Ethics and the ASWB Exam: 2.03 Interdisciplinary Collaboration

1) What Is Section 2.03 Interdisciplinary Collaboration?

Interdisciplinary collaboration isn’t just about being polite in meetings. It’s about making sure clients benefit from a cohesive, respectful team approach.

That’s why the NASW Code of Ethics includes an entire section—2.03—dedicated to this exact concept. Understanding this section isn’t optional for the ASWB exam or real-world practice. It’s a foundation of ethical Social Work.

Here’s the full text of Section 2.03 from the NASW Code of Ethics:

2.03 Interdisciplinary Collaboration
(a) Social workers who are members of an interdisciplinary team should participate in and contribute to decisions that affect the well-being of clients by drawing on the perspectives, values, and experiences of the Social Work profession. Professional and ethical obligations of the interdisciplinary team as a whole and of its individual members should be clearly established.
(b) Social workers for whom a team decision raises ethical concerns should attempt to resolve the disagreement through appropriate channels. If the disagreement cannot be resolved, Social Workers should pursue other avenues to address their concerns consistent with client well-being.

Now, let’s break it down so it makes sense in day-to-day terms, especially in exam scenarios.

Part (a): Speak Up and Show Up Ethically

“Social workers who are members of an interdisciplinary team should participate in and contribute to decisions that affect the well-being of clients…”

This part tells you that sitting silently in team meetings isn’t acceptable. You’re ethically responsible for speaking up, especially when decisions are being made that impact your client. You represent the Social Work lens, rooted in values like person-in-environment, empowerment, and cultural humility. The team needs that.

It also emphasizes the importance of clarity around obligations. Everyone on the team should know what they’re responsible for. And you, as a Social Worker, must always act according to your code, even if the team’s approach differs. Your ethical compass doesn’t take a back seat just because you’re collaborating.

Part (b): If It Feels Wrong, Say Something

“Social workers for whom a team decision raises ethical concerns should attempt to resolve the disagreement through appropriate channels…”

Let’s say your team proposes something that you believe is harmful, discriminatory, or otherwise unethical. You can’t look the other way. Your first step? Address it with the team. Raise the issue in a professional, non-combative way, ideally supported by ethical reasoning and client-centered advocacy.

If the team dismisses your concern or the issue remains unresolved, this section advises you to persist. Don’t drop it. Find other appropriate channels, such as your supervisor, ethics committee, or chain of command, always keeping the client’s well-being at the center of your actions.

Why It Matters

Section 2.03 reminds us that interdisciplinary collaboration is active, not passive. It’s about stepping up with purpose, knowing how to navigate disagreement, and always advocating for ethical outcomes.

On the ASWB exam, expect to see this section reflected in scenarios where:

You’re part of a team making a clinical or policy decision.
You notice a colleague suggesting a course of action that seems unethical.
You need to balance your Social Work responsibilities while still collaborating effectively.

This is where your judgment, communication skills, and ethical grounding come together. And that’s why understanding 2.03 Interdisciplinary Collaboration inside and out is such a game-changer for both the test and real-life 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 Interdisciplinary Collaboration Matters on the ASWB Exam

When you sit down to take the ASWB exam, every question is a chance to show that you’re ready for ethical, competent Social Work. Section 2.03 of the NASW Code of Ethics isn’t just theory. It’s one of those standards that appears across various domains of practice and often within complex, case-based scenarios.

To pass the exam and be the kind of Social Worker who advocates effectively, you need to do more than memorize definitions. You need to understand how interdisciplinary collaboration works when ethical questions arise, team dynamics shift, and client needs are at stake.

It’s Tested Across Multiple Question Types

Understanding Section 2.03 can help you answer a range of questions, including:

Ethical reasoning questions
Professional values and principles
Client-centered decision making
Scenario-based conflict resolution

You won’t always see the phrase “Interdisciplinary Collaboration” in the question stem. Instead, you’ll get a situation where a team is making a decision, and your job is to pick the response that upholds Social Work ethics while working respectfully with others.

You’ll Be Expected to Recognize Professional Boundaries

The ASWB exam aims to assess your understanding of your role in a team setting. That means being clear about:

When to assert your ethical perspective
How to handle team members who overstep
What to do if another professional’s recommendation goes against your client’s cultural needs or wishes

Maintaining your professional identity while respecting others’ expertise is a delicate balance. The exam rewards answers that reflect thoughtful collaboration with ethical integrity.

Ethical Tensions Are Often Hidden in the Scenarios

Many exam questions are crafted to test how well you spot ethical concerns. These tensions aren’t always obvious. You might be given a team recommendation that sounds reasonable but misses a key client value or puts their safety at risk.

Being prepared means asking yourself:

Is the client’s well-being the clear priority?
Are any professional obligations being overlooked?
Should the Social Worker speak up or escalate the issue?

These moments are where knowledge of 2.03 becomes critical.

You Must Know When and How to Escalate a Concern

If a team decision poses ethical problems, you are expected to take action. The ASWB exam wants to see that you can:

Address the issue directly with the team
Stay respectful but firm in your advocacy
Use organizational channels when the issue can’t be resolved in a meeting

Here’s what that might look like in action:

Raise your concern calmly during a team meeting
Reference client-centered goals and Social Work ethics
If ignored or dismissed, go to a supervisor or ethics board
Document concerns as needed to ensure accountability

The correct answers are usually those that reflect a step-by-step ethical process that prioritizes the client’s needs without skipping essential channels of communication.

Quick Tips for Exam Success with Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Think before reacting: Don’t choose answers that escalate too quickly. Start with internal resolution.
Avoid bypassing the team: Going behind another professional’s back is rarely correct unless it’s a safety emergency.
Be client-centered: The right answer keeps the client’s well-being, culture, and values front and center.
Respect other professionals: Even when you disagree, the exam expects you to remain collaborative and ethical.

Understanding Section 2.03: Interdisciplinary Collaboration isn’t just a test requirement. It’s a professional standard that demonstrates your readiness to step into complex, real-world settings with confidence. When you’re studying for the ASWB exam, focus on how to apply this knowledge, not just memorize it, and you’ll be far better prepared.

3) ASWB Practice Question: Interdisciplinary Collaboration

A Social Worker on a hospital care team is collaborating with a group of professionals on discharge planning for an older adult client recovering from surgery. During the meeting, the physician recommends discharging the client the next day. The Social Worker believes the client lacks the necessary in-home support and risks an unsafe transition. What is the MOST appropriate action for the Social Worker to take?

A. Support the physician’s plan to maintain team unity
B. Privately document the disagreement and monitor the situation after discharge
C. Speak up during the meeting and advocate for a safer discharge plan
D. Report the physician’s recommendation to the medical board immediately

Correct Answer: C. Speak up during the meeting and advocate for a safer discharge plan

Rationale:

C is correct because Section 2.03 of the NASW Code of Ethics requires Social Workers to participate actively in interdisciplinary teams and advocate for client well-being. Speaking up during the meeting is both collaborative and ethical. It addresses the concern directly and provides a chance to work toward a solution that prioritizes the client’s safety.
A is incorrect because prioritizing team harmony over client safety violates ethical obligations. The Social Worker must place the client’s well-being above group agreement.
B is incorrect because waiting to act until after discharge could place the client at immediate risk. Ethical practice requires timely advocacy, not passive observation.
D is incorrect because escalating to the medical board is premature. The Social Worker is expected to try resolving concerns through appropriate team discussions and internal channels before pursuing outside actions, unless there’s evidence of imminent harm or malpractice.

4) FAQs – Code of Ethics: 2.03 Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Q: How can I tell if a question on the ASWB exam is testing Section 2.03 Interdisciplinary Collaboration, even if it’s not labeled that way?

A: Great question. ASWB exam questions typically do not cite “Section 2.03” directly. Instead, they present real-world scenarios that involve team-based decision-making, ethical disagreements, or professional boundaries across disciplines.

If the question involves a Social Worker working with other professionals—such as doctors, teachers, or legal staff—and a conflict or decision is affecting a client, that’s likely a test of your knowledge of interdisciplinary collaboration. Look for options that show respectful communication, advocacy for the client, and adherence to ethical channels of resolution.

Q: What should I do on the exam if a team member’s recommendation goes against the client’s cultural values or expressed needs?

A: You should first recognize this as a red flag. The best answer will almost always involve respectful, immediate advocacy for the client’s well-being. According to Section 2.03, Social Workers are responsible for raising concerns when team decisions appear to be ethically inappropriate.

Choose the option that allows you to speak up in a team setting and offer an alternative that aligns with the client’s values, cultural background, and needs. Avoid answers that suggest passivity, silence, or bypassing direct collaboration—unless the situation involves serious harm or safety concerns.

Q: Why is interdisciplinary collaboration emphasized so much on the ASWB exam, and how can I best prepare for it?

A: Interdisciplinary collaboration is a primary focus because it reflects how Social Work happens in the real world. Social Workers rarely operate in isolation. Whether in hospitals, schools, community agencies, or legal settings, collaboration is central to effective practice.

The ASWB exam tests your ability to balance team input with your ethical obligations. To prepare, study real-world scenarios, review the NASW Code of Ethics Section 2.03, and most importantly, use resources like Agents of Change. Their study plans, live groups, and exam tools are built to help you recognize and respond to these complex, high-stakes questions with confidence.

5) Conclusion

Understanding Interdisciplinary Collaboration isn’t just about checking a box for the ASWB exam. It’s about learning how to function as an ethical, respected voice in team-based settings where decisions carry real consequences for the people you serve. This part of the NASW Code of Ethics reminds Social Workers that collaboration must always be guided by professionalism, respect for other disciplines, and an unwavering focus on client well-being.

On the ASWB exam, questions tied to interdisciplinary collaboration often ask you to think critically, weigh competing priorities, and choose responses that reflect ethical integrity within team dynamics. Being ready means going beyond memorization. It means knowing when to speak up, how to address conflicts, and how to uphold your role without diminishing others. Practicing this mindset now not only helps you pass the exam, but also prepares you to step confidently into the challenges of real-world Social Work.

► 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: 2.03 Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Ethics and the ASWB Exam: 2.03 Interdisciplinary Collaboration

1) What Is Section 2.03 Interdisciplinary Collaboration?