ASWB practice questions and answers 2026. Tap an option to test yourself — you'll see the correct answer and a plain-English explanation for every question. Free, no login.
Q1Which of these is the term used to describe a child who spends time alone at home after school while a parent is working?
✓ Correct answer: D. Latchkey
Latchkey is the term used to describe a child who spends time alone at home after school while a parent is working.<br/><br/>Incoherence is defined as disconnected thoughts.<br/><br/>When a woman has her uterus removed, she is said to have undergone a hysterectomy.<br/><br/>Grief is an acute sorrow in response to a loss.
Q2What is the last stage in Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development?
✓ Correct answer: C. Ego integrity vs. despair
Erik Erikson created the psychosocial development theory. His theory has 8 stages. They are: trust vs. mistrust (ages 0 to 1 1/2), autonomy vs. shame (ages 1 ½ to 3), initiative vs. guilt (ages 3 to 5), industry vs. inferiority (ages 5 to 12), ego identity vs. role confusion (ages 12 to 18), intimacy vs. isolation (ages 18 to 40), generativity vs. stagnation (ages 40 to 65), and ego integrity vs. despair (ages 65+).
Q3During infancy, boundaries between the external world and inner self begin to form. At a young age, individuals may project feelings of denial as a result of which ego function?
✓ Correct answer: D. Defensive functioning
Defensive functioning refers to the behaviors that individuals exhibit in order to protect themselves from internal conflicts or uncomfortable feelings. Projection, which involves denying and attributing one's own feelings to others, is a defense mechanism commonly observed during infancy and early childhood. It allows individuals to avoid facing their own unacceptable emotions or thoughts by projecting them onto others. This helps maintain a sense of psychological safety and reduces anxiety.<br/><br/>Option A) Internal conflict is not the correct answer because internal conflict refers to the psychological struggle or tension experienced within an individual due to opposing desires, beliefs, or needs. It does not specifically relate to the formation of boundaries or the defense mechanism of projection.<br/><br/>Option B) External conflict is also not the correct answer because external conflict refers to conflicts between individuals or groups, typically involving disagreements, competition, or antagonism. It does not pertain to the formation of boundaries or the defense mechanism of projection.<br/><br/>Option D) Collaborative functioning is not the correct answer because collaborative functioning refers to the ability to work together with others in a cooperative and mutually beneficial manner. It does not relate to the formation of boundaries or the defense mechanism of projection.
Q4You are testing a client to provide information to a potential employer with the client’s informed consent. This is termed as which of the following?
✓ Correct answer: C. third-party evaluation
A third-party evaluation is a professional determination about some aspect of a client, such as the client’s capacity to undertake some new status like a new job that is provided to a third party such as an employer. The information is given only with the client’s informed consent.
Q5Every day during third period, Mrs. Johnson's art class experiences consistent disruption caused by a specific student named Jeremiah. Jeremiah is unable to remain seated and frequently exhibits shoulder shrugging behavior. Other students have overheard him mumbling under his breath, and on occasion, he inexplicably hits himself in the head. These disruptive actions persistently occur, and when Jeremiah is approached about them, they intensify.<br/><br/>During a meeting with Jeremiah's parents, Mrs. Johnson uncovers that he is afflicted with which specific disorder?
✓ Correct answer: A. Tourette Syndrome
Tourette Syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalizations known as tics. These tics can vary from mild to severe and can include actions such as shoulder movements, head-hitting, and vocal mumbling. It is a lifelong condition that usually begins in childhood and can impact a person's daily functioning and social interactions.<br/><br/>Option A (Muscle spasms) - Muscle spasms refer to involuntary contractions of muscles, which are not necessarily associated with the symptoms described in the question. While tics may involve muscle movements, Tourette Syndrome is a specific disorder characterized by these tics.<br/><br/>Option B (Bipolar disorder) - Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. While individuals with bipolar disorder may experience behavioral changes, it does not typically present with the specific symptoms described in the question, such as repetitive shoulder movements and head-hitting.<br/><br/>Option D (Anti-social disorder) - It seems that an incorrect disorder was mentioned as Option D. Antisocial personality disorder refers to a long-term pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others. It is unrelated to the symptoms exhibited by Jeremiah, and there is no indication in the question that Jeremiah demonstrates a disregard for others or violates their rights.<br/><br/>In conclusion, the correct answer is C) Tourette Syndrome because Jeremiah's symptoms align with the characteristics of this specific disorder, including repetitive movements, vocalizations, and the escalation of actions when approached. The incorrect answer options (A) Muscle spasms, (B) Bipolar disorder, and (D) Anti-social disorder do not accurately explain the observed behaviors and symptoms described in the question.
Q6What is Trisomy 21 also known as?
✓ Correct answer: C. Down syndrome.
As a general rule, children conceived with this condition have some level of mental hindrance. A number of these youngsters likewise have other wellbeing issues.
Q7Which symptoms are most likely to be present when working with a client who has been diagnosed with Hypersomnolence Disorder?
✓ Correct answer: C. Consistently feeling unrested despite getting adequate sleep
Hypersomnolence Disorder is a condition characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, despite getting sufficient sleep at night. Individuals with this disorder often feel consistently unrested, even after a full night's sleep. They may experience difficulty staying awake during the day and may frequently take naps. This symptom is a key feature of Hypersomnolence Disorder, and it distinguishes it from other sleep disorders.
Q8Social workers engaged in labor management disputes must align their actions with the values, ethical standards, and principles of the profession. Social work administrators should permit supervisees to participate in organized action, including the formation of labor unions, under what specific circumstances?
✓ Correct answer: D. The dispute is geared at improving services to clients and work conditions
Administrators play a crucial role in fostering constructive labor management disputes that focus on enhancing services for clients and improving working conditions. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that social workers thoroughly analyze issues and consider their potential impact on clients before making any decisions.
Q9Laura is working with Sandy, a mother whose children went into foster care six months ago. Sandy signed an agreement to work on her parenting skills and feels confident she can improve. In a team meeting, Laura presents a plan of action Sandy has agreed to complete. <br/><br/>Which of the following statements best represents Sandy's actions?
✓ Correct answer: A. Sandy acknowledged her role in the process.
Since Sandy signed the agreement, she most likely acknowledged her role in the process of getting her children back. The scenario does not indicate she felt coerced.<br/><br/>C is not correct as we cannot assume Sandy is noncompliant because of the six month timeframe in which her children have been in foster care.<br/><br/>D is not correct as the scenario does not indicate her current parenting strengths or weaknesses.
Q10When working with a client in an acute crisis, a social worker will want to do what first?
✓ Correct answer: D. Assess lethality
When a client presents in an acute crisis, there is a disruption of psychological homeostasis with evidence of distress and functional impairment. The first and most important step is to assess safety and lethality. This is followed by rapport building, problem identification, addressing feelings, generating alternatives, developing an action plan, and arranging for follow-up. Steps should be completed in order.
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