LMSW Licensed Master Social Worker Practice Test Questions
2025/2026
1. A 16-year-old client tells the social worker, "I don't care about school anymore. My parents
don't understand me, and my friends are the only ones who get what I'm going through."
According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, this adolescent is most likely
struggling with which developmental task?
A) Industry vs. Inferiority
B) Identity vs. Role Confusion
C) Intimacy vs. Isolation
D) Generativity vs. Stagnation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Erikson's fifth stage, Identity vs. Role Confusion, occurs during adolescence
(approximately ages 12–18). The client's statements about not being understood by parents and
seeking validation from peers reflect the core struggle of forming a coherent sense of self and
figuring out one's place in the world. Option A (Industry vs. Inferiority) pertains to school-age
children (ages 6–12). Option C (Intimacy vs. Isolation) is the young adult stage. Option D
(Generativity vs. Stagnation) is the middle adult stage.
2. A social worker is conducting an initial assessment with a 45-year-old client who reports
feeling depressed after losing their job six months ago. The client states, "I'm a failure. I'll
never find another job, and my family would be better off without me." Which cognitive
distortion, as described by Beck, is the client primarily exhibiting?
A) Overgeneralization
B) Catastrophizing
C) Personalization
D) All-or-nothing thinking
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Overgeneralization involves drawing a broad, negative conclusion based on a single
event. The client's conclusion that they are a failure and will never find another job based on
losing one job is a classic example of overgeneralization. Catastrophizing involves expecting the
worst-case scenario. Personalization involves taking excessive responsibility for external events.
All-or-nothing thinking involves viewing situations in black-and-white terms.
3. A social worker is working with a client who has a history of substance use disorder. The
client has been sober for six months but recently relapsed. Using a strengths-based
perspective, how should the social worker initially respond?
,A) "Relapse is a sign that your recovery plan is not working. Let's start over."
B) "You need to be honest with yourself about why you relapsed. What triggered this?"
C) "You maintained sobriety for six months, which shows significant strength. Let's explore what
led to the relapse and how we can build on your successes."
D) "Relapse is a failure. You need to recommit to your sobriety and attend more meetings."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A strengths-based perspective focuses on client strengths and resources rather than
deficits. Acknowledging the client's six months of sobriety as a strength and exploring the
relapse as a learning opportunity aligns with this approach. Options A and D are deficit-focused
and punitive. Option B, while exploring triggers, does not initially acknowledge the client's
strength.
4. A social worker is providing services to a family from a culture that places a high value on
collectivism and family interdependence. The adult child is experiencing significant distress
due to pressure from parents to pursue a career path they do not want. What is the most
culturally competent initial intervention?
A) Encourage the adult child to assert their independence and make their own career choice.
B) Help the adult child understand that their parents' expectations are culturally based and may
be difficult to change.
C) Facilitate a family meeting to explore the conflict while respecting the family's values and the
adult child's individual goals.
D) Advise the adult child to temporarily distance themselves from the family to reduce stress.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Culturally competent practice requires understanding and respecting the client's
cultural context. Facilitating a family meeting that acknowledges the family's collectivist values
while also addressing the adult child's individual goals is the most balanced and respectful
approach. Option A disregards cultural values. Option B may be overly passive. Option D may
exacerbate family conflict.
5. According to systems theory, a family that is resistant to change and maintains its current
patterns despite external pressures is demonstrating which characteristic?
A) Entropy
B) Equifinality
C) Homeostasis
D) Morphogenesis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Homeostasis is the tendency of a system to maintain stability and resist change. A
family that maintains its current patterns despite external pressures is exhibiting homeostasis.
Entropy is the tendency toward disorganization. Equifinality is the idea that the same outcome
,can be reached through different paths. Morphogenesis is the system's capacity for change and
growth.
6. A social worker is conducting a biopsychosocial-spiritual assessment. Which of the
following questions best addresses the "spiritual" domain?
A) "How would you describe your current physical health?"
B) "What are your relationships like with your family members?"
C) "What gives your life meaning and purpose?"
D) "How do you typically cope with stress?"
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The biopsychosocial-spiritual assessment includes spiritual factors such as meaning,
purpose, and beliefs. Asking about meaning and purpose directly addresses the spiritual
domain. Option A addresses the biological domain. Option B addresses the social domain.
Option D addresses the psychological/coping domain.
7. A client who recently experienced a traumatic event tells the social worker, "I keep having
nightmares about what happened. I can't stop thinking about it, and I feel like I'm always on
edge." The social worker recognizes these symptoms as most consistent with which
diagnosis?
A) Generalized Anxiety Disorder
B) Acute Stress Disorder
C) Adjustment Disorder
D) Panic Disorder
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Acute Stress Disorder is characterized by the development of intrusion symptoms
(e.g., nightmares), negative mood, dissociation, avoidance, and arousal symptoms (e.g.,
hypervigilance) following exposure to a traumatic event, with symptoms lasting between three
days and one month. The client's symptoms align with this diagnosis. Generalized Anxiety
Disorder involves excessive worry about various events. Adjustment Disorder involves
emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to an identifiable stressor. Panic Disorder
involves recurrent unexpected panic attacks.
8. A social worker is using motivational interviewing with a client who is ambivalent about
quitting smoking. The client says, "I know smoking is bad for me, but it helps me relax, and
I've tried to quit before and failed." Which response is an example of using the technique of
"rolling with resistance"?
A) "You know smoking is bad for you, so why haven't you quit yet?"
B) "It sounds like you're torn between wanting to be healthier and feeling like smoking helps
you relax. What would need to happen for you to feel ready to try quitting again?"
, C) "You need to find healthier ways to relax. Have you tried exercise?"
D) "Many people who quit smoking have tried multiple times before succeeding. You can do it."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: "Rolling with resistance" in motivational interviewing involves acknowledging and
accepting the client's ambivalence rather than confronting it directly. Option B reflects this by
validating the client's internal conflict and inviting exploration. Option A is confrontational.
Option C offers unsolicited advice. Option D, while supportive, does not address the client's
ambivalence.
9. A social worker is preparing a treatment plan for a client with major depressive disorder.
Based on the biopsychosocial model, which of the following interventions would be most
comprehensive?
A) Referral to a psychiatrist for medication management
B) Weekly cognitive-behavioral therapy sessions
C) A combination of medication management, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and referral to a
support group
D) Encouraging the client to exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The biopsychosocial model recognizes that biological, psychological, and social
factors all contribute to mental health. A comprehensive treatment plan addresses all three
domains: medication (biological), therapy (psychological), and support group (social). Options A,
B, and D each address only one domain.
10. A social worker is working with a family where there is suspected child abuse. The parents
are reluctant to engage in services. According to the NASW Code of Ethics, what is the social
worker's primary obligation?
A) To respect the parents' right to self-determination and avoid involvement
B) To prioritize the safety and well-being of the child
C) To refer the family to another agency
D) To report the family to child protective services and cease services
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The NASW Code of Ethics states that the social worker's primary responsibility is to
promote the well-being of clients. However, when a client's actions or potential actions pose a
serious, foreseeable, and imminent risk to themselves or others, the social worker's duty to
protect may supersede the client's right to self-determination. In cases of suspected child
abuse, the safety and well-being of the child is paramount.
11. A 72-year-old client is grieving the death of their spouse of 50 years. The client reports
feeling "numb" and has difficulty concentrating. According to the DSM-5-TR, which of the
2025/2026
1. A 16-year-old client tells the social worker, "I don't care about school anymore. My parents
don't understand me, and my friends are the only ones who get what I'm going through."
According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, this adolescent is most likely
struggling with which developmental task?
A) Industry vs. Inferiority
B) Identity vs. Role Confusion
C) Intimacy vs. Isolation
D) Generativity vs. Stagnation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Erikson's fifth stage, Identity vs. Role Confusion, occurs during adolescence
(approximately ages 12–18). The client's statements about not being understood by parents and
seeking validation from peers reflect the core struggle of forming a coherent sense of self and
figuring out one's place in the world. Option A (Industry vs. Inferiority) pertains to school-age
children (ages 6–12). Option C (Intimacy vs. Isolation) is the young adult stage. Option D
(Generativity vs. Stagnation) is the middle adult stage.
2. A social worker is conducting an initial assessment with a 45-year-old client who reports
feeling depressed after losing their job six months ago. The client states, "I'm a failure. I'll
never find another job, and my family would be better off without me." Which cognitive
distortion, as described by Beck, is the client primarily exhibiting?
A) Overgeneralization
B) Catastrophizing
C) Personalization
D) All-or-nothing thinking
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Overgeneralization involves drawing a broad, negative conclusion based on a single
event. The client's conclusion that they are a failure and will never find another job based on
losing one job is a classic example of overgeneralization. Catastrophizing involves expecting the
worst-case scenario. Personalization involves taking excessive responsibility for external events.
All-or-nothing thinking involves viewing situations in black-and-white terms.
3. A social worker is working with a client who has a history of substance use disorder. The
client has been sober for six months but recently relapsed. Using a strengths-based
perspective, how should the social worker initially respond?
,A) "Relapse is a sign that your recovery plan is not working. Let's start over."
B) "You need to be honest with yourself about why you relapsed. What triggered this?"
C) "You maintained sobriety for six months, which shows significant strength. Let's explore what
led to the relapse and how we can build on your successes."
D) "Relapse is a failure. You need to recommit to your sobriety and attend more meetings."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A strengths-based perspective focuses on client strengths and resources rather than
deficits. Acknowledging the client's six months of sobriety as a strength and exploring the
relapse as a learning opportunity aligns with this approach. Options A and D are deficit-focused
and punitive. Option B, while exploring triggers, does not initially acknowledge the client's
strength.
4. A social worker is providing services to a family from a culture that places a high value on
collectivism and family interdependence. The adult child is experiencing significant distress
due to pressure from parents to pursue a career path they do not want. What is the most
culturally competent initial intervention?
A) Encourage the adult child to assert their independence and make their own career choice.
B) Help the adult child understand that their parents' expectations are culturally based and may
be difficult to change.
C) Facilitate a family meeting to explore the conflict while respecting the family's values and the
adult child's individual goals.
D) Advise the adult child to temporarily distance themselves from the family to reduce stress.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Culturally competent practice requires understanding and respecting the client's
cultural context. Facilitating a family meeting that acknowledges the family's collectivist values
while also addressing the adult child's individual goals is the most balanced and respectful
approach. Option A disregards cultural values. Option B may be overly passive. Option D may
exacerbate family conflict.
5. According to systems theory, a family that is resistant to change and maintains its current
patterns despite external pressures is demonstrating which characteristic?
A) Entropy
B) Equifinality
C) Homeostasis
D) Morphogenesis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Homeostasis is the tendency of a system to maintain stability and resist change. A
family that maintains its current patterns despite external pressures is exhibiting homeostasis.
Entropy is the tendency toward disorganization. Equifinality is the idea that the same outcome
,can be reached through different paths. Morphogenesis is the system's capacity for change and
growth.
6. A social worker is conducting a biopsychosocial-spiritual assessment. Which of the
following questions best addresses the "spiritual" domain?
A) "How would you describe your current physical health?"
B) "What are your relationships like with your family members?"
C) "What gives your life meaning and purpose?"
D) "How do you typically cope with stress?"
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The biopsychosocial-spiritual assessment includes spiritual factors such as meaning,
purpose, and beliefs. Asking about meaning and purpose directly addresses the spiritual
domain. Option A addresses the biological domain. Option B addresses the social domain.
Option D addresses the psychological/coping domain.
7. A client who recently experienced a traumatic event tells the social worker, "I keep having
nightmares about what happened. I can't stop thinking about it, and I feel like I'm always on
edge." The social worker recognizes these symptoms as most consistent with which
diagnosis?
A) Generalized Anxiety Disorder
B) Acute Stress Disorder
C) Adjustment Disorder
D) Panic Disorder
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Acute Stress Disorder is characterized by the development of intrusion symptoms
(e.g., nightmares), negative mood, dissociation, avoidance, and arousal symptoms (e.g.,
hypervigilance) following exposure to a traumatic event, with symptoms lasting between three
days and one month. The client's symptoms align with this diagnosis. Generalized Anxiety
Disorder involves excessive worry about various events. Adjustment Disorder involves
emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to an identifiable stressor. Panic Disorder
involves recurrent unexpected panic attacks.
8. A social worker is using motivational interviewing with a client who is ambivalent about
quitting smoking. The client says, "I know smoking is bad for me, but it helps me relax, and
I've tried to quit before and failed." Which response is an example of using the technique of
"rolling with resistance"?
A) "You know smoking is bad for you, so why haven't you quit yet?"
B) "It sounds like you're torn between wanting to be healthier and feeling like smoking helps
you relax. What would need to happen for you to feel ready to try quitting again?"
, C) "You need to find healthier ways to relax. Have you tried exercise?"
D) "Many people who quit smoking have tried multiple times before succeeding. You can do it."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: "Rolling with resistance" in motivational interviewing involves acknowledging and
accepting the client's ambivalence rather than confronting it directly. Option B reflects this by
validating the client's internal conflict and inviting exploration. Option A is confrontational.
Option C offers unsolicited advice. Option D, while supportive, does not address the client's
ambivalence.
9. A social worker is preparing a treatment plan for a client with major depressive disorder.
Based on the biopsychosocial model, which of the following interventions would be most
comprehensive?
A) Referral to a psychiatrist for medication management
B) Weekly cognitive-behavioral therapy sessions
C) A combination of medication management, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and referral to a
support group
D) Encouraging the client to exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The biopsychosocial model recognizes that biological, psychological, and social
factors all contribute to mental health. A comprehensive treatment plan addresses all three
domains: medication (biological), therapy (psychological), and support group (social). Options A,
B, and D each address only one domain.
10. A social worker is working with a family where there is suspected child abuse. The parents
are reluctant to engage in services. According to the NASW Code of Ethics, what is the social
worker's primary obligation?
A) To respect the parents' right to self-determination and avoid involvement
B) To prioritize the safety and well-being of the child
C) To refer the family to another agency
D) To report the family to child protective services and cease services
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The NASW Code of Ethics states that the social worker's primary responsibility is to
promote the well-being of clients. However, when a client's actions or potential actions pose a
serious, foreseeable, and imminent risk to themselves or others, the social worker's duty to
protect may supersede the client's right to self-determination. In cases of suspected child
abuse, the safety and well-being of the child is paramount.
11. A 72-year-old client is grieving the death of their spouse of 50 years. The client reports
feeling "numb" and has difficulty concentrating. According to the DSM-5-TR, which of the
