Licensing Preparation Program

Build the skills and confidence needed to succeed on your social work licensing exam.

The Licensing Preparation Program, hosted by the Child Welfare Scholar Program, is available to all social workers preparing for the BSW, MSW, or LCSW examinations. This program is designed to help participants grasp exam dynamics, develop effective strategies for selecting the best answers, and ultimately improve their success rates. Through comprehensive seminars, participants will learn time-tested multiple-choice exam-taking strategies, tactics, and techniques. The program also provides an organized and detailed content review to enhance participants’ chances of passing the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Examination. New Mexico licensure is administered by the New Mexico Board of Social Work Examiners.

2026 Changes to the Social Work Licensing Exams

The Social Work Licensing Exams are changing on Monday, August 3, 2026. Based on the 2026 blueprint, key updates include testing three content areas instead of four, fewer questions overall, and a higher proportion of three-option multiple-choice questions and questions that rely on the application of professional knowledge. Exam fees, scoring, time limits, and registration procedures remain unchanged.

Learn more about the 2026 exam changes at ASWB.org
Program Offerings

How the Licensing Preparation Program Works

The 2-Day Licensing Exam Preparation Seminar serves as the foundation of the program. Participants may also choose to attend a 1-Day Booster Session after completing a seminar to reinforce exam-taking strategies, strengthen content knowledge, and build additional confidence before testing.

  • 1

    Complete the 2-Day Licensing Exam Preparation Seminar

    The 2-Day Licensing Exam Preparation Seminars offer intensive training on multiple-choice exam-taking strategies and techniques. Participants engage with practice exams that mirror the structure of the national exam while facilitators provide guidance on understanding exam dynamics and selecting the most appropriate answers.

    Presentation and lecture covering exam preparation strategies, the exam-taking process, and essential social work knowledge and skills
    Full exam simulation using practice exams modeled after the national licensing examination
    Dissemination of content assessment results with individualized feedback and guidance
    Comprehensive seminar resources, practice exams, and self-assessments
  • 2

    Enhance Your Preparation with a 1-Day Booster Session

    The 1-Day Booster Sessions are designed to reinforce and enhance the knowledge and strategies gained during the 2-Day Seminar. These sessions provide additional guided practice and individualized support to strengthen exam readiness.

    Review and reinforce exam-taking processes and successful testing strategies
    Develop and analyze practice exam items to deepen understanding
    Individualized meetings with facilitators to address specific questions and concerns
    Additional practice items and study materials to support ongoing preparation

    *Booster Sessions are intended as an optional follow-up to the 2-Day Seminar and are not designed as a stand-alone preparation option.

Learning Outcomes

Seminar Objectives

Participants will learn practical strategies and techniques designed to improve exam performance, strengthen content knowledge, and build confidence throughout the licensing process. Licensure preparation seminar and boosters will address LBSW (Basic), LMSW (Intermediate), and LCSW (Clinical) levels. After participating in the seminar and booster, students will: 

Understand how multiple-choice items can enhance exam success
Select and apply effective exam-taking strategies
Use information within exam items to choose the best response
Plan and organize an effective exam preparation process
Identify personal strengths and areas needing additional review
Develop strategies to regulate test anxiety and its effects
Apply social work content knowledge to increase exam success
Practice with realistic exam items and simulations
Build confidence in exam-taking skills
Receive individualized feedback and content assessment
Register Today

Take the Next Step Toward Licensure

Explore upcoming seminar dates and choose the session that works best for you. Space is limited to 25 participants per seminar, and Child Welfare Scholars receive priority registration.

Registration Information

2-Day Seminar Fees

$50 for students
$75 for non-students

Booster Session Fees

$25 for students
$50 for non-students

Scholarship opportunities are available for participants facing financial difficulties.
Registration closes when 25 participants have enrolled.
Child Welfare Scholars attend at no cost and receive priority registration.
Registration for all other participants is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Times and dates are subject to change.
Booster Session Note: Booster Sessions are designed as a follow-up to the 2-Day Licensing Exam Preparation Seminar and are not intended to serve as a replacement or stand-alone preparation option.

Upcoming Licensing Exam Preparation Seminar

Jul 16

2-Day Licensing Exam Preparation Seminar

July 16–17, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. each day
Dissemination Session: July 23, 2026 (9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.)

Register Pay Registration Fee
For more information about the Licensing Preparation Program, contact Erica Tontodonati