We arrive now at Section 4 of the NASW Code of Ethics: Social Workers' Ethical Responsibilities as Professionals. Up first: Competence. Competence is the bedrock of ethical practice. Section 4.01 of the NASW Code of Ethics reminds us that doing good work starts with knowing what you’re doing. And if you’re not quite there yet? You should be actively learning.
4.01 Competence
(a) Social workers should accept responsibility or employment only on the basis of existing competence or the intention to acquire the necessary competence.
(b) Social workers should strive to become and remain proficient in professional practice and the performance of professional functions. Social workers should critically examine and keep current with emerging knowledge relevant to social work. Social workers should routinely review the professional literature and participate in continuing education relevant to social work practice and social work ethics.
(c) Social workers should base practice on recognized knowledge, including empirically based knowledge, relevant to social work and social work ethics.
You don’t have to know everything—but you do have to know your limits. Competence means recognizing when you’re prepared, when you’re learning, and when something is outside your scope. It also means staying current and making evidence-based decisions.
You can grow into a role—but only if you're actively learning
A question might show a social worker accepting a new role without any plan to build relevant skills. The best answer will likely involve seeking supervision or training to gain competence.
Staying current is part of the job
Expect a question involving outdated practice methods. The correct choice may involve reviewing recent literature or attending continuing education.
Practice must be grounded in evidence
A question could involve a social worker relying solely on intuition or tradition. The ethical response will likely involve referencing research or empirically supported practice.
How this could material might on the ASWB exam:
A clinical social worker has recently started providing teletherapy but has never received formal training in online practice. She uses her in-person strategies during sessions and assumes the two formats are equivalent. According to the NASW Code of Ethics, what is the MOST appropriate next step?
A. Continue using her current approach, as she is already licensed and experienced.
B. Notify clients that she is not trained in telehealth and refer them to a more experienced provider.
C. Seek supervision or training to ensure competent and ethical teletherapy practice.
D. Avoid discussing the format change and assess outcomes later to determine if changes are needed.
Have your answer?
Let's narrow it down:
A neglects the need for specific competence in new formats.
B may be premature; the worker is allowed to acquire competence.
D defers action and risks client harm.
C is correct—it aligns with the Code. Practice only with competence or the intention to build it.
Right now, get SWTP's online practice exams at a reduced price. Just $39. Get additional savings when buying more than one exam at a time-- less than $30 per exam!
Keep going till you pass. Extensions are free.
To receive our free study guide and get started!