Free Practice Questions for CCLS

Exam-style questions and explanations by OpenExamPrep.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card

Exam pass rate: 61%

257+ Questions

100% Free

Loading practice questions...

Exam Review

Key Facts: CCLS Exam

61%

Pass Rate (2024)

Child Life Certification Commission (CLCC)

Not published

Passing Score

CLCC criterion-referenced standard

150

Exam Questions

Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP)

4 hours

Exam Duration

Child Life Certification Commission (CLCC)

$300 (ACLP members) / $450 (non-members)

Exam Fee

Child Life Certification Commission (CLCC)

The Child Life Professional Certification Examination has 150 multiple-choice questions (125 scored plus 25 pretest) in a 4-hour session, scored against a criterion-referenced standard whose numeric cut score the CLCC does not publish. In 2024, 608 exams were administered with a 61% passing rate. The CCLS certification validates skills in providing psychosocial support to children and families in healthcare settings. It covers child development, therapeutic play, preparation for procedures, pain management, grief counseling, and family-centered care.

Sample CCLS Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the CCLS exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 257+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1According to the Child Life Code of Ethics (effective October 1, 2023), which principle requires Certified Child Life Specialists to demonstrate professional competencies through continuous efforts to improve services and practices?

A.Principle 1 — primary commitment to psychosocial care of the patient and family

B.Principle 4 — respect privacy and maintain confidentiality

C.Principle 5 — continuous efforts to improve professional services and practices

D.Principle 11 — financial gain never takes precedence over professional values

Explanation: Principle 5 of the Child Life Code of Ethics (eff. Oct 1, 2023) states that CCLSs demonstrate the competencies of the child life profession by continuous efforts to improve professional services and practices in diverse settings and the community. Principle 1 addresses primary commitment to psychosocial care; Principle 4 addresses privacy/confidentiality; Principle 11 addresses financial gain. The Code does not use a labeled "Principle of professional excellence."

2A Certified Child Life Specialist is asked by a family member to share information about a patient's diagnosis. The patient is 16 years old and has requested that this information remain confidential. What is the most appropriate response?

A.Share the information since the family member is involved in care

B.Explain that the patient has requested confidentiality and discuss what information can be shared

C.Refuse to speak with the family member entirely

D.Share only information that the specialist believes would be helpful

Explanation: Principle 4 of the Child Life Code of Ethics requires CCLSs to respect the privacy of children and families and maintain confidentiality within employer, legal, and practice standards. The CCLS should respect the adolescent's confidentiality request while facilitating appropriate communication: explain confidentiality limits, discuss with the patient what may be shared, and work toward a collaborative approach that respects the patient's wishes while supporting family involvement as appropriate. (Principle 3 addresses respect for diversity/identity/community, not confidentiality.)

3Which of the following constitutes a violation of professional boundaries in child life practice?

A.Accepting a handmade thank-you card from a patient

B.Providing a patient's family with your personal cell phone number for after-hours questions

C.Attending a patient's school play when invited by the family

D.Connecting with a patient's parent on LinkedIn after discharge

Explanation: Providing personal contact information for after-hours clinical questions violates professional boundaries. CCLSs should maintain therapeutic relationships within the healthcare context and use institutional channels for communication. While accepting small tokens of appreciation (like handmade cards) is generally acceptable, attending social events, connecting on social media, or providing personal contact information blurs professional boundaries and may create dual relationships that compromise care.

4According to HIPAA regulations, when is a healthcare provider permitted to disclose protected health information (PHI) to a child's parent or legal guardian?

A.Only when the parent requests it in writing

B.When the patient is a minor, with few exceptions

C.Only in emergency situations

D.Never, as minors have complete privacy rights

Explanation: Under HIPAA, parents and legal guardians generally have the right to access their minor child's protected health information. However, exceptions exist when state law allows minors to consent to treatment (such as mental health, substance abuse, or reproductive health services). Additionally, if a parent is suspected of abuse or neglect, information may be withheld. Understanding these nuances is essential for CCLSs navigating confidentiality with patients and families.

5The concept of "assent" in pediatric healthcare refers to:

A.Legal permission from parents for treatment

B.Developmentally appropriate agreement to participate in care from the child

C.Documentation of informed consent in the medical record

D.Court-ordered treatment authorization

Explanation: Assent refers to the child's developmentally appropriate agreement to participate in their care. While parents provide legal consent, seeking assent from children respects their autonomy and promotes cooperation. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends seeking assent from children ages 7 and older. This involves explaining procedures in age-appropriate language, acknowledging the child's preferences, and respecting their wishes when possible, even when parental consent overrides them.

6A CCLS observes bruising on a 3-year-old patient that is inconsistent with the explanation provided by the parent. According to mandatory reporting laws, what is the required action?

A.Confront the parent about the inconsistency

B.Document observations and report suspicions to the appropriate authorities

C.Wait for more evidence before taking action

D.Discuss concerns with the child privately first

Explanation: Mandatory reporting laws require healthcare professionals to report suspected child abuse or neglect. The CCLS should document objective observations (location, appearance of bruising, child's behavior) and report suspicions to the designated institutional authority (typically child protection services or social work). Direct confrontation is inappropriate and potentially dangerous. Waiting for more evidence violates legal obligations. The report should be made based on reasonable suspicion, not confirmed proof.

7Which of the following best describes trauma-informed care in child life practice?

A.Focusing exclusively on patients with diagnosed PTSD

B.Recognizing the widespread impact of trauma and responding with safety-focused approaches

C.Avoiding discussion of traumatic experiences with patients

D.Referring all trauma cases to mental health professionals only

Explanation: Trauma-informed care recognizes that many children and families have experienced trauma and that healthcare environments can be re-traumatizing. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) identifies six principles: safety; trustworthiness and transparency; peer support; collaboration and mutuality; empowerment, voice, and choice; and cultural, historical, and gender issues. CCLSs apply these principles by creating safe environments, providing choices, and recognizing trauma responses in behavior.

8A CCLS working with a teenage patient learns the patient is pregnant and considering termination. The CCLS personally opposes abortion. According to the Code of Ethics, the appropriate response is to:

A.Share personal beliefs to provide guidance

B.Provide non-judgmental support and appropriate resources

C.Refer the patient to another provider immediately

D.Notify the parents without patient consent

Explanation: Principle 2 of the Child Life Code of Ethics requires CCLSs to maintain objectivity, integrity, and competence while exhibiting compassion. Imposing personal values about abortion violates objectivity and compassion. Principle 6 further requires providing services within competencies and making appropriate referrals — referral is appropriate when the situation exceeds scope, not solely because of personal belief. The CCLS should provide non-judgmental support, offer appropriate resources, respect autonomy, and maintain confidentiality as legally permitted.

9In the context of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), cultural humility refers to:

A.Learning all possible cultural practices to be prepared

B.A lifelong process of self-reflection and learning from others

C.Assigning patients to CCLSs of matching backgrounds

D.Avoiding cultural topics to prevent offense

Explanation: Cultural humility, developed by Melanie Tervalon and Jann Murray-García, is a lifelong process of self-reflection and critique, recognizing power imbalances in healthcare relationships and maintaining mutually respectful partnerships. Unlike cultural competence (which suggests learning finite information), cultural humility acknowledges that identities are complex and ever-changing. CCLSs practicing cultural humility approach each family as unique, ask questions respectfully, and remain open to learning.

10Which documentation format best represents the APIE (Assessment, Plan, Intervention, Evaluation) process in child life documentation?

A.Narrative summary of patient interactions

B.Objective data, identified needs, interventions provided, and patient response

C.List of toys provided during visit

D.Copy of education materials given to family

Explanation: The official Exam Content Outline (Domain I) and Candidate Manual cite clear documentation outlining the assessment, plan, intervention, and evaluation (APIE) process. Assessment includes psychosocial and developmental data; the Plan identifies goals and proposed interventions; Intervention documents services provided; Evaluation assesses patient/family response and progress. This structured approach supports continuity of care, quality metrics, and demonstration of child life value.

About the CCLS Exam

The CCLS certification validates skills in providing psychosocial support to children and families in healthcare settings. It covers child development, therapeutic play, preparation for procedures, pain management, grief counseling, and family-centered care.

Exam sponsor: Child Life Certification Commission (CLCC) / ACLP. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Questions

150 questions

Time Limit

4 hours

Passing Score

Criterion-referenced (cut score not published)

Exam / Certification Fees

$300 (ACLP members) / $450 (non-members)

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: 61%. 2024 CLCC published exam statistics This describes exam candidates, not OpenExamPrep users or results from using our resources. Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

37%

Assessment

Psychosocial risk and prioritization, health care data, developmental data, family variables, and cultural and contextual variables

37%

Intervention

Patient- and family-centered care, play theories in practice, individualized education and coping support, procedural support, and loss, grief, and bereavement

26%

Professional Responsibility

Ethical practice standards, continuous improvement and self-reflection, and collaboration with multi-disciplinary professionals

Preparing for the CCLS Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Criterion-referenced (cut score not published)
Exam length: 150 questions
Time limit: 4 hours
Exam / certification fees: $300 (ACLP members) / $450 (non-members) Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

Work through all 257 available questions
Review every answer and explanation
Track weak areas and revisit them
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CCLS: Suggested Study Strategy

1Focus on the highest-weighted content areas first — they represent the most exam questions

2Complete at least 250 practice questions and review explanations for every missed item

3Study in focused 1-2 hour blocks with active recall and spaced repetition

4Review clinical guidelines and evidence-based practice standards relevant to this credential

5Take at least two full-length timed practice exams before your scheduled test date

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CCLS exam passing score?

The Child Life Professional Certification Examination is criterion-referenced, meaning candidates must meet a minimum-competence standard established by child life subject matter experts rather than beat a fixed percentage. The CLCC does not publish a numeric cut score, and candidates who pass receive only a pass result instead of a numerical score. The exam has 150 multiple-choice questions in 4 hours.

How hard is the CCLS exam?

In 2024 the CLCC reported 608 exams administered with a 61% passing rate, a figure that includes first-time candidates, retake candidates, and certificants using the exam to recertify. Candidates who have completed the 600-hour clinical internship and study systematically across all three domains perform best. Plan for roughly 100-160 hours of dedicated study.

How long should I study for the CCLS?

Most candidates study for 10-18 weeks, investing roughly 100-160 hours. Weight your time toward Assessment and Intervention, which together account for 74% of the exam, complete practice questions, and review explanations for every missed item.

What is the CCLS exam fee?

The exam fee is $300 for ACLP members and $450 for non-members, plus a one-time $80 CLCC Eligibility Assessment fee paid before registration. The exam is administered by the Child Life Certification Commission (CLCC) under the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP). Check the official website for the most current pricing and scheduling information.