Free Structured Oral Examination Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

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

1. 1Under section 40-55-50(B), which fact is irrelevant when deciding whether a nonexempt person performing a listed activity is engaged in the practice of psychology?

   1. A. Whether the activity is one listed in the statute
   2. B. Whether payment is received for the service
   3. C. Whether the person falls within a statutory exemption
   4. D. Whether the activity is performed electronically in this State

   Answer: B

   Explanation: Section 40-55-50(B) states that a nonexempt person is engaged in psychology when performing listed activities "regardless of whether or not payment is received for the services." The unpaid assessment therefore remains regulated practice.

   Reference: Sc Code Title 40 Ch 55 Official — SECTION 40-55-50. Acts constituting practice as psychologist.

2. 2An applicant argues that South Carolina's psychology conduct rules apply only after a license is issued. Which statement is correct?

   1. A. They apply to licensees and applicants, including conduct during required education, training, and supervision
   2. B. The APA Code is incorporated as the ethics code for Board licensees
   3. C. A rule violation constitutes unprofessional conduct for disciplinary purposes
   4. D. A licensee must report substantial evidence of a violation in writing

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Regulation 100-4(A)(3) says the rules apply to "each licensee and each applicant for licensure, including the applicant's conduct during the period of education, training and supervision."

   Reference: South Carolina Legislature Online - Search — SECTION 100-4.

3. 3When may the Board waive the assembled examination for a person who otherwise meets section 40-55-80?

   1. A. When the Board finds the person's educational and professional attainments satisfactory and a waiver serves the public interest
   2. B. When another jurisdiction's standards are no lower and reciprocity requirements are met
   3. C. When a nonresident receives a temporary permit for no more than sixty days
   4. D. When an applicant seeks a hardship extension of the assembled examination

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Section 40-55-110 permits the Board, in its discretion, to waive the assembled examination for a section 40-55-80-qualified person whose educational and professional attainments satisfy the Board, "if it deems such action to be in the public interest."

   Reference: Sc Code Title 40 Ch 55 Official — SECTION 40-55-110. Waiver of examination.

4. 4A psychologist located outside South Carolina evaluates a client who is physically in South Carolina by video. How does Chapter 55 classify the location-based activity?

   1. A. It is South Carolina practice because the listed activity is performed electronically within the State
   2. B. The home state retains authority over the psychologist's home-state license
   3. C. The receiving state controls the authorized scope for compact telepsychology
   4. D. The distant state controls temporary in-person practice under the compact

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Section 40-55-50(C) provides that a person is practicing psychology when the listed activities are performed "electronically within this State" through means including internet and phone lines. The client's South Carolina location brings the service within the rule.

   Reference: Sc Code Title 40 Ch 55 Official — SECTION 40-55-50. Acts constituting practice as psychologist.

5. 5Which ethics code does South Carolina Regulation 100-4 adopt and incorporate by reference for psychologists licensed by the Board?

   1. A. The APA Code of Ethics
   2. B. The ASPPB Agreement of Reciprocity
   3. C. The PSYPACT Commission rules
   4. D. The Board's patient-rights statement

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Regulation 100-4(A)(1) states: "The Board adopts and incorporates by reference the APA Code of Ethics as the code of ethics for individuals licensed by this Board."

   Reference: South Carolina Legislature Online - Search — SECTION 100-4.

6. 6Absent mitigating circumstances, how many professional references may the South Carolina Board require from a psychologist applicant?

   1. A. No more than two
   2. B. No more than three
   3. C. No more than four
   4. D. No more than five

   Answer: B

   Explanation: Section 40-55-80(1) allows references from persons with knowledge of competency and says "the board may not require more than three references unless there are mitigating circumstances."

   Reference: Sc Code Title 40 Ch 55 Official — SECTION 40-55-80. Application for license; qualifications of applicants.

7. 7A licensee uses psychological testing to determine whether an adult meets criteria for a mental disorder. Which statutory practice category most directly covers this work?

   1. A. Psychological assessment
   2. B. Psychological consulting
   3. C. Continuing education
   4. D. Temporary in-person practice

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Section 40-55-50(A)(1)(a) includes assessment for "diagnosing mental disorders," and the statute expressly includes psychological testing and evaluation among assessment practices.

   Reference: Sc Code Title 40 Ch 55 Official — SECTION 40-55-50. Acts constituting practice as psychologist.

8. 8What regulatory consequence can follow a violation of South Carolina's psychology rules of conduct?

   1. A. A private reprimand may be excluded from publication of a final guilt order
   2. B. Unprofessional-conduct treatment supporting discipline or denial of original or reinstated licensure
   3. C. The Board may require additional professional training as a disciplinary action
   4. D. A Board official retains immunity for official acts absent actual malice

   Answer: B

   Explanation: Regulation 100-4(A)(5) makes a violation "unprofessional conduct" and sufficient reason for disciplinary action or denial of original licensure or reinstatement.

   Reference: South Carolina Legislature Online - Search — SECTION 100-4.

9. 9Which examination evidence is part of the statutory competence requirement for initial South Carolina psychologist licensure?

   1. A. Passing both written and oral examinations required by the Board
   2. B. Passing only a supervised-practice review
   3. C. Completing only an unscored interview
   4. D. Passing only a continuing-education quiz

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Section 40-55-80(3) requires evidence of competence "as shown by passing written and oral examinations as required by the board."

   Reference: Sc Code Title 40 Ch 55 Official — SECTION 40-55-80. Application for license; qualifications of applicants.

10. 10A psychologist evaluates whether a treatment program is changing participants' functioning. Which South Carolina scope provision directly encompasses the purpose of that assessment?

    1. A. Designing or delivering psychological programs or services
    2. B. Evaluating the effectiveness of treatments, programs, or settings
    3. C. Selecting techniques for psychological treatment or intervention
    4. D. Improving individual functioning through a therapeutic relationship

    Answer: B

    Explanation: Section 40-55-50(A)(1)(g) expressly places "evaluating the effectiveness of treatments, programs, or settings" within psychological assessment practice.

    Reference: Sc Code Title 40 Ch 55 Official — SECTION 40-55-50. Acts constituting practice as psychologist.