Licensed Clinical Social Worker Law and Ethics Examination — Information & Free Practice
US-CA · Examination information
168 free questions · Answer explanations · No signup required
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Law and Ethics Examination
Examination outline
1A. Consent, Confidentiality, and Privilege (16%)
- T1. Disclose professional information required under law to facilitate clients’ ability to make treatment decisions.
- T2. Comply with laws regarding informed consent to authorize treatment.
- T3. Comply with laws related to treating minors to provide services to children, adolescents, and teens.
- T4. Maintain confidentiality to protect the client’s right to privacy in the counseling relationship.
- T5. Identify the holder of privilege to determine requirements regarding client-therapist communications.
- T6. Respond to requests for records according to legal requirements to protect clients’ rights and safety.
- T7. Comply with laws regarding the disclosure of privileged information in judicial and legal matters.
- T8. Comply with laws regarding telehealth to deliver services using information and communication technologies.
- T9. Comply with the provisions of the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to protect sensitive client information.
- K1. Knowledge of laws regarding treatment-related disclosures that must be provided to clients.
- K2. Knowledge of laws regarding disclosure of licensure or registration status.
- K3. Knowledge of laws regarding disclosure of fees and good faith estimates.
- K4. Knowledge of laws regarding informed consent.
- K5. Knowledge of laws regarding treating minor clients.
- K6. Knowledge of laws regarding consent to treat and refuse treatment of a minor.
- K7. Knowledge of laws regarding voluntary and involuntary treatment of minors.
- K8. Knowledge of laws regarding access to information related to minor treatment.
- K9. Knowledge of laws regarding payment of services for treatment of minors.
- K10. Knowledge of laws regarding interactions with third-party payors or other parties in the treatment of minors.
- K11. Knowledge of laws regarding social worker-client communications.
- K12. Knowledge of laws regarding confidentiality with different units of treatment.
- K13. Knowledge of laws regarding the release of confidential counseling information.
- K14. Knowledge of laws regarding holder of privilege.
- K15. Knowledge of laws regarding privileged communications.
- K16. Knowledge of laws regarding the client’s rights to access treatment records.
- K17. Knowledge of laws regarding the release of records to other individuals, professionals, or third parties.
- K18. Knowledge of laws regarding privilege and privileged communications in judicial and legal matters.
- K19. Knowledge of legal requirements for responding to subpoenas and court orders.
- T20. Knowledge of laws regarding disclosures and consent specific to telehealth.
- T21. Knowledge of laws regarding resources and emergency practices required under telehealth.
- T22. Knowledge of laws regarding assessments and verifications that must be performed under telehealth.
- T23. Knowledge of laws regarding geographic limitations for providing telehealth.
- T24. Knowledge of laws regarding the standards of practice and delivery of telehealth.
- K25. Knowledge of requirements of the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
1B. Limits to Confidentiality and Mandated Reporting (16%)
- T10. Report known or suspected child abuse or neglect to protect the health and safety of minors.
- T11. Report known or suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of dependent adults to protect vulnerable populations.
- T12. Report known or suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of older adults to protect vulnerable populations.
- T13. Comply with laws regarding breaking confidentiality to protect clients who indicate a potential danger to self or others.
- T14. Comply with laws regarding breaking confidentiality to protect clients who demonstrate grave disability.
- T15. Comply with laws regarding privilege exceptions to address situations involving client litigation.
- T16. Comply with laws regarding privilege exceptions in court-appointed or defendant-requested evaluation or treatment.
- K26. Knowledge of the signs of child or adolescent abuse and neglect.
- K27. Knowledge of laws regarding mandated reporting of child abuse or neglect.
- K28. Knowledge of procedures for filing a mandated report with protective authorities.
- K29. Knowledge of the signs of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of dependent adults.
- K30. Knowledge of laws regarding mandated reporting of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of dependent adults.
- K31. Knowledge of the signs of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults.
- K32. Knowledge of laws regarding mandated reporting of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults.
- K33. Knowledge of signs of imminent harm to self or others.
- K34. Knowledge of criteria for initiating involuntary hospitalization.
- K35. Knowledge of laws regarding client rights in situations requiring involuntary hospitalization.
- K36. Knowledge of laws regarding breaking confidentiality to protect clients or others.
- K37. Knowledge of signs of impairment that require a higher level of intervention or hospitalization.
- K38. Knowledge of laws regarding breaking confidentiality to address psychiatric crises.
- K39. Knowledge of laws regarding privilege in litigation involving client’s mental or emotional condition.
- K40. Knowledge of laws regarding privilege exceptions in breach of duty allegations.
- K41. Knowledge of laws regarding privilege exceptions in court-appointed evaluation or treatment.
- K42. Knowledge of laws regarding privilege exceptions in defendant-requested evaluation or treatment.
1C. Legal Standards for Professional Practice (12%)
- T17. Comply with laws regarding scope of practice to maintain professional boundaries.
- T18. Comply with laws regarding professional conduct to maintain professional integrity.
- T19. Comply with laws regarding sexual contact, sexual suggestion, and sexual behaviors toward clients.
- T20. Maintain client records according to legal requirements for documentation, storage, and disposal.
- T21. Advertise services using accurate information to prevent false, misleading, or exploitive messaging.
- T22. Comply with laws regarding fees, billing, and payment policies that protect clients from financial harm or exploitation.
- T23. Comply with laws regarding the payment or acceptance of money or other consideration for referrals.
- T24. Comply with laws regarding interactions with third-party payors to assist clients in receiving services.
- K43. Knowledge of legal requirements regarding associate and LCSW scope of practice.
- K44. Knowledge of laws regarding professional conduct.
- K45. Knowledge of laws regarding sexual contact, sexual suggestion, and sexual behaviors with clients.
- K46. Knowledge of laws regarding providing clients with the booklet Therapy Never Includes Sexual Behavior.
- K47. Knowledge of laws regarding documentation of counseling services.
- K48. Knowledge of laws regarding the storage and disposal of records.
- K49. Knowledge of laws regarding advertising as an associate and LCSW.
- K50. Knowledge of laws regarding advertising claims, statements, and practices.
- K51. Knowledge of laws prohibiting collusion.
- K52. Knowledge of laws regarding notification of fee changes.
- K53. Knowledge of laws regarding the collection of fees and surcharges.
- K54. Knowledge of legal requirements regarding the collection of unpaid balances.
- K55. Knowledge of laws regarding payment or acceptance of money or other consideration for referrals.
- K56. Knowledge of laws regarding third-party billing and reimbursement practices.
- K57. Knowledge of laws regarding parity in mental health services.
2A. Professional Competence and Integrity (16%)
- T25. Practice within scope of competence to provide treatment consistent with level of training and experience.
- T26. Maintain competence in providing services that are culturally sensitive and diversity informed.
- T27. Manage conflict of interest situations to prevent client exploitation and impairment to professional judgment.
- T28. Maintain professional boundaries in a manner congruent with counselor role.
- T29. Adhere to ethical standards regarding nonprofessional interactions and sexual activity, contact, or intimacy with clients and others.
- T30. Maintain awareness of personal values, beliefs, and reactions to manage the potential impact on treatment.
- T31. Manage personal mental, emotional, and physical issues to prevent impairment to professional performance or judgment.
- T32. Adhere to ethical standards regarding practicing while impaired to prevent harm to the client or counseling relationship.
- K58. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding the use of techniques or approaches within level of competence.
- K59. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding remaining current on professional developments.
- K60. Knowledge of methods for managing treatment situations outside scope of competence.
- K61. Knowledge of methods for developing or expanding competence in areas of practice.
- K62. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding cultural competence and working with diverse clients.
- K63. Knowledge of methods for demonstrating cultural humility and cultural awareness.
- K64. Knowledge of methods for expanding competence in working with diverse clients.
- K65. Knowledge of ethical standards prohibiting discrimination in professional services and conduct.
- K66. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding conflict-of- interest situations.
- K67. Knowledge of methods for managing conflict of interest situations.
- K68. Knowledge of methods for managing conflicting roles.
- K69. Knowledge of types of relationships that may result in client exploitation or impaired professional judgment.
- K70. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding maintaining boundaries consistent with counselor role.
- K71. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding physical contact with clients.
- K72. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding dual or multiple relationships with clients, former clients, or others.
- K73. Knowledge of methods for preventing boundary confusion in the counseling relationship.
- K74. Knowledge of methods for managing avoidable and unavoidable dual or multiple relationships.
- T75. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding nonprofessional interactions with clients and others.
- T76. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding sexual contact, intimacy, or explicit communications with clients and others.
- T77. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding sexual harassment and use of derogatory language with or about clients and others.
- T78. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding counseling relationships with former sexual or intimate partners.
- T79. Knowledge of types of situations that indicate a need for professional assistance or consultation.
- T80. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding personal values, beliefs, reactions, and professional objectivity.
- T81. Knowledge of methods for managing the impact of personal values, beliefs, and reactions on treatment.
- T82. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding personal issues and professional performance.
- T83. Knowledge of methods for managing the impact of personal issues on professional performance or judgment.
- T84. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding practicing when physically or psychologically impaired.
- T85. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding practicing under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
2B. Responsibility to Clients and Social Work Relationships (24%)
- T33. Obtain consent for treatment to respect clients’ right to make meaningful treatment decisions.
- T34. Evaluate nature of clients’ relationship with other treatment providers to prevent confusion or duplication of services.
- T35. Provide services congruent with clients’ medically or psychologically necessary care.
- T36. Promote well-being of clients to protect their inherent dignity and welfare.
- T37. Respect clients’ right to autonomy to promote their ability to make own choices and decisions.
- T38. Manage issues related to confidentiality to protect clients’ privacy and the treatment relationship.
- T39. Manage safety concerns and crisis situations that arise during counseling to protect clients and others.
- T40. Manage the impact of legal and ethical obligations that arise during counseling.
- T41. Advocate with and on behalf of clients to assist in obtaining resources that meet clients’ mental health needs.
- T42. Collaborate with other professionals as part of multidisciplinary teams to meet clients’ needs.
- T43. Refer clients to qualified professionals to address situations that require adjunctive or alternate expertise.
- T44. Manage situations in which services must be interrupted or discontinued to minimize disruption to clients’ care.
- T45. Terminate services when counseling is no longer needed or is no longer beneficial to the client’s well-being.
- K86. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding providing clients with information about treatment and alternatives.
- K87. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding obtaining informed consent from clients and legal representatives.
- K88. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding clients’ right to withdraw consent.
- K89. Knowledge of methods for ensuring clients understand informed consent information and their rights.
- K90. Knowledge of methods for protecting the interest of clients who are unable to provide independent or voluntary consent.
- K91. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding accepting clients who are receiving services from other providers.
- K92. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding client transfers.
- K93. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding providing services in the best interest of clients.
- K94. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding accepting incentives for withholding or limiting client care.
- K95. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding acting in the best interest of clients.
- K96. Knowledge of methods for enhancing the well-being of individuals, families, and groups.
- K97. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding clients’ right to make treatment decisions.
- K98. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding confidentiality in treatment processes.
- K99. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding confidentiality with couples, families, and groups.
- K100. Knowledge of methods for minimizing harm to clients or others when disclosures are requested or required.
- K101. Knowledge of methods for managing breaches of confidentiality.
- K102. Knowledge of methods for managing confidentiality during consultations with other professionals.
- K103. Knowledge of methods for managing confidentiality with third-party payors.
- K104. Knowledge of ethical obligations regarding the management of safety needs.
- K105. Knowledge of methods for addressing client safety needs.
- K106. Knowledge of methods for protecting the best interest of clients in situations where legal and ethical obligations arise.
- K107. Knowledge of methods for protecting the best interest of clients in situations where workplace and ethical obligations conflict.
- K108. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding advocating for resources that meet clients’ mental health needs.
- K109. Knowledge of ethical standards for participating as a member of interdisciplinary teams.
- K110. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding client rights during consultations and collaborations with other professionals.
- K111. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding referrals for services that meet client needs.
- K112. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding transferring clients to other professionals.
- K113. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding continuity of care.
- K114. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding providing clients with notification and options when services are interrupted or discontinued.
- K115. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding discontinuing services.
- K116. Knowledge of methods for preventing client abandonment.
- K117. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding the termination of services to pursue social, financial, or personal interests.
2C. Practice Policies and Professional Responsibilities (16%)
- T46. Maintain ethical policies regarding the use of technology to deliver services and communicate with clients and others.
- T47. Maintain financial policies that conform to professional practices and are commensurate with services provided.
- T48. Adhere to ethical standards regarding accepting gifts and tokens of appreciation from clients or others.
- T49. Advertise services using accurate representations and acceptable means to promote or expand practice or services provided.
- T50. Manage client records consistent with ethical standards to document services and minimize potential for harm.
- T51. Maintain professionalism when acting in different roles or capacities to avoid confusion or inaccurate representation.
- T52. Adhere to ethical guidelines for conducting evaluations and research to protect the rights of clients and others.
- T53. Address unethical or incompetent conduct of colleagues to protect the well-being and best interest of clients.
- T54. Adhere to ethical guidelines for engaging in the supervisor/prelicensure practitioner relationship.
- K118. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding the use of electronic media to communicate and disseminate information.
- K119. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding delivering services through technology.
- K120. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding upholding the client’s well-being in service delivery using technology.
- K121. Knowledge of methods for managing confidentiality with the use of technology in service delivery.
- K122. Knowledge of methods for assessing competence with using technology for service delivery.
- K123. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding managing emergency situations that arise during telehealth.
- K124. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding managing technological disruptions.
- K125. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding gathering, managing, and storing information electronically.
- K126. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding setting fees and collecting payments.
- K127. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding collecting unpaid balances.
- K128. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding financial business practices and forms of payment.
- K129. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding financial interactions with third-party payors.
- K130. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding accepting goods or services as payment for professional services.
- K131. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding of accepting gifts and tokens of appreciation.
- K132. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding advertising.
- K133. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding soliciting and using testimonials or endorsements.
- K134. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding recruiting clients through employment and professional associations.
- K135. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding documenting services consistent with clinical best practices.
- K136. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding protecting client records.
- K137. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding clients’ access to treatment records.
- K138. Knowledge of methods for managing client records requests.
- K139. Knowledge of methods for assisting clients in understanding information in treatment records.
- K140. Knowledge of ethical standards about clarifying roles when acting in capacity other than LPCC.
- K141. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding conflicting or dual roles.
- K142. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding providing professional testimony, opinions, and evaluations.
- K143. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding client rights in evaluations and research.
- K144. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding consent and consent withdrawal during evaluations and research.
- K145. Knowledge of types of unethical colleague behaviors that require intervention or action.
- K146. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding addressing unethical or incompetent conduct of colleagues.
- K147. Knowledge of ethical standards pertaining to the supervisor/prelicensure practitioner relationship and responsibilities.
Examination sources
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker Law and Ethics Examination Outline
p.1, title and effective date
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker Law and Ethics Examination Outline
p.1, section 1A, heading, fixed weight and scope
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker Law and Ethics Examination Outline
p.4, section 1B, heading, fixed weight and scope
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker Law and Ethics Examination Outline
p.7, section 1C, heading, fixed weight and scope
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker Law and Ethics Examination Outline
p.9, section 2A, heading, fixed weight and scope
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker Law and Ethics Examination Outline
p.12, section 2B, heading, fixed weight and scope
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker Law and Ethics Examination Outline
p.15, section 2C, heading, fixed weight and scope
- California Board of Behavioral Sciences Candidate Handbook
p.1, examination table, LCSW row
- California Board of Behavioral Sciences Candidate Handbook
p.10, Answering Exam Questions
- California Board of Behavioral Sciences, Statutes and Regulations
16 CCR § 1877.1, passage beginning (1) A California law and ethics examination
- California official bbs-ca-law-ethics.html
Apply for INITIAL Law and Ethics Exam, separate applications
- California official bbs-ca-law-ethics.html
Apply for INITIAL Law and Ethics Exam, out-of-state authorization
Related license preparation
This examination may be required or accepted as an alternative, depending on the license and application pathway.