New York Social Work Law and Ethics Exam
Questions With Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. A Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in New York may legally
provide services independently when:
A. They complete 1,000 hours of practice
B. They are supervised by a physician
C. They are employed by a hospital only
D. They practice within LMSW scope under appropriate
authorization
Answer: D
Rationale: In New York, an LMSW may practice within the defined
scope of social work but cannot engage in psychotherapy
independently unless properly supervised or authorized under state
regulations. Scope compliance, not employment setting, determines
legality.
, 2. The primary purpose of New York State social work licensure is to:
A. Increase government revenue
B. Ensure public protection and professional competency
C. Limit the number of social workers
D. Replace clinical judgment with legal rules
Answer: B
Rationale: Licensure laws exist to protect the public by ensuring
practitioners meet minimum education, training, and ethical
standards.
3. Which agency issues social work licenses in New York?
A. Department of Health
B. American Psychological Association
C. New York State Education Department (NYSED)
D. Federal Social Work Board
Answer: C
Rationale: NYSED’s Office of the Professions regulates and issues
licenses for social workers in New York.
, 4. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) must primarily
demonstrate:
A. Business ownership experience
B. Clinical supervised experience and advanced competency
C. A criminal background check only
D. Membership in NASW
Answer: B
Rationale: LCSW licensure requires supervised clinical experience
beyond the LMSW level, demonstrating advanced clinical competence.
5. Confidentiality in social work can be legally broken when:
A. A client is late to appointments
B. A supervisor requests all notes
C. There is a duty to warn or protect
D. A client refuses treatment
Answer: C
Rationale: Mandatory exceptions to confidentiality include duty to
warn/protect in cases of imminent harm to self or others.
, 6. The “duty to report” in New York primarily applies to:
A. Adult clients without consent
B. Suspected child abuse or maltreatment
C. Financial hardship cases
D. Client dissatisfaction
Answer: B
Rationale: Social workers are mandated reporters for suspected child
abuse or neglect under New York law.
7. Informed consent requires that clients:
A. Sign all agency forms without explanation
B. Understand risks, benefits, and alternatives
C. Waive all rights to confidentiality
D. Agree to diagnosis before evaluation
Answer: B
Rationale: Ethical practice requires that clients are fully informed
about services before consenting.
8. Dual relationships in social work are:
A. Always encouraged
Questions With Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. A Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in New York may legally
provide services independently when:
A. They complete 1,000 hours of practice
B. They are supervised by a physician
C. They are employed by a hospital only
D. They practice within LMSW scope under appropriate
authorization
Answer: D
Rationale: In New York, an LMSW may practice within the defined
scope of social work but cannot engage in psychotherapy
independently unless properly supervised or authorized under state
regulations. Scope compliance, not employment setting, determines
legality.
, 2. The primary purpose of New York State social work licensure is to:
A. Increase government revenue
B. Ensure public protection and professional competency
C. Limit the number of social workers
D. Replace clinical judgment with legal rules
Answer: B
Rationale: Licensure laws exist to protect the public by ensuring
practitioners meet minimum education, training, and ethical
standards.
3. Which agency issues social work licenses in New York?
A. Department of Health
B. American Psychological Association
C. New York State Education Department (NYSED)
D. Federal Social Work Board
Answer: C
Rationale: NYSED’s Office of the Professions regulates and issues
licenses for social workers in New York.
, 4. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) must primarily
demonstrate:
A. Business ownership experience
B. Clinical supervised experience and advanced competency
C. A criminal background check only
D. Membership in NASW
Answer: B
Rationale: LCSW licensure requires supervised clinical experience
beyond the LMSW level, demonstrating advanced clinical competence.
5. Confidentiality in social work can be legally broken when:
A. A client is late to appointments
B. A supervisor requests all notes
C. There is a duty to warn or protect
D. A client refuses treatment
Answer: C
Rationale: Mandatory exceptions to confidentiality include duty to
warn/protect in cases of imminent harm to self or others.
, 6. The “duty to report” in New York primarily applies to:
A. Adult clients without consent
B. Suspected child abuse or maltreatment
C. Financial hardship cases
D. Client dissatisfaction
Answer: B
Rationale: Social workers are mandated reporters for suspected child
abuse or neglect under New York law.
7. Informed consent requires that clients:
A. Sign all agency forms without explanation
B. Understand risks, benefits, and alternatives
C. Waive all rights to confidentiality
D. Agree to diagnosis before evaluation
Answer: B
Rationale: Ethical practice requires that clients are fully informed
about services before consenting.
8. Dual relationships in social work are:
A. Always encouraged
