Social work is a trust-based profession. Clients trust us with their stories. Colleagues trust us with collaboration. Agencies and institutions trust us to uphold values and act with integrity. That trust falls apart quickly when dishonesty enters the picture.
That’s what Section 4.04 of the NASW Code of Ethics addresses—clearly and without exceptions:
4.04 Dishonesty, Fraud, and Deception
Social workers should not participate in, condone, or be associated with dishonesty, fraud, or deception.
This is one of the more straightforward ethical standards: don’t lie, cheat, or mislead. That applies whether you’re dealing with documentation, billing, credentials, agency operations, or client communication.
But on the ASWB exam—and in real practice—ethical violations aren’t usually cartoon-villain obvious. They show up in grayer areas:
“Just fudge the date a little.”
“No one’s checking—go ahead and bill for the full hour.”
“Say you’re a therapist. It’s easier for clients to understand.”
Even if these moments seem small or justified, they undermine ethical practice—and they’re exactly the kind of subtle dilemmas that show up on the exam.
Lying by omission still counts
You might get a scenario where a social worker fails to correct a client’s assumption that they're a psychologist. The correct answer will likely involve clarifying the social worker’s actual role to avoid deception—even if awkward.
Billing misrepresentation is a big red flag
A test question may ask what to do if a supervisor encourages billing for sessions that didn’t happen. The ethical answer is to decline and address the dishonesty—possibly through internal reporting.
Don’t misrepresent your qualifications
Expect a question where a new social worker considers putting “LCSW” on a business card before they’re fully licensed. Even if “almost done,” the right answer will involve honest presentation of credentials.
Silence can still be complicity
A scenario may describe a colleague falsifying notes. If the social worker stays quiet, they’re still “associated with” deception. The exam may test whether you recognize your duty to intervene or report.
Ethics apply even when no one’s watching
A question might describe a social worker tempted to skip steps in documentation because there’s no immediate oversight. The correct option will remind you: ethics aren’t about getting caught—they’re about integrity.
Here’s how this might show up on the licensing exam:
A social worker discovers that a colleague is billing Medicaid for individual therapy sessions when the client was actually seen in a group setting. The colleague explains that the agency needs the money and insists it's a harmless adjustment. What is the BEST ethical response?
A. Avoid using the same billing codes in your own work.
B. Discuss the concern directly with the colleague and follow up according to agency protocol.
C. Report the colleague immediately to the state licensing board.
D. Document the issue privately in case it comes up again later.
Breaking it down: A ignores the ethical responsibility to act; C may be premature without addressing the issue internally first; D avoids the problem but takes no corrective action.
B is correct. It reflects both ethical concern and procedural professionalism—engaging the colleague while ensuring accountability through the appropriate channels.
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