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Ethics and the ASWB Exam: 6.02 Public Participation

Ethics and the ASWB Exam: 6.02 Public Participation

When studying for the ASWB exam, it’s easy to focus on theories, interventions, and clinical skills while brushing past the ethics sections. Yet ethics isn’t just a small part of Social Work; it’s the foundation that shapes how professionals practice. One piece that often surprises test-takers is 6.02 Public Participation. At first glance, it may seem less relevant than diagnosis or case management, but this section speaks directly to the broader mission of Social Work.

Public participation means Social Workers aren’t limited to the therapy room or agency office. They’re expected to engage in conversations that shape communities, influence policy, and educate the public about social issues. The Code of Ethics, especially Section 6.02, emphasizes that responsibility. And on exam day, you may face questions that test whether you understand the profession’s role beyond one-on-one 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 6.02 Public Participation?

a social worker engaging with the public advocating

The NASW Code of Ethics spells out clear responsibilities for Social Workers, and Section 6.02 specifically focuses on public participation. Here’s the exact wording from the 2021 NASW Code of Ethics:

6.02 Public Participation
“Social workers should facilitate informed participation by the public in shaping social policies and institutions.”

That’s the entire section. Short, right? But don’t let its length fool you. This single sentence carries enormous weight, both for Social Work practice and for the ASWB exam. Let’s break it down piece by piece.

“Social workers should…”

The use of should here isn’t casual. It’s a professional expectation. It means this isn’t optional or something to do only if you feel like it. The NASW makes it clear that participating in public life is part of your responsibility as a Social Worker.

“…facilitate informed participation…”

This phrase highlights that your role is more than just showing up. You’re expected to facilitate, which means you create opportunities, remove barriers, and help others engage.

Importantly, it’s not just participation but informed participation. People can’t effectively advocate if they don’t understand the issues. Social Workers use their expertise to explain policies, translate jargon, and make complex issues accessible to the public.

“…by the public…”

This isn’t limited to clients or agency stakeholders. It’s the general public. Social Workers are called to engage with the broader community, encouraging everyday citizens to have a voice in decision-making.

Whether that’s showing up at town halls, sharing information through workshops, or building coalitions, the focus is on empowering people outside of the professional Social Work sphere.

“…in shaping social policies and institutions.”

Here’s the heart of it. Policies and institutions have a massive impact on people’s lives. From child welfare laws to housing ordinances, systemic structures often determine the resources, protections, and opportunities available to individuals. Section 6.02 emphasizes that Social Workers must help the public influence those systems. It’s about fairness, justice, and ensuring the voices of marginalized groups are heard in decision-making.

Why This Short Section Packs a Punch

Even though Section 6.02 is just one sentence, it captures a sweeping responsibility: Social Workers are change agents who connect people with power. On the ASWB exam, that translates into recognizing when the most ethical action involves stepping outside direct practice to educate, mobilize, and support community voices in shaping policy.

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 6.02 Public Participation Matters on the ASWB Exam

Ethics questions aren’t there to trip you up. They’re on the exam because they test whether you grasp the deeper values of Social Work. 6.02 Public Participation is one of those areas that looks simple but can be surprisingly layered when applied to exam scenarios.

a social worker engaging with government advocating

Let’s break down why this section matters and how it shows up on the ASWB exam.

1. It Reflects the Core Values of Social Work

Section 6.02 ties directly to the mission of Social Work: promoting justice and equity. The exam is designed to test more than just your technical knowledge. It’s checking whether you understand the professional responsibility to advocate for systemic change.

Key connections to Social Work values:

  • Advocacy for vulnerable populations

  • Commitment to social justice

  • Responsibility to engage beyond one-on-one practice

  • Focus on shaping policies that affect communities

2. It Shows Up in Scenario-Based Questions

The ASWB exam rarely asks you to regurgitate the Code of Ethics word-for-word. Instead, it presents real-world scenarios where you have to choose the most ethical response. Section 6.02 is often embedded in these scenarios.

For example, you might see questions where:

  • A new policy could reduce funding for services.

  • Community members are unaware of their rights.

  • A Social Worker has an opportunity to join a public forum or advocacy group.

In these cases, the exam is looking for answers that reflect public engagement and advocacy, not passive observation.

3. It Distinguishes Strong Ethical Choices from Weak Ones

One of the hardest parts of the ASWB exam is that many answers seem correct on the surface. Understanding Section 6.02 helps you separate ethical “good” from “best.”

Common pitfalls if you don’t apply 6.02:

  • Choosing answers that limit your role to direct services only

  • Ignoring opportunities for systemic advocacy

  • Believing it’s enough to encourage clients to adapt without addressing unjust policies

Stronger choices usually include:

  • Educating the public or policymakers

  • Facilitating informed community involvement

  • Advocating for systemic change when laws or policies harm vulnerable groups

4. It Prepares You for Multiple Exam Levels

Whether you’re taking the Bachelors, Masters, Advanced Generalist, or Clinical exam, ethics is a universal component. Section 6.02 can appear in all versions because it’s foundational to the profession.

  • Bachelors level: You might be asked about basic advocacy steps.

  • Masters level: Expect broader policy-focused scenarios.

  • Clinical level: You could see questions about balancing advocacy with clinical responsibilities.

5. It Reinforces the “Big Picture” Role of Social Workers

Finally, Section 6.02 matters because it reminds you that Social Workers are more than problem-solvers for individuals. You’re expected to be an active participant in shaping a just society. The exam will test whether you recognize that responsibility.

👉 This is precisely where Agents of Change can help. Their practice exams and study groups expose you to the kinds of questions where 6.02 is embedded. You’ll learn to spot the difference between decent answers and the most ethical ones, which is often the deciding factor between passing and failing.

3) ASWB Practice Question: 6.02 Public Participation

A Social Worker learns that a proposed state policy would limit access to mental health services for low-income families. Many community members are unaware of how this policy could impact them. What is the Social Worker’s most appropriate action?

A) Focus on supporting clients individually since direct service is the Social Worker’s primary role.
B) Encourage clients to attend community meetings but avoid getting personally involved.
C) Provide accurate information to the public and policymakers about the potential consequences of the policy.
D) Wait to see if the policy passes before taking any action.

Correct Answer:
C) Provide accurate information to the public and policymakers about the potential consequences of the policy.

Rationale:
Section 6.02 emphasizes the Social Worker’s responsibility to facilitate informed participation by the public in shaping social policies and institutions. The best choice here is to take an active role in educating both the community and decision-makers about how the proposed policy would affect access to mental health care.

Option A is too limited because it ignores the broader ethical responsibility to engage publicly. Option B puts the burden solely on clients and sidelines the Social Worker’s role in advocacy. Option D is passive and fails to fulfill the duty to promote fairness and justice before harmful policies are enacted.

4) FAQs – Code of Ethics: 6.02 Public Participation

Q: Will I really see questions about 6.02 Public Participation on the ASWB exam?

A: Yes, you should expect to see questions related to Section 6.02. While the exam doesn’t ask you to memorize the exact text of the Code of Ethics, it frequently presents scenarios where public participation is the best ethical choice.

For example, you may be asked what a Social Worker should do when new policies threaten access to services, or when community members are uninformed about issues that directly affect them. Recognizing that your role extends beyond individual client interactions into the public and policy arena is key to answering these questions correctly.

Q: How do I know when an exam question is testing 6.02 Public Participation?

A: Look for language in the question that involves the public, community engagement, or policymaking. If a scenario describes new legislation, funding cuts, community education, or opportunities for advocacy, it likely touches on Section 6.02.

The strongest answers in these situations usually involve facilitating informed participation; for instance, educating community members, engaging with policymakers, or supporting advocacy efforts. If an answer choice keeps you confined to direct services only, chances are it’s too narrow to be the best ethical option.

Q: What’s the best way to study for ethics sections like 6.02?

A: The most effective approach is to combine knowledge of the Code of Ethics with consistent practice on exam-style questions. Reading the Code gives you the framework, but practice questions teach you how it shows up in real-life scenarios.

A resource like Agents of Change is especially valuable because it offers practice exams, live study groups, flashcards, and structured study plans that keep you on track. Plus, you’ll have access until you pass, which means you can start preparing early without worrying about losing access later. This type of guided support helps you apply 6.02 in both exam prep and professional practice.

5) Conclusion

Section 6.02 Public Participation may seem brief in the NASW Code of Ethics, but its impact is powerful. It reminds Social Workers that their role extends beyond individual service to active involvement in shaping policies and institutions. On the ASWB exam, this translates into recognizing when the most ethical action is to educate, advocate, and ensure that the public has the tools to participate meaningfully in decisions that affect their lives.

By understanding this section, you can avoid common exam pitfalls like focusing only on direct services or waiting passively for changes to unfold. Instead, you will be prepared to choose answers that reflect the broader responsibilities of the profession. These responsibilities highlight Social Work’s core values of justice, fairness, and advocacy for vulnerable populations.

► 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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