LMSW Exam Prep 2026-2027 | 100 Practice
Questions with Answers & Explanations |
Master Social Work Licensing
Description:
Pass your Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) exam in 2026/2027 with this
comprehensive 100-question practice test. Includes detailed answer rationales, updated DSM-5-
TR content, ethics scenarios, and evidence-based interventions.
Download now and start passing your social work licensing exam today!
, LMSW Practice Exam 2026-2027: 100 Questions & Answers
Section I: Professional Ethics and Boundaries
1. A new social worker begins to establish professional rapport with a group of school-aged
youths. After a few weeks, the social worker discovers that their former social worker still
sees the youths, gives them new school supplies, and takes them out for social events. The
new social worker should FIRST:
A. Report the former social worker to the licensing board
B. Speak directly to the former social worker
C. Discuss the situation with the agency supervisor
D. Confront the youths about the dual relationship
Answer: B
Explanation: The new social worker should first speak directly with the former social worker to
clarify roles, boundaries, and the potential for conflicting or dual relationships. This direct
communication aligns with ethical practice standards that prioritize addressing professional
boundary issues collegially before escalating concerns.
2. A social worker in private practice has seen a client for over six months with no apparent
change in the client's symptoms. The social worker will BEST serve the client by:
A. Terminating the therapeutic relationship immediately
B. Seeking consultation from an experienced colleague about the client
C. Referring the client to a psychiatrist for medication only
D. Increasing session frequency to twice weekly
Answer: B
Explanation: When a client shows no symptomatic improvement over an extended period,
seeking consultation is ethically and clinically appropriate. Consultation provides the social
,worker with objective feedback, alternative perspectives, and evidence-based strategies to better
serve the client.
3. A social worker admits to an intimate relationship with one of his clients whom he has
treated for over two years. The social worker is the subject of a regulatory board
investigation. He tells the investigator that he truly loves this client and would like to marry
her. When interviewed, the client reports that she initiated the sexual contact with the
social worker. The social worker terminated therapy with the client when she moved in
with him. The social worker's actions are:
A. Permissible because the client initiated contact
B. Permissible because termination occurred before the relationship began
C. A violation of boundaries
D. Acceptable if the social worker documents the client's initiation
Answer: C
Explanation: Sexual relationships with current clients are explicitly prohibited by all major
social work codes of ethics regardless of who initiates contact. Termination of therapy does not
retroactively legitimize a sexual relationship that began during the therapeutic relationship. This
constitutes a clear boundary violation.
4. A social worker is treating a client who is a painting contractor. The social worker needs
someone to paint his office and offers the job to the client. This is an example of:
A. Appropriate community networking
B. A dual relationship
C. Client empowerment through employment
D. Ethical bartering
Answer: B
Explanation: Entering into a business relationship with a current client creates a dual
relationship that may impair professional judgment, exploit the client, or harm the therapeutic
, alliance. This situation should be avoided unless no alternative exists and the arrangement is not
exploitative, which is not the case here.
5. In which of the following situations may a social worker provide information without the
client's consent?
A. When the client's family requests information about treatment progress
B. When a client files a malpractice suit
C. When the social worker believes disclosure would benefit the client
D. When another client requests information about a group member
Answer: B
Explanation: When a client files a malpractice suit against a social worker, they typically waive
confidentiality regarding information relevant to the suit. This exception allows the social worker
to defend themselves without violating ethical standards.
Section II: Assessment and Diagnosis
6. A 27-year-old male with a history of hospitalizations for bipolar disorder and alcohol
abuse recently stopped taking his medication, became manic, and resumed drinking. At his
landlord's request, the police take him to the hospital and arrange an involuntary
admission to the acute psychiatric unit. The client has all of the following rights EXCEPT
the right to:
A. Refuse medication in non-emergency situations
B. Leave the hospital regardless of his condition
C. Receive information about his treatment
D. Communicate with an attorney
Answer: B
Explanation: Involuntarily admitted clients do not have the right to leave the hospital regardless
of their condition. The purpose of involuntary admission is to provide necessary treatment when
Questions with Answers & Explanations |
Master Social Work Licensing
Description:
Pass your Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) exam in 2026/2027 with this
comprehensive 100-question practice test. Includes detailed answer rationales, updated DSM-5-
TR content, ethics scenarios, and evidence-based interventions.
Download now and start passing your social work licensing exam today!
, LMSW Practice Exam 2026-2027: 100 Questions & Answers
Section I: Professional Ethics and Boundaries
1. A new social worker begins to establish professional rapport with a group of school-aged
youths. After a few weeks, the social worker discovers that their former social worker still
sees the youths, gives them new school supplies, and takes them out for social events. The
new social worker should FIRST:
A. Report the former social worker to the licensing board
B. Speak directly to the former social worker
C. Discuss the situation with the agency supervisor
D. Confront the youths about the dual relationship
Answer: B
Explanation: The new social worker should first speak directly with the former social worker to
clarify roles, boundaries, and the potential for conflicting or dual relationships. This direct
communication aligns with ethical practice standards that prioritize addressing professional
boundary issues collegially before escalating concerns.
2. A social worker in private practice has seen a client for over six months with no apparent
change in the client's symptoms. The social worker will BEST serve the client by:
A. Terminating the therapeutic relationship immediately
B. Seeking consultation from an experienced colleague about the client
C. Referring the client to a psychiatrist for medication only
D. Increasing session frequency to twice weekly
Answer: B
Explanation: When a client shows no symptomatic improvement over an extended period,
seeking consultation is ethically and clinically appropriate. Consultation provides the social
,worker with objective feedback, alternative perspectives, and evidence-based strategies to better
serve the client.
3. A social worker admits to an intimate relationship with one of his clients whom he has
treated for over two years. The social worker is the subject of a regulatory board
investigation. He tells the investigator that he truly loves this client and would like to marry
her. When interviewed, the client reports that she initiated the sexual contact with the
social worker. The social worker terminated therapy with the client when she moved in
with him. The social worker's actions are:
A. Permissible because the client initiated contact
B. Permissible because termination occurred before the relationship began
C. A violation of boundaries
D. Acceptable if the social worker documents the client's initiation
Answer: C
Explanation: Sexual relationships with current clients are explicitly prohibited by all major
social work codes of ethics regardless of who initiates contact. Termination of therapy does not
retroactively legitimize a sexual relationship that began during the therapeutic relationship. This
constitutes a clear boundary violation.
4. A social worker is treating a client who is a painting contractor. The social worker needs
someone to paint his office and offers the job to the client. This is an example of:
A. Appropriate community networking
B. A dual relationship
C. Client empowerment through employment
D. Ethical bartering
Answer: B
Explanation: Entering into a business relationship with a current client creates a dual
relationship that may impair professional judgment, exploit the client, or harm the therapeutic
, alliance. This situation should be avoided unless no alternative exists and the arrangement is not
exploitative, which is not the case here.
5. In which of the following situations may a social worker provide information without the
client's consent?
A. When the client's family requests information about treatment progress
B. When a client files a malpractice suit
C. When the social worker believes disclosure would benefit the client
D. When another client requests information about a group member
Answer: B
Explanation: When a client files a malpractice suit against a social worker, they typically waive
confidentiality regarding information relevant to the suit. This exception allows the social worker
to defend themselves without violating ethical standards.
Section II: Assessment and Diagnosis
6. A 27-year-old male with a history of hospitalizations for bipolar disorder and alcohol
abuse recently stopped taking his medication, became manic, and resumed drinking. At his
landlord's request, the police take him to the hospital and arrange an involuntary
admission to the acute psychiatric unit. The client has all of the following rights EXCEPT
the right to:
A. Refuse medication in non-emergency situations
B. Leave the hospital regardless of his condition
C. Receive information about his treatment
D. Communicate with an attorney
Answer: B
Explanation: Involuntarily admitted clients do not have the right to leave the hospital regardless
of their condition. The purpose of involuntary admission is to provide necessary treatment when
