MSW Social Work Exam Prep 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.
Q21Which of the following is NOT addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990?
✓ Correct answer: A. Federal tax incentives for small businesses
Answer: Federal tax incentives for small businesses The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is legislation that addresses the rights of individuals with disabilities. It ensures equal opportunities in employment, state and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities, and transportation. The Act does not address federal tax incentives for small businesses, which are instead covered by other specific legislation.
Q22Social workers may administer the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) for various reasons, EXCEPT:
✓ Correct answer: D. To diagnose major depressive disorder by itself
Answer: To diagnose major depressive disorder by itself The BDI-II is a self-report inventory that measures the severity of depression in individuals. Social workers use it to assess the level of depressive symptoms, create a baseline for treatment progress, and to aid in forming treatment plans. However, the BDI-II alone cannot be used to diagnose major depressive disorder; it should be used in conjunction with clinical assessments and professional judgment.
Q23What is the MOST common behavior issue encountered in adolescents aged 14-18?
✓ Correct answer: A. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
Answer: Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is the most common behavior issue seen in adolescents aged 14-18. ODD is characterized by a pattern of angry or irritable mood, argumentative or defiant behavior, and vindictiveness. Studies indicate that ODD can be found in up to 11% of adolescents in this age group. While conditions like ADHD, Anxiety, and Depression also manifest significantly, ODD remains the most prevalent among adolescents.
Q24Sarah is responsible for taking care of her younger sibling due to their parents working long hours. Lately, Sarah has started neglecting her sibling's needs and well-being. Which of the following is the BEST possible warning sign that neglect is occurring?
✓ Correct answer: B. Sarah is regularly absent from school
Correct answer: Sarah is regularly absent from school Frequent absences from school could indicate a caregiver is overwhelmed or neglectful, as they may be taking on too many responsibilities at home. Absenteeism is a direct reflection of the stress a caregiver might be under. Becoming more socially withdrawn could indicate stress but is not necessarily a sign of neglect. Increased irritability can also be a sign of stress but does not directly suggest neglect.
Q25What is the most effective approach for a social worker to address ethical dilemmas encountered in practice?
✓ Correct answer: C. Evaluate the situation using a standard ethical decision-making model
Answer: Evaluate the situation using a standard ethical decision-making model. Addressing ethical dilemmas in social work requires a systematic approach. The best method involves evaluating the situation using a recognized ethical decision-making model to ensure that all aspects of the dilemma are considered. This approach helps in making informed and balanced decisions that align with ethical standards. While personal judgment plays a role, it should be guided by an established framework to minimize biases and ensure ethical integrity. Consulting colleagues can be helpful, but should not be the only step.
Q26At what developmental stage did Jean Piaget believe that children begin to engage in abstract thinking?
✓ Correct answer: B. Formal Operational Stage
Answer: Formal Operational Stage Jean Piaget believed that children begin to engage in abstract thinking during the Formal Operational Stage, which starts around age 12. The other stages do not align with Piaget's theory on when abstract thinking emerges.
Q27Which of the following therapies are evidence-based practices commonly used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?
✓ Correct answer: B. Prolonged exposure therapy, cognitive processing therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing
Answer: Prolonged exposure therapy, cognitive processing therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing Evidence-based practice is the use of proven interventions that have been tested and shown positive results in the social work field. Prolonged exposure therapy, cognitive processing therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing are all treatments for PTSD supported by research. The remaining answer options are incorrect because they do not apply to all the mentioned therapies. Prolonged exposure therapy focuses on helping individuals face and gradually decrease their fear. Cognitive processing therapy is a cognitive-behavioral approach that helps patients process their trauma. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing uses guided eye movement to process traumatic memories.
Q28Maria recently started working at a new company where she has encountered a diverse group of colleagues, some interactions being positive and others challenging. She reflects on these experiences, seeks to understand different cultural backgrounds, and feels a deeper sense of confidence in her own cultural identity while appreciating others'. In which stage of cultural identity development is Maria currently?
✓ Correct answer: A. Internalization and commitment
Answer: Internalization and commitment In the Internalization and commitment stage, an individual has had time to encounter and process new information about cultural differences. They have actively sought out further learning opportunities, becoming more comfortable and confident in their cultural identity while appreciating others'. The other stages do not match Maria's current level of cultural identity development.
Q29Which aspect of human development is primarily concerned with how people interact socially and build relationships?
✓ Correct answer: B. Social
Answer: Social In the context of psychology, the social domain involves how individuals interact with others and develop relationships. It involves skills such as communication, empathy, and cooperation. The cognitive domain focuses on intellectual abilities and mental processes. The psychomotor domain involves physical skills and coordination. The affective domain relates to feelings and emotions.
Q30Rachel is a social worker who has extensive experience working with marginalized populations facing chronic homelessness. Wanting to make a larger impact, she decides to engage in macro practice in addition to her individual and group work. Which of the following is an example of what she might do at the macro level?
✓ Correct answer: A. Organize a coalition to lobby for legislative changes to improve affordable housing policies
Answer: Organize a coalition to lobby for legislative changes to improve affordable housing policies Macro social work practice includes activities conducted in organizational, community, and policy arenas, as opposed to clinical social work practice which focuses on the individual, family, or group. The other answer choices are incorrect because they focus on individuals or small groups, not organizations, communities, or policy arenas.
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