ASWB Masters Social Work Licensing Exam — All Questions
100 questions
Which list names the six core values in the NASW Code of Ethics?
- a.Advocacy, confidentiality, informed consent, competence, diversity and respect
- b.Autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice, fidelity, veracity and privacy
- c.Empathy, genuineness, warmth, honesty, fairness, loyalty
- d.Service, social justice, dignity and worth, relationships, integrity, competence✓
The NASW Code's core values are service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity and competence. The list beginning with autonomy and beneficence is the set of biomedical ethics principles, a common confusion.
A social worker wants to audio-record sessions for her own supervision. What does the NASW Code require first?
- a.A court order
- b.The supervisor's written approval
- c.The client's informed consent✓
- d.Nothing, if the recording is kept private
The Code says social workers should obtain clients' informed consent before making audio or video recordings. Supervisor approval may also be needed under agency policy, but it does not replace the client's consent.
A client's adult son calls asking how his father is doing in treatment. The father has not signed a release. What should the social worker do?
- a.Share general progress without details
- b.Share only if the son explains his concern
- c.Confirm the father attends but nothing more
- d.Decline without the client's consent✓
Confidential information may be disclosed with valid consent from the client or a legally authorized person. Sharing "general progress" or confirming attendance still discloses information the client has not authorized.
When disclosure of confidential information is justified, how much should a social worker disclose?
- a.The least amount necessary for the purpose✓
- b.Everything in the record, to avoid misunderstanding
- c.Whatever the requesting party asks for
- d.Only information the client has already told others
The Code says social workers should disclose the least amount of confidential information necessary to achieve the purpose. Full disclosure "to avoid misunderstanding" is the tempting error.
A client who is a hairstylist offers free haircuts in exchange for sessions. Under the NASW Code, bartering is acceptable only when, among other conditions, it is:
- a.Suggested by the social worker to help the client
- b.Approved by the client's family
- c.Worth less than the usual fee
- d.Initiated by the client with informed consent✓
The Code allows bartering only in very limited circumstances, including that it is entered into at the client's initiative and with informed consent, is accepted local practice, essential for services and not coercive. Value relative to the fee is not the test.
A social worker is providing services by text message. Which safeguard does the Code specifically name for electronic communication?
- a.Messages sent only in business hours
- b.First names only in all messages
- c.Encryption, firewalls, and strong passwords✓
- d.Weekly deletion of all messages
The Code tells social workers to use applicable safeguards such as encryption, firewalls and passwords when using electronic communication. The other practices may help but are not what the standard names.
Under HIPAA, how long does a covered entity generally have to act on a client's request to access records?
- a.15 days
- b.30 days✓
- c.60 days
- d.10 days
HIPAA requires a covered entity to act on a request for access no later than 30 days after receiving it, subject to a limited extension.
A client asks to see the social worker's separately kept process notes analyzing their sessions. Under HIPAA these notes are:
- a.Part of the designated record set the client may copy
- b.Excluded from the client's general right of access✓
- c.Available only after the client's death
- d.Available if the client pays a fee
HIPAA excludes psychotherapy notes from the individual's right of access, and most disclosures of psychotherapy notes require specific authorization.
A social worker learns that a colleague has been having a sexual relationship with a current client. The colleague refuses to stop. What should the social worker do?
- a.Keep it confidential to protect the colleague
- b.Report through formal channels✓
- c.Tell the client to end the relationship
- d.Wait to see whether the client complains
Sexual contact with current clients is prohibited under all circumstances, and when discussion with a colleague does not resolve unethical conduct, the Code directs action through formal channels such as a licensing board.
A client disagrees with the agency's diagnosis in her record and asks the social worker to change it. What should the social worker do FIRST?
- a.Refuse to discuss the record
- b.Discuss her concerns and the amendment process✓
- c.Change the diagnosis to maintain rapport
- d.Remove the diagnosis from the record
Records must be accurate, and the social worker explains the basis for the entry and the process for requesting an amendment rather than altering the record to please the client.
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A client with a moderate intellectual disability has a legal guardian. How should the social worker obtain consent for a new service?
- a.From the guardian, without involving the client
- b.From the agency director
- c.From the client alone, since it is his treatment
- d.From the guardian, while informing the client✓
When clients lack capacity to consent, social workers seek permission from an appropriate third party and inform the client consistent with his level of understanding.
Which use of technology with clients does the NASW Code tell social workers to avoid?
- a.Scheduling appointments by secure email
- b.Sending encrypted appointment reminders
- c.Texting clients for personal reasons✓
- d.Offering video sessions with informed consent
The Code says social workers should avoid communication with clients using technology for personal or non-work-related purposes.
Which situation is a conflict of interest that the social worker must disclose to the client?
- a.The client lives in the same city as the social worker
- b.The client once saw the social worker's sister for therapy
- c.The social worker's brother employs the client✓
- d.The client and social worker attend the same large university
A family member employing the client creates a real conflict that can affect the social worker's impartiality; the Code requires informing clients of conflicts and resolving them in the client's interest. Sharing a city or university is not in itself a conflict.
A social worker plans a vacation of three weeks. What should she do for her clients?
- a.Cancel all sessions without arranging coverage
- b.Tell clients on the last day before leaving
- c.Notify clients and arrange coverage in advance✓
- d.Ask clients to call if they have an emergency
The Code requires reasonable efforts to ensure continuity of services when services are interrupted by factors such as unavailability.
A school social worker is told by a 12-year-old that his father beats him with a belt, leaving marks. The boy asks her not to tell. What should she do?
- a.Make the report that state law requires✓
- b.Call the father to discuss discipline
- c.Wait for more evidence
- d.Keep the secret to preserve trust
Mandated reporters typically must report when they suspect or have reason to believe a child has been abused; legal obligations can supersede loyalty to the client.
In *Tarasoff v. Regents of the University of California*, the court held that a therapist whose patient presents a serious danger of violence to another must:
- a.Protect the intended victim with reasonable care✓
- b.Terminate treatment immediately
- c.Keep all communications strictly confidential
- d.Report the patient to the licensing board
The court held that a therapist incurs an obligation to use reasonable care to protect the intended victim, which may include warning the victim or notifying police.
A social worker is asked by her supervisor to change the dates on progress notes so they fall within an insurance authorization period. What should she do?
- a.Change only the dates for completed sessions
- b.Ask the client for permission to change the dates
- c.Change the dates, since the supervisor is responsible
- d.Refuse and raise the concern✓
The Code prohibits participating in dishonesty, fraud or deception, and records must accurately reflect the services provided.
A social worker is testifying in a custody case involving a couple she saw in counseling. What should she have done when the conflict began?
- a.Clarified her role with the parties✓
- b.Asked the court to appoint her as evaluator
- c.Stopped seeing both parties without explanation
- d.Taken the side of the parent she believes is better
When a social worker may be asked to testify in a custody dispute involving clients, the Code says to clarify her role with the parties and minimize conflicts of interest.
Which statement about the NASW Code of Ethics is accurate?
- a.It applies only to NASW members in clinical work
- b.It ranks its values for resolving conflicts
- c.It replaces state law when the two conflict
- d.It does not rank values when they conflict✓
The Code states that it does not specify which values, principles and standards are most important and ought to outweigh others when they conflict.
A social worker refers a client to a private therapist who then sends the social worker a gift card as thanks for the referral. The social worker provided no service related to the referral. What does the Code say?
- a.It is acceptable if the agency permits it
- b.It is acceptable if disclosed to the client
- c.It is acceptable if the card is modest
- d.The payment is prohibited✓
The Code prohibits giving or receiving payment for a referral when no professional service is provided by the referring social worker.
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A Deaf client's family offers to have her hearing sister interpret at medical appointments. What should the social worker recommend?
- a.Lip-reading with slow speech
- b.Written notes for all appointments
- c.The sister, since the client trusts her
- d.A qualified American Sign Language interpreter✓
NASW's cultural competence standards require effective communication for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, and the Code calls for a qualified interpreter whenever possible.
A social worker realizes she holds negative stereotypes about clients who receive public assistance. What does cultural humility call for?
- a.Engaging in critical self-reflection✓
- b.Asking clients to prove their need
- c.Referring these clients to colleagues
- d.Keeping the beliefs private
The Code describes cultural humility as engaging in critical self-reflection, understanding one's own bias and engaging in self-correction.
Under the Indian Child Welfare Act, which placement receives first preference in an adoption of an Indian child, absent good cause?
- a.A member of the child's extended family✓
- b.Any licensed adoptive family
- c.Another Indian family from any tribe
- d.A foster family that has cared for the child
ICWA gives adoptive placement preference first to a member of the child's extended family, then other members of the child's tribe, then other Indian families.
Under federal law, which situation is sex trafficking regardless of force, fraud or coercion?
- a.A 20-year-old who shares photos with a partner
- b.An adult who works in a legal adult business
- c.An adult who migrates for farm work
- d.A 17-year-old induced into commercial sex✓
Federal law defines severe trafficking to include sex trafficking in which the person induced to perform a commercial sex act has not reached 18.
A client uses a slur when describing a neighbor of another race. What should the social worker do?
- a.Address it respectfully✓
- b.Report the client to authorities
- c.Ignore it to preserve rapport
- d.End services immediately
The Code asks social workers to take action against racism and discrimination while treating clients with respect; addressing the remark within the relationship is consistent with both.
Which term BEST describes brief everyday comments or behaviors that communicate hostility toward members of stigmatized groups, often without intent?
- a.Cultural relativism
- b.Microaggressions✓
- c.Stereotype threat
- d.Implicit association
Microaggressions are verbal or nonverbal cues that communicate hostile attitudes toward stigmatized groups and are often unintentional.
A social worker has been working 60-hour weeks, feels detached from clients and doubts her effectiveness. Which step BEST reflects the NASW Code's self-care standard?
- a.Address her own well-being and seek support✓
- b.Take on more clients to feel useful
- c.Hide the feelings from her supervisor
- d.Continue working and ignore the feelings
The Code states that professional self-care is paramount for competent and ethical practice; her symptoms fit burnout, which calls for attention and support.
A social worker who is a supervisor wants to date a supervisee. What does the Code say?
- a.It is allowed after one year
- b.It is allowed if the agency approves
- c.It is allowed if both consent
- d.It is prohibited✓
Social workers who function as supervisors should not engage in sexual activities or contact with supervisees over whom they exercise professional authority.
A client in a Medicare-funded hospital asks what her rights are about future treatment decisions. Providers are required to give adult patients written information about:
- a.The names of all staff treating them
- b.Rights to refuse treatment and make directives✓
- c.Their eligibility for long-term nursing home care
- d.The cost of each procedure in advance
Federal rules require providers to give adults written information about their rights under state law to accept or refuse treatment and to formulate advance directives.
A social worker in private practice wants to end services with a client who has stopped paying. Which condition must be met?
- a.The licensing board must approve
- b.The client is not an imminent danger✓
- c.The client must have missed three payments
- d.The client must agree to the termination
Termination for nonpayment is permitted only if the financial arrangements were made clear, the client is not an imminent danger to self or others, and the clinical consequences have been discussed.
A social worker who uses a clinical title she does not hold on her website is violating which principle?
- a.Social justice
- b.Integrity✓
- c.Service
- d.Importance of relationships
Misrepresenting credentials violates integrity; the Code says social workers should claim only credentials they actually possess.
A client in a group reveals that she was fired for stealing. After the session another member posts about it online. What should the leader have done at the start of the group?
- a.Avoided discussing confidentiality
- b.Promised that nothing would leave the group
- c.Set confidentiality agreements and their limits✓
- d.Asked members to sign legal contracts
The Code asks social workers to seek agreement about confidentiality in groups and to tell members the social worker cannot guarantee all participants will honor it.
A social worker wants to present a case at a training. What is required?
- a.Removing identifying details unless she consents✓
- b.The permission of the agency director only
- c.Nothing, if the audience is professionals
- d.Waiting until the case is closed
The Code says social workers should not disclose identifying information when discussing clients for teaching or training purposes unless the client has consented.
A federally assisted substance use disorder program may disclose patient information without written consent to medical personnel in which situation?
- a.When the patient's employer requests it
- b.When a relative calls with concern
- c.A bona fide medical emergency✓
- d.When the patient misses an appointment
Part 2 permits disclosure to medical personnel to the extent necessary to meet a bona fide medical emergency in which the patient's prior written consent cannot be obtained.
A social worker with a new client who was previously seen at another agency should FIRST:
- a.Call the prior agency to ask why services ended
- b.Discuss whether consulting the prior provider helps✓
- c.Refuse to see the client until the other case closes
- d.Request all prior records without asking the client
When a new client has been served by another provider, the social worker discusses with the client whether consultation with the previous provider is in the client's best interest.
A 4-year-old gives her favorite teddy bear to comfort her crying grandfather. In Piaget's terms, this reflects:
- a.Formal operations
- b.Object permanence
- c.Conservation
- d.Egocentrism✓
StatPearls describes preoperational children as egocentric, giving the example of offering a favorite stuffed toy to comfort an upset loved one.
At about what age does object permanence emerge, according to StatPearls' summary of Piaget?
- a.Around two years
- b.Around seven years
- c.Around six months✓
- d.Birth
StatPearls states that object permanence emerges around six months of age.
According to Erikson, the central task of adolescence is:
- a.Intimacy versus isolation
- b.Generativity versus stagnation
- c.Trust versus mistrust
- d.Identity versus role confusion✓
Erikson's fifth stage, adolescence, is identity versus role confusion.
A 9-year-old can solve problems about real objects but struggles with hypothetical "what if" questions. Which Piagetian stage fits?
- a.Concrete operational✓
- b.Preoperational thought
- c.Sensorimotor
- d.Formal operational thought
The concrete operational stage (ages 7 to 11) involves logical operations including conservation; the ability to use abstractions develops in the formal operational stage from about age 12.
A woman who is furious with her mother becomes an award-winning advocate for elder safety. Which defense mechanism is this?
- a.Sublimation✓
- b.Reaction formation
- c.Projection
- d.Displacement
Sublimation is transforming anxiety or emotions into pursuits considered by societal norms to be more useful.
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