ASWB Social Work Licensing Exam Prep
2026-2027: 150 Practice Questions with
Answers & Explanations | DSM-5-TR,
Ethics, & Clinical Interventions
Description:
Master the ASWB social work licensing exam with 150 updated practice questions covering
DSM-5-TR, psychopharmacology, ethics, cultural competence, and clinical interventions.
Each answer includes detailed explanations to boost your score.
Download your complete 2026/2027 exam prep guide now and pass with confidence!
, ASWB Social Work Exam Prep 2026-2027: 150 Practice Questions
Section 1: Human Growth and Development (Questions 1-18)
1. According to Erikson's psychosocial theory, the stage of Trust vs. Mistrust occurs during
which age range and leads to which positive outcome when resolved successfully?
A. Ages 1-3 years; outcome of self-control and adequacy
B. Ages 0-12/18 months; outcome of trust and optimism
C. Ages 3-6 years; outcome of purpose and direction
D. Ages 6-12 years; outcome of competence
Answer: B
Explanation: Trust vs. Mistrust is the first psychosocial stage (oral-sensory stage, birth to
approximately 12-18 months). Successful resolution leads to basic trust, optimism, and a sense
that the world is safe and predictable.
2. A 2-year-old toddler is beginning to assert independence by saying "no" frequently and
wanting to choose their own clothes. According to Erikson, this child is navigating which
psychosocial crisis?
A. Trust vs. Mistrust
B. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
C. Initiative vs. Guilt
D. Industry vs. Inferiority
Answer: B
Explanation: The muscular-anal stage (approximately 18 months to 3 years) centers on
developing autonomy through self-control, toilet training, and making choices. Overcontrol leads
to shame and doubt.
,3. A 4-year-old child asks many questions, initiates play activities, and sometimes invents
imaginative games. When a parent dismisses these efforts, the child may develop guilt. This
stage is known as:
A. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
B. Initiative vs. Guilt
C. Industry vs. Inferiority
D. Identity vs. Role Confusion
Answer: B
Explanation: The locomotor-genital stage (ages 3-6) involves initiative—the child's ability to
initiate activities, ask questions, and explore. Criticism or lack of encouragement produces guilt.
4. A 9-year-old child works hard to complete a school project and receives praise from the
teacher. According to Erikson, this positive feedback supports the development of:
A. Trust
B. Autonomy
C. Initiative
D. Industry (competence)
Answer: D
Explanation: The latency stage (ages 6-12) focuses on industry vs. inferiority. Success in
school, sports, and social activities leads to a sense of competence and productivity.
5. A 15-year-old adolescent explores different friend groups, hobbies, and future career ideas.
This exploration is central to Erikson's stage of:
A. Industry vs. Inferiority
B. Identity vs. Role Confusion
C. Intimacy vs. Isolation
D. Generativity vs. Stagnation
Answer: B
Explanation: Adolescence (approximately ages 12-18) is characterized by identity formation—
, developing a coherent sense of self, values, beliefs, and life direction. Role confusion occurs
when this integration fails.
6. A 28-year-old recently married and is developing close friendships. According to Erikson, the
primary developmental task for this age group (early adulthood, 19-40) is:
A. Forming an identity
B. Establishing intimate relationships
C. Contributing to future generations
D. Achieving life satisfaction without despair
Answer: B
Explanation: Intimacy vs. Isolation (early adulthood) involves forming close, committed
relationships with partners and friends. Failure results in social isolation and loneliness.
7. A 45-year-old social worker volunteers as a mentor for new professionals and helps raise their
niece after a family tragedy. This behavior reflects Erikson's stage of:
A. Intimacy vs. Isolation
B. Generativity vs. Stagnation
C. Integrity vs. Despair
D. Industry vs. Inferiority
Answer: B
Explanation: Generativity vs. Stagnation (middle adulthood, ages 40-65) involves concern for
and contributing to the next generation through parenting, mentoring, community service, or
productive work.
8. A 78-year-old reflects on her life with a sense of satisfaction and peace, accepting both
successes and failures. This indicates successful resolution of:
A. Intimacy vs. Isolation
B. Generativity vs. Stagnation
C. Integrity vs. Despair
D. Identity vs. Role Confusion
2026-2027: 150 Practice Questions with
Answers & Explanations | DSM-5-TR,
Ethics, & Clinical Interventions
Description:
Master the ASWB social work licensing exam with 150 updated practice questions covering
DSM-5-TR, psychopharmacology, ethics, cultural competence, and clinical interventions.
Each answer includes detailed explanations to boost your score.
Download your complete 2026/2027 exam prep guide now and pass with confidence!
, ASWB Social Work Exam Prep 2026-2027: 150 Practice Questions
Section 1: Human Growth and Development (Questions 1-18)
1. According to Erikson's psychosocial theory, the stage of Trust vs. Mistrust occurs during
which age range and leads to which positive outcome when resolved successfully?
A. Ages 1-3 years; outcome of self-control and adequacy
B. Ages 0-12/18 months; outcome of trust and optimism
C. Ages 3-6 years; outcome of purpose and direction
D. Ages 6-12 years; outcome of competence
Answer: B
Explanation: Trust vs. Mistrust is the first psychosocial stage (oral-sensory stage, birth to
approximately 12-18 months). Successful resolution leads to basic trust, optimism, and a sense
that the world is safe and predictable.
2. A 2-year-old toddler is beginning to assert independence by saying "no" frequently and
wanting to choose their own clothes. According to Erikson, this child is navigating which
psychosocial crisis?
A. Trust vs. Mistrust
B. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
C. Initiative vs. Guilt
D. Industry vs. Inferiority
Answer: B
Explanation: The muscular-anal stage (approximately 18 months to 3 years) centers on
developing autonomy through self-control, toilet training, and making choices. Overcontrol leads
to shame and doubt.
,3. A 4-year-old child asks many questions, initiates play activities, and sometimes invents
imaginative games. When a parent dismisses these efforts, the child may develop guilt. This
stage is known as:
A. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
B. Initiative vs. Guilt
C. Industry vs. Inferiority
D. Identity vs. Role Confusion
Answer: B
Explanation: The locomotor-genital stage (ages 3-6) involves initiative—the child's ability to
initiate activities, ask questions, and explore. Criticism or lack of encouragement produces guilt.
4. A 9-year-old child works hard to complete a school project and receives praise from the
teacher. According to Erikson, this positive feedback supports the development of:
A. Trust
B. Autonomy
C. Initiative
D. Industry (competence)
Answer: D
Explanation: The latency stage (ages 6-12) focuses on industry vs. inferiority. Success in
school, sports, and social activities leads to a sense of competence and productivity.
5. A 15-year-old adolescent explores different friend groups, hobbies, and future career ideas.
This exploration is central to Erikson's stage of:
A. Industry vs. Inferiority
B. Identity vs. Role Confusion
C. Intimacy vs. Isolation
D. Generativity vs. Stagnation
Answer: B
Explanation: Adolescence (approximately ages 12-18) is characterized by identity formation—
, developing a coherent sense of self, values, beliefs, and life direction. Role confusion occurs
when this integration fails.
6. A 28-year-old recently married and is developing close friendships. According to Erikson, the
primary developmental task for this age group (early adulthood, 19-40) is:
A. Forming an identity
B. Establishing intimate relationships
C. Contributing to future generations
D. Achieving life satisfaction without despair
Answer: B
Explanation: Intimacy vs. Isolation (early adulthood) involves forming close, committed
relationships with partners and friends. Failure results in social isolation and loneliness.
7. A 45-year-old social worker volunteers as a mentor for new professionals and helps raise their
niece after a family tragedy. This behavior reflects Erikson's stage of:
A. Intimacy vs. Isolation
B. Generativity vs. Stagnation
C. Integrity vs. Despair
D. Industry vs. Inferiority
Answer: B
Explanation: Generativity vs. Stagnation (middle adulthood, ages 40-65) involves concern for
and contributing to the next generation through parenting, mentoring, community service, or
productive work.
8. A 78-year-old reflects on her life with a sense of satisfaction and peace, accepting both
successes and failures. This indicates successful resolution of:
A. Intimacy vs. Isolation
B. Generativity vs. Stagnation
C. Integrity vs. Despair
D. Identity vs. Role Confusion
