10 exam-style questions with answers and explanations, straight from our 1,030-question bank. Tap an answer to check yourself. When you're ready, take the scored version in the free practice test.
The LCSW exam has 122 questions and runs 4 hours.
These 10 free LCSW questions are organized by exam domain, so you can see how each part of the Licensed Clinical Social Worker Examination (LCSW) blueprint is tested. Reveal the answer and explanation under each question.
A clinical social worker receives a subpoena signed by an attorney demanding a client's entire record. The client has not authorized release, and no judge's order accompanies it. What is the most appropriate initial response?
Correct answer: B - Verify the subpoena and consult about privilege before disclosing
A 79-year-old client with 16 years of education scores 24/30 on the MoCA and refuses a move to assisted living. During a focused discussion, she accurately explains the risks of remaining home, compares alternatives, gives consistent reasons, and communicates a clear choice. Which conclusion should guide the social worker's next step?
Correct answer: D - Respect the refusal and document the decision-specific capacity assessment
A social worker in a small rural town learns that a new client attends the same weekly community choir. Neither has a practical alternative, and the client wants to continue both activities. The best way to manage this situation is to:
Correct answer: A - Discuss public encounters, establish privacy boundaries, and document the plan
During an individual session, an eight-year-old says that a caregiver touched the child's genitals and asks the social worker to keep it secret. The jurisdiction requires a report when there is reasonable suspicion of child abuse. What action is required now?
Correct answer: C - Make the required report promptly, then continue safety-focused support
An adult client who speaks limited English arrives for a trauma intake with a 14-year-old daughter who offers to interpret. No emergency is present. Which arrangement best preserves both access and autonomy?
Correct answer: A - Arrange a qualified interpreter and speak directly to the client
After a client describes workplace racism, the social worker replies, "I try not to see race; I treat everyone the same." The client becomes quiet and says the comment felt dismissive. Which response would best repair the interaction?
Correct answer: B - Acknowledge the impact, apologize briefly, and invite the client to continue
A supervisor instructs a social worker to record a 28-minute psychotherapy visit as 53 minutes so the agency can bill a higher code. The client did receive clinically necessary care. How should the social worker proceed?
Correct answer: D - Record the actual service and raise the instruction through compliance channels
A client says, "Tonight I am going to shoot myself." The client has a loaded handgun at home, describes where it is stored, and refuses to involve any support person. Which immediate plan is most appropriate?
Correct answer: C - Maintain continuous contact while arranging emergency evaluation and lethal-means protection
An older adult recovering from surgery becomes tearful and withdrawn. Over several hours, attention and orientation fluctuate markedly, and family reports that cognition was clear before hospitalization. Before assigning a depressive diagnosis, which explanation requires priority evaluation?
Correct answer: A - Acute delirium related to a medical or medication cause
At intake, a client scores 17 on the PHQ-9 and marks the self-harm item "several days." The client has not yet been asked about suicidal intent, plan, or access to means. Which interpretation is most accurate?
Correct answer: B - Moderately severe symptoms; conduct a direct suicide risk assessment
The LCSW exam also covers these domains. Drill them in the full free practice test:
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