Free Board-prepared oral examination Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the Board-prepared oral examination practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1A West Virginia psychologist realizes that a financial relationship with a current client is impairing the psychologist’s objectivity. Under the Board’s Code of Conduct, what is the controlling concern?

   1. A. Whether the relationship is exploitative or impairs judgment
   2. B. Whether the relationship was disclosed after treatment ended
   3. C. Whether the client has paid every outstanding fee
   4. D. Whether the relationship occurs outside office hours

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Section 5.1.a says a psychologist must ensure that multiple relationships “do not impair the psychologist's professional judgment or objectivity or result in a conflict of interest.” The impaired objectivity makes the relationship impermissible.

   Reference: Series 6 Code of Conduct (2024) — 17 CSR 6 §5.1.a

2. 2After receiving a Board complaint, how long does the Board’s current complaint process give the psychologist to send a response?

   1. A. 10 days
   2. B. 30 days
   3. C. 45 days
   4. D. 60 days

   Answer: B

   Explanation: The Board’s complaint page states: “The psychologist has 30 days from receipt of the complaint to send a response to the Board office.”

   Reference: File a Complaint — Psychologist’s Response

3. 3A client presents needs outside a West Virginia psychologist’s competence. What statutory duty arises at the start of the psychologist-client relationship?

   1. A. Assist the client in obtaining professional help for those needs
   2. B. Treat the needs under general supervision
   3. C. Limit the record to in-scope symptoms
   4. D. Ask the client to waive the competence issue

   Answer: A

   Explanation: West Virginia Code §30-21-4(a) makes it a duty to assist the client in obtaining professional help for aspects outside “the boundaries of the licensee's competence.”

   Reference: §30-21 — W. Va. Code §30-21-4(a)

4. 4A psychologist’s substance-use condition is reasonably expected to impair professional functioning. What is the threshold rule for taking a new client?

   1. A. Begin services with monthly peer review
   2. B. Begin services only if the client agrees
   3. C. Begin services but avoid assessment
   4. D. Do not undertake the professional relationship

   Answer: D

   Explanation: Section 6.1 states that an impaired psychologist “shall not undertake or continue a professional relationship with a client.”

   Reference: Series 6 Code of Conduct (2024) — 17 CSR 6 §6.1

5. 5An unlicensed person advertises independent psychology services in West Virginia using the title “psychologist.” What is the governing rule?

   1. A. The title may be used if no testing is offered
   2. B. The title may be used with a disclaimer
   3. C. The title may be used for fewer than ten clients
   4. D. A current license or temporary permit is required unless a statutory exception applies

   Answer: D

   Explanation: West Virginia Code §30-21-3(a) bars a person from practicing or holding out as a psychologist “unless and until he or she shall first obtain a license or temporary permit.”

   Reference: §30-21 — W. Va. Code §30-21-3(a)

6. 6Before an evaluation begins, what information must a psychologist communicate to support the client’s freedom of choice?

   1. A. Only the expected fee
   2. B. The purpose and nature of the procedure
   3. C. Only the likely diagnosis
   4. D. The psychologist’s entire employment history

   Answer: B

   Explanation: Section 7.1 requires keeping the client informed of “the purpose and nature of any evaluation, treatment, or other procedures” and the right to freedom of choice.

   Reference: Series 6 Code of Conduct (2024) — 17 CSR 6 §7.1

7. 7What West Virginia-specific approval must a psychologist obtain for new services and techniques under the Board’s Code?

   1. A. Approval from every current client
   2. B. Approval from the employer’s insurer
   3. C. Approval from the Board
   4. D. Approval from a local hospital

   Answer: C

   Explanation: Section 4.4 requires the psychologist to “seek and acquire Board approval for new services and techniques.”

   Reference: Series 6 Code of Conduct (2024) — 17 CSR 6 §4.4

8. 8A psychologist has a community connection with a client, but it is not reasonably expected to impair objectivity or risk harm. How does the West Virginia Code treat that relationship?

   1. A. It is automatically prohibited
   2. B. It is not expressly prohibited
   3. C. It requires immediate termination
   4. D. It requires a Board hearing

   Answer: B

   Explanation: Section 5.1.b states that relationships not reasonably expected to impair judgment or objectivity or risk harm “are not expressly prohibited.”

   Reference: Series 6 Code of Conduct (2024) — 17 CSR 6 §5.1.b

9. 9A lawyer sends a subpoena and calls it a court order. Under the West Virginia Board’s Code definition, which statement is correct?

   1. A. Every subpoena is a court order
   2. B. A subpoena becomes a court order after service
   3. C. A subpoena is a court order if signed by counsel
   4. D. A subpoena is not a court order

   Answer: D

   Explanation: Section 3.4 defines a court order as judicial communication and expressly states: “A subpoena is not a court order.”

   Reference: Series 6 Code of Conduct (2024) — 17 CSR 6 §3.4

10. 10A psychologist has read about a specialty but has no education, training, or experience in it. May the psychologist begin independent specialty practice?

    1. A. Yes, if the first client signs a waiver
    2. B. Yes, if the psychologist holds any psychology license
    3. C. No; practice must remain within areas of established proficiency
    4. D. Yes, if services are not advertised

    Answer: C

    Explanation: Section 4.1 requires limiting practice and supervision to competence “in which proficiency has been gained through education, training, and experience.”

    Reference: Series 6 Code of Conduct (2024) — 17 CSR 6 §4.1