Code of Ethics

The NASW Code of Ethics defines the values, principles, and ethical standards that  guide decision-making and everyday professional conduct of social workers. It is relevant to all social workers and social work students regardless of their specific functions or settings.The 2021 updates to the Code include new language in the Purpose of the NASW Code of Ethics and Ethical Principles sections that address the importance of professional self-care; and revisions to standard 1.05, Cultural Competence, that provide more explicit guidance to social workers. All social workers should review the new text and affirm their commitment to abide by the Code of Ethics. Also available in Spanish.

Read the Code of Ethics

• Read the Code of Ethics online
• Read the Código de Ética (Spanish version)

Buy a Copy of the Code of Ethics

• Order a copy of the Code of Ethics 
• Orden El Código de Ética de NASW (Spanish version)

Code of Ethics History

NASW’s Delegate Assembly approved the first edition of the NASW Code of Ethics on October 13, 1960. Since then, the Code has emerged as the standard bearer for defining the values and principles that guide social workers’ conduct in all practice areas.

Learn how the Code of Ethics has evolved over time