You are the only mental health provider in a town of 3,200. T, 41, has attended 14 sessions for major depression and is improving: PHQ-9 from 19 to 9.
973 words, about 5 min