Journey To Licensure ®️

After three years of setbacks, test anxiety, and self-doubt, Tiara Johnson finally saw the word PASS on her LCSW exam screen. In this powerful conversation with exam coach Shara Ruffin, Tiara shares her journey from tears of failure to triumph, how she learned to manage anxiety, and the mindset shifts that helped her succeed. Her story is a reminder that resilience, structure, and belief can turn...

In Part 2 of Sayida Farmer’s journey, we catch up after she passed her LCSW exam — to explore what life looks like after the win. Sayida opens up about the emotional shifts, renewed confidence, and what it really feels like to move from surviving to thriving. She shares the inner healing that continued well beyond test prep — and how she’s now stepping fully into her calling. 🎧 In this follow-up...

In this powerful episode, Sayida Farmer opens up about her 20-year journey to finally passing her LCSW exam. After failing the exam three times in the past by just five points total, Sayida faced major hurdles: severe test anxiety, sensory sensitivities, possible undiagnosed ADHD, and deep-rooted self-doubt. She joined Journey To Licensure with the hope of finally breaking the cycle. With trauma-i...

After five failed tries, Christal Dewberry, LMSW refused to quit. On her sixth attempt, she finally passed her exam—just one point over the cutoff. In this episode, Christal shares how she overcame setbacks, trusted her instincts, and leaned on community support to reach her goal. Her story is a reminder that persistence pays off and that your license is always within reach if you keep going.

After three failed attempts, Kimberly Simmonds finally passed her LCSW exam—and her story is pure inspiration. With coaching, strategy cheat sheets, and mindset shifts, she overcame self-doubt, test anxiety, and perfectionism to achieve her dream. If you’ve ever struggled with setbacks, Kimberly’s journey proves that success is possible with the right tools and support.

On her 4th try, Kimberly Simmonds called her coach in tears of joy — she finally passed her LCSW exam. In this emotional conversation, Kimberly shares how faith, strategy cheat sheets, and trusting the process helped her push past anxiety and self-doubt to reach her dream. Her journey is proof that perseverance pays off.

After missing the LMSW exam by just two points, Jabari Douglas faced family caregiving, health challenges, and a demanding career. With coaching, he not only passed the exam but also rebuilt his professional brand—attracting recruiters before test day. His story shows how resilience and strategy can turn setbacks into career and licensure success.

In this episode, Shara Ruffin sits down with Faith Loyal, a new graduate who discovered Journey To Licensure on TikTok after following Shara on YouTube in 2024. Faith joined the April 2025 Mastery Group and, without even taking a practice exam, passed her LMSW on the first attempt. Faith shares her fears, how she built confidence through group support, and the strategies that helped her succeed—of...

After two near misses, Edith — an Afro-Latina social worker — faced test anxiety and self-doubt head-on. With strategy, structure, and support from Journey To Licensure®, she passed her LCSW on the third try in August 2025.

Newly licensed social worker Tracie-Anne, LMSW shares how she passed her exam on the first try after joining the Journey To Licensure® 5-Week Mastery Group Program. From battling imposter syndrome to finding confidence through structure and mindset coaching, her story shows that success is possible with the right support.

Tonia Jones, MSW, shares her inspiring journey from battling cancer and navigating ADHD and anxiety to passing her LMSW exam on her second attempt in June 2025. After first testing in 2022, she found success through faith, resilience, and support from Journey To Licensure® coaching and the Mastery Group.

In this powerful episode of Journey to Licensure, host Shara Ruffin, LCSW sits down with kystral Boyd, LCSW, to share her remarkable journey of resilience, faith, and determination. Kystral Boyd, LCSW, shares how she turned six exam failures, personal loss, and job loss into success—finally passing the LCSW exam on her 7th attempt. With coaching support, her LinkedIn and resume were re-done during...

In this powerful episode of the Journey To Licensure Podcast, we sit down with Gary T. Taylor, LCSW—also known as Trey—a therapist, professor, doctoral researcher, and racial equity consultant who brings heart, depth, and lived experience to every space he enters. From the rural roots of Caroline County, Virginia, to the classrooms of Virginia State and the research halls at the University of Kent...

If you feel stuck in your social work career or dream of moving into clinical, leadership, or travel social work, this empowering episode of Journey To Licensure® is for you. Shara Ruffin, LCSW, shares how countless social workers have transformed their futures by conquering the licensure exam and stepping boldly into new career possibilities. You’ll learn why your dream role is closer than you th...

In this powerful episode of Journey to Licensure, Shara Ruffin, LCSW, reveals why a structured study plan is the key to conquering test anxiety and social work exam overwhelm. Discover how prioritizing your weak areas, tracking your progress, and following a personalized study roadmap can save you time and set you up for LCSW or LMSW success. Shara shares her proven framework that takes the guessw...

Feeling left behind by study groups or struggling to stay motivated on your licensure journey? In this uplifting episode of Journey to Licensure®, we unravel why traditional study groups often fall short—and how real, ongoing accountability can be your game-changer. Georgia James shares honest insights into the power of guidance, connection, and tailored support systems for LCSW and LMSW candidate...

In this empowering episode of Journey to Licensure®, Shara Ruffin, LCSW, breaks down how anxiety impacts your brain during high-stakes social work exams like the LCSW and LMSW. Discover what really causes your mind to go blank under pressure—and learn science-backed strategies to overcome test anxiety and reclaim your confidence. With uplifting insights and practical tips for grounding and focus,...

In this empowering episode of Journey to Licensure, Shara Ruffin, LCSW, tackles the root of exam stress—lack of structure. If you're overwhelmed by endless study guides and second-guessing your every move, Shara shares how a step-by-step study system takes the guesswork out of LCSW or LMSW exam prep. Discover why a personalized or group approach designed just for first-time test takers can rep...

Ever feel lost in a sea of study programs and still not seeing results? You’re not alone. In this empowering episode of Journey To Licensure®, Shara Ruffin, LCSW, unpacks why juggling multiple ASWB exam resources can actually sabotage your learning—and shares her proven, personalized approach to focused exam prep success. Discover how simplifying your study plan can boost your confidence, close kn...

In this uplifting episode of Journey to Licensure, Shara Ruffin, LCSW, shares Ashley’s courageous story of grit and growth after ten unsuccessful social work exam attempts. Discover how personalized exam prep, CBT techniques, and a strategic study plan helped Ashley silence self-doubt and see success on her eleventh try. If you’re struggling with test anxiety or feeling discouraged, Ashley’s journ...

In this uplifting episode of Journey to Licensure®, Shara Ruffin, LCSW, unpacks the true meaning of resilience for social work exam takers. Discover actionable strategies to turn setbacks, test anxiety, and study struggles into powerful growth opportunities on your LCSW or LMSW journey. Shara shares three proven steps to help you reframe challenges, take control, and practice self-compassion as yo...

Are you stuck on the self-study struggle bus while prepping for your LCSW or LMSW exams? In this uplifting episode of Journey to Licensure®, Charles uncovers why so many social workers feel lost or overwhelmed with exam prep—and shares empowering strategies to build structure, clarity, and genuine accountability into your study plan. Discover how swapping guesswork for a proven, personalized proce...

Are repeated exam attempts draining your confidence and wallet? In this uplifting episode of Journey to Licensure, we spotlight Naomi’s inspiring path from test anxiety and frustration to passing her master-level exam after seven attempts. Discover how a personalized coaching plan, targeted exam strategies, and tackling anxiety head-on helped Naomi—and can help you—unlock real social work opportun...

In this empowering episode of Journey to Licensure, Shara Ruffin, LCSW, reminds aspiring social workers that their worth can’t be defined by a single test score. Discover how to move past test anxiety, celebrate your dedication, and find confidence through every step of your licensure exam prep. Shara shares real insights on resilience, self-worth, and why your compassion and determination matter...

In this empowering episode of Journey to Licensure®, Shara Ruffin gets real about the emotional toll of failing the social work licensure exam—sometimes over and over. Listen as Tiffany Lennox’s inspiring story takes center stage: after 11 unsuccessful attempts, changing her study strategy and mindset led her to finally pass her LCSW exam and elevate her career. Shara shares actionable insights on...