100+ Free CA MFT Law & Ethics Practice Questions
Pass your California Law & Ethics Exam (LMFT) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.
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Key Facts: CA MFT Law & Ethics Exam
75 Qs
Total Questions
50 scored + 25 pretest
90 min
Time Limit
Closed-book, computer-based
36 hrs
CE Per Renewal
Biennial cycle
No
National Exam Required
CA is independent
100
Practice Questions
Free on OpenExamPrep
The California Law & Ethics Exam is required for LMFT licensure in California. It covers BPC 4980 et seq. (MFT Practice Act), Board of Behavioral Sciences regulations, CAMFT Code of Ethics, Tarasoff duty to warn and protect, mandated reporting of child/elder/dependent adult abuse, confidentiality and privilege (Evidence Code 1014), informed consent, telehealth standards, supervision requirements for associates, scope of practice limitations, and business practice standards. The exam has 75 questions (50 scored, 25 unscored pretest items) with a 90-minute time limit.
About the CA MFT Law & Ethics Exam
The California Law & Ethics Exam (LMFT) tests knowledge of California-specific laws, regulations, and ethical standards governing Marriage and Family Therapy practice. This exam covers California Business and Professions Code (BPC 4980 et seq.), BBS regulations, CAMFT Code of Ethics, mandated reporting requirements, Tarasoff duty to warn/protect, telehealth regulations, and supervision standards. California does NOT require the AMFTRB national exam — this is a completely independent state exam.
Questions
75 scored questions
Time Limit
90 minutes
Passing Score
Criterion-referenced/scaled
Exam Fee
$100 (California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) / Pearson VUE)
CA MFT Law & Ethics Exam Content Outline
Confidentiality, Privilege & Consent
Evidence Code 1014, psychotherapist-patient privilege, Tarasoff duty, exceptions to confidentiality, informed consent requirements, minor consent
Mandated Reporting
Child abuse and neglect (CANRA), elder and dependent adult abuse, duty to report, immunity provisions, reporting timelines and procedures
Legal Standards & Practice Act
BPC 4980 et seq., scope of practice, licensure requirements, title protection, BBS authority, disciplinary actions, unprofessional conduct
Professional Competence & Ethics
CAMFT Code of Ethics, competence boundaries, continuing education, cultural competence, impairment, self-care, documentation standards
Therapeutic Relationships & Boundaries
Dual relationships, sexual misconduct prohibitions, gift-giving, social media boundaries, termination and abandonment, power dynamics, transference
Business Practices & Supervision
Associate supervision requirements, advertising standards, fee practices, record retention, telehealth regulations, professional corporation rules
How to Pass the CA MFT Law & Ethics Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Criterion-referenced/scaled
- Exam length: 75 questions
- Time limit: 90 minutes
- Exam fee: $100
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
CA MFT Law & Ethics Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the California MFT Law & Ethics Exam?
The California Law & Ethics Exam is a state-specific examination required for LMFT licensure in California. It tests candidates' knowledge of California Business and Professions Code (BPC 4980 et seq.), Board of Behavioral Sciences regulations, CAMFT Code of Ethics, mandated reporting laws, Tarasoff duty, confidentiality and privilege statutes, and supervision requirements. The exam has 75 multiple-choice questions with a 90-minute time limit.
Does California require the AMFTRB national MFT exam?
No. California does NOT require the AMFTRB national examination for MFT licensure. California has its own independent Law & Ethics Exam administered through Pearson VUE. This is one of the key differences between California and most other states.
How many questions are scored on the California MFT exam?
Of the 75 total questions, only 50 are scored. The remaining 25 are unscored pretest items being evaluated for future exams. You cannot tell which questions are scored and which are pretest, so treat every question as if it counts.
What is the Tarasoff duty and how does it apply in California?
The Tarasoff duty, established by the California Supreme Court, requires therapists to take reasonable steps to protect identifiable potential victims when a client communicates a serious threat of violence. In California, this duty was codified in Civil Code Section 43.92 and applies to all licensed therapists including LMFTs.