The Code's Preamble spells out the mission of the social work profession, the purpose of the Code of Ethics, and the six ethical principles that guide social work. They are:
- service
- social justice
- dignity and worth of the person
- importance of human relationships
- integrity
- competence.
The Ethical Standards which follow are divided into six parts:
1. SOCIAL WORKERS’ ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITIES TO CLIENTS
2. SOCIAL WORKERS’ ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITIES TO COLLEAGUES
3. SOCIAL WORKERS’ ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITIES IN PRACTICE SETTINGS
4. SOCIAL WORKERS’ ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITIES AS PROFESSIONALS
5. SOCIAL WORKERS’ ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE SOCIAL WORK PROFESSION
6. SOCIAL WORKERS’ ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE BROADER SOCIETY
Preparing for the social work licensing exam, it is wise to review the Code in detail. The exam is designed to be a kind of gatekeeper, protecting social work clients from harmful and/or unethical social work practitioners. A key way of testing for that, in addition to other practice knowledge, is to present a large number of questions rooted in the NASW Code of Ethics. Taking practice questions (like these, free from SWTP), can help you assess if your comfort with the Code of Ethics is exam-ready.
Will the Code of Ethics be on the social work exam? Without a doubt, yes. Get to know it!