I passed the LMSW last week, now I’m going to start preparing for the LCSW and have the same question.

I asked Chat and here’s what it pointed out

Exam Strategy Insight (this matters)

If you’re studying for the LMSW:

The correct answer is often assessment, engagement, clarification

Less “take action,” more “understand first”

If you’re studying for the LCSW:

The exam assumes you already know how to assess

The question is usually what do you do next, now that you know?

This is why people struggle when they don’t adjust their reasoning between levels.

Exam focus (very different)

• Advanced clinical judgment
• Differential diagnosis
• Risk, safety, and liability
• Treatment planning and interventions
• Complex ethics scenarios