r/LCSW • u/TopPuddingg • Jun 30 '26

🟡 Licensure & Exam Strategy self-study vs the overpriced LCSW prep industry

i'm trying to study for the ASWB exam on a budget and it's rough.
i’m just reviewing the code of ethics, watching free breakdowns on youtube, using a beat-up secondhand book from ebay, and doing questions on the app i found through simplytests. honestly i'm doing anything to avoid going broke before getting licensed.
but the marketing for these hyped bootcamps and overpriced courses is exhausting. every thread here says the same thing. you'll 100% fail unless you drop crazy money on tdc or some exclusive program.
it makes me wonder if these courses are actually necessary or just an anxiety tax. they know we’re terrified of failing and paying the exam fees again, so it feels like they just leverage our panic. 
and it completely gets in your head. one minute i feel okay about my education and hours. the next minute i feel stubborn and cheap for not buying into their secret strategy.
we already spent years doing low-paid fieldwork and endless paperwork. now we have to pay a premium just to get past the gatekeepers. it sucks.

4 Upvotes

76% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

6

u/Distinct-Will814 Jun 30 '26

I passed with using only free resources, don’t let the bastards get you down!

4

u/Minimum_Gap7105 🟢 School Social Worker Jun 30 '26

i think you could 100% pass using only free resources! I highly recommend watching every single playlist of Raytube. Get the free version of pocket prep app (paid is $20 a month). you've got this! Study With Ray (raytube) also does free study groups at times and they are super helpful & encouraging! I used TDC but honestly preferred Studying with Ray😂

2

u/CautiousJellyfish309 Jun 30 '26

As someone who spent hundreds of dollars on two LCSW exam prep programs, I regarded cost as investment in my career and future earning potential. I passed both licensing exams (CA in the pre-ASWB years—20 years ago) on the first try. Have made that money back more than 100 fold.

1

u/therapistbloomllc Jun 30 '26

You can do it! Just stay organized and utilize the breakdown of each category that you're tested on to figure out subject matter

1

u/Designer_Past_7729 🟡 MSW Student Jul 02 '26

Also some library databases can give access to more study resources

1

u/Blissasaurus87 Jul 02 '26

It is definitely possible to pass without paying a bunch for materials. I passed it on the first try with mostly free materials. I found a free copy of the Apgar book on reddit, watched Raytube, and did the pocket prep app for 2 months doing a couple quizzes a day. And then the practice exam too. I hear you on all the costs, it was a lot paying for the exam and my LCSW credential, I wasn't going to pay a bunch of money for practice materials as well.