Social Work
C O verified
M P2026
Edition:
100 REH E N SLatest
/questions
2027 I V with
E EX A M I N A T I O NA+ graded
comprehensive,
Questions: 100 Multiple Choice (A-D)
rationales aligned with 2026-2027 CSWE
Focus: CSWE, NASW, ASWB Alignment
competencies, NASW Code of Ethics standards, and
Comprehensive
ASWB exam content outlines covering all core social
work knowledge domains.
Exam 2026
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS - VERIFIED
,Social Work Comprehensive Exam 2026 100 Questions with Verified Answers
Social Work Comprehensive Exam 2026
Questions and Answers Latest () - Verified Answers
Aligned with CSWE Competencies, NASW Code of Ethics, and ASWB Exam Content Outlines
Cognitive Levels: 25% Recall, 55%
Total Questions: 100 Format: Multiple Choice (A-D)
Application, 20% Analysis
Domain 1: Professional Identity, Ethics, and Values (NASW Code of Ethics)
Q1: A social worker at a community mental health center learns that a client, who has been diagnosed
with severe depression, has been stockpiling medications and has expressed suicidal ideation during a
recent session. The client explicitly asks the social worker not to tell anyone. According to the NASW Code
of Ethics, what is the social worker's PRIMARY ethical obligation?
A. Maintain confidentiality as the client has explicitly requested no disclosure
B. Break confidentiality and take appropriate action to protect the client, as duty to warn and protect
overrides confidentiality in cases of imminent danger [CORRECT]
C. Seek consultation with a supervisor before making any decision about breaching confidentiality
D. Document the client's statements and continue monitoring without taking further action
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Under NASW Code of Ethics Standard 1.07 (Privacy and Confidentiality), confidentiality is paramount but not
absolute. The ethical principle of nonmaleficence (preventing harm) overrides confidentiality when a client poses an imminent
danger to themselves, as reflected in the Tarasoff duty-to-protect principles. Option A ignores the duty to protect; Option C delays
critical intervention; Option D fails to address the imminent risk.
Q2: A social worker in private practice is approached by a former client who invites the social worker to
attend a community fundraiser. The social worker has not provided services to this client in over two
years. Which of the following BEST describes the ethical considerations under NASW Standard 1.06
(Dual Relationships)?
A. Dual relationships are always prohibited regardless of the circumstances or time elapsed since termination
B. Attending the fundraiser is permissible because more than two years have passed since the professional
relationship ended
C. The social worker should carefully evaluate whether the social interaction could impair professional
judgment or increase the risk of exploitation, even post-termination [CORRECT]
D. Dual relationships are only prohibited if the social worker stands to gain financially from the interaction
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: NASW Standard 1.06 cautions that social workers should avoid dual relationships that could impair professional
judgment or risk exploitation. The prohibition is not time-limited; even post-termination, social workers must assess whether a
secondary relationship could be harmful. Option A is too absolute; Option B incorrectly assumes a time waiver; Option D narrows
the concern only to financial gain.
Q3: Before initiating services with a new client, a social worker provides information about the nature of
the services, potential risks, limitations, the client's right to refuse services, and the fee structure. The
Page 1
,Social Work Comprehensive Exam 2026 100 Questions with Verified Answers
client signs an acknowledgment form. This process is BEST described as:
A. Informed consent, as outlined in NASW Standard 1.03 [CORRECT]
B. A verbal contract establishing the therapeutic alliance
C. Documentation required by HIPAA regulations alone
D. A treatment plan mandated by state licensing boards
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: NASW Standard 1.03 (Informed Consent) requires that clients be apprised of the risks, limitations, alternatives, cost of
services, and their right to refuse or withdraw consent. This process ensures client autonomy and transparency. Option B
describes only the alliance, not the formal consent process; Option C is too narrow (HIPAA is one framework but not the ethical
basis); Option D confuses consent with treatment planning.
Q4: A social worker is providing services to a family from a culture that emphasizes collectivist
decision-making. The social worker, who was trained in an individualistic framework, encourages the
family to make decisions independently rather than consulting extended family members. Which core
value from the NASW Code of Ethics is the social worker MOST likely violating?
A. Service
B. Social Justice
C. Dignity and Worth of the Person
D. Importance of Human Relationships [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The NASW core value of Importance of Human Relationships recognizes that relationships are central to social work
practice and that clients' cultural contexts shape their decision-making processes. By dismissing the family's collectivist approach,
the social worker fails to honor the client's cultural values and relational networks. Service (A) and Social Justice (B) are not
directly implicated; Dignity and Worth of the Person (C) is secondary here.
Q5: A social worker at a hospital receives a court order to release a client's treatment records. The client
has not consented to this release. According to NASW Standard 1.07, what should the social worker do?
A. Refuse to release the records because the client has not provided written consent
B. Release only the records that are specifically requested in the court order
C. Release the records as required by the court order, while informing the client of the disclosure and
documenting the circumstances [CORRECT]
D. Request that the court dismiss the order based on client confidentiality rights
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: NASW Standard 1.07 (Privacy and Confidentiality) identifies court orders as one of the exceptions to confidentiality.
Social workers should comply with legal obligations while minimizing the amount of information disclosed, informing the client
when possible, and thoroughly documenting the disclosure. Option A would violate the court order; Option B is partially correct
but incomplete without client notification and documentation; Option D is not the social worker's role.
Q6: A social worker is uncertain about the best course of action when faced with an ethical dilemma
involving two conflicting values: client self-determination and the duty to protect a third party. According
to the NASW Code of Ethics, what is the FIRST step the social worker should take?
A. Consult the NASW Code of Ethics to identify the relevant standards and principles [CORRECT]
B. Immediately seek legal counsel to determine the legally mandated course of action
C. Make a decision based on personal values and professional experience
D. Contact the client to discuss the dilemma and ask the client to choose a course of action
Correct Answer: A
Page 2
, Social Work Comprehensive Exam 2026 100 Questions with Verified Answers
Rationale: The NASW Code of Ethics provides a framework for ethical decision-making that begins with identifying relevant
ethical standards, principles, and values. While consultation with supervisors, colleagues, or legal counsel may follow, the first
step is to consult the Code itself to clarify the ethical obligations at stake. Option B skips the ethical analysis; Option C
inappropriately relies on personal values; Option D places undue burden on the client.
Q7: A social worker in a school setting is mandated to report suspected child abuse. The social worker
observes behavioral indicators of abuse in a student but has no direct evidence or disclosure from the
child. What is the social worker's ethical and legal obligation?
A. Wait for more concrete evidence before filing a report, as behavioral indicators alone are insufficient
B. File a mandated report based on reasonable suspicion, as required by both NASW ethics and state law
[CORRECT]
C. Consult with the school principal first and defer to their judgment about whether to report
D. Interview the child directly to obtain a disclosure before making any report
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Mandated reporting laws require social workers to report suspected child abuse when there is reasonable cause to
believe abuse has occurred. NASW Standard 1.07 identifies mandated reporting as an exception to confidentiality. Reasonable
suspicion, not conclusive proof, is the legal threshold. Option A sets too high a bar; Option C improperly defers the legal
obligation; Option D could compromise the investigation.
Q8: A social worker is documenting a client session in the case record. Which of the following
documentation practices is MOST consistent with NASW ethical standards and professional best
practice?
A. Recording only the social worker's interpretation of the client's statements and behaviors
B. Including detailed, objective descriptions of client statements, observed behaviors, and clinical
assessments, while protecting client privacy [CORRECT]
C. Writing case notes in a casual, conversational style to capture the authentic flavor of the session
D. Documenting only the client's progress toward goals and omitting any discussion of challenges or setbacks
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: NASW ethical standards require that documentation be accurate, objective, timely, and protect client privacy. Best
practice includes recording both strengths and challenges. Option A substitutes interpretation for observable data; Option C
sacrifices professionalism; Option D creates an incomplete record by omitting clinically relevant information about setbacks.
Q9: A social worker who specializes in working with LGBTQ+ youth is asked to provide a workshop at a
community center. The social worker's colleague suggests that the social worker should not disclose their
own sexual orientation during the workshop. The social worker believes that self-disclosure could build
trust with attendees. Which ethical principle is MOST relevant to this decision?
A. Fidelity
B. Self-determination
C. Cultural competence and understanding diversity [CORRECT]
D. Boundary management
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: NASW Standard 1.05 (Cultural Competence and Diversity) requires social workers to understand and respect the
cultural backgrounds of clients and communities. For LGBTQ+ youth, culturally responsive practice includes awareness of how
identity and lived experience shape the helping relationship. While fidelity (A), self-determination (B), and boundary
management (D) are relevant ethical principles, cultural competence is the primary standard at issue.
Page 3
C O verified
M P2026
Edition:
100 REH E N SLatest
/questions
2027 I V with
E EX A M I N A T I O NA+ graded
comprehensive,
Questions: 100 Multiple Choice (A-D)
rationales aligned with 2026-2027 CSWE
Focus: CSWE, NASW, ASWB Alignment
competencies, NASW Code of Ethics standards, and
Comprehensive
ASWB exam content outlines covering all core social
work knowledge domains.
Exam 2026
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS - VERIFIED
,Social Work Comprehensive Exam 2026 100 Questions with Verified Answers
Social Work Comprehensive Exam 2026
Questions and Answers Latest () - Verified Answers
Aligned with CSWE Competencies, NASW Code of Ethics, and ASWB Exam Content Outlines
Cognitive Levels: 25% Recall, 55%
Total Questions: 100 Format: Multiple Choice (A-D)
Application, 20% Analysis
Domain 1: Professional Identity, Ethics, and Values (NASW Code of Ethics)
Q1: A social worker at a community mental health center learns that a client, who has been diagnosed
with severe depression, has been stockpiling medications and has expressed suicidal ideation during a
recent session. The client explicitly asks the social worker not to tell anyone. According to the NASW Code
of Ethics, what is the social worker's PRIMARY ethical obligation?
A. Maintain confidentiality as the client has explicitly requested no disclosure
B. Break confidentiality and take appropriate action to protect the client, as duty to warn and protect
overrides confidentiality in cases of imminent danger [CORRECT]
C. Seek consultation with a supervisor before making any decision about breaching confidentiality
D. Document the client's statements and continue monitoring without taking further action
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Under NASW Code of Ethics Standard 1.07 (Privacy and Confidentiality), confidentiality is paramount but not
absolute. The ethical principle of nonmaleficence (preventing harm) overrides confidentiality when a client poses an imminent
danger to themselves, as reflected in the Tarasoff duty-to-protect principles. Option A ignores the duty to protect; Option C delays
critical intervention; Option D fails to address the imminent risk.
Q2: A social worker in private practice is approached by a former client who invites the social worker to
attend a community fundraiser. The social worker has not provided services to this client in over two
years. Which of the following BEST describes the ethical considerations under NASW Standard 1.06
(Dual Relationships)?
A. Dual relationships are always prohibited regardless of the circumstances or time elapsed since termination
B. Attending the fundraiser is permissible because more than two years have passed since the professional
relationship ended
C. The social worker should carefully evaluate whether the social interaction could impair professional
judgment or increase the risk of exploitation, even post-termination [CORRECT]
D. Dual relationships are only prohibited if the social worker stands to gain financially from the interaction
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: NASW Standard 1.06 cautions that social workers should avoid dual relationships that could impair professional
judgment or risk exploitation. The prohibition is not time-limited; even post-termination, social workers must assess whether a
secondary relationship could be harmful. Option A is too absolute; Option B incorrectly assumes a time waiver; Option D narrows
the concern only to financial gain.
Q3: Before initiating services with a new client, a social worker provides information about the nature of
the services, potential risks, limitations, the client's right to refuse services, and the fee structure. The
Page 1
,Social Work Comprehensive Exam 2026 100 Questions with Verified Answers
client signs an acknowledgment form. This process is BEST described as:
A. Informed consent, as outlined in NASW Standard 1.03 [CORRECT]
B. A verbal contract establishing the therapeutic alliance
C. Documentation required by HIPAA regulations alone
D. A treatment plan mandated by state licensing boards
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: NASW Standard 1.03 (Informed Consent) requires that clients be apprised of the risks, limitations, alternatives, cost of
services, and their right to refuse or withdraw consent. This process ensures client autonomy and transparency. Option B
describes only the alliance, not the formal consent process; Option C is too narrow (HIPAA is one framework but not the ethical
basis); Option D confuses consent with treatment planning.
Q4: A social worker is providing services to a family from a culture that emphasizes collectivist
decision-making. The social worker, who was trained in an individualistic framework, encourages the
family to make decisions independently rather than consulting extended family members. Which core
value from the NASW Code of Ethics is the social worker MOST likely violating?
A. Service
B. Social Justice
C. Dignity and Worth of the Person
D. Importance of Human Relationships [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The NASW core value of Importance of Human Relationships recognizes that relationships are central to social work
practice and that clients' cultural contexts shape their decision-making processes. By dismissing the family's collectivist approach,
the social worker fails to honor the client's cultural values and relational networks. Service (A) and Social Justice (B) are not
directly implicated; Dignity and Worth of the Person (C) is secondary here.
Q5: A social worker at a hospital receives a court order to release a client's treatment records. The client
has not consented to this release. According to NASW Standard 1.07, what should the social worker do?
A. Refuse to release the records because the client has not provided written consent
B. Release only the records that are specifically requested in the court order
C. Release the records as required by the court order, while informing the client of the disclosure and
documenting the circumstances [CORRECT]
D. Request that the court dismiss the order based on client confidentiality rights
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: NASW Standard 1.07 (Privacy and Confidentiality) identifies court orders as one of the exceptions to confidentiality.
Social workers should comply with legal obligations while minimizing the amount of information disclosed, informing the client
when possible, and thoroughly documenting the disclosure. Option A would violate the court order; Option B is partially correct
but incomplete without client notification and documentation; Option D is not the social worker's role.
Q6: A social worker is uncertain about the best course of action when faced with an ethical dilemma
involving two conflicting values: client self-determination and the duty to protect a third party. According
to the NASW Code of Ethics, what is the FIRST step the social worker should take?
A. Consult the NASW Code of Ethics to identify the relevant standards and principles [CORRECT]
B. Immediately seek legal counsel to determine the legally mandated course of action
C. Make a decision based on personal values and professional experience
D. Contact the client to discuss the dilemma and ask the client to choose a course of action
Correct Answer: A
Page 2
, Social Work Comprehensive Exam 2026 100 Questions with Verified Answers
Rationale: The NASW Code of Ethics provides a framework for ethical decision-making that begins with identifying relevant
ethical standards, principles, and values. While consultation with supervisors, colleagues, or legal counsel may follow, the first
step is to consult the Code itself to clarify the ethical obligations at stake. Option B skips the ethical analysis; Option C
inappropriately relies on personal values; Option D places undue burden on the client.
Q7: A social worker in a school setting is mandated to report suspected child abuse. The social worker
observes behavioral indicators of abuse in a student but has no direct evidence or disclosure from the
child. What is the social worker's ethical and legal obligation?
A. Wait for more concrete evidence before filing a report, as behavioral indicators alone are insufficient
B. File a mandated report based on reasonable suspicion, as required by both NASW ethics and state law
[CORRECT]
C. Consult with the school principal first and defer to their judgment about whether to report
D. Interview the child directly to obtain a disclosure before making any report
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Mandated reporting laws require social workers to report suspected child abuse when there is reasonable cause to
believe abuse has occurred. NASW Standard 1.07 identifies mandated reporting as an exception to confidentiality. Reasonable
suspicion, not conclusive proof, is the legal threshold. Option A sets too high a bar; Option C improperly defers the legal
obligation; Option D could compromise the investigation.
Q8: A social worker is documenting a client session in the case record. Which of the following
documentation practices is MOST consistent with NASW ethical standards and professional best
practice?
A. Recording only the social worker's interpretation of the client's statements and behaviors
B. Including detailed, objective descriptions of client statements, observed behaviors, and clinical
assessments, while protecting client privacy [CORRECT]
C. Writing case notes in a casual, conversational style to capture the authentic flavor of the session
D. Documenting only the client's progress toward goals and omitting any discussion of challenges or setbacks
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: NASW ethical standards require that documentation be accurate, objective, timely, and protect client privacy. Best
practice includes recording both strengths and challenges. Option A substitutes interpretation for observable data; Option C
sacrifices professionalism; Option D creates an incomplete record by omitting clinically relevant information about setbacks.
Q9: A social worker who specializes in working with LGBTQ+ youth is asked to provide a workshop at a
community center. The social worker's colleague suggests that the social worker should not disclose their
own sexual orientation during the workshop. The social worker believes that self-disclosure could build
trust with attendees. Which ethical principle is MOST relevant to this decision?
A. Fidelity
B. Self-determination
C. Cultural competence and understanding diversity [CORRECT]
D. Boundary management
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: NASW Standard 1.05 (Cultural Competence and Diversity) requires social workers to understand and respect the
cultural backgrounds of clients and communities. For LGBTQ+ youth, culturally responsive practice includes awareness of how
identity and lived experience shape the helping relationship. While fidelity (A), self-determination (B), and boundary
management (D) are relevant ethical principles, cultural competence is the primary standard at issue.
Page 3
