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Social workers are not only responsible for their own competence—but for speaking up when others fall short. Section 2.09 of the NASW Code of Ethics emphasizes the ethical duty to address professional incompetence in peers when it threatens client well-being or undermines the profession.

Whether due to lack of knowledge, outdated methods, or failure to uphold ethical standards, incompetence cannot be ignored.

Here’s the full standard:

2.08 Impairment of Colleagues
(a) Social workers who have direct knowledge of a social work colleague’s impairment that is due to personal problems, psychosocial distress, substance abuse, or mental health difficulties and that interferes with practice effectiveness should consult with that colleague when feasible and assist the colleague in taking remedial action.
(b) Social workers who believe that a social work colleague’s impairment interferes with practice effectiveness and that the colleague has not taken adequate steps to address the impairment should take action through appropriate channels established by employers, agencies, NASW, licensing and regulatory bodies, and other professional organizations.

What It Means in Practice

Social workers must maintain the integrity of the profession—and that includes holding peers accountable. If a colleague is harming clients or failing to meet professional standards, ethical action is required.

• Start with respectful consultation, when appropriate

• If there's no improvement, escalate concerns through proper channels

• Always document efforts and prioritize client welfare

Here's an example of how this material might look on the licensing exam:

A social worker notices that a colleague is providing outdated and potentially harmful treatment to clients but has not responded to past feedback. What is the most ethical course of action?

A. Notify the appropriate regulatory body or supervisor to address the colleague’s continued incompetence

B. Hold off on taking action until a client files a formal complaint

C. Begin informally supervising the colleague to correct the issue

D. Confront the colleague in front of the treatment team to prompt immediate action

This situation calls for accountability and client protection. If previous consultation hasn’t worked, the next ethical step is to notify proper channels. B puts client safety at risk by waiting for harm to occur; C crosses boundaries and lacks formal authority or structure; D risks public shaming and undermines professionalism without offering a constructive path forward. The best of the offered answers is A.

Challenge yourself with questions like this on SWTP’s full-length practice tests—smart, scenario-based prep built for the ASWB exam.