Virginia Beaufort, LMHC, Ph.D.
Does one social work licensure exam preparation firm differ from another? Or are they all basically the same?
This week, we have an interview with Virginia Beaufort, LMHC, Ph.D., the Director of Academic Affairs for the Association for Advanced Training in the Behavioral Sciences (AATBS).
This is the fifth interview in Social Work Career Development’s series of interviews with top social work licensure course providers. Earlier interviews were conducted with LEAP, SWTP, SWE and TDC.
AATBS stands out vs. the other firms as being the most experienced. It has helped over 500,000 social workers and other mental health professional pass their respective licensing exams since 1976.
It also makes provides a few variations of its study materials to accommodate both different budgets and learning preferences:
- Online workshop series – 4 sessions
- Study guide – 5 volumes
- Study materials package: study guide, 4 online practice exams, 3 exam readiness lecture and expert phone consultation
- Combo package: study guide, online workshop series, 4 online practice exams, 3 exam readiness lectures and expert phone consultation
So without further ado, Virginia, how did the AATBS exam firm come about?
The Association for Advanced Training in the Behavioral Sciences (AATBS) has been providing high quality test preparation materials for the mental health licensure exams since 1976.
Many years ago our founder, a social worker, was disappointed by the lack of materials to prepare for his exam and decided to start the firm. Back then, no one was offering licensing programs or mock exams items.
We have continued operating with the belief that understanding concepts, theories, and ethics are of equal importance when developing mock exam items. We are proud to still be advancing down this path for over three decades.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and what you enjoy most about your work?
I have been the Director of Academic Affairs for (AATBS) for a little over a year. My staff of expert consultants offers personalized support for licensure candidates as part of the firm’s comprehensive study programs to give them the best opportunity for success in passing the requisite State and national exams.
In addition, I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders and extended research pursuits in the field of physiognomy. I hold a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and a dual Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy.
Working for AATBS has been a wonderful experience! Although most think of AATBS as a big corporate firm, we are actually more like a small family company. There is a lot of work that goes into the creation of the materials and we are blessed to have a dedicated team. The most enjoyable moments of my work come from the participant interaction and receiving the “I passed!” calls.
How are AATBS social work exams different from other test preparation courses?
Our social work department is comprised of legacy staff members that have been writing and teaching for us for over twenty-five years (I would have to say that this definitely sets us apart from our competitors).
Our social work writers and instructors devote numerous hours on research and development to stay current in the social work field and to create an experience that closely simulates the actual exam. Although we have individual products, each test preparation package comes with Expert Phone Consultation and a Pass Guarantee or Money Back Guarantee.
The firm’s study packages have everything that a participant needs to pass the first time. For individuals requiring 1:1 coaching, we have a tutoring program comprised of licensed professionals who used our products to pass their exam.
What is the rate of success amongst your participants?
While we are unable to provide quantifiable data on the pass rates, social workers that follow our preparation guidelines regularly pass on their first attempt.
Do your online exams prepare social workers for both the LMSW and the LCSW exams?
Our online exam programs are set up to prepare Bachelors, Advanced Generalist, Master’s and Clinical level social workers through their study process.
Has it been your experience that non-U.S. born social workers tend to have a harder time passing the LMSW exam? What special advice that you would offer them?
We believe language barriers may exist when taking the licensure exams; however, our expert phone consultants develop personalized study plans to aid social workers through this process.
We also recommend non-U.S. born social workers contact their state licensing board to learn if accommodations are available.
What advice would you give to social workers who have taken the exam but failed it despite studying and taking a prep course?
Each social worker is unique with his/her own study needs. We believe that the best way to study for the exam is to follow our study plan recommendations – this has worked for many candidates and has put them in the best position to succeed. When candidates find a balance between the written material and the online exam simulations, they are most successful.
For those who have failed with a test preparation company, I would recommend working with a consultant or tutor who can develop a study plan based on strengths and weaknesses. Our tutors incorporate exam content, simulation exposure, and anxiety reducing techniques in their sessions.
In July of 2015, the licensure exam is expected to include the DSM-5. What are your plans to adapt your materials to address this change?
We understand the anxiety associated with the inclusion of DSM-5 on the licensing exams, and have developed a series of tools to address the changes.
We are currently offering a DSM IV TR/DSM-5 Comparison Table: outlining modifications; DSM-5 Fast Flip Reference Cards: offering more in-depth content changes in a fast reference format; and a 4 hour self-paced DSM-5 online workshop: for an all inclusive DSM experience.
Our exam programs and packages have been updated to include DSM-5 changes and will be available early next year.
Looking ahead five years from now, what changes are you anticipating in the way social workers get licensed and/or the licensing exam itself (other than the inclusion of the DSM-5)?
It is hard to predict changes in the licensing process for social workers. It is our hope that standards become more uniform from state-to-state and are continually reviewed to model best practices.
Lastly, what would be the top ten tips that you would offer to social workers in preparation for their licensure exam?
Our top ten tips for social workers in their preparation for the licensure exam include:
1. Prepare a clearly defined study schedule
2. Create a space to study that is clear of clutter
3. Plan the best use of your time
4. Study when you are at your best
5. Enlist support from others
6. Know and take advantage of your learning style
7. Take and review practice exams
8. Recognize and reduce test anxiety
9. Don’t forget self-care
10. Adopt a positive attitude (I WILL PASS!)
Thanks so much for introducing us to AATBS, Virginia!
Please stay tuned for more content about the social work licensure exam.
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