So, if it wasn't enough that I've been in school for the last 5 YEARS, after I graduated with my MSW (Master of Social Work) I also had to take the state licensing exam. That's right...you need a license to practice this stuff.
The licensing exam for a social worker varies from state to state. Except for the Clinical license - there is one test and it is a national one. However, for the BSW and MSW exam every state has different requirements. In Idaho you need a 70% to pass.
Now, keep in mind this test is not cheap either. First you pay $50 to have your application to take the test reviewed. THEN you pay $175 to register to take the test. THEN you pay $30 for the short study guide. All in all, the test costs at minimum $255 to take the test. Here's the crappy part. If you don't pass, there's a three month waiting period to retake it AND you have to pay the test fee of $175 all over again!!
So, as you can imagine this test is a little nerve wracking...especially where I am not a good test taker...I prefer essay exams. Additionally, it is very hard to get a job without having your license. On top of that, if you have a job, most employers will tell you that if you don't pass you will be fired - including the place where I work.
Again, no pressure, right?? Wrong!! I was literally physically sick for the week before my exam. I will spare you the details of my anxiety induced illness, but it was not pleasant.
So, my test was scheduled for May 30, 2008 at 8:30 am. I went with one of my bestest friends; Christine. We wished each other good luck before we went in for the 170 question, 4 hour long test. Again...nerve wrecking. At approximately 11 am I was finished with my test. However, there were approximately 30 questions I was unsure of and at least 5 or 6 where I had NO CLUE!! So, when it was time to quite the test my heart was pounding, my hands were sweating, and I submitted my test!
Much to my surprise and happiness my score came up that I...PASSED the test!! YEAH!!! I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I was. I was more excited about passing my test than I was about actually graduating. I felt such a HUGE sense of relief.
This was such a HUGE accomplishment for me, I had to share it. I cannot stress enough how crucial this test is...and I passed! I am officially a Licensed Social Worker - LMSW!
YEAH!!!
The licensing exam for a social worker varies from state to state. Except for the Clinical license - there is one test and it is a national one. However, for the BSW and MSW exam every state has different requirements. In Idaho you need a 70% to pass.
Now, keep in mind this test is not cheap either. First you pay $50 to have your application to take the test reviewed. THEN you pay $175 to register to take the test. THEN you pay $30 for the short study guide. All in all, the test costs at minimum $255 to take the test. Here's the crappy part. If you don't pass, there's a three month waiting period to retake it AND you have to pay the test fee of $175 all over again!!
So, as you can imagine this test is a little nerve wracking...especially where I am not a good test taker...I prefer essay exams. Additionally, it is very hard to get a job without having your license. On top of that, if you have a job, most employers will tell you that if you don't pass you will be fired - including the place where I work.
Again, no pressure, right?? Wrong!! I was literally physically sick for the week before my exam. I will spare you the details of my anxiety induced illness, but it was not pleasant.
So, my test was scheduled for May 30, 2008 at 8:30 am. I went with one of my bestest friends; Christine. We wished each other good luck before we went in for the 170 question, 4 hour long test. Again...nerve wrecking. At approximately 11 am I was finished with my test. However, there were approximately 30 questions I was unsure of and at least 5 or 6 where I had NO CLUE!! So, when it was time to quite the test my heart was pounding, my hands were sweating, and I submitted my test!
Much to my surprise and happiness my score came up that I...PASSED the test!! YEAH!!! I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I was. I was more excited about passing my test than I was about actually graduating. I felt such a HUGE sense of relief.
This was such a HUGE accomplishment for me, I had to share it. I cannot stress enough how crucial this test is...and I passed! I am officially a Licensed Social Worker - LMSW!
YEAH!!!
1 comment:
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S Mandy! What an acheivement. You should be very very proud.
-Jenny
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