A Complete Breakdown of ASWB Retake Policies, Waiting Periods, Fees, Study Strategies, and How to Come Back Stronger

Failing the LMSW exam can feel discouraging, but it is far more common—and far more recoverable—than most people realize. Many licensed social workers passed on their second or even third attempt. The ASWB has a clear retake policy that gives you the opportunity to reassess, adjust your strategy, and return stronger.

This guide explains when and how you can retake the LMSW exam, what steps to follow, what fees apply, how to use your score report, and how to turn a failed attempt into a passing one.

👉 Check out our LMSW Practice Questions + Study Guide — updated for 2025, with exam-style practice for the Masters Social Work exam, plus specialized content on ethics, interventions, and community systems.

First: Failing the LMSW Exam Does NOT Mean You Can’t Become a Social Worker

Before getting into logistics, it’s important to reset the narrative:

• Failing the exam does not end your career.
• Failing does not prevent you from becoming licensed.
• Failing does not mean you’re not capable.

The LMSW exam is difficult for nearly everyone. It is designed to test reasoning, ethics, safety, and prioritization—not your worth or your potential.

Many excellent social workers passed on later attempts. The real difference between failing and eventually passing is strategy, not intelligence.

How Soon Can You Retake the LMSW Exam? (ASWB Policy)

According to ASWB rules, you must wait:

✅ 90 days between exam attempts

This 90-day waiting period applies regardless of:

• State
• Number of previous attempts
• Testing center
• Exam form

For example:

• If you test on January 15, you can retake on or after April 15.
• If you test again on April 15, you can retake on or after July 15.

The countdown starts on the day you tested, not when you received your results.

How Many Times Can You Retake the LMSW Exam?

You may retake the exam:

• Up to 3 times in a 12-month period
• As many times as needed overall, until you pass

There is no lifetime limit from ASWB.

However, your state licensing board may add extra requirements after multiple failed attempts, such as:

• Additional coursework
• Refresher education
• Extra supervision hours
• Updated applications or documentation

Always review your state’s rules.

Do You Need to Reapply to Your State Board?

This depends on your state.

✔️ Some states allow multiple retakes within one eligibility period

If your eligibility is valid for 6–12 months, you may not need to reapply until that period expires.

❗ Some states require reapplication after each failed attempt

This may involve:

• New fees
• Updated forms
• Fresh transcripts
• A new background check

✔️ Some states require reapplication only after eligibility expires

For example, after one year or after a set number of attempts.

Your state board’s website will outline the exact rules.

Do You Need to Pay the Exam Fee Again?

Yes.

Every attempt requires paying the full ASWB exam fee:

✅ $230 USD per attempt

On top of that, you may also have:

• Test center rescheduling or cancellation fees
• State board reprocessing or application fees (varies by state)

What Happens Immediately After You Fail?

Right after you complete the exam, you receive a printed score report.

You will see:

• ❌ FAIL
• A breakdown of your performance by domain:
  • Human Development, Diversity, and Behavior
  • Assessment and Intervention Planning
  • Interventions with Clients/Systems
  • Professional Values and Ethics

This report is extremely valuable—it becomes your roadmap for your retake preparation.

How to Read Your Score Report Effectively

Your score report typically labels each domain as:

• Above passing
• Near passing
• Below passing

This helps you determine:

• Where you performed strongly
• Where you struggled
• Which domains most contributed to your result

For example:

• If ethics was strong but assessment was weak, your next study plan should be assessment-heavy.
• If multiple areas are “near passing,” small improvements in reasoning may make a big difference.

Use this report as the foundation of your new strategy.

Common Reasons People Fail the LMSW Exam

Understanding the most frequent pitfalls helps you avoid repeating them.

Major reasons include:

1. Insufficient Ethics Preparation

Ethics makes up a large portion of the exam and influences other domains. Weak ethics usually leads to lost points across multiple sections.

2. Struggling With FIRST/NEXT Questions

These questions require ASWB logic, not agency or workplace habits.

3. Not Practicing Enough Scenario-Based Questions

The exam is not about memorizing definitions—it’s about applying knowledge to real-life situations.

4. Poor Time Management

Rushing, running out of time, or spending too long on a few difficult questions can drag down your score.

5. Skipping Full-Length Mock Exams

Without practicing 170 questions in one sitting, your stamina and focus may fade in the final stretch.

6. Anxiety and Overthinking

Many test-takers know the content but second-guess themselves into wrong answers.

7. Studying Without Structure

Random studying (jumping topics, no plan) leads to shallow understanding instead of mastery.

How Long Should You Study Before Retaking?

While ASWB requires at least 90 days between attempts, you don’t have to use all that time—or rush through it.

Most successful retakers spend:

✅ 4–8 weeks in focused, intentional study

This gives you space to:

• Analyze your score report
• Strengthen weak domains
• Practice FIRST/NEXT questions
• Take one or more mock exams
• Rebuild confidence and stamina

Too long a break can lead to forgetting content; rushing may mean repeating the same mistakes.

The Best Study Strategy After Failing the LMSW Exam

Use your retake window strategically. Here’s a step-by-step plan:

1. Start With Your Score Report

Identify:

• Your lowest domains
• Repeated error patterns
• Question types you struggled with most

This prevents you from guessing what went wrong.

2. Target Your Weakest Areas First

Prioritize:

• Ethics
• Assessment and intervention planning
• Interventions with clients/systems
• Human development and diversity

Rank these based on your report and start with the lowest-performing domain.

3. Practice FIRST/NEXT Questions Every Day

These questions appear across the exam.

Regular practice helps you:

• Improve prioritization
• Recognize safety cues
• Follow ASWB’s “order of operations”
• Think in structured steps

4. Use Practice Questions to Learn Patterns, Not Just Answers

When reviewing practice items:

• Study rationales, not just whether you were right or wrong
• Note keywords or phrases that change the answer
• Look for patterns in how ethics and safety are prioritized

This trains your brain to think the way the exam expects.

5. Take at Least One Full-Length Mock Exam Before Retaking

A full 170-question practice test helps you:

• Build endurance
• Test pacing
• Simulate real exam conditions
• See how you perform over several hours

This is especially important for retakers.

6. Rebuild Confidence Intentionally

A failed attempt can create self-doubt, which directly affects performance.

To rebuild:

• Study in manageable chunks
• Track progress weekly
• Celebrate small improvements
• Avoid comparing yourself to others
• Use positive self-talk and realistic affirmations

Your mindset is part of your exam preparation.

7. Use High-Quality Study Materials

After failing, the quality of your prep resources matters more than ever.

Reliable materials—like a solid LMSW Study Guide and LMSW Practice Questions—help ensure you’re studying accurate information and realistic questions.

Tips for Reducing Anxiety Before Your Retake

Many retakers are more prepared academically than emotionally. These strategies can help:

• Visualize success before and during your prep
• Avoid last-minute cramming, especially the night before
• Use breathing and grounding techniques to reset your nervous system
• Arrive early at the test center so you’re not rushed
• Practice timed sets to reduce pressure during the real exam
• Focus on one question at a time, not your overall score

Staying calm helps you access what you already know.

Should You Take Time Off Work to Study?

If you can, even 1–2 dedicated study days can be helpful.

If you can’t, you can still pass by:

• Following a structured weekly plan
• Using evenings or weekends efficiently
• Making sure you rest so you don’t burn out

Consistency matters more than having huge blocks of time.

What Percentage of Retakers Pass the LMSW Exam?

Pass rates for retakers vary, but on average:

✅ Around 50–65% of retakers pass

Those who succeed usually:

• Study with a clear plan
• Use their score report to guide them
• Strengthen ethics and weak domains
• Practice frequently with realistic questions
• Take at least one full-length mock exam

A retake can absolutely be the attempt that gets you licensed.

Does Retaking Multiple Times Hurt Your Career?

No.

Employers do not ask:

• How many times you took the LMSW exam
• What your score was
• Whether you passed on the first attempt

Once you’re licensed, you’re licensed. The number of attempts is not part of your professional record.

Should You Schedule Your Retake Right Away?

Yes—set a date while your knowledge is still fresh.

Choose a retake date that is:

• 4–8 weeks away
• During a relatively low-stress period in your life
• Realistic for consistent study

Having a date on the calendar keeps you focused and motivated.

👉 Check out our LMSW Practice Questions + Study Guide — updated for 2025, with exam-style practice for the Masters Social Work exam, plus specialized content on ethics, interventions, and community systems.

Final Thoughts

Failing the LMSW exam is far more common than most people realize, and it does not define your abilities or your future as a social worker. With the ASWB’s 90-day retake policy, detailed score reports, and a clear, focused study plan, you can come back stronger and fully prepared to pass.

As you rebuild your preparation, tools like your LMSW Study Guide and LMSW Practice Questions can help you review content, recognize question patterns, and practice realistic scenarios—so you can walk into your retake with renewed clarity, confidence, and control.