Ethics and the ASWB Exam: 2.02 Confidentiality

1) What Is Section 2.02 Confidentiality?

Section 2.02 of the NASW Code of Ethics focuses on how Social Workers handle confidential information shared by colleagues. Unlike other sections that deal with client confidentiality, 2.02 is about professional-to-professional interactions. It reminds us that trust and respect don’t stop at the client level; they extend to our peers as well.

Here’s the full text of Section 2.02 Confidentiality:

“Social Workers should respect confidential information shared by colleagues in the course of their professional relationships and transactions. Social Workers should ensure that such information is only disclosed when it is necessary to prevent serious, foreseeable, and imminent harm to a client or other identifiable person or when disclosure is required by law.”

Let’s break this down into its key parts:

1. “Social Workers should respect confidential information shared by colleagues…”

This first part sets the foundation. If a colleague shares something sensitive, whether about a client, a personal challenge, or something observed at work, it must be treated with the same discretion you would give to a client’s private information. This means you don’t repeat it casually, even to other colleagues, unless there’s a valid ethical or legal reason.

2. “…in the course of their professional relationships and transactions.”

This phrase makes it clear that this applies to formal and informal professional contexts. It could be during a supervision session, team huddle, case consultation, or even a one-on-one check-in. If it’s shared as part of the work, it’s protected under this ethical guideline.

3. “Social Workers should ensure that such information is only disclosed when it is necessary to prevent serious, foreseeable, and imminent harm…”

Now we move on to the exception clause. If keeping the information confidential could lead to real and immediate harm, such as self-harm, harm to others, or abuse, then disclosure may be ethically justified. Still, this bar is high. The harm must be serious, foreseeable, and imminent.

4. “…to a client or other identifiable person or when disclosure is required by law.”

This last part highlights the two primary exceptions to confidentiality: duty to protect and legal obligation. If there’s a law (such as a mandated reporting statute) that requires you to disclose information, you must comply. Similarly, if someone is at risk and you believe disclosure can prevent harm, you may be ethically permitted—if not required—to act.

Why This Matters

Section 2.02 isn’t just about being polite or professional. It’s about maintaining the integrity of the profession. When Social Workers respect each other’s confidentiality, it builds a stronger, more ethical practice environment.

It allows for honest consultation, mutual support, and responsible collaboration. And on the ASWB exam, understanding these nuances will help you choose answers that reflect thoughtful, values-driven practice.

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 Confidentiality Matters on the ASWB Exam

The ASWB exam doesn’t just test what you know. It tests how you apply that knowledge in real-world ethical situations. Section 2.02 Confidentiality might not seem as urgent as topics like child protection or crisis intervention, but overlooking it can cost you points and reflect a gap in professional judgment. Confidentiality with colleagues is one of those subtler topics that can easily trip up test-takers who aren’t expecting it.

Let’s unpack exactly why this concept matters and how it shows up on the exam.

It’s Tested More Than You Think

Confidentiality isn’t a one-note topic on the ASWB exam. It arises across multiple domains, including ethics, professional relationships, and even supervision. Section 2.02 often shows up in scenario-based questions where you’re asked to evaluate a colleague’s behavior or choose the most ethical course of action.

Common question formats include:

What should you do if a colleague discloses something inappropriate in a meeting?
How should you respond when overhearing confidential client details in a shared space?
What’s the best response if a peer vents to you about a client?

These aren’t rare curveballs. They reflect real-life dilemmas you’ll encounter on the job, and the exam expects you to be ready.

It Requires Nuanced Thinking

This section is tricky because it’s not black and white. While other parts of the Code of Ethics may give you clearer directives, 2.02 asks you to balance respect for your colleagues with your responsibility to the profession and the public. The questions are subtle, and so are the answers.

You’ll need to weigh:

When to speak up versus when to stay silent
How to respond without escalating conflict
Whether the situation meets the threshold for “imminent harm” or legal duty

Making these decisions correctly demonstrates that you understand both the letter and the spirit of the NASW Code of Ethics.

It Tests Your Professional Integrity

The ASWB exam wants to see whether you’ll act ethically when no one’s watching or when it’s uncomfortable to do so. If a colleague makes a mistake, you might feel conflicted about whether to address it. Section 2.02 is all about what kind of professional you’ll be in those moments.

Questions in this category might test:

Your loyalty to professional standards over personal convenience
Your ability to have respectful, constructive conversations with peers
Your understanding of when it’s appropriate to consult, document, or report

What You Should Remember for the Exam

When tackling questions related to Section 2.02, keep these principles front and center:

Confidentiality applies to peer interactions, not just client work
Context matters since professional settings don’t automatically make disclosures appropriate
Exceptions are limited to serious, foreseeable, imminent harm or legal requirement
Ethical responses are usually respectful and measured, not reactive or punitive
Documentation and consultation are often the safest next steps when unsure

Quick Tips for Exam Success

Flag questions that feel morally complex, since they often test ethical reasoning
Watch for absolutes like “always” or “never” in answer choices. Ethics often requires flexibility
Prioritize client welfare, but don’t ignore professional accountability
Consider the chain of command since supervision or consultation is usually best

Understanding Ethics and the ASWB Exam: 2.02 Confidentiality isn’t just about getting a question right. It’s about demonstrating that you’re ready to uphold the profession’s core values. The ASWB exam is your chance to show that you’re more than just book-smart. You’re ethically grounded, too.

3) ASWB Practice Question: Confidentiality

A Social Worker participates in a multidisciplinary team meeting where a colleague begins discussing confidential details about a mutual client without any indication that the client consented to the disclosure. The information includes the client’s past trauma history and current legal issues. What is the MOST appropriate action for the Social Worker to take?

A. Report the colleague to the agency’s ethics committee immediately
B. Confront the colleague during the meeting to stop the disclosure
C. Wait until after the meeting, then privately discuss confidentiality concerns with the colleague
D. Document the incident and take no further action unless the behavior is repeated

Correct Answer: C. Wait until after the meeting, then privately discuss confidentiality concerns with the colleague

Rationale:

Section 2.02 of the NASW Code of Ethics emphasizes the importance of respecting confidential information shared in professional settings, including between colleagues. While the colleague’s disclosure raises ethical concerns, the most appropriate response is one that upholds the confidentiality standard while maintaining a professional, non-confrontational tone.

Option A (reporting immediately) might be appropriate for a severe or repeated violation, but jumping straight to formal action without first attempting resolution would be premature in this case.
Option B (confronting during the meeting) can create defensiveness, harm team dynamics, and potentially embarrass the colleague, which isn’t aligned with a respectful and collaborative approach.
Option C is correct because it allows the Social Worker to address the issue directly, respectfully, and privately. This aligns with professional ethics and promotes learning and accountability without unnecessary escalation.
Option D suggests inaction unless it happens again, which could compromise ethical standards and client trust.

By choosing C, the Social Worker demonstrates an understanding of both ethical responsibility and professional communication, which is exactly what the ASWB exam tests in scenarios like this.

4) FAQs – Code of Ethics: 2.02 Confidentiality

Q: What’s the difference between confidentiality with clients and confidentiality with colleagues under the NASW Code of Ethics?

A: While both forms of confidentiality are grounded in respect and ethical responsibility, they apply to different contexts. Client confidentiality protects sensitive information disclosed in the course of a professional helping relationship. It is foundational to building trust and is tightly regulated, often with legal backing (such as HIPAA).

Colleague confidentiality, outlined in Section 2.02 of the NASW Code of Ethics, focuses on respecting information shared between professionals. This includes supervision sessions, team consultations, and any other professional interactions where personal, client-related, or sensitive matters arise. The key difference is the source of the information. Even though the data may not come directly from the client, it still requires protection. Failing to safeguard it can damage team trust and professional credibility.

Q: How should I approach a test question when confidentiality is breached during a team discussion?

A: When handling confidentiality breaches on the ASWB exam, your response should reflect ethical awareness, professional maturity, and thoughtful action. The best answers usually involve:

Speaking privately with the colleague rather than reacting in public
Consulting with a supervisor if the breach is serious or repeated
Documenting what occurred, especially if follow-up is needed
Avoiding extreme responses unless the situation clearly demands it (such as imminent harm or legal violations)

Look for options that demonstrate respectful intervention and a clear understanding of your ethical responsibility. The exam assesses whether you can recognize ethical red flags and take action that aligns with Social Work values, including those outlined in Section 2.02.

Q: Can Agents of Change help me better understand Section 2.02 and similar ethics content on the ASWB exam?

A: Absolutely. Agents of Change is a highly regarded study resource for Social Workers preparing for the ASWB exam. Their programs are designed to cover ethical standards in depth, including nuanced topics such as confidentiality between colleagues, as described in Section 2.02.

With live study groups twice a month, comprehensive content review, flashcards, practice exams, and access that lasts until you pass, you can explore ethical scenarios from multiple angles. Plus, their study plans help you stay organized and focused. Whether you’re reviewing NASW ethics or preparing for exam-style questions, Agents of Change gives you the structure and support to feel confident on test day.

5) Conclusion

Confidentiality is more than a guideline in Social Work; it is a foundational principle that ensures trust, safety, and professionalism across every layer of practice. Section 2.02 of the NASW Code of Ethics emphasizes that confidentiality extends beyond client relationships to encompass interactions between colleagues.

Whether during supervision, team meetings, or informal exchanges, protecting sensitive information remains a critical ethical responsibility. Understanding these expectations is essential for anyone preparing to enter or advance in the profession.

On the ASWB exam, questions related to 2.02 Confidentiality may appear subtle, but they carry weight. They test your ability to recognize ethical boundaries, respond appropriately in professional settings, and prioritize integrity even in complex situations. Learning how to navigate these scenarios will not only help you pass the exam but also shape you into a Social Worker who promotes ethical culture and trust within your workplace.

► 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: 2.02 Confidentiality

Ethics and the ASWB Exam: 2.02 Confidentiality

1) What Is Section 2.02 Confidentiality?

1. “Social Workers should respect confidential information shared by colleagues…”

2. “…in the course of their professional relationships and transactions.”

3. “Social Workers should ensure that such information is only disclosed when it is necessary to prevent serious, foreseeable, and imminent harm…”