LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER (LCSW)
PRACTICE EXAM Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
Instant Download Pdf
1. A social worker meets a new client who appears guarded and distrustful.
What should the social worker do first?
A. Begin a biopsychosocial assessment
B. Interpret the client's resistance
C. Explore the client’s goals
D. Build rapport and establish trust
Establishing rapport and psychological safety is the first step before deeper
assessment or goal setting.
2. A client reports suicidal ideation but denies a plan. What is the social
worker’s FIRST action?
A. Hospitalize immediately
B. Conduct a suicide risk assessment
C. Contact family
D. Make a safety contract
The first step is a structured risk assessment to determine level of danger.
3. A mandated client states they “don’t need therapy.” What is the best
social-work response?
A. Confront denial
B. Explain consequences of non-attendance
C. Acknowledge their feelings and explore their perspective
D. Begin treatment planning
Engagement with empathy increases motivation and reduces resistance.
,4. A school social worker suspects physical abuse. What is the FIRST action?
A. Call the parents
B. File a mandated report
C. Talk to the suspected perpetrator
D. Wait for more evidence
Mandated reporters must report reasonable suspicion immediately.
5. A client with severe depression is not improving after weeks of therapy.
What should the social worker do FIRST?
A. Terminate therapy
B. Refer to a support group
C. Reassess diagnosis and treatment plan
D. Encourage positive thinking
Reassessment ensures the intervention still fits clinical needs.
6. Which intervention is MOST appropriate for a client with panic disorder?
A. Free association
B. Psychoeducation and breathing techniques
C. Exposure to trauma memories
D. Empty-chair technique
CBT-based skills effectively reduce panic symptoms.
7. What is the PRIMARY purpose of a genogram?
A. Identifying coping skills
B. Measuring progress
C. Mapping family relationships and patterns across generations
D. Documenting diagnoses
Genograms track relational, emotional, and generational patterns.
8. A client expresses interest in medication. What should the social worker
do?
, A. Say medication is not necessary
B. Give advice about dosage
C. Refer to a psychiatrist for evaluation
D. Tell them to research on their own
Only a qualified prescriber can evaluate and prescribe medication.
9. A client reveals they are undocumented and fears deportation. What is the
social worker’s FIRST responsibility?
A. Report immigration status
B. Provide legal advice
C. Assure confidentiality and explore their concerns
D. Ignore the comment
Confidentiality and safety build trust, especially in vulnerable groups.
10. A client reports hearing voices telling them they are worthless. The social
worker should FIRST:
A. Challenge the hallucinations
B. Assess risk, including command hallucinations
C. Refer to group therapy
D. Conduct a family meeting
First determine whether the hallucinations involve self-harm or harm to others.
11. A client with substance use disorder misses several sessions. What is the
best action?
A. Terminate immediately
B. Ignore attendance
C. Explore barriers and readiness for change
D. Create strict attendance rules
Motivational inquiry supports engagement.
12. A social worker’s personal values conflict with a client’s lifestyle. The
social worker should:
PRACTICE EXAM Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
Instant Download Pdf
1. A social worker meets a new client who appears guarded and distrustful.
What should the social worker do first?
A. Begin a biopsychosocial assessment
B. Interpret the client's resistance
C. Explore the client’s goals
D. Build rapport and establish trust
Establishing rapport and psychological safety is the first step before deeper
assessment or goal setting.
2. A client reports suicidal ideation but denies a plan. What is the social
worker’s FIRST action?
A. Hospitalize immediately
B. Conduct a suicide risk assessment
C. Contact family
D. Make a safety contract
The first step is a structured risk assessment to determine level of danger.
3. A mandated client states they “don’t need therapy.” What is the best
social-work response?
A. Confront denial
B. Explain consequences of non-attendance
C. Acknowledge their feelings and explore their perspective
D. Begin treatment planning
Engagement with empathy increases motivation and reduces resistance.
,4. A school social worker suspects physical abuse. What is the FIRST action?
A. Call the parents
B. File a mandated report
C. Talk to the suspected perpetrator
D. Wait for more evidence
Mandated reporters must report reasonable suspicion immediately.
5. A client with severe depression is not improving after weeks of therapy.
What should the social worker do FIRST?
A. Terminate therapy
B. Refer to a support group
C. Reassess diagnosis and treatment plan
D. Encourage positive thinking
Reassessment ensures the intervention still fits clinical needs.
6. Which intervention is MOST appropriate for a client with panic disorder?
A. Free association
B. Psychoeducation and breathing techniques
C. Exposure to trauma memories
D. Empty-chair technique
CBT-based skills effectively reduce panic symptoms.
7. What is the PRIMARY purpose of a genogram?
A. Identifying coping skills
B. Measuring progress
C. Mapping family relationships and patterns across generations
D. Documenting diagnoses
Genograms track relational, emotional, and generational patterns.
8. A client expresses interest in medication. What should the social worker
do?
, A. Say medication is not necessary
B. Give advice about dosage
C. Refer to a psychiatrist for evaluation
D. Tell them to research on their own
Only a qualified prescriber can evaluate and prescribe medication.
9. A client reveals they are undocumented and fears deportation. What is the
social worker’s FIRST responsibility?
A. Report immigration status
B. Provide legal advice
C. Assure confidentiality and explore their concerns
D. Ignore the comment
Confidentiality and safety build trust, especially in vulnerable groups.
10. A client reports hearing voices telling them they are worthless. The social
worker should FIRST:
A. Challenge the hallucinations
B. Assess risk, including command hallucinations
C. Refer to group therapy
D. Conduct a family meeting
First determine whether the hallucinations involve self-harm or harm to others.
11. A client with substance use disorder misses several sessions. What is the
best action?
A. Terminate immediately
B. Ignore attendance
C. Explore barriers and readiness for change
D. Create strict attendance rules
Motivational inquiry supports engagement.
12. A social worker’s personal values conflict with a client’s lifestyle. The
social worker should:
