MSW Social Work Exam Prep practice questions and answers 2026. Tap an option to test yourself — you'll see the correct answer and a plain-English explanation for every question. Free, no login.
Q11Which of the following is TRUE about ethical guidelines regarding social workers' use of social media?
✓ Correct answer: B. They vary significantly based on the professional organization's code of ethics
Answer: They vary significantly based on the professional organization's code of ethics. Ethical guidelines regarding the use of social media by social workers vary based on the specific professional organization's code of ethics. While national laws may influence certain aspects, guidelines are not uniformly outlined by them nor are they entirely consistent across jurisdictions. They are also not solely determined by individual agencies.
Q12Which of the following actions is LEAST appropriate for a social worker to perform when documenting a session with a client?
✓ Correct answer: D. Recording personal opinions
Answer: Recording personal opinions Social workers must ensure their documentation is factual, precise, and contains only relevant client information related to their treatment and interaction. Personal opinions can bias the perception of the documented information and are considered unprofessional in maintaining objective and ethical records.
Q13In the context of social worker supervision, which of the following terms describes a supervisor projecting their own unresolved issues onto their supervisee?
✓ Correct answer: B. Countertransference
Answer: Countertransference Countertransference occurs when a supervisor, social worker, or practitioner develops inappropriate feelings towards their supervisee, often as a projection of their own unresolved issues. Transference is the opposite phenomenon, where a supervisee or client projects feelings from past relationships onto the supervisor or social worker. Parallel process refers to how a supervisor or social worker can over-identify with a supervisee's or client's issues, mirroring the client's struggles. Identification is not used in this context in the same way and does not describe projection of unresolved issues.
Q14David is providing therapy to a minor client, Alex, who has been referred by his parents to address behavioral issues in school. Alex is below the age of consent in their jurisdiction. Which of the following is TRUE about this situation?
✓ Correct answer: A. David should seek Alex's assent for treatment
Answer: David should seek Alex's assent for treatment. Although parents or guardians can provide legal consent for treatment, it is an ethical obligation for the social worker to seek the minor's, Alex's, assent or willingness for treatment. This approach respects Alex's autonomy and promotes a collaborative therapeutic relationship. It is not mandatory but highly recommended as an ethical practice.
Q15You are currently providing therapy to an adolescent who has not disclosed their mental health care to their parents. One day, a new client contacts you for therapy and, during the initial consultation, you realize that this new client is the adolescent's parent. Which of the following actions should you NOT take?
✓ Correct answer: C. Inform the parent of the existing therapeutic relationship with their adolescent
Answer: Inform the parent of the existing therapeutic relationship with their adolescent The NASW Code of Ethics emphasizes the importance of confidentiality (Section 1.07) and managing conflicts of interest (Section 1.06). Revealing the adolescent's involvement in therapy to the parent without the adolescent's consent would violate their right to privacy and confidentiality. Seeking the counsel of a colleague, consulting the Code of Ethics, or referring the client to another therapist are all appropriate ways to manage this ethical dilemma.
Q16Mark is concerned about his colleague Emma, another social worker in a busy hospital setting. He has noticed that Emma has been increasingly forgetful and appears overly fatigued. Recently, he suspects that Emma has been taking patient medications for herself. According to the NASW Code of Ethics, what is the FIRST action Mark should take?
✓ Correct answer: D. Approach Emma directly about the concerns
Answer: Approach Emma directly about the concerns. Unless Mark feels that there is some risk in doing so, it is generally best to approach his colleague Emma directly first. Going to Emma's supervisor is an option, but it might not be necessary if Emma can be reached with a more direct strategy. Reporting Emma to the state board would be less fair than a direct approach. Discussing the issue in a team meeting could embarrass Emma and exacerbate her problem.
Q17A new policy has been enacted to reduce the hours of operation for a popular shelter that many homeless individuals utilize for overnight stays. What change is MOST likely to be observed as a result of this policy?
✓ Correct answer: B. An increase in homelessness visibility on the streets during nighttime
Answer: An increase in homelessness visibility on the streets during nighttime. If the hours of operation for the shelter are reduced, many individuals will not have a place to stay overnight. This will likely lead to an increase in the visibility of homelessness, as more people will be seen on the streets seeking shelter. While other issues might arise, such as increased usage of other shelters or services, the immediate and most noticeable outcome will be the increased presence of homeless individuals on the streets at night.
Q18Mark is a social worker focused on helping adults transitioning into retirement. He is currently working with a couple, where both partners are retiring from their long-term careers. What type of family structure is Mark working with today?
✓ Correct answer: A. Empty nest family
Answer: Empty nest family An empty nest family refers to a household where the children have grown up and moved out, leaving the parents to live alone. This couple is transitioning into retirement, fitting the description of an empty nest family. An extended family includes additional relatives such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc., living together. A nuclear family consists of parents and their biological children living as a unit.
Q19Samantha is a social worker implementing a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach with her client, David, who frequently exhibits procrastination and negative self-talk. During their sessions, Samantha explores how David's past experiences with strict parenting have influenced his current behaviors and thoughts. Which aspect of CBT is Samantha focusing on?
✓ Correct answer: A. Core belief exploration
Answer: Core belief exploration In CBT, core belief exploration involves identifying and challenging deeply held beliefs that influence an individual's behaviors and thoughts. Socratic questioning is a technique used to help clients question and modify their thoughts. Behavioral activation involves engaging in activities to counteract depression. Thought recording is a method where clients record their thoughts to identify patterns.
Q20In the context of motivational interviewing, with which of the following principles is the concept of ambivalence MOST concerned?
✓ Correct answer: D. Understanding conflicting feelings about change
Answer: Understanding conflicting feelings about change Ambivalence in motivational interviewing refers to an individual's conflicting feelings about making a change. Understanding and resolving this ambivalence is crucial for facilitating the change process. It is not primarily concerned with identifying the client's strengths, creating a structured intervention plan, or evaluating the effectiveness of therapy over time.
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