KENTUCKY SOCIAL WORKER LICENSING EXAM PRACTICE TEST QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
• Values, Ethics, and Professional Standards
• Human Development, Diversity, and Behavior in the Environment
• Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment Planning
• Psychotherapy, Clinical Interventions, and Case Management
• Laws and Regulatory Requirements
• Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice
INTRODUCTION
This practice test is designed to prepare candidates for the Kentucky Social Worker
Licensing Exam, which is administered through the Association of Social Work Boards
(ASWB). The exam assesses competency for professional social work practice across various
license levels in Kentucky. The assessment evaluates critical knowledge and skills
essential for ethical, effective social work intervention including biopsychosocial
assessment, DSM-5-TR diagnosis, treatment planning, therapeutic interventions, case
management, and professional ethics.
The exam consists entirely of multiple-choice questions, many presented as real-world
scenarios requiring critical decision-making. Questions emphasize applied professional
,knowledge rather than rote memorization, testing your ability to translate theoretical
understanding into practical action. Success requires mastery of foundational theory,
regulatory compliance, ethics and professional standards, and the capacity to make sound
judgments in complex clinical situations.
This practice test mirrors the actual exam's structure and difficulty distribution,
providing 100 comprehensive questions spanning easy, moderate, and challenging levels to
ensure thorough preparation for licensure.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A social worker is assessing a 28-year-old client who reports experiencing periods of
intense fear accompanied by palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, and a
fear of losing control. These episodes occur suddenly without apparent reason. Based on
the DSM-5-TR, which diagnosis is most appropriate?
A. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
B. Social Anxiety Disorder
C. Panic Disorder
D. Adjustment Disorder
🟢 Correct answer: C
,🔴 RATIONALE: Panic Disorder is characterized by unexpected recurrent panic attacks with
sudden onset, featuring physical symptoms like palpitations, sweating, trembling, and
shortness of breath, along with fear of losing control or dying. The client's description
matches the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for Panic Disorder.
Question 2
A social worker receives a request from a client's spouse for information about the
client's treatment progress. The client has not signed a release of information for the
spouse. What should the social worker do?
A. Provide general information since the spouse is family
B. Refuse to provide any information without written consent
C. Share information if the spouse appears concerned
D. Provide information only about medication
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: According to NASW Code of Ethics Section 1.07 and HIPAA regulations,
confidentiality must be maintained unless the client provides written informed consent.
Family status does not override confidentiality requirements, and the social worker must
refuse to share any information without proper authorization.
Question 3
Which of the following is a key characteristic of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
, according to DSM-5-TR criteria?
A. Panic attacks occurring at least weekly
B. Excessive anxiety and worry about multiple events for at least 6 months
C. Fear of social situations leading to avoidance
D. Obsessions and compulsions interfering with daily life
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: GAD is defined by excessive anxiety and worry occurring more days than not
for at least 6 months about multiple events or activities. The individual finds the worry
difficult to control and experiences associated symptoms like restlessness, fatigue,
difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbance.
Question 4
A client informs a social worker that they have been physically abusing their young
child. The social worker is required to:
A. Attempt to mediate between parent and child
B. Report the abuse to child protective services
C. Suggest family therapy without reporting
D. Wait for additional confirmation before acting
🟢 Correct answer: B
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
• Values, Ethics, and Professional Standards
• Human Development, Diversity, and Behavior in the Environment
• Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment Planning
• Psychotherapy, Clinical Interventions, and Case Management
• Laws and Regulatory Requirements
• Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice
INTRODUCTION
This practice test is designed to prepare candidates for the Kentucky Social Worker
Licensing Exam, which is administered through the Association of Social Work Boards
(ASWB). The exam assesses competency for professional social work practice across various
license levels in Kentucky. The assessment evaluates critical knowledge and skills
essential for ethical, effective social work intervention including biopsychosocial
assessment, DSM-5-TR diagnosis, treatment planning, therapeutic interventions, case
management, and professional ethics.
The exam consists entirely of multiple-choice questions, many presented as real-world
scenarios requiring critical decision-making. Questions emphasize applied professional
,knowledge rather than rote memorization, testing your ability to translate theoretical
understanding into practical action. Success requires mastery of foundational theory,
regulatory compliance, ethics and professional standards, and the capacity to make sound
judgments in complex clinical situations.
This practice test mirrors the actual exam's structure and difficulty distribution,
providing 100 comprehensive questions spanning easy, moderate, and challenging levels to
ensure thorough preparation for licensure.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A social worker is assessing a 28-year-old client who reports experiencing periods of
intense fear accompanied by palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, and a
fear of losing control. These episodes occur suddenly without apparent reason. Based on
the DSM-5-TR, which diagnosis is most appropriate?
A. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
B. Social Anxiety Disorder
C. Panic Disorder
D. Adjustment Disorder
🟢 Correct answer: C
,🔴 RATIONALE: Panic Disorder is characterized by unexpected recurrent panic attacks with
sudden onset, featuring physical symptoms like palpitations, sweating, trembling, and
shortness of breath, along with fear of losing control or dying. The client's description
matches the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for Panic Disorder.
Question 2
A social worker receives a request from a client's spouse for information about the
client's treatment progress. The client has not signed a release of information for the
spouse. What should the social worker do?
A. Provide general information since the spouse is family
B. Refuse to provide any information without written consent
C. Share information if the spouse appears concerned
D. Provide information only about medication
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: According to NASW Code of Ethics Section 1.07 and HIPAA regulations,
confidentiality must be maintained unless the client provides written informed consent.
Family status does not override confidentiality requirements, and the social worker must
refuse to share any information without proper authorization.
Question 3
Which of the following is a key characteristic of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
, according to DSM-5-TR criteria?
A. Panic attacks occurring at least weekly
B. Excessive anxiety and worry about multiple events for at least 6 months
C. Fear of social situations leading to avoidance
D. Obsessions and compulsions interfering with daily life
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: GAD is defined by excessive anxiety and worry occurring more days than not
for at least 6 months about multiple events or activities. The individual finds the worry
difficult to control and experiences associated symptoms like restlessness, fatigue,
difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbance.
Question 4
A client informs a social worker that they have been physically abusing their young
child. The social worker is required to:
A. Attempt to mediate between parent and child
B. Report the abuse to child protective services
C. Suggest family therapy without reporting
D. Wait for additional confirmation before acting
🟢 Correct answer: B
