You’ll likely encounter ASWB exam questions that ask when and how to consult with colleagues appropriately. Section 2.05 of the NASW Code of Ethics outlines the ethical use of consultation: when it benefits the client, when it’s based on actual expertise, and when confidentiality is protected.
Here’s the full standard:
2.05 Consultation
(a) Social workers should seek the advice and counsel of colleagues whenever such consultation is in the best interests of clients.(b) Social workers should keep themselves informed about colleagues’ areas of expertise and competencies. Social workers should seek consultation only from colleagues who have demonstrated knowledge, expertise, and competence related to the subject of the consultation.
(c) When consulting with colleagues about clients, social workers should disclose the least amount of information necessary to achieve the purposes of the consultation.
What It Means in Practice
Consultation is a critical tool in ethical social work—but it’s not just about asking for help. It must be intentional, informed, and protective of client privacy.
Key Guidelines
(a) Consult when it benefits the client
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Not sure how to proceed? Seek input.
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Clients benefit when you bring in outside knowledge—not when you guess alone.
(b) Choose your consultants carefully
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Make sure the colleague has actual, demonstrated competence on the issue
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Avoid informal advice from someone who isn’t experienced in the relevant area
(c) Protect client confidentiality
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Don’t overshare
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Disclose only what’s truly necessary for the consultation
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Use general or de-identified information when possible
Practice Question
You might see a licensing exam question framed like this:
A social worker is struggling to support a teen client experiencing gender dysphoria and seeks advice from a colleague. The colleague primarily works with older adults and has no training in gender-affirming care. What is the most ethical action for the social worker to take?
A. Proceed with the consultation and apply the advice selectively
B. Seek guidance from a clinician experienced in gender-affirming practice
C. Consult with the client’s parent, since they know the client best
D. Ask the colleague to refer to reading about general best practices for mental health treatment
Consultation should be targeted and meaningful. When the subject matter is sensitive or specialized, the ethical path is to seek help from someone with relevant, demonstrated expertise. How to narrow it down: A risks using advice that’s ill-informed for the issue; C blurs consultation with family involvement, which may not be appropriate or informed; D may lead to generalizations that don’t meet the client’s specific needs. The best answer is B.
Ready to apply your skills across dozens of case examples? SWTP’s full-length practice exams help you test your understanding in realistic, exam-style scenarios.