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A social worker in private practice sets fees for services. According to ethical standards, fees should be:
A. As high as possible regardless of the client's ability to pay B. Fair, reasonable, commensurate with services provided, and set with consideration of the client's ability to pay C. Hidden from the client until after services are rendered D. Based on the client's personal characteristics such as race or gender
Answer: B
Explanation. The NASW Code of Ethics directs that when social workers set fees, the fees should be fair, reasonable, and commensurate with the services performed, with consideration given to the client's ability to pay. This supports equitable access to services and protects clients from exploitation. Setting fees as high as possible regardless of the client's ability to pay (A) is exploitative and inconsistent with ethical standards and the value of service. Hiding fees from the client until after services are rendered (C) violates informed consent and transparency, since fee arrangements should be disclosed and agreed upon in advance. Basing fees on personal characteristics such as race or gender (D) is discriminatory and unethical. Transparent, fair feesetting, including sliding scales or referrals when clients cannot afford services, reflects integrity, respect for clients, and the profession's commitment to accessibility and nondiscrimination.
Question # 2
A social worker wants to ensure services are provided competently to a client who speaks limited English. The MOST appropriate action is to:
A. Rely on the client's young child to interpret sensitive information B. Arrange for a qualified interpreter and provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services C. Proceed in English and hope the client understands D. Deny services because of the language difference
Answer: B
Explanation. Providing competent, ethical services to a client with limited English proficiency requires arranging for a qualified professional interpreter and ensuring culturally and linguistically appropriate services, so the client can fully understand and participate. Relying on the client's young child to interpret sensitive information (A) is inappropriate, as it burdens the child, risks inaccuracy, and compromises confidentiality and the child's welfare. Proceeding in English and hoping the client understands (C) undermines informed consent, assessment accuracy, and effective care. Denying services because of the language difference (D) is discriminatory and violates the client's right to access services. The NASW Code and cultural competence standards require workers to take reasonable steps to ensure effective communication and to respect clients' language needs. Using qualified interpreters protects understanding, autonomy, and quality of care while upholding nondiscrimination and cultural responsiveness.
Question # 3
When the NASW Code of Ethics and a specific law appear to conflict, the social worker should:
A. Automatically ignore the law B. Carefully consider the conflict, seek consultation, and make a responsible, well-reasoned decision, recognizing that the Code does not automatically override legal obligations C. Automatically ignore the Code of Ethics D. Refuse to make any decision
Answer: B
Explanation. The NASW Code of Ethics acknowledges that conflicts can arise between ethical obligations and law or agency policy, and it does not provide a simple rule that one always overrides the other. When such conflicts occur, the social worker should carefully consider the specific circumstances, consult with supervisors, colleagues, ethics resources, and legal counsel as appropriate, and make a responsible, well-reasoned, and documented decision.
Automatically ignoring the law (A) or automatically ignoring the Code (C) oversimplifies complex situations and can lead to harm or legal jeopardy. Refusing to make any decision (D) abdicates professional responsibility. The Code itself states that it does not offer a formula for resolving all conflicts, so thoughtful analysis, consultation, and documentation are essential. Navigating these tensions responsibly reflects mature ethical reasoning and protects both clients and the worker.
Question # 4
A social worker demonstrates professional integrity primarily by:
A. Acting honestly, responsibly, and consistently with professional values and ethica standards B. Telling clients only what they want to hear C. Prioritizing personal gain over client welfare D. Concealing mistakes to protect their reputation
Answer: A
Explanation. Integrity, one of the core values in the NASW Code of Ethics, means acting honestly and responsibly and behaving in a manner consistent with the profession's mission, values, ethical principles, and standards. Demonstrating integrity involves trustworthiness, honesty, and accountability across all professional activities. Telling clients only what they want to hear (B) is dishonest and can undermine effective, truthful practice. Prioritizing personal gain over client welfare (C) violates the primacy of clients' interests and the value of service.
Concealing mistakes to protect one's reputation (D) contradicts honesty and accountability, which require acknowledging and addressing errors. Integrity is foundational to the trust that clients and the public place in social workers, and it guides consistent, principled conduct even when doing the right thing is difficult. Upholding integrity strengthens the therapeutic relationship and the credibility of the profession.
Question # 5
A social worker is unsure whether a specific situation requires mandated reporting. The BEST course of action is to:
A. Do nothing until certain B. Consult with a supervisor and, if needed, the reporting agency, and err on the side of protecting the vulnerable person C. Decide alone without any consultation D. Ask the client whether they want a report made
Answer: B
Explanation. When uncertain whether a situation requires mandated reporting, the best course is to consult with a supervisor and, if needed, the appropriate reporting agency or a hotline, and to err on the side of protecting the vulnerable person, since mandated reporting is based on reasonable suspicion rather than certainty. Doing nothing until certain (A) risks allowing ongoing harm and may itself violate reporting laws. Deciding alone without any consultation (C) forgoes valuable guidance in an ambiguous, high-stakes situation. Asking the client whether they want a report made (D) misunderstands mandated reporting, which is a legal duty that does not depend on the client's or the reporter's preference when the threshold of suspicion is met. Seeking consultation, following legal requirements, documenting the reasoning, and prioritizing the safety of the vulnerable person reflect responsible, ethical practice.
Question # 6
The NASW Code of Ethics identifies core values of the profession. Which of the following is one of these core values?
A. Profit maximization B. Service C. Personal fame D. Avoidance of accountability
Answer: B
Explanation. The NASW Code of Ethics identifies six core values of the social work profession: service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence. Service is one of these core values, reflecting the profession's primary goal of helping people in need and addressing social problems. Profit maximization (A), personal fame (C), and avoidance of accountability (D) are contrary to the profession's values and mission. Service emphasizes elevating service to others above self-interest and using one's knowledge and skills to help those in need, including through volunteering. Understanding the core values is foundational, as they underlie the ethical principles and standards that guide practice. Each value expresses a central aspiration of the profession and informs how social workers make decisions and conduct themselves in their work with clients and communities.
Question # 7
A social worker posts about work on social media. To maintain professional ethics, the worker must:
A. Share identifiable client information for educational purposes B. Protect client confidentiality and privacy, avoiding disclosure of identifiable information C. Accept all client friend requests to build rapport D. Vent frustrations about specific clients online
Answer: B
Explanation. Social workers must protect client confidentiality and privacy in all contexts, including social media, and must avoid disclosing identifiable client information online. Sharing identifiable client information, even for educational purposes (A), violates confidentiality unless proper consent and de-identification are ensured, and even then caution is warranted. Accepting client friend requests (C) can create dual relationships, blur boundaries, and compromise privacy, so workers should maintain clear boundaries regarding online connections.
Venting frustrations about specific clients online (D) is a serious breach of confidentiality and professionalism. The NASW, ASWB, and related technology standards guide ethical use of social media, emphasizing confidentiality, boundaries, and professional image. Workers should adopt privacy settings, separate personal and professional presence, and refrain from any online conduct that could identify clients or harm the therapeutic relationship and professional integrity.
Question # 8
A social worker is offered an expensive gift by a grateful client. In deciding how to respond, the worker should consider:
A. Only whether the worker wants the gift B. The clinical meaning, cultural context, potential impact on the relationship, and boundary considerations C. Accepting any gift regardless of value or context D. Demanding gifts as a condition of service
Answer: B
Explanation. When a client offers a gift, the social worker should thoughtfully consider its clinical meaning, the cultural context, the value of the gift, the potential impact on the therapeutic relationship, and boundary considerations before deciding how to respond. In some cultures, refusing a small gift may be offensive, while accepting an expensive gift can create obligation, blur boundaries, or reflect exploitation concerns. Considering only whether the worker wants the gift (A) ignores the ethical and clinical dimensions. Accepting any gift regardless of value or context (C) disregards boundary risks. Demanding gifts as a condition of service (D) is exploitative and unethical. The worker should weigh these factors, consult when uncertain, and respond in a way that honors cultural sensitivity while protecting boundaries and the client's interests, sometimes gently declining and exploring the meaning of the gesture.
Question # 9
A client requests access to their own clinical record. In general, the social worker should:
A. Deny access because records belong only to the worker B. Provide reasonable access to the record, taking steps to protect confidentiality and, where appropriate, address any content that could cause serious harm C. Charge an exorbitant fee to discourage access D. Alter the record before showing it to the client
Answer: B
Explanation. Clients generally have a right to reasonable access to their own records, and the NASW Code directs social workers to provide such access while taking steps to protect confidentiality of others mentioned in the record. In exceptional circumstances where the worker has compelling evidence that access would cause serious harm to the client, access may be limited, and the worker should provide assistance in interpreting the record and document the rationale. Denying access because records belong only to the worker (A) misstates clients' rights. Charging an exorbitant fee to discourage access (C) is an inappropriate barrier. Altering the record before showing it to the client (D) is dishonest and unethical, compromising record integrity. Respecting clients' access rights supports transparency, autonomy, and trust, while the worker responsibly manages confidentiality and rare harm-related concerns.
Question # 10
A social worker is ending employment and has an active caseload. To act ethically regarding continuity of care, the worker should:
A. Leave without informing clients or arranging transfers B. Notify clients appropriately and facilitate transfer or referral to ensure continuity of care C. Take client records home for personal use D. Continue seeing clients privately without agency knowledge
Answer: B
Explanation. When leaving employment, a social worker must take reasonable steps to avoid abandoning clients and to ensure continuity of care, which includes notifying clients appropriately, discussing the transition, and facilitating transfer to another provider or making appropriate referrals, consistent with agency policy. Leaving without informing clients or arranging transfers (A) constitutes abandonment and can harm clients. Taking client records home for personal use (B distractor, option C) violates confidentiality and agency ownership of records. Continuing to see clients privately without agency knowledge (D) may breach contractual and ethical obligations, including non-solicitation and proper transfer procedures.
The NASW Code emphasizes minimizing disruption and prioritizing clients' interests during transitions. Planning the departure responsibly, communicating with clients, and arranging appropriate ongoing care protect clients' welfare and uphold professional and organizational obligations.
Question # 11
A social worker believes an agency policy is unjust and harmful to clients. An ethically appropriate response is to:
A. Quietly comply and say nothing B. Advocate for change through appropriate channels while continuing to serve clients ethically C. Sabotage the agency's operations D. Encourage clients to distrust all services
Answer: B
Explanation. When a social worker believes an agency policy is unjust or harmful to clients, an ethically appropriate response is to advocate for change through appropriate channels, such as raising concerns with supervisors and administrators, proposing alternatives, and working within organizational and professional processes, while continuing to serve clients ethically. Quietly complying and saying nothing (A) fails the profession's commitment to challenge injustice and advocate for clients. Sabotaging the agency's operations (C) is unprofessional, potentially harmful, and counterproductive. Encouraging clients to distrust all services (D) undermines clients' access to help and is not constructive. Social workers have ethical obligations to promote clients' well-being and to work toward changing policies and practices that are unjust. Constructive advocacy, both within the organization and, where appropriate, through broader channels, reflects the profession's commitment to social justice and organizational ethics.
Question # 12
A social worker practices in a rural community where incidental contact with clients outside sessions is common and sometimes unavoidable. The BEST way to handle this is to:
A. Refuse to serve anyone the worker might encounter socially B. Anticipate and discuss potential encounters with clients, set clear boundaries, and manage them thoughtfully C. Pretend not to know the client in all situations D. Freely discuss cases in public settings
Answer: B
Explanation. In rural or small communities, incidental or dual contacts with clients are often unavoidable, and the best approach is to anticipate and proactively discuss potential encounters with clients, establish clear boundaries and expectations, such as how to handle greetings in public to protect confidentiality, and manage these situations thoughtfully. Refusing to serve anyone the worker might encounter socially (A) is impractical and would deny services in communities with limited providers. Pretending not to know the client in all situations (C) may not fit what the client prefers and can feel dismissive; the plan should be discussed with the client. Freely discussing cases in public settings (D) breaches confidentiality. The NASW Code recognizes that some boundary crossings are unavoidable and requires workers to manage them to protect clients. Thoughtful planning preserves confidentiality, boundaries, and the therapeutic relationship in small-community practice.
Question # 13
A social worker recognizes that they are experiencing strong personal feelings toward a client that stem from the worker's own past relationships. This is known as:
A. Transference B. Countertransference C. Resistance D. Projection by the client
Answer: B
Explanation. Countertransference refers to the social worker's emotional reactions and feelings toward a client that arise from the worker's own experiences, unresolved issues, or past relationships. Recognizing countertransference is important for maintaining objectivity and professional boundaries. Transference (A) refers to the client's redirection of feelings from past relationships onto the worker, the reverse direction. Resistance (C) refers to a client's conscious or unconscious opposition to the therapeutic process. Projection by the client (D) is a defense mechanism in which the client attributes their own feelings to others, and it concerns the client rather than the worker. Managing countertransference through self-awareness, supervision, and consultation prevents it from harming the therapeutic relationship or clouding judgment. Awareness of one's own reactions is a professional responsibility that safeguards ethical, effective practice and protects the client's interests.
Question # 14
A social worker receives a subpoena for a client's records. The MOST appropriate initial response is to:
A. Immediately hand over all records without question B. Consult with a supervisor and legal counsel, and respond appropriately while protecting C. Destroy the records to avoid disclosure D. Ignore the subpoena entirely
Answer: B
Explanation. When a social worker receives a subpoena for client records, the appropriate initial response is to consult with a supervisor and legal counsel to understand the obligations and options, and to respond appropriately while protecting client confidentiality to the greatest extent permitted by law. A subpoena is not the same as a court order to disclose, and there may be grounds to limit or object to the disclosure, such as privilege. Immediately handing over all records without question (A) can unnecessarily breach confidentiality and privilege. Destroying the records (B distractor, option C) is illegal, unethical obstruction. Ignoring the subpoena entirely (D) can result in legal penalties. The worker should seek guidance, assert applicable privilege on the client's behalf when appropriate, and disclose only what is legally required, thereby balancing legal compliance with the duty to protect client confidentiality.
Question # 15
A social worker is documenting services for insurance reimbursement. Billing for services that were not actually provided would constitute:
A. An acceptable practice if the client benefits B. Fraud, which is unethical and illegal C. A minor administrative issue D. Standard agency procedure
Answer: B
Explanation. Billing for services that were not actually provided is fraud, which is both unethical and illegal, violating professional standards, laws, and the trust placed in the worker and agency.
It misrepresents services, misuses funds, and can result in serious legal, financial, and licensing consequences. Claiming it is acceptable if the client benefits (A) is a rationalization that does not excuse fraudulent conduct. Treating it as a minor administrative issue (C) minimizes a serious violation. Calling it standard agency procedure (D) does not legitimize illegal billing and, if true, would itself be a serious problem requiring reporting. Social workers must ensure that documentation and billing are accurate and honest, reflecting only the services actually delivered. Integrity in billing protects clients, payers, and the profession, and workers must refuse to participate in or facilitate fraudulent practices.
