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The DSM-5-TR (March 2022) added which new diagnosis to the Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders chapter for individuals whose grief reaction persists at least 12 months after the death of a loved one and causes clinically significant distress?

Prolonged Grief Disorder

Complicated Bereavement Disorder

Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder

Adjustment Disorder with Prolonged Grief

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: QCSW Exam

No exam

Application + peer review credential

NASW

MSW + LCSW

Required prerequisites

NASW

Pre-DCSW

Required prior to Diplomate (DCSW)

NASW

$200-350

Application Fee Range

NASW 2026

2 yrs

Renewal cycle

NASW

DSM-5-TR

March 2022 clinical reference

APA

QCSW is an application-based NASW clinical credential (no written exam) for MSW-level LCSWs. Awarded after application + peer review verifying CSWE-accredited MSW, current LCSW (or equivalent) license, post-MSW supervised clinical practice experience (commonly 2 years), and adherence to NASW Code of Ethics. Application fee approximately $200-350 plus NASW membership. Renewed every 2 years. Required prior to DCSW. Our 100 free practice questions cover DSM-5-TR assessment, evidence-based psychotherapies (CBT, DBT, EMDR, IPT, ACT, TF-CBT), treatment planning, supervision, crisis intervention, SUD, cultural practice, and NASW clinical ethics.

Sample QCSW Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your QCSW exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1The DSM-5-TR (March 2022) added which new diagnosis to the Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders chapter for individuals whose grief reaction persists at least 12 months after the death of a loved one and causes clinically significant distress?

A.Prolonged Grief Disorder

B.Complicated Bereavement Disorder

C.Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder

D.Adjustment Disorder with Prolonged Grief

Explanation: DSM-5-TR (March 2022) added Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) as a formal diagnosis. Adults must have experienced the death of a close person at least 12 months ago (6 months for children/adolescents) with persistent intense yearning or preoccupation, plus three or more symptoms (identity disruption, disbelief, avoidance, intense emotional pain, difficulty reintegrating, emotional numbness, meaninglessness, or loneliness) that cause clinically significant impairment.

2A 42-year-old client presents with low energy, weight gain, depressed mood, and cognitive slowing. Before assigning a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder, what differential workup should the QCSW recommend FIRST?

A.Rule out medical etiologies such as hypothyroidism (TSH), B12/folate deficiency, and medication side effects

B.Begin a trial of cognitive behavioral therapy without further workup

C.Refer for inpatient psychiatric hospitalization

D.Initiate exposure and response prevention therapy

Explanation: DSM-5-TR differential diagnosis for depressive disorders requires ruling out depression due to another medical condition (e.g., hypothyroidism, vitamin B12 deficiency, anemia, sleep apnea) and substance/medication-induced depressive disorder before assigning Major Depressive Disorder. A medical workup including TSH, CBC, B12/folate, and medication review is standard practice. Failure to rule out medical causes can delay appropriate treatment.

3Which DSM-5-TR tool is a 16-item semi-structured interview designed to help clinicians elicit cultural identity, conceptualizations of distress, and help-seeking experiences during diagnostic assessment?

A.Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI)

B.Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)

C.Outline for Cultural Formulation (OCF) — narrative only

D.Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5)

Explanation: The Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI) is a 16-item semi-structured interview included in DSM-5 and retained in DSM-5-TR. It explores cultural identity, cultural conceptualizations of distress, psychosocial stressors and supports, cultural features of the client-clinician relationship, and overall cultural assessment. There are also CFI Supplementary Modules and an Informant version.

4DSM-5-TR includes the Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD). In Section III, AMPD diagnosis requires assessment of which two core elements?

A.Level of personality functioning (Criterion A) and pathological personality traits (Criterion B)

B.Symptom count and duration only

C.Childhood adversity score and current GAF

D.Cognitive distortions and behavioral chain analysis

Explanation: The Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD), found in DSM-5-TR Section III, requires (A) moderate or greater impairment in personality functioning (self and interpersonal — assessed via the Level of Personality Functioning Scale) and (B) one or more pathological personality traits across five domains: negative affectivity, detachment, antagonism, disinhibition, and psychoticism. Six specific PD types plus PD-Trait Specified are defined.

5DSM-5-TR introduced new ICD-10-CM codes (in addition to existing 'Other specified' codes) for which two clinical phenomena that previously lacked dedicated codes?

A.Suicidal behavior and nonsuicidal self-injury

B.Cannabis use disorder and stimulant use disorder

C.Acute stress reaction and adjustment disorder

D.ADHD inattentive and hyperactive presentations

Explanation: DSM-5-TR added dedicated ICD-10-CM codes for Suicidal Behavior (current and history) and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury (current and history). These codes can be used regardless of whether a co-occurring mental disorder is present, improving clinical documentation and surveillance of these high-risk phenomena.

6A QCSW is evaluating a 28-year-old presenting with new-onset psychotic symptoms after starting a new medication. Which DSM-5-TR diagnostic step is REQUIRED before assigning a primary psychotic disorder?

A.Rule out substance/medication-induced psychotic disorder and psychotic disorder due to another medical condition

B.Immediately diagnose Schizophrenia regardless of onset

C.Skip differential and proceed directly to treatment planning

D.Diagnose Brief Psychotic Disorder by default

Explanation: Per DSM-5-TR, before assigning a primary psychotic disorder (Schizophrenia, Schizophreniform, Schizoaffective, etc.), the clinician must rule out Substance/Medication-Induced Psychotic Disorder and Psychotic Disorder Due to Another Medical Condition. Many medications (corticosteroids, stimulants, anticholinergics) and conditions (delirium, temporal lobe epilepsy, autoimmune encephalitis) can produce psychotic symptoms.

7Per DSM-5-TR, which is the correct DSM-5-TR specifier for Major Depressive Disorder when the depressive episode includes loss of pleasure in all/almost all activities, lack of reactivity, and distinct quality of mood?

A.With melancholic features

B.With atypical features

C.With seasonal pattern

D.With anxious distress

Explanation: The 'with melancholic features' specifier requires either loss of pleasure in all/almost all activities OR lack of reactivity to usually pleasurable stimuli, plus three of: distinct quality of depressed mood, diurnal worse-in-morning pattern, early morning awakening, marked psychomotor changes, significant anorexia/weight loss, or excessive guilt. 'Atypical features' requires mood reactivity — the opposite pattern.

8A client presents with depressive symptoms persisting most of the day, more days than not, for 3 years, with brief euthymic intervals of less than 2 months. Which DSM-5-TR diagnosis is MOST appropriate?

A.Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)

B.Major Depressive Disorder, single episode

C.Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder

D.Cyclothymic Disorder

Explanation: Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) requires depressed mood for most of the day, more days than not, for at least 2 years in adults (1 year in children/adolescents), with no symptom-free interval longer than 2 months. The DSM-5-TR consolidated chronic MDD and dysthymia under this umbrella diagnosis.

9When evaluating an older adult presenting with new cognitive complaints and depressive symptoms, the QCSW should consider which medical workup as part of the differential?

A.Vitamin B12, thyroid (TSH), CBC, comprehensive metabolic panel, and medication review

B.Genetic testing for Alzheimer's disease only

C.Polysomnography only

D.No workup is needed if PHQ-9 is positive

Explanation: Reversible causes of cognitive and mood changes in older adults include B12/folate deficiency, hypothyroidism, anemia, electrolyte disturbances, polypharmacy/anticholinergic burden, and depression itself (pseudodementia). DSM-5-TR Neurocognitive Disorders criteria require ruling out other medical conditions before diagnosis.

10Per DSM-5-TR, the 'with mixed features' specifier can be applied to which mood episodes?

A.Both depressive and manic/hypomanic episodes

B.Only manic episodes

C.Only depressive episodes

D.Only psychotic episodes

Explanation: DSM-5 (retained in DSM-5-TR) introduced the 'with mixed features' specifier, applicable to manic, hypomanic, AND depressive episodes. A depressive episode 'with mixed features' has three or more manic/hypomanic symptoms; a manic/hypomanic episode 'with mixed features' has three or more depressive symptoms. This replaced DSM-IV's 'mixed episode' category.

About the QCSW Exam

The NASW Qualified Clinical Social Worker (QCSW) is a clinical specialty credential for MSW-level licensed clinical social workers (LCSW or equivalent). There is NO written exam — NASW awards the QCSW via application and peer review that verifies a CSWE-accredited MSW, current LCSW-level clinical license, post-MSW clinical practice experience, and demonstrated competency in clinical social work. The QCSW must be held PRIOR to applying for the DCSW (Diplomate in Clinical Social Work). Our 100 free practice questions cover the competency areas — DSM-5-TR clinical assessment, evidence-based psychotherapies (CBT, DBT, EMDR, IPT, ACT, TF-CBT), treatment planning and outcome measurement, clinical supervision, crisis and suicide risk assessment, substance use disorders and co-occurring conditions, cultural considerations, and the NASW Standards for Clinical Social Work — to support clinical competency and the QCSW application process.

Assessment

No written exam — the QCSW is an NASW clinical specialty credential awarded via application and peer review. NASW verifies an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program, current LCSW (or equivalent) clinical license, post-MSW supervised clinical practice experience, adherence to the NASW Code of Ethics, and adherence to the NASW Standards for Clinical Social Work in Social Work Practice. These 100 free practice questions cover the QCSW competency areas for clinical readiness self-assessment, supervision study, and continuing education.

Time Limit

Application-based credential

Passing Score

Application + peer review

Exam Fee

$200-350 + NASW membership (National Association of Social Workers (NASW))

QCSW Exam Content Outline

25%

Clinical Assessment & Diagnosis

DSM-5-TR (March 2022) — prolonged grief disorder, Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI), Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD), suicidal behavior/NSSI codes, ICD-10-CM mapping, differential diagnosis (rule-out medical, substance-induced, medication-induced)

25%

Evidence-Based Psychotherapies

CBT (Beck cognitive triad, distortions, thought records, behavioral activation), exposure therapies (PE, ERP, in vivo vs imaginal), DBT (Linehan — 4 modules, biosocial theory, target hierarchy, chain analysis), EMDR 8-phase protocol, IPT (4 problem areas), ACT hexaflex, TF-CBT PRACTICE

15%

Treatment Planning & Outcome Measurement

SMART goals, evidence-based interventions, frequency/duration, PHQ-9, GAD-7, PCL-5, AUDIT, C-SSRS, Routine Outcome Monitoring (ROM), measurement-based care, evidence hierarchy

10%

Clinical Supervision & Consultation

Edwards & Bess Reflective Process model, parallel process, NASW 3.01 supervision standards, supervision contracts, competency evaluation, documentation review

10%

Crisis Intervention & Suicide Risk Assessment

Roberts 7-stage crisis model, SAD PERSONS, modifiable/non-modifiable risk factors, protective factors, means restriction, Stanley-Brown Safety Planning Intervention, no-suicide contracts NOT evidence-based, Tarasoff duty

Substance Use Disorders & Co-Occurring Conditions

ASAM Patient Placement Criteria 6 dimensions, Medication-Assisted Treatment (methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone), 12-step facilitation, harm reduction, contingency management, integrated treatment

Cultural Considerations in Clinical Practice

Cultural humility (Tervalon & Murray-Garcia), intersectionality (Crenshaw), language access and qualified interpreters, LGBTQ-affirmative practice, spiritual assessment (FICA)

NASW Clinical Standards & Ethics

NASW Standards for Clinical Social Work in Social Work Practice (2005), NASW Standards for Social Work Practice with Clients with SUDs (2013), 2021 Code amendments (self-care + Standard 1.05), dual relationships, HIPAA minimum-necessary, telehealth, Tarasoff

How to Pass the QCSW Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Application + peer review
Assessment: No written exam — the QCSW is an NASW clinical specialty credential awarded via application and peer review. NASW verifies an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program, current LCSW (or equivalent) clinical license, post-MSW supervised clinical practice experience, adherence to the NASW Code of Ethics, and adherence to the NASW Standards for Clinical Social Work in Social Work Practice. These 100 free practice questions cover the QCSW competency areas for clinical readiness self-assessment, supervision study, and continuing education.
Time limit: Application-based credential
Exam fee: $200-350 + NASW membership

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

QCSW Study Tips from Top Performers

1Read the NASW Standards for Clinical Social Work in Social Work Practice (2005) and the NASW Standards for Social Work Practice with Clients with SUDs (2013) before answering practice questions

2Memorize the DSM-5-TR (March 2022) updates: Prolonged Grief Disorder, Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI), Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD), and new ICD-10-CM codes for suicidal behavior and nonsuicidal self-injury

3Know the core protocols of major evidence-based psychotherapies: Beck's CBT (cognitive triad, distortions, thought records, behavioral activation), Linehan's DBT (4 modules + biosocial theory + target hierarchy), Shapiro's EMDR (8 phases + AIP), IPT (4 problem areas), ACT (hexaflex), TF-CBT (PRACTICE)

4Practice suicide risk assessment using the C-SSRS and the Stanley-Brown Safety Planning Intervention; remember that no-suicide contracts are NOT evidence-based and have been replaced by collaborative safety plans

5Apply NASW Code of Ethics standards (especially 1.06 dual relationships, 1.07 confidentiality, 1.09 sexual relationships, 2.08 impairment of colleagues, 3.01 supervision) to clinical case scenarios you study

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the QCSW a written exam?

No. The QCSW (Qualified Clinical Social Worker) is an application-based NASW clinical credential — there is NO standardized written exam. NASW awards the QCSW after an application and peer review that verifies your CSWE-accredited MSW, current LCSW-level clinical license (or state equivalent), post-MSW supervised clinical practice experience, attestation to the NASW Code of Ethics, and adherence to NASW clinical standards. Our 100 free practice questions are for clinical competency review, supervision study, and continuing education — not a pass/fail qualifying exam.

Is the QCSW a prerequisite for the DCSW?

Yes. NASW requires applicants to hold the QCSW (Qualified Clinical Social Worker) before applying for the DCSW (Diplomate in Clinical Social Work). The QCSW recognizes MSW-level licensed clinical social workers, and the DCSW is the advanced clinical specialty credential that builds on QCSW eligibility. Plan to obtain the QCSW first, then apply for DCSW once additional clinical experience and other DCSW requirements are met.

Who is eligible for the NASW QCSW credential?

Eligibility generally requires (1) an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program, (2) a current state LCSW or equivalent clinical license issued by exam-based licensure, (3) post-MSW supervised clinical practice experience (commonly 2 years / 3,000 hours of post-MSW clinical practice), (4) attestation to and adherence with the NASW Code of Ethics and NASW Standards for Clinical Social Work in Social Work Practice, and (5) NASW membership. Always check the official NASW QCSW page for current eligibility specifics.

How much does the QCSW application cost?

The QCSW application fee is approximately $200-350 (similar to the ACSW), plus NASW membership dues. Member fees are lower than non-member fees. Confirm current pricing on the official NASW credentials page before applying — NASW periodically updates fees and may offer combined credentialing packages.

How often is the QCSW renewed?

The QCSW is renewed every 2 years. Renewal requires maintenance of current state clinical licensure (LCSW or equivalent), continuing education in clinical practice (consistent with state and NASW standards), continued NASW membership, attestation to the NASW Code of Ethics, and payment of the renewal fee. NASW notifies credential holders before expiration.

What clinical content do the QCSW practice questions cover?

The 100 free QCSW practice questions are organized into eight competency areas: (1) Clinical Assessment & Diagnosis using DSM-5-TR (March 2022) — prolonged grief disorder, Cultural Formulation Interview, AMPD, differential diagnosis; (2) Evidence-Based Psychotherapies — CBT, DBT, EMDR, IPT, ACT, TF-CBT, exposure therapies; (3) Treatment Planning & Outcome Measurement — SMART goals, PHQ-9, GAD-7, PCL-5, ROM; (4) Clinical Supervision; (5) Crisis & Suicide Risk Assessment — C-SSRS, Stanley-Brown Safety Plan, Tarasoff; (6) SUD and co-occurring conditions; (7) Cultural Considerations; (8) NASW Clinical Standards & Ethics.