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100+ Free CA SW Juris Practice Questions

Pass your California LCSW Law & Ethics Examination exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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Under California Penal Code Section 11165.7, which of the following individuals is a mandated reporter of child abuse?

A
B
C
D
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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CA SW Juris Exam

~70%

Passing Score

Scaled scoring

75

Total Questions

50 scored + 25 pilot

90 min

Time Limit

Pearson VUE

36 hrs

CE Required

Biennial renewal

3,200

Clinical Hours

For LCSW licensure

The CA LCSW Law & Ethics Exam has 75 questions (50 scored) in 90 minutes, closed-book at Pearson VUE. Passing ~70% scaled. Content: Law 40% (confidentiality/privilege 14%, mandated reporting 16%, legal standards 10%) and Ethics 60% (professional competence 18%, therapeutic relationships 27%, business practices 15%). Must pass before ASWB Clinical.

Sample CA SW Juris Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your CA SW Juris exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which California state board administers the LCSW Law and Ethics Examination?
A.California Board of Psychology
B.California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS)
C.California Department of Consumer Affairs
D.California Health and Human Services Agency
Explanation: The California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) is the regulatory body that administers the LCSW Law and Ethics Examination. The BBS oversees the licensure of LCSWs, LMFTs, LPCCs, and LEPs in California. While BBS operates under the Department of Consumer Affairs, it is BBS specifically that administers the exam.
2How many questions on the California LCSW Law and Ethics Examination are scored?
A.75 scored questions
B.50 scored questions plus 25 unscored pilot questions
C.60 scored questions plus 15 unscored pilot questions
D.100 scored questions
Explanation: The California LCSW Law and Ethics Examination contains 75 total questions, of which 50 are scored and 25 are unscored pilot questions being tested for future exams. Candidates cannot distinguish between scored and unscored questions, so they must treat every question as if it counts toward their score.
3What is the time limit for the California LCSW Law and Ethics Examination?
A.60 minutes
B.120 minutes
C.90 minutes
D.180 minutes
Explanation: Candidates have 90 minutes to complete the California LCSW Law and Ethics Examination. The exam is closed-book and proctored at a Pearson VUE testing center. With 75 questions in 90 minutes, candidates have approximately 1 minute and 12 seconds per question.
4Under California Business and Professions Code (BPC), what is the minimum number of supervised clinical hours required for LCSW licensure?
A.1,500 hours
B.2,000 hours
C.3,200 hours
D.4,000 hours
Explanation: California BPC Section 4996.23 requires a minimum of 3,200 hours of post-master's supervised clinical experience for LCSW licensure. Of these, at least 1,700 hours must be gained after receipt of the master's degree, and up to 1,500 hours may be credited from a supervised practicum during the master's program. This is a key requirement candidates must know for the Law and Ethics exam.
5An LCSW in California discovers that a 10-year-old client has bruises consistent with physical abuse. Under California Penal Code Section 11166, what must the LCSW do?
A.Document the findings and discuss with the child's parents first
B.Make an immediate telephone report to a child protective agency followed by a written report within 36 hours
C.Report to the Board of Behavioral Sciences within 48 hours
D.Consult with a colleague before taking any action
Explanation: Under California Penal Code Section 11166, mandated reporters (including LCSWs) who have knowledge of or observe a child whom they reasonably suspect has been a victim of child abuse must make an immediate telephone report to a child protective agency, followed by a written report within 36 hours. Failure to report is a misdemeanor. The LCSW should not delay by consulting colleagues or discussing with parents first.
6Under California's Tarasoff duty, when is an LCSW legally obligated to breach confidentiality?
A.When a client expresses general anger toward another person
B.When there is a serious threat of physical violence against a reasonably identifiable victim
C.Whenever a client discusses violent fantasies during therapy
D.Only when a client has a documented history of violence
Explanation: Under California Civil Code Section 43.92 (codifying the Tarasoff duty), a psychotherapist including an LCSW has a duty to protect when a patient communicates a serious threat of physical violence against a reasonably identifiable victim. The duty is discharged by making reasonable efforts to communicate the threat to the victim and to a law enforcement agency. General anger, fantasies without specific threats, or history alone do not trigger this duty.
7What is the psychotherapist-patient privilege under California Evidence Code Section 1014?
A.The therapist's right to refuse to testify about any client
B.The patient's right to prevent their therapist from disclosing confidential communications in legal proceedings
C.The court's right to compel testimony from any therapist
D.A privilege that only applies to psychiatrists and psychologists
Explanation: California Evidence Code Section 1014 establishes the psychotherapist-patient privilege, which belongs to the patient, not the therapist. This privilege allows patients to prevent their psychotherapist from disclosing confidential communications made during the course of treatment in any legal proceeding. The privilege applies to LCSWs as well as other licensed mental health professionals in California.
8Under California law, at what age can a minor consent to outpatient mental health treatment without parental consent?
A.Any age with therapist approval
B.Age 12 or older
C.Age 14 or older
D.Age 16 or older
Explanation: Under California Family Code Section 6924, a minor who is 12 years of age or older may consent to mental health treatment or counseling services if the minor is mature enough to participate intelligently and there is a danger of serious physical or mental harm to the minor or others. The LCSW must determine that the minor meets these criteria before providing services without parental consent.
9What does California BPC Section 4996.9 require an ASW (Associate Social Worker) to do before providing clinical services?
A.Complete at least 1,000 hours of independent practice
B.Register with the BBS and practice under board-approved supervision
C.Obtain malpractice insurance of at least $5 million
D.Pass the ASWB Clinical examination
Explanation: California BPC Section 4996.9 requires individuals to register with the BBS as an Associate Social Worker (ASW) before providing clinical social work services post-master's degree. The ASW must practice under the supervision of a BBS-approved supervisor. The ASW registration allows individuals to gain supervised clinical experience toward LCSW licensure while being regulated by the board.
10How often must a California LCSW supervisor meet with their ASW supervisee for individual supervision?
A.At least once per month
B.At least once per week for each setting in which the ASW provides services
C.At least twice per month
D.As needed based on the supervisor's professional judgment
Explanation: Under California BPC Section 4996.23.1 and BBS regulations, supervisors must provide at least one hour of individual supervision per week for each setting in which the ASW provides clinical services. Additionally, one hour of direct supervisor contact is required for every five hours of client contact. Group supervision may supplement but not replace individual supervision requirements.

About the CA SW Juris Exam

The California LCSW Law and Ethics Examination is a closed-book, proctored exam required for all LCSW candidates in California. It tests knowledge of California-specific laws, ethics, and regulations governing clinical social work practice. The exam has 75 questions (50 scored, 25 unscored pilot items) and must be completed in 90 minutes at a Pearson VUE testing center. Candidates must pass this exam before sitting for the ASWB Clinical examination.

Questions

75 scored questions

Time Limit

90 minutes

Passing Score

~70% (scaled)

Exam Fee

Varies by testing center (California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) / Pearson VUE)

CA SW Juris Exam Content Outline

27%

Therapeutic Relationships & Ethics

Dual relationships, sexual misconduct, boundaries, client self-determination, cultural competency, informed consent, termination of services

18%

Professional Competence

Scope of practice (BPC 4996.9), continuing education (36 hrs/biennial), LCSW vs LMFT/LPCC scope, practicing within competence, impairment

16%

Mandated Reporting

Child abuse (Penal Code 11166), elder/dependent adult abuse (WIC 15630), 36-hour written report requirement, reporter immunity

15%

Business Practices

Record keeping (7-year retention), advertising standards, fee disclosure, practice closure, supervision documentation, billing ethics

14%

Confidentiality & Privilege

Psychotherapist-patient privilege (Evidence Code 1014), Tarasoff duty (Civil Code 43.92), HIPAA/CMIA, subpoena response, privilege exceptions

10%

Legal Standards & Licensure

BPC Social Work Practice Act, ASW registration, supervisor qualifications, BBS complaint process, 5150/LPS Act, telehealth (BPC 2290.5)

How to Pass the CA SW Juris Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: ~70% (scaled)
  • Exam length: 75 questions
  • Time limit: 90 minutes
  • Exam fee: Varies by testing center

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 SW Juris Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master the Tarasoff duty to warn/protect framework under Civil Code Section 43.92 — know when it is triggered and how it is discharged
2Know all exceptions to the psychotherapist-patient privilege under Evidence Code Sections 1014-1027
3Study mandated reporting timelines: immediate telephone report + written report within 36 hours for child abuse (Penal Code 11166)
4Understand minor consent rules under Family Code Section 6924 (age 12+ for mental health and substance abuse treatment)
5Review ASW supervision requirements including weekly individual supervision, 6-supervisee maximum, and supervisor qualifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the California LCSW Law and Ethics Exam?

The California LCSW Law and Ethics Exam is a state-specific, closed-book, proctored exam required for LCSW licensure. It has 75 questions (50 scored, 25 unscored) in 90 minutes at Pearson VUE. It tests California BPC, confidentiality laws, mandated reporting, Tarasoff duty, and professional ethics specific to clinical social work practice.

What score do I need to pass the CA LCSW Law & Ethics exam?

The passing score is approximately 70% on a scaled scoring system. Because 25 of the 75 questions are unscored pilot items, you cannot calculate your score based on total questions. Focus on knowing the material thoroughly rather than estimating a target number of correct answers.

Do I take the Law & Ethics exam before or after the ASWB Clinical exam?

California requires candidates to pass the Law and Ethics Examination first, before they are eligible to take the ASWB Clinical examination. This sequence ensures knowledge of California-specific laws before demonstrating national clinical competence.

What California laws are most heavily tested?

Key statutes include BPC Sections 4996-4996.9 (Social Work Practice Act), Evidence Code Section 1014 (privilege), Civil Code Section 43.92 (Tarasoff), Penal Code Section 11166 (child abuse reporting), WIC Section 15630 (elder abuse), Family Code Section 6924 (minor consent), and BPC Section 2290.5 (telehealth).