Ethics and the ASWB Exam: 1.01 Commitment to Clients

When preparing for the ASWB exam, it’s easy to get caught up in memorizing theories, treatment modalities, and diagnostic criteria. But beneath all the technical knowledge lies the heart of Social Work: ethics. And few concepts are more central to both your future practice and the exam than Section 1.01 of the NASW Code of Ethics — Commitment to Clients. This principle isn’t just a guideline; it’s a declaration of purpose. It reminds us that our primary responsibility as Social Workers is to center the well-being of those we serve, even when the situation is messy, complex, or uncomfortable.

Understanding this section isn’t about reciting lines from the Code. It’s about grasping how to apply ethical reasoning when decisions aren’t black and white. Should you honor a client’s choice that conflicts with agency policy? What happens when a supervisor instructs you to take a path that doesn’t align with a client’s best interest? These are the kinds of questions that show up on the ASWB exam — and more importantly, in real-life practice.

This blog post is your roadmap to mastering this foundational concept. We’ll break down what Commitment to Clients really means, how it shows up on the ASWB exam, and why it matters in everyday Social Work. Plus, we’ll walk through a sample exam question, provide clear reasoning for the correct answer, and share tips for integrating this principle into your study routine. And if you’re looking for the best support system to guide your prep? We’ll also show you why Agents of Change is the go-to resource for test-takers who want much more than just flashcards — they want a strategy that works.

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 Section 1.01: Commitment to Clients All About?

Section 1.01 of the NASW Code of Ethics—Commitment to Clients—serves as a moral and professional compass for Social Workers. It outlines the profession’s core obligation: to prioritize the well-being of clients. However, this section is more than just a simple directive.

It weaves together concepts like respect, boundaries, advocacy, and accountability. Let’s break down what it truly means to embody this commitment and why it’s such a central theme in both practice and on the ASWB exam.

Putting Client Interests First — What Does That Actually Mean?

At the heart of Section 1.01 is the idea that clients come first. That might sound obvious, but in practice, it gets tricky. Social Workers are often pulled in multiple directions, balancing agency demands, legal obligations, limited resources, and personal values. Amid all this, 1.01 tells us that our first loyalty must be to our client’s well-being.

That doesn’t mean doing whatever a client asks. It means centering their needs, goals, and rights, and resisting actions that serve other interests unless absolutely necessary (such as when harm or legal violations are at stake). The ASWB exam will often test this subtle distinction: Can you prioritize a client’s autonomy without compromising ethical boundaries?

When Client Autonomy Clashes with Safety or Policy

Commitment to Clients also involves respecting self-determination, the right of clients to make their own choices, even when we disagree. But that right isn’t limitless. Social Workers must intervene if a client’s decision risks serious harm to themselves or others or violates the law.

This ethical tension is one of the most testable moments on the ASWB exam. You’ll often see questions where a client wants to take an action that seems risky or ill-advised. Your job? Balance that risk while still honoring the client’s voice. Section 1.01 requires that you explore those choices with the client thoughtfully, not make decisions for them without explanation.

Boundaries, Conflicts of Interest, and Dual Roles

Section 1.01 isn’t just about prioritizing clients, it’s about protecting them. That includes avoiding dual relationships, resisting personal bias, and managing conflicts of interest. Social Workers must steer clear of situations where their own needs, relationships, or beliefs cloud their judgment or impair their ability to advocate for the client’s best interest.

Let’s say a former client asks to connect on social media, or a family member asks you to “just check in” on someone they know. Even with good intentions, engaging in these dual roles can compromise your objectivity. The ASWB exam expects you to recognize these red flags and respond in an ethical manner.

Systemic Advocacy vs. Individual Focus

Sometimes the needs of the client come into conflict with broader institutional or systemic demands. You might feel torn between what’s best for a client and what’s required by a policy, supervisor, or funding source. Section 1.01 asks you to advocate for your client while operating within the system, but never at the expense of their dignity or safety.

In a test scenario, you may be asked how to handle a policy that unfairly limits client access to services. The ethical answer often includes advocacy, bringing concerns to a supervisor, filing a grievance, or finding alternative support, rather than simply complying and moving on.

Cultural Competence and Respect

One final layer of Section 1.01 is the importance of cultural humility and awareness. Truly honoring a client’s well-being means respecting their background, values, and lived experiences. This isn’t just about being sensitive, it’s about integrating cultural knowledge into ethical decision-making.

On the ASWB exam, this concept may be presented in questions where cultural differences impact client choices or expectations. You’ll need to show that you can uphold ethical principles without imposing your own worldview.

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 Commitment to Clients Matters on the ASWB Exam

When it comes to the ASWB exam, ethics aren’t just a chapter in your study guide; they’re the framework for how you answer the majority of questions. And at the center of the ethical decision-making process is Section 1.01: Commitment to Clients. This principle isn’t just a theoretical ideal; it’s how you demonstrate that you understand the purpose of the profession and can uphold its core responsibilities.

You won’t always see the phrase “Commitment to Clients” written out in the exam questions, but you will see it woven into scenario after scenario. Let’s examine why this concept is so important and how it is tested.

1. It’s the Foundation of Ethical Decision-Making

Section 1.01 is often the first filter you should apply when choosing an answer on the exam. When faced with an ethical dilemma, ask yourself:

Does this action prioritize the client’s well-being?
Does it respect their right to make informed decisions?
Is it free from self-interest or external pressure?

If the answer to those questions is no, then it probably isn’t the correct response, no matter how logical it might seem.

2. It Appears in Many Question Types

Commitment to Clients shows up in more than just ethics-based questions. It’s embedded across multiple content areas, including:

Professional Relationships – How should you respond when a client makes a decision you don’t agree with?
Intervention Planning – Who should be involved in goal-setting? (Hint: the client.)
Confidentiality and Informed Consent – When is it okay to break confidentiality? Only when it protects the client or others from harm.
Practice Settings – What happens when agency policies conflict with client needs?

3. It Tests Your Judgment, Not Just Your Knowledge

The ASWB exam isn’t about memorizing the Code of Ethics word-for-word. It’s about recognizing how the Code plays out in real-world situations. Commitment to Clients is all about judgment, your ability to:

Navigate gray areas where there isn’t one obvious “right” answer
Balance loyalty to clients with obligations to agencies, courts, or systems
Recognize when advocacy is needed, even if it’s uncomfortable

In these moments, your understanding of Section 1.01 guides you in choosing the answer that aligns with professional standards.

4. It Helps Eliminate Wrong Answers

When you’re stuck between two plausible choices, go back to 1.01. Ask yourself:

Which answer better promotes the client’s well-being?
Which choice respects their autonomy?
Does one of these seem more aligned with the agency’s needs than the client’s?

More often than not, the wrong answers on the ASWB exam reflect misplaced priorities, focusing on personal discomfort, policy rigidity, or the convenience of social workers. When you know your ethical compass points to client-first thinking, it’s easier to cross out the wrong path.

5. It Reflects Real-World Practice

Ultimately, the ASWB exam is preparing you for actual practice. That means they want to see that you won’t abandon your ethical duties under pressure. Section 1.01 is a reflection of the kind of Social Worker you’re expected to be:

Client-centered
Culturally responsive
Professionally responsible
Clear about boundaries and commitments

The more you think this way as you study, the more naturally the answers will come on test day.

Quick Tip: Use Ethical Elimination Thinking

When you’re unsure about a question, remember this simple checklist:

✅ Does this answer protect or promote the client’s well-being?
✅ Is the client being respected as an autonomous individual?
✅ Is harm being prevented or addressed ethically?
✅ Are boundaries and conflicts of interest being considered?

If you can say “yes” to those, you’re probably on the right track — and aligning with the true intent of Section 1.01: Commitment to Clients.

3) ASWB Practice Question: Commitment to Clients

A Social Worker is counseling a client who reveals that they plan to stop taking their prescribed psychiatric medication because they prefer to manage their symptoms through herbal remedies and meditation. The client appears stable and expresses this choice calmly and confidently. What should the Social Worker do FIRST?

A. Warn the client about the potential dangers of stopping medication without medical supervision.
B. Respect the client’s decision and explore their reasoning and beliefs behind the change.
C. Contact the client’s prescribing psychiatrist to discuss the situation.
D. Terminate services if the client chooses to ignore medical advice.

Correct Answer: B. Respect the client’s decision and explore their reasoning and beliefs behind the change.

Rationale:

According to Section 1.01: Commitment to Clients, a Social Worker’s primary responsibility is to promote client well-being, which includes respecting self-determination, as long as the client is not a danger to themselves or others. In this case, the client appears stable, is making an informed choice, and wants to manage their care differently.

Answer A might be appropriate later in the conversation, but jumping straight to warning the client may come off as dismissive or paternalistic.
Answer C would breach confidentiality unless the client has signed a release of information.
Answer D is an ethical violation unless there’s a clear threat of harm, which isn’t indicated here.

The best first response is to meet the client where they are respectfully, curiously, and without judgment, and explore their beliefs and motivations. This honors the core ethical standard of Commitment to Clients and fosters trust in the therapeutic relationship.

4) FAQs – Code of Ethics: 1.01 Commitment to Clients

Q: How in-depth do I need to understand Section 1.01 for the ASWB exam?

A: You don’t need to memorize the exact wording of Section 1.01, but you need to understand how it applies to real-world scenarios. The ASWB exam tests your ability to make ethical decisions based on values like client autonomy, professional boundaries, and the obligation to prioritize client well-being.

Expect questions that require you to recognize subtle ethical conflicts, weigh competing responsibilities, and select responses that align with this principle. Being familiar with Section 1.01 gives you a strategic advantage, especially when two answers seem equally plausible.

Q: How can I tell if a question on the ASWB exam is really testing “Commitment to Clients”?

A: Look for key ethical decision points in the question — moments when the Social Worker has to choose between honoring the client’s wishes and following other pressures (like agency policies, family demands, or even their own opinions). Questions testing Section 1.01 often include:

A client making a decision that the Social Worker disagrees with
A conflict between what the agency wants and what the client needs
A scenario involving informed consent, boundaries, or client safety
Ethical dilemmas where the Social Worker’s loyalty is in question

When in doubt, ask yourself: Is this action prioritizing the client’s well-being while respecting their rights and autonomy? That’s the ethical heart of Section 1.01.

Q: What’s the best way to study ethical principles like Section 1.01 for the ASWB exam?

A: The best approach combines content mastery with applied practice. Start by reading the NASW Code of Ethics (focus on the client-related sections), then move into scenario-based questions that challenge your judgment. And if you want to make your study time truly efficient, consider using a structured program like Agents of Change. Their materials include:

Practice questions designed around real ethical dilemmas
Flashcards for quick review of core principles
Two live study groups each month for peer discussion
Study plans to keep you organized and focused
Unlimited access until you pass — so you can start early without stress

Ethics questions aren’t about tricks, they’re about thinking like a Social Worker. That’s exactly what the right prep program should help you do.

5) Conclusion

Understanding Ethics and the ASWB Exam: 1.01 Commitment to Clients is about internalizing the core values that define the Social Work profession. This principle demands that we place client well-being at the center of every decision, even when it’s inconvenient, uncomfortable, or complicated. Whether you’re navigating client autonomy, conflicts of interest, or agency constraints, Section 1.01 is the ethical compass that keeps your practice grounded and your reasoning sound.

On the ASWB exam, this concept appears in various contexts, not just in ethics questions, but also in scenarios involving confidentiality, cultural sensitivity, service delivery, and professional relationships. That’s why it’s so important to go beyond memorization and learn to apply the principle of Commitment to Clients in context. The more you understand its purpose and practical impact, the more confidently you’ll be able to choose the best responses on exam day.

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

About the Instructor, 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

#socialwork #testprep #aswb #socialworker #socialwork #socialworktest #socialworkexam #exam #socialworktestprep #socialworklicense #socialworklicensing #licsw #lmsw #lcsw #aswbexam #aswb #lcswexam #lmswexam #aswbtestprep #aswbtest #lcswtestprep #lcswtest #lmswtestprep #lmswtest #aswbcourse #learningstyles #learningstyle

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.

Ethics and the ASWB Exam: 1.01 Commitment to Clients

Ethics and the ASWB Exam: 1.01 Commitment to Clients

1) What Is Section 1.01: Commitment to Clients All About?

Putting Client Interests First — What Does That Actually Mean?

When Client Autonomy Clashes with Safety or Policy