Ethics and the ASWB Exam: 1.12 Derogatory Language

1) What Is Section 1.12 Derogatory Language?

Understanding Section 1.12 of the NASW Code of Ethics means understanding how foundational respectful communication is to Social Work. This section, though short, offers a direct message about how Social Workers are expected to speak about and to the people they serve—especially when tensions are high or emotions run deep.

Full Text of Section 1.12 – Derogatory Language:

“Social Workers should not use derogatory language in their written or verbal communications to or about clients. Social Workers should use accurate and respectful language in all communications to and about clients.”

That’s it. Two sentences. But these two lines carry a powerful ethical responsibility. Let’s break down exactly what this means and why it matters so much, especially for those preparing for the ASWB exam.

Breaking It Down

1. “Social Workers should not use derogatory language…”
This first sentence makes it clear: using any kind of insulting, disrespectful, or belittling language—whether it’s said out loud or written down—is an ethical violation. That includes slurs, stereotypes, dismissive terms, casual insults, or language that reflects a lack of empathy. Even language that’s unintentional or “just venting” in a staff meeting falls under this guideline. Social Workers are expected to maintain professionalism and uphold dignity at all times.

2. “…in their written or verbal communications to or about clients.”
This line matters. It emphasizes that it’s not just what you say to clients, but also what you say about them—whether in case notes, emails, or informal team discussions. This means that everything, from documentation to staff meetings, is held to the same standard. A client doesn’t have to be present to be harmed by disrespectful language.

3. “Social Workers should use accurate and respectful language…”
Here, the Code pushes beyond avoiding harm. It sets a higher standard: language should be both accurate (fact-based, objective, and clear) and respectful (free of judgment or bias). So instead of labeling a client’s behavior as “lazy” or “manipulative,” a Social Worker should describe observable actions—like “client did not attend scheduled appointments for two consecutive weeks.”

4. “…in all communications to and about clients.”
“All communications” is a key phrase here. Whether you’re writing case notes, texting a colleague, speaking in a supervision meeting, or making a referral, this ethical standard still applies. There are no shortcuts or informal exceptions.

Bottom line?
Section 1.12 reminds Social Workers that communication isn’t just a skill; it’s a reflection of ethics. Every sentence, every description, and every note carries meaning. And in Social Work, that meaning needs to protect, affirm, and respect the humanity of those we serve. Understanding this section not only helps you answer exam questions more accurately, but it also helps you practice with integrity.

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2) Why Understanding Derogatory Language Matters on the ASWB Exam

When it comes to preparing for the ASWB exam, Section 1.12 on derogatory language might not seem like a significant topic. But don’t let its brevity fool you. This standard reflects deeper principles about professionalism, client dignity, and ethical communication, all of which are critical on the exam.

Questions around this topic often show up in subtle, situational ways that require more than just memorization. You need to know how to spot ethical missteps and apply the standard in real-life scenarios.

Let’s break down why this matters for the ASWB exam and how you can prepare to recognize it in test questions.

It Shows Up in Ethics Questions

Ethics questions comprise a significant portion of the ASWB exam, particularly in the Professional Values and Ethics content area. These questions often ask you to:

Identify ethical violations
Decide how to respond to a colleague’s unethical behavior
Choose the most ethical course of action in a given scenario

Section 1.12 falls squarely into this type of question. You may be asked to identify inappropriate documentation, recognize harmful language patterns, or determine how a Social Worker should speak about a client in a case conference.

Scenarios Are Often Subtle

The exam won’t always hand you a glaring example. You probably won’t see something as obvious as “The Social Worker calls the client a loser. What should you do?”

Instead, it might look more like this:

A Social Worker describes a client as “manipulative” in a progress note
A colleague jokes about a client’s behavior in a team meeting
A supervisor uses slang that stereotypes a client’s culture
Case documentation includes biased or stigmatizing language

In each of these, the test may ask whether an ethical breach has occurred, and if so, how to respond. The correct answer will often reflect your ability to identify subtle uses of derogatory or inaccurate language, even if it’s framed as common or “normal” within the agency.

You’ll Need to Choose the Most Ethical Response

Many ASWB questions use the “best or most appropriate” format, meaning multiple answers might seem okay, but only one fully aligns with Social Work values.

When it comes to Section 1.12, the “best” answer often:

Upholds client dignity
Corrects inappropriate language
Promotes respectful communication
Maintains accurate documentation

That means you’ll need to weigh options carefully and understand the nuances behind the wording of each choice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid on the Exam

Understanding this section also helps you avoid falling into traps set by distractor choices. Here are a few things to watch for:

Thinking intent matters more than impact
Just because someone “didn’t mean it that way” doesn’t excuse unethical language.
Overlooking documentation issues
Many test-takers forget that case notes are part of communication and must also follow ethical standards.
Choosing the easy way out
Avoid responses that minimize the issue or suggest ignoring disrespectful language in order to maintain peace.

What to Remember on Test Day

To keep Section 1.12 in mind when answering questions:

Ask yourself: Is the language used accurate, respectful, and free of judgment?
Consider whether the client’s dignity is being upheld
Don’t excuse behavior because it’s common or “just how people talk”
If language is dismissive or stereotyping, it’s a red flag—always

Understanding why derogatory language matters on the ASWB exam gives you a sharper lens through which to view many of the ethics questions you’ll encounter. With practice, you’ll start to see how deeply this section ties into what the profession expects—and how the exam tests for that understanding.

3) ASWB Practice Question: Derogatory Language

A Social Worker is completing a progress note following a session with a teenager who has been missing school and displaying defiant behavior at home. In the documentation, the Social Worker writes: “Client is acting out like a spoiled brat and clearly doesn’t care about school or her family.” Which of the following best describes the ethical issue present in this scenario?

A. The Social Worker failed to provide a culturally competent assessment
B. The Social Worker used language that violates professional boundaries
C. The Social Worker documented subjective impressions instead of objective facts
D. The Social Worker used derogatory language in written communication about a client

Correct Answer:

D. The Social Worker used derogatory language in written communication about a client

Rationale:

This question directly tests knowledge of Section 1.12 Derogatory Language from the NASW Code of Ethics. The Social Worker uses emotionally charged and judgmental phrases like “spoiled brat” and “doesn’t care,” which are subjective, dismissive, and stigmatizing. This kind of language clearly violates the ethical expectation to communicate respectfully and accurately about clients in all forms of documentation.

While Option C is also partially correct (the note does include subjective impressions), the stronger and more precise ethical issue is the use of derogatory language, which is named explicitly in the Code of Ethics. The ASWB exam often includes questions where more than one answer may seem reasonable, but only one fully aligns with the ethical standard being tested.

The correct choice, D, demonstrates an understanding of the requirement for Social Workers to maintain respectful, nonjudgmental communication in all written and verbal interactions involving clients.

4) FAQs – Code of Ethics: 1.12 Derogatory Language

Q: What qualifies as “derogatory language” under Section 1.12 of the NASW Code of Ethics?

A: Derogatory language includes any communication—spoken or written—that disrespects, devalues, shames, or stereotypes a client. It isn’t limited to profanity or overt insults. It also covers language that reflects bias, prejudice, sarcasm, or negative assumptions, even if the words seem “mild” or are commonly used in casual speech. For example:

Calling a client “lazy” instead of documenting their reported lack of motivation
Referring to someone with a substance use disorder as a “junkie” or “addict”
Writing that a client “just wants attention” rather than describing observed behavior

The key here is intent vs. impact. Even if a Social Worker doesn’t mean to cause harm, the language may still reinforce stigma or judgment, which violates the ethical duty to treat clients with dignity and respect.

Q: How do I know if a question on the ASWB exam is testing Section 1.12 Derogatory Language?

A: On the ASWB exam, questions on Section 1.12 often appear in ethics or documentation scenarios, especially where a Social Worker is describing a client or interacting with colleagues. Look for language that feels overly personal, judgmental, or emotionally charged.

Red flags include:

Subjective labels like “manipulative,” “irresponsible,” or “crazy”
Jokes, sarcasm, or gossip about clients
Notes that focus more on character than behavior (e.g., “he’s immature” vs. “he interrupted others during the group session”)

If a question presents a scenario where a Social Worker uses language that lacks objectivity or shows disrespect, you’re likely being tested on this section. Always choose the response that reflects professionalism, respect, and adherence to ethical documentation practices.

Q: If a colleague uses derogatory language about a client, what should a Social Worker do?

A: According to ethical guidelines, Social Workers have a duty to address unethical conduct, including when a peer uses derogatory language. If it’s safe to do so, the first step is to address it directly and respectfully. You might say something like, “I’m concerned that phrase could be misinterpreted or come off as judgmental. Let’s find a more accurate way to describe the behavior.”

If the behavior continues or if the language is seriously inappropriate, it may be necessary to:

Document the incident
Report it to a supervisor or ethics board
Consult your organization’s policies or chain of command

Ignoring the issue isn’t an ethical option. Section 1.12 holds every Social Worker accountable for maintaining respectful communication, and that includes speaking up when others fall short. On the exam, choose the response that shows ethical leadership and upholds client dignity, even when it’s uncomfortable.

5) Conclusion

Section 1.12 of the NASW Code of Ethics may be brief, but its impact reaches deep into how Social Workers practice every single day. The words we choose, whether in documentation, conversations, or client interactions, are a reflection of our values and professionalism. The ASWB exam tests more than what you’ve memorized. It tests how well you’ve internalized these principles, especially in moments that call for subtle judgment and ethical clarity.

When you understand what derogatory language looks like and why it matters, you’re not just preparing for one exam question. You’re preparing to represent the Social Work profession with integrity. Recognizing harmful language, replacing it with accurate and respectful terms, and standing up for client dignity is not optional. It is central to what Social Workers are called to do. That is why being prepared to spot these issues on the ASWB exam is just as crucial as understanding laws or clinical theories.

► 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:

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Ethics and the ASWB Exam: 1.12 Derogatory Language

Ethics and the ASWB Exam: 1.12 Derogatory Language

1) What Is Section 1.12 Derogatory Language?