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Ethics and the ASWB Exam: 4.06 Misrepresentation

Ethics and the ASWB Exam: 4.06 Misrepresentation

Preparing for the ASWB exam can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to the ethics section. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics is central to the profession, and one area that deserves special attention is 4.06 Misrepresentation. This standard is more than a rule on paper. It reflects the responsibility Social Workers have to present themselves honestly and uphold the trust placed in them by clients, colleagues, and the wider community.

When you sit for the exam, you will encounter questions that test how well you can recognize and respond to situations involving potential misrepresentation. It is not just about identifying outright lies but also about spotting exaggerations, omissions, and misleading claims. These scenarios require you to apply both knowledge of the Code of Ethics and critical thinking skills. The goal is to show that you can protect the integrity of the profession while safeguarding client well-being.

This blog post will explore the importance of 4.06 Misrepresentation in detail. You will see how it plays out in real-world examples, why it matters so much in Social Work practice, and how to prepare for it effectively. We will also walk through a practice question and discuss the rationale behind the correct answer. By the end, you will understand how to approach this topic on the exam with confidence and clarity.

Learn more about the ASWB exam and create a personalized ASWB study plan with Agents of Change. We’ve helped tens of thousands of Social Workers pass their ASWB exams and want to help you be next!

1) What Is 4.06 Misrepresentation?

a mental health clinician seeing a flyer for a conference that references them as "Dr." and then having an inquisitive look, because they are not a dr.

The NASW Code of Ethics sets a high standard for honesty in practice, and section 4.06 Misrepresentation speaks directly to this issue. The official wording of the standard is:

4.06 Misrepresentation
Social workers should make clear distinctions between statements made and actions engaged in as a private individual and as a representative of the social work profession, a professional social work organization, or the social work profession as a whole. Social workers should make accurate statements to clients, prospective clients, and colleagues regarding their professional qualifications, credentials, education, competence, affiliations, services provided, or results to be achieved. Social workers should claim only those relevant professional credentials they actually possess and take steps to correct any misrepresentations of their credentials by others.

This section may look straightforward at first, but it contains several key responsibilities that every Social Worker must understand. Let’s break it down piece by piece.

1. Distinguishing Roles

The Code reminds Social Workers to clarify when they are speaking as private individuals versus when they are acting as representatives of the profession or an organization. This matters because the public often assumes that everything a Social Worker says reflects the field as a whole. Failing to make this distinction can create confusion or even damage professional credibility.

2. Accuracy in Statements

Honesty is non-negotiable when communicating with clients, potential clients, and colleagues. This includes being clear about your training, licensure, services, and competence. For example, a Social Worker who completed a brief workshop on cognitive behavioral techniques should not introduce themselves as a “CBT specialist.” Even small exaggerations fall into the territory of misrepresentation.

3. Claiming Only True Credentials

The Code explicitly states that Social Workers should claim only the credentials they hold. Degrees, licenses, and certifications are meaningful markers of professional competence, and misusing them undermines trust. Using a title such as “Dr.” without having a doctoral degree in Social Work or a related discipline would be a direct violation.

4. Correcting Misrepresentations by Others

Sometimes misrepresentation occurs through no fault of the Social Worker. A colleague, supervisor, or organization may mistakenly inflate your qualifications in promotional material or introductions. Even in these cases, you have an ethical duty to correct the error. Silence allows the misrepresentation to persist, which means accountability still rests with you.

Agents of Change packages include 30+ ASWB topics, 2 free study groups per month, and hundreds of practice questions so you’ll be ready for test day!

2) Why Understanding 4.06 Misrepresentation Matters on the ASWB Exam

Ethical questions are central to the ASWB exam, and section 4.06 Misrepresentation is one that consistently appears in different forms.

a mental health clinician reviewing the NASW Code of Ethics on their computer

Knowing the text of the Code of Ethics is important, but success on the exam also requires understanding why misrepresentation is such a critical issue and how it plays out in practical scenarios.

Protecting Clients and Communities

At the heart of this ethical rule is the protection of clients and the broader community. When Social Workers misrepresent themselves, the risk is more than professional embarrassment; it can lead to harm. Clients may trust services or expertise that the Social Worker cannot provide. This compromises safety and undermines the very mission of Social Work.

Key points to remember:

  • Clients rely on accurate information to make informed choices.

  • Misrepresentation can lead to ineffective or even harmful interventions.

  • The exam may test your ability to identify risks to client safety when qualifications are misrepresented.

Safeguarding Professional Integrity

The ASWB exam is designed to measure readiness for responsible, ethical practice. Misrepresentation directly challenges the integrity of the profession, which is why it is tested. If the public begins to doubt the honesty of Social Workers, the profession as a whole suffers.

Consider these risks:

  • Loss of credibility for the Social Work profession.

  • Damage to relationships with colleagues and agencies.

  • Increased likelihood of disciplinary action or loss of licensure.

Recognizing Subtle Exam Scenarios

Questions about 4.06 Misrepresentation may not always be obvious. Sometimes they are woven into case scenarios where the Social Worker is pressured by a supervisor or tempted to “stretch” their role. You need to be able to spot even the subtler forms of misrepresentation.

Common exam traps include:

  • A Social Worker describing themselves as an “expert” after limited exposure to a subject.

  • Accepting a title or credential listed incorrectly by an employer without correction.

  • Promising specific treatment outcomes that cannot realistically be guaranteed.

Applying Critical Thinking

The exam doesn’t just ask you to repeat the Code, it asks you to apply it. When faced with a scenario, think carefully about what the Social Worker should do to align with ethical standards. Often, the correct response involves honesty, correction, or referral to another better-qualified professional.

Tips for answering:

  • Look for answers that emphasize transparency.

  • Eliminate options that allow the misrepresentation to stand.

  • Choose responses that prioritize client protection over professional convenience.

Connecting Study to Success

Understanding Ethics and the ASWB Exam: 4.06 Misrepresentation goes beyond memorization. It’s about mastering the reasoning behind the rule and applying it in real-world contexts.

Resources like Agents of Change are especially useful here, since they provide case-based practice and live study groups where you can work through nuanced scenarios with others. This kind of preparation ensures you are not caught off guard by tricky exam questions.

3) ASWB Practice Question: 4.06 Misrepresentation

A newly licensed Social Worker has been invited to speak at a community health fair about stress management. The event flyer, created by the sponsoring agency, describes her as a “licensed clinical specialist in stress disorders,” even though she has no specialized training in that area. She notices the flyer a week before the event. What is the MOST ethical action for the Social Worker to take?

A. Ignore the flyer and proceed with the presentation, since she didn’t create it herself.
B. Contact the sponsoring agency immediately and request that the flyer be corrected.
C. Deliver the presentation but clarify her qualifications during the introduction.
D. Decline to participate in the health fair altogether to avoid potential liability.

Correct Answer:
B. Contact the sponsoring agency immediately and request that the flyer be corrected.

Rationale:
According to NASW Code of Ethics 4.06 Misrepresentation, Social Workers must ensure that their qualifications and credentials are accurately represented, even if the misrepresentation originates from someone else.

The ethical responsibility does not disappear simply because another party created the error. While clarifying qualifications at the event (option C) shows honesty, it does not fully resolve the misrepresentation because the flyer may still circulate and mislead community members.

Declining the event altogether (option D) is unnecessarily extreme, and ignoring the error (option A) violates ethical standards. The best answer is to correct the misrepresentation proactively by contacting the agency.

4) FAQs – Code of Ethics: 4.06 Misrepresentation

Q: What are some common mistakes that count as misrepresentation for Social Workers?

A: Yes, misrepresentation can occur in many ways, and some of them may not seem obvious at first. Common mistakes include overstating training in specialized interventions, using professional titles incorrectly, or allowing others to present exaggerated credentials without correction.

For example, a Social Worker who lists “expert in trauma treatment” on a résumé after attending only a brief workshop is engaging in misrepresentation. Even omissions, such as failing to clarify the limits of one’s role, can mislead clients or colleagues. On the ASWB exam, you should always be on alert for these subtler forms of dishonesty in scenario-based questions.

Q: Why does the ASWB exam emphasize ethical issues like misrepresentation so heavily?

A: The ASWB exam is designed to ensure that Social Workers entering the field are competent, responsible, and trustworthy. Ethics are tested because they are essential to safeguarding clients and upholding professional integrity.

Misrepresentation is particularly emphasized because it can directly harm clients by creating false expectations or leading to inappropriate services. It also damages public trust in Social Work as a profession. By testing your understanding of section 4.06, the exam ensures that you can recognize, prevent, and address misrepresentation in practice.

Q: How can I prepare specifically for questions about 4.06 Misrepresentation on the ASWB exam?

A: Preparation involves more than memorizing the Code of Ethics. You’ll need to practice applying 4.06 in different contexts, including scenarios where pressure, omission, or misunderstanding might tempt a Social Worker to misrepresent themselves. Study strategies include:

  • Reviewing the full text of NASW 4.06 regularly.

  • Practicing case-based questions where credentials, qualifications, or roles are misstated.

  • Using structured prep resources like Agents of Change, which provides live study groups, comprehensive study plans, flashcards, and practice exams. Their materials don’t just teach the rule; they help you apply it under exam conditions. Since access lasts until you pass, you can start preparing now without worrying about timing.

5) Conclusion

Understanding 4.06 Misrepresentation is essential for both ethical Social Work practice and success on the ASWB exam. This section of the NASW Code of Ethics reminds professionals that honesty about qualifications, credentials, and affiliations is not optional. It is a cornerstone of trust, and without it, the integrity of the profession is at risk. By studying this standard carefully, you prepare yourself to handle exam questions with confidence while also reinforcing the values that define Social Work.

The ASWB exam is designed to test more than memorization. It requires you to apply ethical principles to real-world situations. Misrepresentation often appears in subtle ways, such as inflated job titles or uncorrected errors made by others. Recognizing these nuances is what separates a passing score from a struggling one. Thinking critically about how to respond with honesty and professionalism will guide you toward the best answers.

► Learn more about the Agents of Change course here: https://agentsofchangeprep.com

About the Instructor, Dr. Meagan Mitchell: Meagan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been providing individualized and group test prep for the ASWB for over 10 years. From all of this experience helping others pass their exams, she created the Agents of Change course to help you prepare for and pass the ASWB exam!

Find more from Agents of Change here:

► Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aswbtestprep

► Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/agents-of-change-sw

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Disclaimer: This content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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