Exploring the Path to Licensure: Lived Experiences of Social Work Graduates in their Journey Towards Passing the Board Examination
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20625079Keywords:
Academic Preparation, Licensure Journey, Lived Experiences, Repeat TakersAbstract
This study focuses on the lived experiences of social work graduates in their journey toward passing the Social Work Licensure Examination, particularly those who initially failed and later persisted through repeated attempts. The pursuit of licensure has long been regarded as a critical gateway to professional legitimacy; however, existing studies have largely emphasized pass rates and structural barriers, leaving the personal and human dimensions of repeated licensure attempts underexplored. This study examines how social work graduates prepare for licensure, how they confront challenges, and how they sustain motivation despite repeated failures. The study utilized a qualitative research method, specifically transcendental phenomenology, to analyze data gathered from participants. The research was conducted in one of the higher education institutions in Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines. The participants consisted of five Bachelor of Science in Social Work graduates who were repeat takers of the Social Work Licensure Examination and had eventually passed after multiple attempts. They were selected through purposive sampling based on their direct experiences with licensure failure and perseverance. Findings of the study revealed three themes: perceptions of preparation strategies for subsequent licensure, challenges in repeated board examination attempts, and motivations in the pursuit of professional legitimacy. Sub-themes included enhanced focus and commitment, from memorization to deep comprehension, utilization of review centers, financial constraints, family and social pressure, psychological stress, resilience, family support, and professional ambition. The study concludes that licensure is not merely an academic process but a deeply personal journey shaped by resilience, support systems, and adaptive coping strategies. Despite numerous challenges, social work graduates demonstrated perseverance and strength, emphasizing that repeated failure does not define professional worth but can foster growth, determination, and eventual success. Based on the findings and conclusions of the study, it is recommended that social work students may develop disciplined study habits early in their academic preparation by establishing consistent study schedules, strengthening their understanding of core social work concepts, and practicing effective time management to better prepare for the licensure examination.
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