Free Professional Standards Examination Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the Professional Standards Examination practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1An Alabama licensee proposes to diagnose mental disorders and provide psychotherapy. Under the statutory definition of psychological practice, which statement is correct?

   1. A. Both activities are specifically included in psychological practice.
   2. B. Diagnosis is included, but psychotherapy is reserved to physicians.
   3. C. Psychotherapy is included, but diagnosis requires a separate board credential.
   4. D. Neither activity is within psychological practice.

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Ala. Code § 34-26-1(b)(1) states: "The practice of psychologists specifically includes the use of projective assessment techniques, the diagnosis of mental disorders, and psychotherapy." Both proposed activities are included.

   Reference: Notice of Meeting With Reports — Ala. Code § 34-26-1(b)(1), Appendix p. 24

2. 2A psychologist learns that a company is misrepresenting the psychologist's research findings in advertising. What does Standard 1.01 require?

   1. A. Take reasonable steps to correct or minimize the misuse or misrepresentation.
   2. B. File an ethics complaint without first checking the facts.
   3. C. Refuse all cooperation with an investigation until litigation ends.
   4. D. Deny employment to the person who reported the misuse.

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Standard 1.01 states: If psychologists learn of misuse or misrepresentation of their work, they take reasonable steps to correct or minimize the misuse or misrepresentation.

   Reference: Apa Ethics Code 2017 — Rule 750-X-6-.02(1), Appendix II, Standard 1.01

3. 3An Alabama psychologist wants to prescribe medication as part of psychotherapy. What does the Psychology Practice Act permit?

   1. A. Prescription is permitted with documented consultation.
   2. B. Prescription is permitted only in emergencies.
   3. C. The definition does not permit psychotherapy involving administration or prescription of drugs.
   4. D. Prescription is permitted after board approval of the specialty.

   Answer: C

   Explanation: Section 34-26-1(b)(2) excludes psychotherapy involving the "administration or prescription of drugs." Consultation or specialty approval does not create that authority.

   Reference: Notice of Meeting With Reports — Ala. Code § 34-26-1(b)(2), Appendix p. 24

4. 4A governing law conflicts with a psychologist's ethical responsibilities. Which response follows Standard 1.02?

   1. A. Ignore the law whenever the Ethics Code is stricter.
   2. B. Clarify the conflict, state commitment to the Code, and take reasonable steps to resolve it consistently with the Code.
   3. C. Treat the conflict as permission to violate human rights.
   4. D. Withdraw from every professional role without attempting resolution.

   Answer: B

   Explanation: Standard 1.02 requires psychologists to clarify the nature of the conflict, make known their commitment to the Ethics Code, and take reasonable steps to resolve the conflict consistently with the Code; it cannot justify human-rights violations.

   Reference: Apa Ethics Code 2017 — Rule 750-X-6-.02(1), Appendix II, Standard 1.02

5. 5A properly trained Alabama psychological technician plans to administer and interpret intelligence and achievement tests without supervision. Which rule applies?

   1. A. The technician may do so only under Level I supervision.
   2. B. The technician may provide those listed testing services directly without supervision.
   3. C. The technician may administer but never interpret the tests.
   4. D. The technician must obtain written consent from the Board for every test.

   Answer: B

   Explanation: Section 34-26-1(c)(1)(a) provides that a technician with adequate training "may administer and interpret tests of intelligence, achievement, aptitudes, and interests" without supervision.

   Reference: Notice of Meeting With Reports — Ala. Code § 34-26-1(c)(1)(a), Appendix pp. 24-25

6. 6A psychologist suspects a colleague committed a minor ethical violation that appears suitable for informal resolution and can be addressed without violating confidentiality. What is the prescribed first response?

   1. A. Report the colleague publicly.
   2. B. Bring the issue to the colleague's attention.
   3. C. Deny the colleague professional advancement.
   4. D. Wait until substantial harm occurs.

   Answer: B

   Explanation: Standard 1.04 directs psychologists to attempt informal resolution by bringing it to the attention of that individual when appropriate and confidentiality permits.

   Reference: Apa Ethics Code 2017 — Rule 750-X-6-.02(1), Appendix II, Standard 1.04

7. 7An Alabama psychological technician wants to independently perform personality appraisal. What is required?

   1. A. No supervision if the instrument is objective.
   2. B. Only an annual report to the Board.
   3. C. Qualified supervision by a licensed psychologist.
   4. D. A temporary psychologist license.

   Answer: C

   Explanation: Section 34-26-1(c)(2) says a technician "shall not provide" personality appraisal except under "qualified supervision of a licensed psychologist." The rule covers objective appraisal as well.

   Reference: Notice of Meeting With Reports — Ala. Code § 34-26-1(c)(2)(a), Appendix p. 25

8. 8An apparent ethical violation is likely to substantially harm a client and is not appropriate for informal resolution. What does Standard 1.05 call for, absent a confidentiality or retained-review exception?

   1. A. Take further action appropriate to the situation.
   2. B. Attempt only an informal conversation.
   3. C. Delay action until a court enters judgment.
   4. D. Limit the response to a private file note.

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Standard 1.05 says that when substantial harm exists and informal resolution is unsuitable, psychologists take further action appropriate to the situation.

   Reference: Apa Ethics Code 2017 — Rule 750-X-6-.02(1), Appendix II, Standard 1.05

9. 9What privilege standard does Alabama apply to confidential communications between a licensed psychologist and a client?

   1. A. The same basis as physician-patient privilege.
   2. B. The same basis as attorney-client privilege.
   3. C. A privilege only for court-ordered services.
   4. D. No statutory privilege applies.

   Answer: B

   Explanation: Ala. Code § 34-26-2 places those confidential relations and communications "upon the same basis as those provided by law between attorney and client."

   Reference: Notice of Meeting With Reports — Ala. Code § 34-26-2, Appendix p. 25

10. 10A psychologist asks to defer an ethics complaint while related litigation is pending. Does that request alone constitute noncooperation?

    1. A. Yes, every deferment request is noncooperation.
    2. B. Yes, unless the complainant agrees.
    3. C. No, the request alone does not constitute noncooperation.
    4. D. No, because psychologists never have to cooperate with ethics bodies.

    Answer: C

    Explanation: Standard 1.06 requires cooperation but states that making a request for deferment of adjudication ... pending the outcome of litigation does not alone constitute noncooperation.

    Reference: Apa Ethics Code 2017 — Rule 750-X-6-.02(1), Appendix II, Standard 1.06