I've been going back and forth on whether to pursue LSA certification and wanted to get honest input from people who've actually done it.
On paper, having study guide credentials on your resume looks great. But I'm wondering whether employers actually differentiate between certified and non-certified candidates in practice, or whether it just checks a box.
My current role doesn't require the LSA but a senior position I'm targeting lists it as preferred. I've been using the lsa - licensed social worker associate human growth and development questions and answers to study and the content is solid — but I want to make sure the certification itself carries weight before investing another 10 weeks.
For anyone who got the LSA cert: did it open doors you wouldn't have otherwise had? Any salary bump or was it more of a formality for a promotion you were already on track for?
For what it's worth — I've taken the LSA twice now. First attempt I underestimated the study guide questions. Second time I focused almost exclusively on applied practice and passed comfortably. The difference is real.
For what it's worth — I've taken the LSA twice now. First attempt I underestimated the practice test questions. Second time I focused almost exclusively on applied practice and passed comfortably. The difference is real.
Late to this thread but wanted to add — the exam prep section trips up more people than any other part. If you're scoring below 71% there in practice, treat it as your only focus for at least a week before moving on. Breadth at the expense of depth in that area is a common mistake.
The part about reviewing wrong answers thoroughly is so underrated. Most people (including me, first time around) just move on after getting something wrong. Going back to understand the concept is what actually builds retention for the LSA.
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