Ethics and the ASWB Exam: 1.05 Cultural Awareness and Diversity

Preparing for the ASWB exam means more than just reviewing textbook theories or brushing up on diagnostic codes. It’s about developing the ethical framework and cultural competence needed to serve people from all walks of life with empathy, integrity, and respect. One critical area the exam consistently tests is Section 1.05 of the NASW Code of Ethics: Cultural Awareness and Diversity. This section highlights the professional responsibility of every Social Worker to recognize and value the rich diversity that shapes human experience, and to address personal biases along the way.

When you’re sitting for the ASWB exam, questions related to cultural awareness aren’t just abstract concepts. They’re rooted in real-world scenarios that demand ethical decision-making and deep self-awareness. You’ll be asked to evaluate situations where your response can either build trust with a client or unintentionally cause harm. That’s why having a solid understanding of Section 1.05 is so essential. It’s not just about getting the correct answer. It’s about practicing what Social Work truly stands for.

This blog post breaks down NASW Code of Ethics Section 1.05: Cultural Awareness and Diversity into practical insights, study strategies, and even a sample practice question to help you get comfortable with the material. We’ll also show you why Agents of Change is a powerful ally in your study journey, offering the tools and support you need, like live study groups, flashcards, and unlimited access until you pass. Let’s dive into what this section really means, how it’s tested, and how you can confidently prepare for it.

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 1.05: Cultural Awareness and Diversity?

Section 1.05 of the NASW Code of Ethics lays out the professional and ethical responsibility Social Workers have to demonstrate cultural competence and humility in their practice. It’s a direct call to action, urging Social Workers to understand their own cultural identities, recognize the dignity of diverse backgrounds, and consistently strive to work effectively across lines of difference.

The Official Text of Section 1.05

From the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics:

1.05 Cultural Awareness and Diversity

(a) Social Workers should demonstrate understanding of culture and its function in human behavior and society, recognizing the strengths that exist in all cultures.

(b) Social Workers should have a knowledge base of their clients’ cultures and be able to demonstrate competence in the provision of services that are sensitive to clients’ cultures and to differences among people and cultural groups.

(c) Social Workers should obtain education about and seek to understand the nature of social diversity and oppression with respect to race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, political belief, religion, immigration status, and mental or physical ability.

(d) Social Workers who provide electronic Social Work services should be aware of cultural and socioeconomic differences among clients and how they may use electronic technology. Social Workers should assess cultural, environmental, economic, mental or physical ability, linguistic, and other issues that may affect the delivery or use of these services.

Breaking Down Each Subsection

(a) Recognizing Culture as a Strength

This first point emphasizes that culture isn’t just a factor—it’s a foundational aspect of human behavior and social connection. Social Workers are expected to appreciate cultural differences without making judgments. That means viewing clients’ cultural practices as strengths rather than barriers.

(b) Cultural Competence in Practice

Here, the NASW gets specific: Social Workers must be knowledgeable about their clients’ cultural backgrounds. That includes understanding communication styles, values, family structures, and traditions that shape decision-making. This isn’t optional—it’s a core competency that affects how services are delivered.

(c) Actively Seeking Knowledge

Social Workers are expected to continuously educate themselves on issues related to oppression and diversity. That includes learning about systemic barriers and their impact on marginalized groups. It also means reflecting on how these factors influence power dynamics in the Social Worker-client relationship.

(d) Considerations in Digital Practice

With the growing use of technology in service delivery, this part addresses how cultural and socioeconomic differences influence clients’ access to and comfort with digital tools. Social Workers must assess whether clients can effectively engage in virtual sessions and adjust accordingly.

Why This Section Matters for the ASWB Exam

Section 1.05 is directly tied to how you’ll be evaluated on ethical reasoning during the ASWB exam. You’ll encounter scenarios that test whether you can identify your assumptions, prioritize client worldviews, and adapt ethically to diverse needs. Understanding the full text and, more importantly, the spirit behind it is key to answering those questions correctly.

But memorizing the code isn’t enough. You need to think critically and apply these values in a nuanced way.

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 Cultural Awareness and Diversity Matters on the ASWB Exam

Cultural Awareness and Diversity isn’t just another topic box to check, it’s one of the cornerstones of ethical Social Work practice. And the ASWB exam reflects that. Whether you’re taking the Bachelor’s, Master’s, Advanced Generalist, or Clinical exam, you’ll be tested on how well you understand and apply concepts tied to identity, equity, power, and cultural humility.

Section 1.05 of the NASW Code of Ethics is more than a policy; it’s a professional standard. So let’s break down why this section matters so much when it comes to passing your exam and showing up prepared for the real world.

It Shows Up in Multiple Exam Domains

Cultural Awareness and Diversity isn’t isolated to just one part of the exam. It’s embedded throughout, especially in domains like:

Professional Ethics and Values
Assessment and Intervention Planning
Direct and Indirect Practice
Human Development, Diversity, and Behavior in the Environment

You may be asked to analyze a client scenario, evaluate a Social Worker’s actions, or choose the most appropriate response in a cross-cultural situation. In each case, your ability to ethically engage with cultural differences will guide your success.

It Tests Real-World Thinking

This section isn’t about regurgitating definitions. The ASWB exam wants to know if you can think like a Social Worker. That includes:

Identifying bias in client interactions
Responding to cultural expressions of grief, healing, or trauma
Making ethical decisions that respect a client’s identity and lived experience
Recognizing how systems of oppression impact access and trust

These aren’t just academic questions; they mirror the tough moments you’ll face in practice.

Key Skills You’re Expected to Demonstrate

Here’s what the ASWB is measuring when it tests you on Section 1.05:

Cultural Humility – Are you willing to learn from your clients rather than assume expertise?
Self-Awareness – Can you acknowledge and manage your own biases?
Adaptability – Do you adjust your approach based on a client’s cultural needs?
Ethical Sensitivity – Are you recognizing when your actions might inadvertently marginalize or dismiss someone’s cultural reality?

Sample Scenarios You Might See

To get a feel for how Section 1.05 is tested, picture these exam-style situations:

A Social Worker dismisses a client’s use of spiritual healing in favor of a strict evidence-based protocol. What’s the ethical misstep?
A client requests a same-race or same-gender therapist. How should the Social Worker handle that?
You notice that a client’s body language and communication style differ from what you’re used to. Do you label it resistance, or explore it through a cultural lens?

These aren’t theoretical—they’re exactly the types of judgment calls that show up on test day.

Why It’s Worth Your Focus

Mastering Ethics and the ASWB Exam: 1.05 Cultural Awareness and Diversity can give you a real edge, not just for passing, but for growing into a more competent, reflective, and socially aware practitioner. The questions might not be easy, but they reward careful, empathetic thinking.

And if you’re serious about getting it right, Agents of Change can be your most powerful prep tool. Their exam-aligned study plans, culturally relevant practice questions, and live group discussions help bring ethics off the page and into context, so you’re not just studying to pass, but preparing to lead.

3) ASWB Practice Question: Cultural Awareness and Diversity

A Social Worker is meeting with a new client who recently immigrated to the United States. During the intake session, the client shares that in their culture, it is customary to make decisions as a family rather than individually. The client asks if their spouse and adult child can participate in future sessions. The Social Worker, who was trained to prioritize individual autonomy, feels uncertain about this request. What is the MOST appropriate response by the Social Worker?

A. Explain that individual therapy is typically conducted one-on-one and suggest the client continue alone
B. Inform the client that including family members may compromise confidentiality
C. Explore the client’s cultural values and accommodate the request when clinically appropriate
D. Refer the client to a culturally matched Social Worker who may better understand their values

Correct Answer:
C. Explore the client’s cultural values and accommodate the request when clinically appropriate

Rationale:

Option C is the best choice because it reflects both cultural humility and ethical practice. By exploring the client’s cultural values and being open to accommodating their request, the Social Worker demonstrates sensitivity to the client’s worldview, exactly what Section 1.05 of the NASW Code of Ethics calls for. This approach strengthens rapport, builds trust, and respects the client’s cultural norms.

Option A dismisses the client’s request based on the Social Worker’s training, without taking the client’s cultural context into account. This reflects cultural bias and lacks ethical responsiveness.

Option B raises a valid point about confidentiality but misses the opportunity to explore how the request could be managed ethically with proper consent. It shuts down the discussion too quickly.

Option D assumes the Social Worker can’t engage in culturally competent practice and avoids responsibility rather than growing through the situation. Referrals should be considered only when necessary, not as a first step in cross-cultural challenges.

4) FAQs – Code of Ethics: 1.05 Cultural Awareness and Diversity

Q: Do I need to memorize the entire NASW Code of Ethics for the ASWB exam?

A: You don’t need to memorize every word, but you do need a strong understanding of key sections, especially high-impact ones like Section 1.05: Cultural Awareness and Diversity. The ASWB exam is designed to test your ability to apply ethical principles in realistic scenarios.

That means understanding the intent and application of the code is more important than rote memorization. Focus on how ethics influence judgment, client interactions, and decision-making. Resources like Agents of Change offer study plans and practice questions that reinforce this kind of applied knowledge, so you’re studying smart, not just hard.

Q: How often do questions about cultural awareness show up on the ASWB exam?

A: While the exact number of questions varies by exam version, cultural competence is a recurring theme across multiple content areas, especially in ethics, human behavior, assessment, and intervention. You might encounter 5 to 10 questions (or more) that touch on aspects of cultural awareness, identity, bias, or oppression.

And even when it’s not explicitly labeled, cultural context often plays a hidden role in test scenarios. That’s why mastering Cultural Awareness and Diversity gives you an edge across the board. The ASWB wants to see that you can practice with integrity and cultural humility—cornerstones of competent Social Work.

Q: What if I feel unprepared to answer questions related to culture or diversity?

A: First, know that you’re not alone; many test-takers feel this way, especially if they didn’t get robust training in cultural competence during school. The good news? You can build this skill set during your ASWB prep.

Tools like Agents of Change are designed to support learners through diverse study formats, including realistic case scenarios, live study groups, flashcards, and tailored practice exams that feature ethical and culturally relevant content. Their programs also come with access until you pass, so you can take the time you need to gain both knowledge and confidence. Growth in this area isn’t just about passing the test—it’s about becoming the kind of Social Worker your clients truly need.

5) Conclusion

Preparing for the ASWB exam means stepping into the mindset of a professional who’s ready to practice with integrity, empathy, and cultural humility. NASW Code of Ethics Section 1.05: Cultural Awareness and Diversity isn’t just a box to check; it’s a clear expectation that Social Workers engage thoughtfully with the complexities of identity, difference, and systemic inequality. Understanding this section prepares you not only for the test but also for the real-life situations that will challenge your ethics and awareness as a practitioner.

The ASWB exam is built to assess more than just your ability to recall facts. It’s looking at how well you apply Social Work values under pressure. The exam will test whether you can recognize bias, adjust your approach to meet clients where they are, and make ethically sound decisions in cross-cultural situations. With so much riding on this section, the more comfortable and confident you are with its content, the better prepared you’ll be.

If you’re looking for an effective way to study, Agents of Change gives you every tool you need to succeed: exam-aligned materials, two monthly live study groups, detailed flashcards, and unlimited access until you pass. Every program includes a built-in study plan to keep you focused and on track. With the right resources and a strong understanding of the ethical standards guiding your profession, you’ll be ready to face the ASWB exam and your Social Work career with purpose and confidence.

► 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.

Ethics and the ASWB Exam: 1.05 Cultural Awareness and Diversity

Ethics and the ASWB Exam: 1.05 Cultural Awareness and Diversity