After laying out the mission and purpose of the profession, the NASW Code of Ethics introduces a critical bridge between values and action: the Ethical Principles. This section takes the six core values introduced in the Preamble and brings them to life through general principles that guide everyday professional conduct.
If you’re preparing for the ASWB exam, this section is a high-yield area. The principles are frequently tested—often indirectly—and understanding them deeply can help you break through close-call questions.
Each Ethical Principle corresponds directly to one of the six core values. Together, they describe the “why” behind the actions social workers are expected to take, and the standards they strive to uphold. These are not context-specific. Instead, they provide broad ethical guidance meant to be interpreted and applied across diverse settings and populations.
Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Principle: Social workers’ primary goal is to help people in need and to address social problems.
This principle highlights that service is at the heart of social work. It’s not just about responding to crises—it’s about proactively identifying unmet needs, both individual and societal.
In exam questions, this principle often supports actions like volunteering, advocating, or responding to a need without personal gain.
Principle: Social workers challenge social injustice.
This principle demands more than belief—it calls for action. Social workers work to change unjust systems, especially those affecting vulnerable groups.
On the exam, this principle may appear in questions about policy advocacy, equity in access, or confronting discriminatory practices in schools, agencies, or laws.
Principle: Social workers respect the inherent dignity and worth of the person.
This one emphasizes respect, nonjudgment, and person-centered practice. It also includes the idea of balancing client self-determination with the responsibility to protect others.
On the test, look for this principle in scenarios involving respecting autonomy—even when the client’s choices don’t align with the worker’s personal values.
Principle: Social workers recognize the central importance of human relationships.
Social workers don’t work in isolation—they cultivate and honor relationships that empower clients and foster connection.
The principle shows up in questions about family dynamics, community engagement, or interdisciplinary collaboration.
Principle: Social workers behave in a trustworthy manner.
This includes honesty, transparency, and aligning actions with professional values—even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable.
This principle is especially relevant in exam items around dual relationships, honesty in documentation, or avoiding conflicts of interest.
Principle: Social workers practice within their areas of competence and develop and enhance their professional expertise.
Ongoing learning is part of the job. Social workers must know their limits and seek supervision or training when needed.
For exam purposes, expect to apply this to questions involving new populations, specialized treatment, or the need to refer out when you’re outside your scope.
The Ethical Principles section is your go-to lens for reasoning through professional dilemmas. On the ASWB exam, think of these principles not just as theory, but as filters: each one helps you choose what’s most aligned with the values of the profession when two or more options seem plausible.
A school social worker notices that a newly arrived immigrant student is being isolated and bullied by peers. The school has no official policy in place to address this behavior. The social worker raises the issue at a faculty meeting and offers to coordinate a student-led anti-bullying campaign focused on inclusivity. This action BEST reflects which ethical principle?
A. Importance of human relationships
B. Competence
C. Social justice
D. Dignity and worth of the person
Answer?
The social worker is taking proactive steps to address systemic injustice—specifically, the marginalization and discrimination of an immigrant student. While the action may also support dignity and relationships, the driving force behind it is the commitment to challenging social injustice and promoting equity. The best answer is C.
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Next up: Ethical Standards—the detailed, practice-level rules you’ll need to apply across settings, populations, and situations, at work and on the ASWB exam.
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