I've charted a 8 week strenuous review schedule based on the order of the LCSW exam topic breakdown, in order to prioritize studying. For example, let's say that statistics and research is only 1% of the exam (which is the truth). I wouldn't spend more than a day reviewing statistical analysis and research methods.
To review, here is the 2010 LCSW topic breakdown taken from the ABSW website:
CLINICAL EXAMINATION
Content Outline
I. Human Development & Behavior in the Environment--22%
A. Theories of human development and behavior
B. Human development in the life cycle
C. Human behavior
D. Impact of crises and changes
E. Family functioning
F. Addictions
G. Abuse & neglect
II. Issues of Diversity--6%
A. Effects of culture, race, and/or ethnicity
B. Effects of sexual orientation and/or gender
C. Effects of age and/or disability
III. Diagnosis and Assessment--16%
A. Assessment
B. Information gathering
C. Diagnostic classifications
D. Indicators of abuse and neglect
E. Indicators of danger to self and others
IV. Psychotherapy and Clinical Practice--16%
A. Intervention theories and models
B. The intervention process
C. Treatment planning
D. Intervention techniques
E. Intervention with couples and families
F. Intervention with groups
V. Communication--8%
A. Communication principles
B. Communication techniques
VI. The Therapeutic Relationship--7%
A. Relationship theories
B. Relationship practice
VII. Professional Values and Ethics--10%
A. Value issues
B. Legal and ethical issues
C. Confidentiality
VIII. Clinical Supervision, Consultation and Staff Development--4%
A. Social work supervision
B. Consultation and interdisciplinary collaboration
C. Staff development
IX. Practice Evaluation and the Utilization of Research--1%
A. Evaluation techniques
B. Utilization of research
X. Service Delivery--5%
A. Policies and procedures of service delivery
B. Processes of service delivery
XI. Clinical Practice & Management--5%
A. Advocacy
B. Finance
C. Management and human resource issues
So we will break it down here:
Week 1 & 2: Human Development, Behavior, Life Cycle and Theory
Week 3 &4: Diagnosis & Assessment
Week 5 &6 Psychodynamics & Clinical Practice
Week 7:
3 days: Ethics
1 day: Supervision
1 day: Consultation
1 day: Relationships
1 day: Research & Statistics
Week 8: The "knitty gritty" plus review
1 day: Service
1 day: Administration/Management
1 day: Pharmacology
1 day: Medical Social Work/ HIV/Cancer
3 days: diagnostic tests, review and time yourself!
Study pattern:
Option A: 4 hours M-F, and 8 hours Sa-S. = 36 hours/week
Option B: 6 hours 6 days a week, and 1 hour on your "off" day = 37 hours
The first option, although very strenous is meant for the 9-5 worker.
Are you ready for the challenge?!?
