Ethics and the ASWB Exam: 1.11 Sexual Harassment

1) What Is Section 1.11 Sexual Harassment?

Section 1.11 of the NASW Code of Ethics is clear and direct, outlining unacceptable behavior in the Social Work profession related to sexual harassment. Because of the profession’s emphasis on respect, trust, and power dynamics, this section is especially critical.

Below is the full text of Section 1.11, followed by a breakdown of what each part means in practical terms.

Full Text of Section 1.11: Sexual Harassment

“Social Workers should not sexually harass clients. Sexual harassment includes sexual advances; sexual solicitation; requests for sexual favors; and other verbal, written, electronic, or physical contact of a sexual nature.”

Breaking It Down

Let’s take a closer look at each component of this rule and what it means for Social Workers, especially those preparing for the ASWB exam.

“Social Workers should not sexually harass clients.”

This opening statement is the ethical baseline. It sets a firm, non-negotiable expectation that Social Workers must never engage in any form of sexual harassment with clients. This includes direct actions and more subtle behaviors. The key point here is that any conduct of a sexual nature, if it targets a client, is strictly unethical, regardless of the circumstance.

Why it matters:
Clients often enter the Social Work relationship in vulnerable positions. They are seeking help, guidance, and support. Any sexual behavior, even if framed as flirtation or humor, can exploit that power imbalance and cause lasting harm.

“Sexual harassment includes sexual advances; sexual solicitation; requests for sexual favors…”

This part of the code identifies specific behaviors that constitute sexual harassment. Let’s define each:

Sexual advances: Unwanted or inappropriate expressions of romantic or sexual interest
Sexual solicitation: Pressuring or inviting someone to engage in sexual activity, whether directly or indirectly
Requests for sexual favors: These often involve an imbalance of power, such as offering something in exchange for sexual compliance, like leniency, support, or continued services

Why it matters:
These examples reflect more overt forms of harassment. Even if presented as “harmless” or “joking,” they are violations of ethical conduct and can create distress, discomfort, and trauma.

“… and other verbal, written, electronic, or physical contact of a sexual nature.”

This is where the code gets broader, and rightly so. Sexual harassment can occur in many forms, beyond face-to-face conversations or gestures. It might be a suggestive text message, an inappropriate email, or a physical touch that crosses a boundary. By including multiple modes of communication and interaction, this line closes potential loopholes.

Why it matters:
In today’s world, harassment can happen digitally as well as in person. The NASW Code makes it clear that no platform or setting makes sexual misconduct acceptable. Social Workers are expected to maintain professional boundaries at all times, in every space.

Key Takeaway

Section 1.11 is not vague or open to interpretation. It defines sexual harassment clearly and draws a firm ethical line. As a future Social Worker, your role is to recognize these behaviors in real-world contexts, avoid them completely, and understand what steps to take if you witness or experience them. That’s what the ASWB exam tests, and it is what ethical, safe practice requires.

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 Sexual Harassment Matters on the ASWB Exam

Understanding Section 1.11: Sexual Harassment isn’t optional; it’s essential. The ASWB exam tests more than just theory. It’s designed to evaluate your readiness for real-life decision-making, especially when ethics are involved. Sexual harassment is one of those topics where clarity and immediate understanding are crucial. You are expected to recognize it, respond appropriately, and uphold the values of the Social Work profession with consistency.

Here’s a breakdown of why this topic is so important on the ASWB exam and how you can approach it with confidence and purpose.

1. It Reflects the Core Values of Social Work

Sexual harassment goes against the foundational values of the profession, such as:

Dignity and worth of the person
Integrity in professional relationships
Commitment to client well-being
Professional boundaries and trust

Because Social Work centers on protecting people in vulnerable positions, any behavior that undermines safety and trust is taken seriously. The exam focuses on this topic because ethical behavior isn’t only about your intentions. It’s about how your actions affect others.

2. It’s a Common Theme in Ethics-Based Questions

Sexual harassment is often tested through practical, scenario-based questions involving:

Supervisor-supervisee boundaries
Peer interactions
Client relationships
Reporting expectations
Agency policies and ethical responses

You may be presented with a case where a supervisor makes inappropriate comments, or where a client behaves unprofessionally. Your task is to identify what is ethically out of bounds and choose a response that demonstrates your understanding of best practices.

3. It Requires Application, Not Just Knowledge

Knowing the definition of sexual harassment is important, but that alone won’t carry you through the exam. You’ll also need to:

Analyze professional situations
Recognize early signs of misconduct
Make informed, ethical decisions
Understand context and consequences

For example, if a licensed Social Worker sends flirtatious messages to a student intern, it is not enough to say the behavior is inappropriate. You need to understand the ethical implications and know what the proper response should be.

4. It Tests Your Professional Judgment

The ASWB exam doesn’t just assess what you know. It looks at how you think through ethical dilemmas.

You may encounter questions that evaluate:

Your sense of boundaries
Your response when someone crosses a line
Your willingness to address inappropriate behavior
Your ability to act when a colleague or supervisor is at fault

Sexual harassment is often complicated by issues of authority or fear of retaliation. The exam challenges you to show ethical strength even in uncomfortable or high-pressure situations.

5. It Connects to Legal and Organizational Responsibilities

While the ASWB exam is rooted in ethics, there is overlap with legal responsibilities and workplace policies. You should be familiar with:

When and how to report harassment
The importance of documentation
Agency protocols for handling complaints
Your duty to protect clients, colleagues, and yourself

Although you’re not expected to be a legal expert, knowing when behavior crosses a serious line, and what steps to take, is vital to both ethical and professional conduct.

Quick Tips: How to Handle These Questions on the Exam

Watch for imbalanced power dynamics in supervisory or client roles
Pay attention to unwanted and ongoing behaviors, even if they seem subtle
If someone has asked for the behavior to stop, and it continues, that is a violation
Choose answers that include reporting and clear boundaries, not avoidance
Focus on actions that support safety, accountability, and professionalism

Summary: Ethics in Real Time

The ASWB exam is built to evaluate how you respond when things get complicated. Sexual harassment is a violation that must be handled with clarity, urgency, and integrity. Knowing Section 1.11 helps you understand what’s unacceptable and what must be done in response. It’s about protecting others and maintaining the trust placed in the Social Work profession.

Want to strengthen your understanding of topics like this? Agents of Change offers the resources you need, including live study groups, exam-style questions, complete prep guides, and access until you pass. It’s everything you need to walk into your exam feeling ready.

3) ASWB Practice Question: Sexual Harassment

A newly licensed Social Worker is receiving clinical supervision from a senior colleague at their agency. Over time, the supervisor begins making repeated comments about the Social Worker’s appearance, often in private meetings. The Social Worker has expressed discomfort, but the comments have continued. What is the Social Worker’s most ethical course of action?

A. Request to transfer to a different supervisor to avoid the situation
B. Confront the supervisor again in writing and document the interaction
C. Report the supervisor’s behavior to the agency’s human resources department
D. Ignore the comments and focus on work to prevent conflict

Correct Answer: C. Report the supervisor’s behavior to the agency’s human resources department

Rationale:
According to Section 1.11 of the NASW Code of Ethics, sexual harassment includes repeated verbal comments of a sexual nature, especially in cases where a power imbalance exists, such as in a supervisory relationship. In this scenario, the Social Worker has already voiced discomfort, yet the behavior has continued. This indicates a pattern of harassment.

The most ethical response is to report the behavior through appropriate organizational channels, in this case, the HR department. Reporting protects the Social Worker, helps maintain a safe workplace, and aligns with ethical obligations to address misconduct. While documenting the interaction and requesting a transfer may offer temporary relief, they do not resolve the root ethical issue. Ignoring the behavior is unethical, as it permits the harassment to continue unaddressed.

This question reflects the kind of judgment the ASWB exam assesses, identifying boundary violations and responding in a way that reflects professional ethics and responsibility.

4) FAQs – Code of Ethics: 1.11 Sexual Harassment

Q: How likely is it that sexual harassment will appear on the ASWB exam?

A: Sexual harassment is a highly relevant and frequently tested topic on the ASWB exam, particularly because it falls under the broader category of ethics and professional conduct. Section 1.11 of the NASW Code of Ethics addresses clear expectations around behavior that can severely impact clients, colleagues, and workplace environments.

You might not see the term “sexual harassment” used directly in every question, but scenarios involving boundary violations, power dynamics, or inappropriate comments are common. You’ll be expected to spot misconduct, apply the ethical code correctly, and choose responses that prioritize safety and accountability. This topic is important across all test levels, from the Bachelor’s exam to the Clinical exam, because it speaks directly to client protection and professional integrity.

Q: What should I do if I’m unsure whether a behavior counts as sexual harassment in a practice scenario?

A: When in doubt, focus on two key criteria: Is the behavior unwelcome? and Is it sexual in nature? If the answer is yes to either or both, it likely falls under sexual harassment as defined by Section 1.11 of the NASW Code. This includes verbal comments, physical gestures, digital messages, or even facial expressions that create discomfort, suggest sexual interest, or cross professional lines.

Also consider power imbalances. When the person engaging in the behavior holds authority, such as a supervisor or experienced colleague, the situation becomes even more ethically charged. On the ASWB exam, choose responses that involve reporting through proper channels, documenting concerns, and ensuring the safety and dignity of those involved.

Q: How can Agents of Change help me master topics like sexual harassment and other ethics-related material?

A: Agents of Change is an outstanding resource for mastering ethical content on the ASWB exam, including complex topics like Sexual Harassment (Section 1.11). Their comprehensive prep programs include everything you need to succeed: realistic practice questions, detailed rationales, live study groups held twice a month, flashcards, and structured study plans to keep you focused.

What sets Agents of Change apart is their unlimited access until you pass, so you never have to worry about buying your course too early or running out of time. With targeted resources that explain real-world scenarios and help you apply ethics in context, Agents of Change prepares you to walk into the exam with confidence — and walk out having passed.

5) Conclusion

Understanding 1.11 Sexual Harassment is more than a study requirement; it’s a professional responsibility. This section of the NASW Code of Ethics reminds Social Workers of the importance of boundaries, respect, and power dynamics in every interaction. When these lines are crossed, the harm can be lasting, and the trust that clients or colleagues place in a professional relationship can be destroyed. That is why the ASWB exam includes this topic so frequently. It measures not just your knowledge of rules, but your ability to act ethically and decisively in challenging moments.

As you prepare for the exam, don’t treat Section 1.11 as a checklist item. Instead, think of it as a standard you will be expected to uphold from your first day on the job. Practice identifying signs of sexual harassment, know the appropriate steps to respond, and stay grounded in the core values of Social Work. Ethical decisions are rarely made in isolation. They require attention, courage, and a clear understanding of both the written code and the real-world consequences of ignoring it.

► 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: 1.11 Sexual Harassment

Ethics and the ASWB Exam: 1.11 Sexual Harassment

1) What Is Section 1.11 Sexual Harassment?