A caller asks a clinic that is publicly known to treat only substance use disorders whether a named person is a patient. Under 42 CFR 2.13, when may staff acknowledge it?42 CFR 2.13 (substance use disorder patient records), on ecfr.gov, paragraph (c). Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IA. Ethical Principles and Responsibilities.
A client asks in writing that an entry in her record be amended. How long does 45 CFR 164.526 give the covered entity to act on the request?45 CFR 164.526 (HIPAA Privacy Rule), on ecfr.gov, paragraph (b)(2). Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IB. Ethical Service Delivery.
A client tells his social worker he will shoot a named coworker tomorrow. Under 45 CFR 164.512(j), to whom may the worker, acting in good faith, disclose protected health information?45 CFR 164.512 (HIPAA Privacy Rule), on ecfr.gov, paragraph (j). Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IB. Ethical Service Delivery.
Show all 60 questions (57 more)
Values and ethics, continued
A client who survived labor trafficking asks about immigration relief. By USCIS, T nonimmigrant status lets certain victims remain in the United States for an initial period of up to how long?U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Victims of Human Trafficking: T Nonimmigrant Status, T nonimmigrant status. Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IC. Diversity and Social Justice.
A counseling group offers a hospital discharge planner a gift card for each Medicare patient she refers. Which federal law makes paying for such referrals a crime?HHS Office of Inspector General, A Roadmap for New Physicians: Fraud and Abuse Laws, Anti-Kickback Statute. Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IB. Ethical Service Delivery.
A deaf client's adult sister offers to interpret at a county agency intake. There is no emergency. Under 28 CFR 35.160, when may the agency rely on her?28 CFR 35.160 (ADA Title II), on ecfr.gov, paragraph (c)(2). Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IC. Diversity and Social Justice.
A health plan asks a clinic for a client's psychotherapy notes to decide a claim. What does 45 CFR 164.508 require before the notes are sent?45 CFR 164.508 (HIPAA Privacy Rule), on ecfr.gov, paragraph (a)(2). Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IA. Ethical Principles and Responsibilities.
A hospital social work department is asked to follow the National CLAS Standards. What does CLAS stand for?HHS Office of Minority Health, National CLAS Standards, National CLAS Standards. Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IC. Diversity and Social Justice.
A licensed professional judges that giving a client his record is reasonably likely to endanger his life. Under 45 CFR 164.524, what follows?45 CFR 164.524 (HIPAA Privacy Rule), on ecfr.gov, paragraph (a)(3). Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IB. Ethical Service Delivery.
A patient of a federally assisted substance use disorder program collapses and cannot give consent. Under 42 CFR 2.51, to whom may identifying information be disclosed?42 CFR 2.51 (substance use disorder patient records), on ecfr.gov, paragraph (a). Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IA. Ethical Principles and Responsibilities.
A program director signs Medicaid claims without reading them, although staff have warned that some are wrong. Under the civil False Claims Act, what does "knowing" include?HHS Office of Inspector General, A Roadmap for New Physicians: Fraud and Abuse Laws, False Claims Act. Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IB. Ethical Service Delivery.
A researcher at an agency prepares a de-identified data set under the HIPAA safe harbor. Which of these must be removed?45 CFR 164.514 (HIPAA Privacy Rule), on ecfr.gov, paragraph (b)(2). Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IA. Ethical Principles and Responsibilities.
A school social worker learns that a student has made a specific, serious threat against classmates. Under FERPA, when may the school disclose education records without consent?34 CFR 99.36 (FERPA), on ecfr.gov, paragraph (a). Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IA. Ethical Principles and Responsibilities.
A social worker asks whether a privilege excuses a mandated report of child abuse. By the Child Welfare Information Gateway, which privilege do state reporting laws most commonly affirm?Child Welfare Information Gateway (Children's Bureau, HHS), Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect, Privileged Communications. Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IB. Ethical Service Delivery.
A social worker keeps her analysis of what clients say in session in a file kept apart from the rest of the record. What does the HIPAA Privacy Rule call these notes?45 CFR 164.501 (HIPAA Privacy Rule), on ecfr.gov, definition of psychotherapy notes. Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IA. Ethical Principles and Responsibilities.
A state agency plans services for adults with psychiatric disabilities. Under the ADA Title II rule at 28 CFR 35.130(d), in what setting must it administer them?28 CFR 35.130 (ADA Title II), on ecfr.gov, paragraph (d). Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IC. Diversity and Social Justice.
An agency discovers that unsecured client records were breached. Under 45 CFR 164.404, by when must the affected individuals be notified?45 CFR 164.404 (HIPAA Breach Notification Rule), on ecfr.gov, paragraph (b). Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IA. Ethical Principles and Responsibilities.
An agency hires an outside company to handle billing, and the company receives client health information on the agency's behalf. What does HIPAA call the company?45 CFR 160.103 (HIPAA definitions), on ecfr.gov, definition of business associate. Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IA. Ethical Principles and Responsibilities.
An agency reasonably believes that a client's personal representative has subjected the client to domestic violence. Under 45 CFR 164.502(g), what may the agency decide?45 CFR 164.502 (HIPAA Privacy Rule), on ecfr.gov, paragraph (g)(5). Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IA. Ethical Principles and Responsibilities.
An attorney's subpoena for a client's record reaches an agency with no court order attached. Under 45 CFR 164.512(e), what must the agency receive before it may disclose?45 CFR 164.512 (HIPAA Privacy Rule), on ecfr.gov, paragraph (e). Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IB. Ethical Service Delivery.
Under 42 CFR 489.102, what must a hospital give each adult patient about advance directives?42 CFR 489.102 (advance directives), on ecfr.gov, paragraph (a)(1). Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IB. Ethical Service Delivery.
Assessment and planning 20
A 7-year-old has had severe temper outbursts three or more times a week for over a year and is irritable most of the day. NIMH describes these as signs of which condition?National Institute of Mental Health, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, signs and symptoms. Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IIA. Assessment Concepts.
A 19-year-old client began an antidepressant last week. By NIMH, what should people under 25 be watched closely for in the first few weeks?National Institute of Mental Health, Mental Health Medications, antidepressants. Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IIC. Assessment Practices.
A child often repeats words or phrases he has heard. NIMH lists this among the restrictive and repetitive behaviors of autism spectrum disorder. What is it called?National Institute of Mental Health, Autism Spectrum Disorder, signs and symptoms. Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IIA. Assessment Concepts.
A client describes relationships that swing from extreme closeness to extreme dislike, chronic feelings of emptiness and fear of being abandoned. NIMH lists these among the signs of which disorder?National Institute of Mental Health, Borderline Personality Disorder, signs and symptoms. Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IIA. Assessment Concepts.
A client has both depression and an alcohol use disorder. By NIMH, which is one explanation for why the two kinds of disorder occur together?National Institute of Mental Health, Finding Help for Co-Occurring Substance Use and Mental Disorders, Why do substance use and other mental disorders occur together? Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IIA. Assessment Concepts.
A client has had flashbacks and avoidance for ten days after an assault. By NIMH, how long must symptoms last to meet the criteria for PTSD?National Institute of Mental Health, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, symptoms of PTSD. Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IIA. Assessment Concepts.
A client has taken an older, first-generation antipsychotic for years. By NIMH, long-term use may lead to uncontrollable muscle movements. What is this condition called?National Institute of Mental Health, Mental Health Medications, antipsychotics. Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IIC. Assessment Practices.
A client limits the amount and variety of food she eats out of fear of choking, with no concern about weight. Which disorder does NIMH describe this way?National Institute of Mental Health, Eating Disorders, common eating disorders. Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IIA. Assessment Concepts.
A client with bipolar disorder takes lithium. By NIMH, what do health care providers generally ask people taking lithium to do?National Institute of Mental Health, Mental Health Medications, mood stabilizers. Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IIC. Assessment Practices.
A family lives in poverty, and the parents use every resource offered to care for their child. By the Child Welfare Information Gateway, is poverty itself child neglect?Child Welfare Information Gateway (Children's Bureau, HHS), What Is Child Abuse and Neglect? Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms, Neglect. Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IIA. Assessment Concepts.
A hospital team wants a fast way to screen medical patients for suicide risk. What is the NIMH Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ) tool?National Institute of Mental Health, Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ) Toolkit, ASQ tool. Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IIB. Assessment Methods and Techniques.
A housing program asks whether a client with a disability is "chronically homeless" under HUD's rule. How long must the homelessness have lasted?24 CFR 578.3 (Continuum of Care Program), on ecfr.gov, definition of chronically homeless. Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IIA. Assessment Concepts.
A social worker assessing risk of self-harm reviews a client's history. Which of these does NIMH list among the main risk factors for suicide?National Institute of Mental Health, Frequently Asked Questions About Suicide, risk factors. Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IIB. Assessment Methods and Techniques.
A social worker screens a client's alcohol use. NIAAA defines binge drinking as a pattern that brings blood alcohol concentration to what level?National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Alcohol Drinking Patterns, binge drinking. Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IIA. Assessment Concepts.
An older hospital patient becomes severely confused within a day, more alert in the morning than at night. How does MedlinePlus describe delirium?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Delirium, Causes. Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IIA. Assessment Concepts.
By NIMH, how does a hypomanic episode differ from a manic episode?National Institute of Mental Health, Bipolar Disorder, What is bipolar disorder? Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IIA. Assessment Concepts.
By NIMH, when are people usually first diagnosed with schizophrenia?National Institute of Mental Health, Schizophrenia, signs and symptoms. Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IIA. Assessment Concepts.
During a mental status examination a client is asked to start at a number and keep subtracting 7. By MedlinePlus, which area does this test?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Mental status testing, Attention span. Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IIB. Assessment Methods and Techniques.
Three weeks after giving birth, a client reports severe sadness and anxiety that have not eased. By NIMH, why is this more than the "baby blues"?National Institute of Mental Health, Perinatal Depression, "baby blues". Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IIA. Assessment Concepts.
Under federal immigration law, a refugee is unable or unwilling to return home because of persecution, or a well-founded fear of it, on account of which grounds?8 U.S.C. 1101 (Immigration and Nationality Act), Legal Information Institute, paragraph (a)(42). Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IIA. Assessment Concepts.
Intervention and practice 19
A 10-year-old stays silent and does not object when asked to join a research study. Under 45 CFR 46.402, has the child given assent?45 CFR 46.402 (protection of human subjects), on ecfr.gov, paragraph (b). Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IIIC. Practice Evaluation and Research.
A child has been in foster care for 15 of the most recent 22 months. With stated exceptions, what does federal law require the State to do?42 U.S.C. 675 (foster care definitions), Legal Information Institute, paragraph (5)(E). Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IIIA. Practice Concepts.
A clinic adopts SBIRT for substance use. By SAMHSA, what does the brief intervention focus on?SAMHSA, Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT), three core components. Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IIIB. Intervention Methods and Techniques.
A consent form for a federally funded study says participants give up the right to sue for negligence. What does 45 CFR 46.116 say about such wording?45 CFR 46.116 (protection of human subjects), on ecfr.gov, paragraph (a)(6). Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IIIC. Practice Evaluation and Research.
A Medicare patient elects hospice care. Under 42 CFR 418.24, which Medicare payment does the patient waive while the election lasts?42 CFR 418.24 (Medicare hospice care), on ecfr.gov, paragraph (g). Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IIIA. Practice Concepts.
A new parenting program collects data on its operations in its first months so that changes can be made early. What kind of evaluation is this?Administration for Children and Families (HHS), The Program Manager's Guide to Evaluation, Second Edition, Glossary. Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IIIC. Practice Evaluation and Research.
A new program administrator asks who must be trained on the agency's privacy policies. What does 45 CFR 164.530 require?45 CFR 164.530 (HIPAA Privacy Rule), on ecfr.gov, paragraph (b)(1). Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IIID. Supervision and Administration.
A program evaluator has a control group, not a comparison group. By the ACF guide, what makes a control group different?Administration for Children and Families (HHS), The Program Manager's Guide to Evaluation, Second Edition, evaluation designs. Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IIIC. Practice Evaluation and Research.
A residential program reviews its crisis policy. By SAMHSA, when are seclusion and restraint to be used?SAMHSA, Trauma-Informed Approaches and Programs, What is Seclusion and Restraint? Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IIIB. Intervention Methods and Techniques.
A review board weighs a survey study. Under 45 CFR 46.102, what does "minimal risk" mean?45 CFR 46.102 (protection of human subjects), on ecfr.gov, paragraph (j). Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IIIC. Practice Evaluation and Research.
A social worker picks a published scale to evaluate her practice. By the ACF guide, when is an instrument valid?Administration for Children and Families (HHS), The Program Manager's Guide to Evaluation, Second Edition, data collection instruments. Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IIIC. Practice Evaluation and Research.
A state agency is working with the family of an Indian child in a custody proceeding. Under the Indian Child Welfare Act rule, what are "active efforts"?25 CFR 23.2 (Indian Child Welfare Act), on ecfr.gov, definition of active efforts. Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IIIA. Practice Concepts.
A team offers psychotherapy, medication, case management, work and school support and family education together. By NIMH, for whom are such coordinated specialty care programs designed?National Institute of Mental Health, Schizophrenia, Coordinated specialty care. Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IIIA. Practice Concepts.
A veteran avoids anything that reminds him of his trauma. By the VA National Center for PTSD, how does prolonged exposure work?VA National Center for PTSD, Prolonged Exposure (PE) for PTSD, How does it work? Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IIIB. Intervention Methods and Techniques.
An agency director follows OSHA's guidelines for a violence prevention program. What do they call a step-by-step assessment of the workplace to find existing or potential hazards?OSHA, Guidelines for Preventing Workplace Violence for Healthcare and Social Service Workers (OSHA 3148), Worksite Analysis and Hazard Identification. Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IIID. Supervision and Administration.
By NIMH, which psychotherapy was developed specifically for people with borderline personality disorder?National Institute of Mental Health, Borderline Personality Disorder, Psychotherapy. Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IIIB. Intervention Methods and Techniques.
In which PTSD therapy does the client attend to a back-and-forth movement or sound while calling the upsetting memory to mind?VA National Center for PTSD, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for PTSD, How does it work? Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IIIB. Intervention Methods and Techniques.
Under 42 CFR 418.56, a hospice interdisciplinary group must include a physician, a registered nurse, a pastoral or other counselor, and which other role?42 CFR 418.56 (Medicare hospice care), on ecfr.gov, paragraph (a)(1). Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IIIA. Practice Concepts.
Which principle of SAMHSA's trauma-informed approach places importance on partnering and leveling power differences between staff and the people served?SAMHSA, Trauma-Informed Approaches and Programs, principles of a trauma-informed approach. Outline: ASWB Masters exam content outline (2026 Examination Guidebook), IIIB. Intervention Methods and Techniques.
How this list was compiled: Our own questions, written to the content outline of the Masters exam in the ASWB Examination Guidebook, published August 2026 for exams given from August 3, 2026 (https://www.aswb.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-Social-Work-Licensing-Exam-Guidebook-5.4.2026.pdf, linked from https://www.aswb.org/exam/readiness-to-practice/content-outlines/, both read 2026-10-08). Its three content areas and their shares: Values and Ethics 35%, Assessment and Planning 33%, Intervention and Practice 32%. The bank holds 21, 20 and 19 questions in that order. Every fact was read on 2026-10-08 in the public text the question names: the Code of Federal Regulations at ecfr.gov, the United States Code at the Legal Information Institute, the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, MedlinePlus, SAMHSA, the Child Welfare Information Gateway, the Administration for Children and Families, the VA National Center for PTSD, OSHA, the HHS Office of Inspector General, the HHS Office of Minority Health and USCIS. No code of ethics of a membership body and no priced diagnostic manual was used. Licence: Questions, choices and explanations are original work of this site.
How it works
This free LMSW practice exam has 60 questions of our own for LMSW exam prep, on the Masters exam of the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). It is unofficial and not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by ASWB.
Read the full guide
What the exam covers
The ASWB Examination Guidebook for exams from August 3, 2026, read October 8, 2026, gives the Masters outline three content areas: values and ethics 35%, assessment and planning 33%, intervention and practice 32%. This bank holds 21, 20 and 19.
Timing
Exam mode asks all 60 in 118 minutes, the pace of the real 122 questions in four hours.
Where the facts come from
Each answer names a public text: the Code of Federal Regulations, NIMH, MedlinePlus, SAMHSA, the VA and the Child Welfare Information Gateway. The Masters set adds research rules, program evaluation and supervision.
The guidebook's reading list for values and ethics includes the NASW Code of Ethics. These questions do not quote it, so read it too.
By the guidebook, the real exam also asks application and reasoning questions. Most questions here test recall of a rule or a definition.
Questions and answers
Is this LMSW exam prep free?
Yes. There is no charge and no sign-up. Each question shows the right answer, a short reason and the public rule or page it was read in, and the set prints as a paper test.
Which ASWB exam do I take for the LMSW?
Your board decides: the state or province tells ASWB which category you may take, by the guidebook. New York, for one, requires the ASWB Masters examination for its LMSW, by its Office of the Professions.
How many questions are on the ASWB Masters exam?
122, in two sections of 61, with four hours to finish. Of these, 110 count toward the score and 12 are unscored pretest questions mixed in, by the ASWB Examination Guidebook.
What is a passing score on the LMSW exam?
ASWB reports pass or fail, plus how many questions were needed to pass and the number you answered correctly. The number needed shifts slightly between exam versions, so a result here is the number right, not a forecast.
Is this the official ASWB Masters practice test?
No. ASWB sells its own online practice test, built from retired exam questions, to people registered for an exam. This is a separate, unofficial bank, and none of its questions repeats or rewords an ASWB question.