Social Service Specialist Prometric exam questions with answers

1. Question 1Family Violencemedium

   After a violent episode, a husband apologises, brings gifts and promises to change. In the cycle of violence, which phase is this?

   1. ATension-building phase, as pressure grows in the home
   2. BEscalation phase, as the injuries become worse
   3. CAcute battering phase, as the violence occurs
   4. DReconciliation, also called the honeymoon phase
   Show answer and explanation▾

   Answer: D. Reconciliation, also called the honeymoon phase

   Walker's cycle has tension building, an acute incident, then reconciliation with remorse and promises. Tension building precedes violence, and the acute phase is the violence itself.

   Reference: Walker LE, The Battered Woman Syndrome, 3rd ed. (2009)

2. Question 2Human Development, Diversity and Behaviour in the Environmenthard

   A family tells the social worker that their child's seizures are caused by the evil eye and that they also take him to a traditional healer, alongside hospital treatment. What is the best approach?

   1. ARefer the case to a court because they are using an unproven treatment
   2. BExplain that the beliefs are superstition and ask them to stop visiting healers
   3. CAvoid the topic, because discussing beliefs will weaken the relationship
   4. DAsk about their beliefs with respect and combine them with the treatment plan
   Show answer and explanation▾

   Answer: D. Ask about their beliefs with respect and combine them with the treatment plan

   Cultural humility and attention to the family's explanatory model build trust and help adherence. Dismissing beliefs alienates the family, a court referral is out of proportion when the child is receiving treatment, and avoiding the subject misses a chance to coordinate care.

   Reference: Hepworth DH et al, Direct Social Work Practice: Theory and Skills, 10th ed. (2017)

3. Question 3Human Development, Diversity and Behaviour in the Environmentmedium

   Which theory of ageing proposes that withdrawal from social roles is a natural and mutual process between the older person and society?

   1. ASocial exchange theory, which stresses rewards and costs
   2. BContinuity theory, which stresses stable lifelong habits
   3. CActivity theory, which urges older people to keep their roles
   4. DDisengagement theory
   Show answer and explanation▾

   Answer: D. Disengagement theory

   Cumming and Henry's disengagement theory describes mutual withdrawal as normal, though later research has criticised it. Activity theory says well-being depends on staying active, continuity theory on keeping lifelong patterns, and exchange theory on rewards and costs.

   Reference: Zastrow CH, Kirst-Ashman KK, Understanding Human Behavior and the Social Environment, 10th ed. (2016)

4. Question 4Marital and Family Therapymedium

   A wife complains to her daughter about her husband instead of speaking to him. Which Bowen concept is this?

   1. ATriangulation
   2. BDifferentiation of self
   3. CFamily projection process
   4. DEmotional cutoff from the family
   Show answer and explanation▾

   Answer: A. Triangulation

   Triangulation draws in a third person to reduce tension in a two-person relationship. Differentiation is the ability to separate emotions from thinking, cutoff is distance from family, and projection is passing anxiety onto a child.

   Reference: Bowen M, Family Therapy in Clinical Practice (1978)

5. Question 5Patient and Family Problemseasy

   A man told that his scan shows cancer says the results must be wrong. Which response best helps?

   1. AArgue with him and show him the scan report again until he accepts it
   2. BLeave him alone until he comes to accept it
   3. CAcknowledge his feelings and give information at his own pace
   4. DTell him to accept the diagnosis and think of his family
   Show answer and explanation▾

   Answer: C. Acknowledge his feelings and give information at his own pace

   Denial is a common early reaction that can protect against overwhelming feelings. Confrontation, pressure and withdrawing support are unhelpful.

   Reference: Kubler-Ross E, On Death and Dying (1969)

6. Question 6Mental Health and Addictionmedium

   Which family attitude raises the risk of relapse for a person with schizophrenia?

   1. AHigh expressed emotion, with criticism, hostility and over-involvement
   2. BWarm and calm support with a regular daily routine
   3. COpen discussion of the illness with the treatment team
   4. DSupervision of medicine taking by relatives who check each dose at home each day
   Show answer and explanation▾

   Answer: A. High expressed emotion, with criticism, hostility and over-involvement

   High expressed emotion is repeatedly linked with relapse, and family psychoeducation aims to reduce it. Warmth, routine, supervised medication and open discussion are protective.

   Reference: Kuipers L, Bebbington P, Expressed emotion research in schizophrenia (1988)

7. Question 7Social Measurement (Sociometry)hard

   A new caregiver-burden scale gives very different scores for the same caregiver a week apart, with no change in circumstances. Which property is weak?

   1. AFace validity, since the items look wrong to experts
   2. BContent validity, since important topics are missing
   3. CConstruct validity, since it fails to measure burden
   4. DTest-retest reliability
   Show answer and explanation▾

   Answer: D. Test-retest reliability

   Unstable scores on repeated administration show poor test-retest reliability. Face, content and construct validity concern whether the scale appears right, covers the subject and measures the concept, which instability alone cannot show.

   Reference: Rubin A, Babbie E, Research Methods for Social Work, 9th ed. (2017)

8. Question 8Professional Relationship, Values and Ethicseasy

   A hospital social worker's neighbour asks whether another neighbour was admitted last night and for what. What is the correct response?

   1. AConfirm the admission to them but give no details of the illness or the ward
   2. BDecline to confirm or share anything without the patient's consent
   3. CShare the information, since they know the family well
   4. DSay that the patient is stable and give no other details
   Show answer and explanation▾

   Answer: B. Decline to confirm or share anything without the patient's consent

   Patient information is confidential, and even confirming an admission discloses it. Friendship with the family gives no right of access, and a remark on stability is still a disclosure.

   Reference: NASW Code of Ethics (2021 revision), Standard 1.07 (privacy and confidentiality)

9. Question 9Patient and Family Problemsmedium

   A teenager with diabetes keeps missing clinic appointments. What should the social worker do first?

   1. ATransfer him to a private clinic that is closer to his home
   2. BExplore barriers such as transport, cost and family beliefs with him
   3. CWarn him that he will be discharged from the clinic if he misses another visit
   4. DReport the family to the police for neglect of his health
   Show answer and explanation▾

   Answer: B. Explore barriers such as transport, cost and family beliefs with him

   Non-attendance often has practical or psychosocial causes that can be addressed, so assessment comes before blame. Threats and reports are punitive, and transfer does not solve the barrier.

   Reference: Hepworth DH et al, Direct Social Work Practice: Theory and Skills, 10th ed. (2017)

10. Question 10Patient and Family Problemsmedium

    A man has been readmitted five times this year with no new medical cause. What would a social worker do first?

    1. AAdvise the team to refuse further admissions for him
    2. BCounsel him to avoid hospital unless it is essential
    3. CRefer him for psychiatric admission without an assessment
    4. DCarry out a psychosocial assessment and coordinate a care plan with community services
    Show answer and explanation▾

    Answer: D. Carry out a psychosocial assessment and coordinate a care plan with community services

    Frequent readmission often reflects housing, support, mental health or financial problems, which a psychosocial assessment can reveal. Refusing admission, sending to psychiatry without assessment, or simple advice does not.

    Reference: Hepworth DH et al, Direct Social Work Practice: Theory and Skills, 10th ed. (2017)

11. Question 11Professional Relationship, Values and Ethicsmedium

    During an interview, a patient says he plans to kill his wife tonight and describes how. What should the social worker do?

    1. ABreach confidentiality to protect her and inform the team and the authorities
    2. BWait for the next session to explore the statement further
    3. CKeep it confidential, because trust matters, and ask him to promise not to act on it
    4. DRefer him to a private psychologist and close the case
    Show answer and explanation▾

    Answer: A. Breach confidentiality to protect her and inform the team and the authorities

    Confidentiality has limits where there is a serious, foreseeable and imminent risk of harm to an identifiable person. A promise from the patient is not protection, waiting leaves her at risk, and closing the case abandons the duty.

    Reference: NASW Code of Ethics (2021 revision), Standard 1.07(c)

12. Question 12Professional Relationship, Values and Ethicsmedium

    After discharge, a patient's family offers the social worker an expensive gold watch as thanks. What is the best response?

    1. AAccept it to avoid offending the family who are grateful
    2. BDecline politely, explain the professional rules and tell the supervisor
    3. CAccept it and keep it quietly, since the case has ended and no harm can follow
    4. DAccept it and give it to a charity without telling anyone
    Show answer and explanation▾

    Answer: B. Decline politely, explain the professional rules and tell the supervisor

    Valuable gifts can create a conflict of interest and a sense of obligation. A polite refusal with an explanation respects the family's gratitude, and the matter is handled openly under agency policy. Taking it, even for charity, or keeping it quietly breaches transparency.

    Reference: Reamer FG, Social Work Values and Ethics, 5th ed. (2018)

13. Question 13Professional Relationship, Values and Ethicsmedium

    An elderly patient with advanced dementia needs a decision on a care placement. Who should give consent?

    1. AA legal guardian or surrogate, with the patient included as far as possible
    2. BThe social worker, acting alone in the patient's best interest
    3. CAn adult relative who happens to be available when the team meets to decide it
    4. DThe patient, because adults are presumed able to consent
    Show answer and explanation▾

    Answer: A. A legal guardian or surrogate, with the patient included as far as possible

    When a patient lacks capacity, consent comes from a legally recognised guardian or surrogate, and the patient still takes part to the extent possible. The worker cannot consent alone, and a randomly available relative is not necessarily authorised.

    Reference: NASW Code of Ethics (2021 revision), Standard 1.03 (informed consent)

14. Question 14Professional Relationship, Values and Ethicsmedium

    A former patient sends the social worker a friend request on social media. What is the best response?

    1. AAccept, because the case is closed and the relationship has ended
    2. BPolitely refuse and state the limits of the professional role
    3. CAccept, but limit what the former patient can see on the profile
    4. DIgnore the request and say nothing, so that no offence is caused
    Show answer and explanation▾

    Answer: B. Politely refuse and state the limits of the professional role

    Social media contact can blur boundaries and expose confidential information, even after a case closes. A polite refusal with an explanation protects both sides. Accepting with limited visibility or because the case has closed still creates a dual relationship, and silence leaves the person confused.

    Reference: NASW Code of Ethics (2021 revision), Standard 1.06 (conflicts of interest)

15. Question 15Social Work Skillsmedium

    Which question best invites a patient to talk about his feelings?

    1. AHow have things been at home since you came to hospital?
    2. BYou are worried about going home, is that correct?
    3. CAre you feeling depressed because of the hospital stay?
    4. DWhy did you not tell your family about this problem much earlier?
    Show answer and explanation▾

    Answer: A. How have things been at home since you came to hospital?

    Open questions invite elaboration. Closed, leading or why questions limit answers and can sound blaming.

    Reference: Hepworth DH et al, Direct Social Work Practice: Theory and Skills, 10th ed. (2017)

Last reviewed September 2026. Questions are original and written to the published exam blueprint; they are not taken from any real paper.