The Ethical Standards section of the NASW Code of Ethics is where the rubber meets the road. This is the part that spells out what social workers are actually expected to do—not just what we value or believe, but how those values get translated into everyday practice.

Let’s break it down for study or reflection, whether you're prepping for the ASWB exam or grounding yourself in ethical practice.

What Are Ethical Standards?

The NASW Code of Ethics outlines six broad purposes, with the Ethical Standards serving as the detailed roadmap for behavior. These standards:

  • Provide specific guidance on professional conduct across roles and responsibilities.

  • Apply to a wide range of relationships: with clients, colleagues, employers, the profession, and society.

  • Are used to evaluate ethical conduct, resolve dilemmas, and hold professionals accountable.

There are six sections of Ethical Standards:

  • 1. Social Workers’ Ethical Responsibilities to Clients
    Includes key principles like informed consent, client self-determination, cultural competence, confidentiality, and appropriate professional boundaries.

  • 2. Social Workers’ Ethical Responsibilities to Colleagues
    Emphasizes respectful collaboration, consultation, and managing conflicts.

  • 3. Social Workers’ Ethical Responsibilities in Practice Settings
    Covers supervision, consultation, client records, billing practices, and resource allocation.

  • 4. Social Workers’ Ethical Responsibilities as Professionals
    Focuses on integrity, personal impairment, professional development, and acting to prevent unethical conduct.

  • 5. Social Workers’ Ethical Responsibilities to the Social Work Profession
    Encourages promotion of high standards, knowledge-building, and contributing to the profession's integrity.

  • 6. Social Workers’ Ethical Responsibilities to the Broader Society
    Advocates for social justice, public participation, policy reform, and community well-being.

Common Exam Pitfalls

ASWB questions often test whether you know how to apply these standards—not just what they are. For example:

  • Is a social worker ever allowed to break confidentiality?
    Yes—but only under very specific conditions (e.g., imminent risk, legal requirement).

  • Should a client’s right to self-determination always be honored?
    Generally, yes—unless their choices pose serious, foreseeable harm to themselves or others.

Practice Question

A social worker discovers that a colleague has been arriving at work smelling of alcohol and behaving erratically. What is the social worker's best ethical course of action?

A. Ignore the behavior unless it directly affects clients

B. Report the behavior anonymously to the licensing board

C. Speak privately with the colleague and encourage them to seek help

D. Immediately report the colleague to their supervisor and HR

Know it?

The Code emphasizes first addressing concerns directly with the colleague when possible, in a respectful and supportive way. If the behavior continues or poses a risk, further reporting may be warranted. The best answer is C.

Want to go deeper? The full text of the NASW Code of Ethics is your best guide—but building comfort with how these standards function in practice is what will set you apart.

Ready to put your knowledge to the test? Get started now with SWTP's full length practice tests.

Let's Go.




April 21, 2025
Categories :
  ethics  
  practice  
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