Maryland Licensed Certified Social Worker
Exam With Actual Questions & Correct
Answers, Plus Rationales/Expert Verified
For Guaranteed Pass 2026/Latest
Update/Instant Download Pdf
1. A social worker is conducting an initial assessment. Which is the
most important first step?
A. Develop treatment goals
B. Establish rapport
C. Diagnose the client
D. Refer to services
Answer: B
Rationale: Establishing rapport builds trust and is essential
before gathering detailed information or planning interventions.
2. Which therapeutic approach focuses on changing maladaptive
thoughts?
A. Psychodynamic therapy
B. Humanistic therapy
C. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
D. Gestalt therapy
Answer: C
Rationale: CBT targets dysfunctional thinking patterns to
influence behavior and emotions.
3. In Maryland, mandated reporters must report suspected abuse
to:
, A. Police only
B. Child’s school
C. Local Department of Social Services
D. Client’s physician
Answer: C
Rationale: Reports of abuse are made to local social services
agencies responsible for investigation.
4. What is the primary goal of crisis intervention?
A. Long-term therapy
B. Stabilization
C. Diagnosis
D. Medication management
Answer: B
Rationale: Crisis intervention aims to quickly stabilize the client
and reduce immediate distress.
5. Which defense mechanism involves attributing one’s feelings to
others?
A. Denial
B. Projection
C. Displacement
D. Regression
Answer: B
Rationale: Projection involves assigning one’s own unacceptable
feelings to someone else.
6. A client refuses treatment. What should the social worker do
first?
A. Terminate services
B. Respect autonomy
C. Call authorities
, D. Force treatment
Answer: B
Rationale: Respecting client autonomy is a core ethical principle
unless safety is at risk.
7. Confidentiality may be legally broken when:
A. Client requests it
B. Payment issues arise
C. There is risk of harm
D. Session ends
Answer: C
Rationale: Duty to warn or protect applies when there is risk of
harm to self or others.
8. Which stage of development involves identity formation?
A. Trust vs mistrust
B. Identity vs role confusion
C. Industry vs inferiority
D. Integrity vs despair
Answer: B
Rationale: Erikson identifies adolescence as the stage for identity
development.
9. What is transference?
A. Therapist feelings toward client
B. Client projecting feelings onto therapist
C. Ending therapy
D. Referring a client
Answer: B
Rationale: Transference occurs when clients redirect feelings
from past relationships to the therapist.
Exam With Actual Questions & Correct
Answers, Plus Rationales/Expert Verified
For Guaranteed Pass 2026/Latest
Update/Instant Download Pdf
1. A social worker is conducting an initial assessment. Which is the
most important first step?
A. Develop treatment goals
B. Establish rapport
C. Diagnose the client
D. Refer to services
Answer: B
Rationale: Establishing rapport builds trust and is essential
before gathering detailed information or planning interventions.
2. Which therapeutic approach focuses on changing maladaptive
thoughts?
A. Psychodynamic therapy
B. Humanistic therapy
C. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
D. Gestalt therapy
Answer: C
Rationale: CBT targets dysfunctional thinking patterns to
influence behavior and emotions.
3. In Maryland, mandated reporters must report suspected abuse
to:
, A. Police only
B. Child’s school
C. Local Department of Social Services
D. Client’s physician
Answer: C
Rationale: Reports of abuse are made to local social services
agencies responsible for investigation.
4. What is the primary goal of crisis intervention?
A. Long-term therapy
B. Stabilization
C. Diagnosis
D. Medication management
Answer: B
Rationale: Crisis intervention aims to quickly stabilize the client
and reduce immediate distress.
5. Which defense mechanism involves attributing one’s feelings to
others?
A. Denial
B. Projection
C. Displacement
D. Regression
Answer: B
Rationale: Projection involves assigning one’s own unacceptable
feelings to someone else.
6. A client refuses treatment. What should the social worker do
first?
A. Terminate services
B. Respect autonomy
C. Call authorities
, D. Force treatment
Answer: B
Rationale: Respecting client autonomy is a core ethical principle
unless safety is at risk.
7. Confidentiality may be legally broken when:
A. Client requests it
B. Payment issues arise
C. There is risk of harm
D. Session ends
Answer: C
Rationale: Duty to warn or protect applies when there is risk of
harm to self or others.
8. Which stage of development involves identity formation?
A. Trust vs mistrust
B. Identity vs role confusion
C. Industry vs inferiority
D. Integrity vs despair
Answer: B
Rationale: Erikson identifies adolescence as the stage for identity
development.
9. What is transference?
A. Therapist feelings toward client
B. Client projecting feelings onto therapist
C. Ending therapy
D. Referring a client
Answer: B
Rationale: Transference occurs when clients redirect feelings
from past relationships to the therapist.
