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Ethics and the ASWB Exam: 2.06 Sexual Relationships

Ethics and the ASWB Exam: 2.06 Sexual Relationships

When preparing for the ASWB exam, understanding the NASW Code of Ethics is far from optional. Among its many provisions, Section 2.06 Sexual Relationships stands out because it deals with professional boundaries that protect both Social Workers and those they work with.

This section explicitly addresses the conduct of Social Workers who serve as supervisors, educators, or colleagues and outlines clear expectations for avoiding inappropriate sexual contact in these roles. The ASWB exam frequently tests this material, and a strong grasp of these standards can make all the difference in your ability to answer related questions with confidence.

Section 2.06 is divided into two parts, each with a distinct focus. First, it prohibits supervisors and educators from engaging in any form of sexual activities or contact with supervisees, students, or trainees. This is about maintaining a professional environment where trust and authority cannot be compromised by inappropriate relationships. Second, it warns against sexual relationships with colleagues in situations that could lead to conflicts of interest, requiring Social Workers to take steps such as transferring responsibilities when necessary. 

For anyone preparing for the ASWB exam, this section is more than an ethical guideline. It is a critical topic that demands both knowledge and application. By studying Section 2.06 Sexual Relationships closely and using resources like Agents of Change, which offers study plans, live study groups, flashcards, and practice exams, you can ensure you are prepared. The goal is to enter the exam room not just knowing the rule but fully understanding why it matters for professional Social Work practice.

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 2.06 Sexual Relationships?

Section 2.06 of the NASW Code of Ethics addresses sexual relationships in the context of professional Social Work. This section provides clear boundaries for supervisors, educators, and colleagues to ensure that the professional environment remains safe, ethical, and free from conflicts of interest.

a client expressing interest in a therapist and the therapist recoiling slightly

Section 2.06 of the NASW Code of Ethics addresses sexual relationships in the context of professional Social Work. This section provides clear boundaries for supervisors, educators, and colleagues to ensure that the professional environment remains safe, ethical, and free from conflicts of interest.

Here is the full text of Section 2.06:

(a) “Social workers who function as supervisors or educators should not engage in sexual activities or contact (including verbal, written, electronic, or physical contact) with supervisees, students, trainees, or other colleagues over whom they exercise professional authority.”

(b) “Social workers should avoid engaging in sexual relationships with colleagues when there is potential for a conflict of interest. Social workers who become involved in, or anticipate becoming involved in, a sexual relationship with a colleague have a duty to transfer professional responsibilities, when necessary, to avoid a conflict of interest.”

Breaking Down Section 2.06

1. Subsection (a): Supervisors and Educators

This subsection draws a firm line regarding sexual contact between Social Workers in positions of authority and those they supervise or teach. It applies to any form of sexual contact, whether physical or non-physical, including:

  • Verbal: Flirtatious or sexualized comments

  • Written: Inappropriate letters or messages

  • Electronic: Sexual emails, texts, or online interactions

  • Physical: Any unwanted or inappropriate sexual contact

The reason for this rule is rooted in the power imbalance between a supervisor or educator and their supervisees, students, or trainees. Even if consent appears to exist, the inherent authority one party holds can compromise professional boundaries, create a hostile learning or work environment, and erode trust. This is why the prohibition is absolute in this context.

2. Subsection (b): Colleagues and Conflicts of Interest

This part of the rule addresses sexual relationships between colleagues. Unlike subsection (a), it does not prohibit such relationships entirely but warns against situations where a conflict of interest could arise. For example, if two Social Workers are in a romantic relationship and one has influence over case assignments, promotions, or performance evaluations, their personal relationship could bias professional decision-making.

If such a situation occurs or is anticipated, the Social Worker has a duty to act. That means transferring professional responsibilities or arranging for another party to step in so that objectivity and fairness are maintained. This subsection protects the integrity of professional decision-making and prevents harm to clients and colleagues.

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 2.06 Sexual Relationships Matters on the ASWB Exam

Section 2.06 Sexual Relationships of the NASW Code of Ethics is more than just a professional standard. On the ASWB exam, it frequently appears in scenarios that test your ability to recognize ethical violations, power imbalances, and the appropriate steps for resolving conflicts of interest. 

Ethical Boundaries Are Central to Social Work Practice

The ASWB exam is designed to assess not only your knowledge but also your judgment as a future Social Worker. Clear professional boundaries are at the core of this judgment.

  • Supervisory relationships: You may be asked to evaluate situations where a supervisor’s conduct is inappropriate.

  • Conflict of interest: Test questions often include scenarios where romantic relationships between colleagues compromise fairness or objectivity.

  • Authority and trust: The exam focuses on how Social Workers should respond when power imbalances exist.

Recognizing these patterns can mean the difference between selecting a correct answer and falling for a distractor option that seems plausible but violates ethical standards.

How Section 2.06 Is Tested on the ASWB Exam

This section is most commonly tested in questions that look like case scenarios. You may be asked what action a Social Worker should take when:

  • A supervisor begins sending flirtatious text messages to a trainee.

  • Two Social Workers in a relationship work on the same team, and one assigns cases to the other.

  • A Social Worker in a management position dates a subordinate without disclosing it or transferring oversight duties.

Each of these examples ties directly to 2.06(a) or 2.06(b) and requires you to know what the NASW Code of Ethics says, rather than relying on personal opinion.

Why This Section Is High-Value for Exam Preparation

Understanding 2.06 is crucial because it reinforces key Social Work values while preparing you for real-world professional dilemmas. Here’s why it’s worth your focused attention:

  • Clarity on power dynamics: The exam rewards those who understand why consent is not enough in supervisory or educational settings.

  • Decision-making confidence: When you know this section well, you can quickly rule out ethically risky options.

  • Application to practice: Beyond the exam, this knowledge directly shapes safe, professional behavior in the workplace.

How Agents of Change Helps You Master This Topic

Studying Section 2.06 Sexual Relationships in isolation can feel overwhelming, but Agents of Change makes it manageable. Their programs include:

  • Comprehensive study materials covering all sections of the NASW Code of Ethics

  • Practice exams with realistic questions about professional boundaries

  • Two live study groups every month to discuss tricky ethical scenarios

  • Flashcards to reinforce key concepts like 2.06 Sexual Relationships

  • Personalized study plans to keep you on track

  • Unlimited access until you pass your exam, so you can never start “too early”

By using these resources, you can move from memorizing 2.06 to confidently applying it under exam conditions.

That’s where Agents of Change comes in. With live study groups, practice exams, and materials written by licensed Social Workers, Agents of Change helps you learn why the ethics matter, not just what they say. And since you get access until you pass, you can start studying at any time without second-guessing the timing.

3) ASWB Practice Question: Sexual Relationships

A Social Worker who supervises a team of interns has recently begun exchanging flirtatious text messages with one of the interns after work hours. The intern does not report feeling uncomfortable and has not complained. According to Section 2.06 Sexual Relationships of the NASW Code of Ethics, what is the Social Worker’s most appropriate action?

A. Continue the relationship privately, since there has been no formal complaint.
B. Disclose the relationship to the agency but remain in a supervisory role over the intern.
C. End the inappropriate communication and maintain professional boundaries with the intern.
D. Ask another supervisor to oversee the intern so the relationship can continue without conflict.

Correct Answer: C. End the inappropriate communication and maintain professional boundaries with the intern.

Rationale:

Section 2.06(a) explicitly prohibits supervisors or educators from engaging in any form of sexual activities or contact (including verbal, written, electronic, or physical contact) with supervisees, students, or trainees. Even if the intern has not expressed discomfort, the responsibility lies with the supervisor to maintain ethical boundaries.

  • Option A is incorrect because the absence of a complaint does not remove the ethical violation.

  • Option B is incorrect because disclosure does not excuse misconduct, nor does it allow the Social Worker to continue the behavior.

  • Option D is incorrect because transferring supervision does not retroactively justify unethical behavior. The relationship itself violates the code, regardless of reassignment.

  • Option C is correct because it addresses the violation directly by ending the inappropriate communication and restoring professional boundaries.

4) FAQs – Code of Ethics: 2.06 Sexual Relationships

Q: What exactly does Section 2.06 Sexual Relationships prohibit?

A: Section 2.06 of the NASW Code of Ethics has two clear parts:

  • (a) Supervisory and educational relationships: Social Workers in positions of authority, such as supervisors or educators, must not engage in sexual activities or any form of sexual contact (verbal, written, electronic, or physical) with supervisees, students, trainees, or others they oversee.

  • (b) Colleague relationships: Social Workers should avoid sexual relationships with colleagues if there’s a potential conflict of interest. If such a relationship develops, the Social Worker has an obligation to transfer responsibilities or take steps to eliminate the conflict.

This section is designed to protect clients, supervisees, and the profession from the harm caused by power imbalances and conflicts of interest. Even if the relationship is consensual, the presence of authority or overlapping professional roles makes it unethical.

Q: How is Section 2.06 tested on the ASWB exam?

A: On the ASWB exam, Section 2.06 often appears in scenario-based questions. These questions test your ability to recognize ethical breaches and choose the most professional response. You might encounter:

  • Supervisory misconduct scenarios: A supervisor begins dating or flirting with a trainee.

  • Conflict-of-interest cases: Two colleagues in a romantic relationship face challenges when one has the power to assign cases or evaluate performance.

  • Boundary-setting questions: A Social Worker must determine the correct action when a professional relationship becomes personal.

Knowing Section 2.06 helps you identify unethical behavior quickly, rule out tempting but incorrect options, and pick the response that aligns with the NASW Code of Ethics.

Q: What’s the best way to study Section 2.06 for the ASWB exam?

A: Memorizing the text of Section 2.06 is a starting point, but the real skill lies in applying it to exam questions. The most effective way to study includes:

  • Reviewing the NASW Code of Ethics thoroughly

  • Practicing with realistic exam questions that feature ethical dilemmas

  • Joining study groups to discuss how 2.06 applies in various scenarios

  • Using flashcards to reinforce the rules for supervisory and colleague relationships

Agents of Change is one of the most effective tools for this. Their program offers comprehensive study materials, two live study groups per month, flashcards, and practice exams that include questions on 2.06. You even get access until you pass, so you’ll never feel rushed or unprepared. Their structured study plans help you keep pace without getting overwhelmed.

5) Conclusion

Mastering Section 2.06 Sexual Relationships of the NASW Code of Ethics is more than just an exam requirement. It represents a core principle of Social Work practice: maintaining professional integrity and protecting those who may be vulnerable to power imbalances or conflicts of interest.

Whether it involves supervisory relationships or interactions between colleagues, this section sets clear boundaries that ensure fairness, respect, and ethical conduct in every professional setting.

When preparing for the ASWB exam, understanding these rules is essential. Many test questions will challenge you to spot subtle ethical violations and apply the appropriate response. By studying Section 2.06 in depth, you’ll strengthen not only your exam readiness but also your confidence in handling complex ethical issues in real-world practice. This knowledge doesn’t just help you pass; it equips you for a career built on trust and professional responsibility.

► 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.

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