MSW Practice Exam Questions – Master of Social Work Study Guide (Comprehensive Exam
Preparation Material)
A social worker employed by a retirement home is approached by a client for help in
establishing a recycling program in the facility. The social worker decides to cohost a meeting
with the client to discuss ideas with the other residents. What is the MOST likely reason for this
approach?
A. antagonizing administration could be dangerous
B. legitimatizing the residents' concerns may be helpful
C. Helping residents start new relationships is important.
D. sharing leadership is effective in groups - correct answer ✔✔D. sharing leadership is very
effective with groups
(supporting the resident's skill development as well as promoting positive group dynamics
A social worker is asked to analyze new social welfare policies that will affect the community.
What should the SW do FIRST?
A. examine the likely impact of the policies on the community
B. research the historical problems the led to the policies
C. organize a grassroots coalition to discuss reaction to the policies
D. look in to legal precedents that could potentially nullify the policies - correct answer ✔✔B.
research the historical problems that led to the policies
A women who is 5 months pregnant speaks with SW at adoption agency to request information.
She explains that she lives with her sister and that her sisters boyfriend is threatening to force
her out of the home. She says she does not feel safe. What should the SW do FIRST?
A. call the police
B. develop safety plan
C. try to locate housing for the woman
, D. determine the nature of the danger - correct answer ✔✔D. determine the nature of the
danger
A SW meets with a new client who is dx with depression. The SW observes that the client is
ambivalent, non-trusting, and passive. What should the SW do next?
A. focus on directly engaging the client
B. suggest a task to improve the clients mood
C. encourage the client to recall better times
D. provide information about depression - correct answer ✔✔A. focus on directly engaging the
client
A SW is contact by a client who initial complain is depression. The client reports sx of insomnia,
headache, inability to eat, vomiting, and neck aches. Why should SW do FIRST?
A. obtain a detailed social history on the client
B. probe for substance abuse problem
C. engage the client in establishing goals
D. ask the client to obtain medical consultation - correct answer ✔✔D. ask the client to obtain
medical consultation
During a therapy session a client reveals to the SW that she has difficulty managing her 3 year
old child. The client reports that her child ran into traffic and was nearly hit by a car. What
should the SW do FIRST?
A. report the possible neglect to CPS
B. work with the client to develop a safety plan
C. consult with SW supervisor
D. refer the client to a parenting class - correct answer ✔✔B. develop a safety plan
Parent of a 24 month old child report their only concern is that their child plays alongside of, but
not with, other children. What should SW do?
Preparation Material)
A social worker employed by a retirement home is approached by a client for help in
establishing a recycling program in the facility. The social worker decides to cohost a meeting
with the client to discuss ideas with the other residents. What is the MOST likely reason for this
approach?
A. antagonizing administration could be dangerous
B. legitimatizing the residents' concerns may be helpful
C. Helping residents start new relationships is important.
D. sharing leadership is effective in groups - correct answer ✔✔D. sharing leadership is very
effective with groups
(supporting the resident's skill development as well as promoting positive group dynamics
A social worker is asked to analyze new social welfare policies that will affect the community.
What should the SW do FIRST?
A. examine the likely impact of the policies on the community
B. research the historical problems the led to the policies
C. organize a grassroots coalition to discuss reaction to the policies
D. look in to legal precedents that could potentially nullify the policies - correct answer ✔✔B.
research the historical problems that led to the policies
A women who is 5 months pregnant speaks with SW at adoption agency to request information.
She explains that she lives with her sister and that her sisters boyfriend is threatening to force
her out of the home. She says she does not feel safe. What should the SW do FIRST?
A. call the police
B. develop safety plan
C. try to locate housing for the woman
, D. determine the nature of the danger - correct answer ✔✔D. determine the nature of the
danger
A SW meets with a new client who is dx with depression. The SW observes that the client is
ambivalent, non-trusting, and passive. What should the SW do next?
A. focus on directly engaging the client
B. suggest a task to improve the clients mood
C. encourage the client to recall better times
D. provide information about depression - correct answer ✔✔A. focus on directly engaging the
client
A SW is contact by a client who initial complain is depression. The client reports sx of insomnia,
headache, inability to eat, vomiting, and neck aches. Why should SW do FIRST?
A. obtain a detailed social history on the client
B. probe for substance abuse problem
C. engage the client in establishing goals
D. ask the client to obtain medical consultation - correct answer ✔✔D. ask the client to obtain
medical consultation
During a therapy session a client reveals to the SW that she has difficulty managing her 3 year
old child. The client reports that her child ran into traffic and was nearly hit by a car. What
should the SW do FIRST?
A. report the possible neglect to CPS
B. work with the client to develop a safety plan
C. consult with SW supervisor
D. refer the client to a parenting class - correct answer ✔✔B. develop a safety plan
Parent of a 24 month old child report their only concern is that their child plays alongside of, but
not with, other children. What should SW do?
