Competency-based education in social work (CSWE, 2022) demands active learning methods that demonstrate professional competencies and practice behaviors. Role-plays and simulations are methods that link learning in the classroom with practice. This article explores role-play and simulation variants: basic role-play, real play, student-scripted role-plays, instructor-involved role-plays, simulated clients with standardized patients, including a model used at the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice, and virtual and video simulation activities. The pedagogical and logistical advantages and disadvantages are explored to guide the social work educator when considering these options.