Maryland Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Exam With Actual Questions & Correct
Answers, Plus Rationales/Expert Verified
For Guaranteed Pass 2026/Latest
Update/Instant Download Pdf
1. A client presents with persistent sadness, loss of interest, and
fatigue for over two weeks. Which diagnosis is most appropriate?
A. Bipolar Disorder
B. Major Depressive Disorder
C. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
D. Adjustment Disorder
Answer: B
Rationale: Major Depressive Disorder is characterized by at least
two weeks of depressed mood or loss of interest along with
other symptoms.
2. Which defense mechanism involves attributing one’s own
unacceptable thoughts to others?
A. Denial
B. Projection
C. Displacement
D. Rationalization
Answer: B
Rationale: Projection involves assigning one’s own unacceptable
feelings or thoughts to someone else.
3. In cognitive behavioral therapy, the primary focus is on:
A. Childhood experiences
, B. Unconscious conflicts
C. Changing maladaptive thoughts and behaviors
D. Dream analysis
Answer: C
Rationale: CBT targets dysfunctional thinking patterns and
behaviors to improve emotional regulation.
4. A social worker must break confidentiality when:
A. A client requests it
B. A client expresses intent to harm self or others
C. The therapist feels uncomfortable
D. The session ends
Answer: B
Rationale: Duty to warn/protect requires breaching
confidentiality when there is risk of harm.
5. Which stage of Erikson’s development involves identity
formation?
A. Trust vs. Mistrust
B. Industry vs. Inferiority
C. Identity vs. Role Confusion
D. Intimacy vs. Isolation
Answer: C
Rationale: Adolescents work on identity vs. role confusion.
6. Which therapy emphasizes unconditional positive regard?
A. Behavioral Therapy
B. Psychodynamic Therapy
C. Humanistic Therapy
D. Solution-Focused Therapy
Answer: C
, Rationale: Humanistic therapy, especially person-centered
therapy, emphasizes unconditional positive regard.
7. A client repeatedly checks locks due to intrusive fears. This is
characteristic of:
A. PTSD
B. OCD
C. Panic Disorder
D. Phobia
Answer: B
Rationale: OCD involves obsessions (intrusive thoughts) and
compulsions (repetitive behaviors).
8. What is the first step in crisis intervention?
A. Develop action plan
B. Assess safety
C. Explore alternatives
D. Follow-up
Answer: B
Rationale: Ensuring client safety is always the first priority.
9. Transference refers to:
A. Therapist projecting onto client
B. Client projecting feelings onto therapist
C. Emotional detachment
D. Behavioral conditioning
Answer: B
Rationale: Transference occurs when clients redirect feelings
from past relationships to the therapist.
10. Which ethical principle emphasizes fairness?
A. Autonomy
B. Beneficence
Exam With Actual Questions & Correct
Answers, Plus Rationales/Expert Verified
For Guaranteed Pass 2026/Latest
Update/Instant Download Pdf
1. A client presents with persistent sadness, loss of interest, and
fatigue for over two weeks. Which diagnosis is most appropriate?
A. Bipolar Disorder
B. Major Depressive Disorder
C. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
D. Adjustment Disorder
Answer: B
Rationale: Major Depressive Disorder is characterized by at least
two weeks of depressed mood or loss of interest along with
other symptoms.
2. Which defense mechanism involves attributing one’s own
unacceptable thoughts to others?
A. Denial
B. Projection
C. Displacement
D. Rationalization
Answer: B
Rationale: Projection involves assigning one’s own unacceptable
feelings or thoughts to someone else.
3. In cognitive behavioral therapy, the primary focus is on:
A. Childhood experiences
, B. Unconscious conflicts
C. Changing maladaptive thoughts and behaviors
D. Dream analysis
Answer: C
Rationale: CBT targets dysfunctional thinking patterns and
behaviors to improve emotional regulation.
4. A social worker must break confidentiality when:
A. A client requests it
B. A client expresses intent to harm self or others
C. The therapist feels uncomfortable
D. The session ends
Answer: B
Rationale: Duty to warn/protect requires breaching
confidentiality when there is risk of harm.
5. Which stage of Erikson’s development involves identity
formation?
A. Trust vs. Mistrust
B. Industry vs. Inferiority
C. Identity vs. Role Confusion
D. Intimacy vs. Isolation
Answer: C
Rationale: Adolescents work on identity vs. role confusion.
6. Which therapy emphasizes unconditional positive regard?
A. Behavioral Therapy
B. Psychodynamic Therapy
C. Humanistic Therapy
D. Solution-Focused Therapy
Answer: C
, Rationale: Humanistic therapy, especially person-centered
therapy, emphasizes unconditional positive regard.
7. A client repeatedly checks locks due to intrusive fears. This is
characteristic of:
A. PTSD
B. OCD
C. Panic Disorder
D. Phobia
Answer: B
Rationale: OCD involves obsessions (intrusive thoughts) and
compulsions (repetitive behaviors).
8. What is the first step in crisis intervention?
A. Develop action plan
B. Assess safety
C. Explore alternatives
D. Follow-up
Answer: B
Rationale: Ensuring client safety is always the first priority.
9. Transference refers to:
A. Therapist projecting onto client
B. Client projecting feelings onto therapist
C. Emotional detachment
D. Behavioral conditioning
Answer: B
Rationale: Transference occurs when clients redirect feelings
from past relationships to the therapist.
10. Which ethical principle emphasizes fairness?
A. Autonomy
B. Beneficence
