There's no other single source that's as crucial to your licensing exam prep as the NASW Code of Ethics. Ethics questions not only account for a large percentage of the exam, but questions from other topic areas also draw upon your understanding of social work ethics. 

So, how do you learn the NASW Code of Ethics? Some simple suggestions:

  • Start with the NASW Code of Ethics itself: Begin by thoroughly reading and familiarizing yourself with the NASW Code of Ethics. This is the foundational document that outlines the ethical standards for social work practice. To assist memorization, considering taking notes on key principles, standards, and guidelines.
  • Use SWTP blog posts: More than a decade's worth of ethics-tagged blog posts provide insights, examples, and practical applications that enhance your understanding of ethical principles and standards. That includes free practice questions!
  • Utilize practice tests: Practice tests, such as those available on this site, are an excellent way to assess your knowledge and identify areas for improvement. Good tests (like SWTP's) include questions specifically related to the NASW Code of Ethics and can help you become more comfortable with the format and content ASWB exam ethics questions and exam questions in general. SWTP has a ethics-only booster test for a deeper dive into the NASW Code.
  • Review and reflect: After completing each practice test, carefully review the answers and explanations. Take note of any questions where you struggled or had difficulty understanding the rationale. This allows you to identify weak areas and revisit the specific sections of the code for further study.

Remember, it's essential to regularly review and reinforce your knowledge of social work ethics to internalize its principles and standards. Applying the code to real-world scenarios, using flash cards, and discussing ethical dilemmas with peers or instructors can also enhance your understanding.

Happy studying and good luck on the exam!


June 5, 2023
Categories : 
  ethics