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2026 CPCE EXAM /ACTUAL CPCE EXAM
AND STUDY GUIDE COMPLETE REAL EXAM
APPROVED QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
DETAILED ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS)
LATEST UPDATED VERSION 2026 EDITION
|GUARANTEED PASS A+ |FULL REVISED
EXAM
1. A counselor realizes they have romantic feelings for a client
who has just initiated termination. According to the 2014 ACA
Code of Ethics, when is it permissible to pursue a romantic
relationship with this former client?
A. After 2 years from the last professional contact
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B. After 5 years, with a written disclosure of risks
C. Never, under any circumstances
D. After 1 year, provided the client initiates contact
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: ACA Code of Ethics Standard A.5.c. prohibits
sexual or romantic relationships with former clients for 5 years
following the last professional contact. Even after 5 years, the
counselor must document potential harm and avoid
exploitation.
2. Scenario: A 15-year-old client reveals they are being
sexually abused by a stepparent but begs the counselor not to
tell anyone. The counselor’s FIRST action should be:
A. Respect the client’s autonomy and maintain confidentiality
B. Inform the stepparent to ensure the client’s safety
C. Report the abuse to child protective services as mandated
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by law
D. Seek a consultation with another counselor before acting
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Mandated reporting laws supersede confidentiality
when child abuse is disclosed. Waiting or consulting delays
could endanger the child.
3. A counselor who is a devout Christian works with a client
who plans to have an abortion. The counselor feels morally
opposed. Ethically, the counselor should:
A. Refer the client to another counselor without explaining why
B. Share their religious beliefs to help the client reconsider
C. Explore the client’s values while keeping their own beliefs
separate
D. Decline the case immediately due to value conflict
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: ACA Code of Ethics A.4.b. states counselors must
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avoid imposing their values on clients. Exploring the client’s
values is appropriate. Referral is acceptable only if the
counselor cannot remain neutral.
4. Which of the following is an example of a boundary
violation rather than a boundary crossing?
A. Accepting a homemade gift from a client
B. Extending a session by 10 minutes for a client in crisis
C. Having a sexual relationship with a former client 4 years
after termination
D. Attending a client’s public graduation ceremony
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Boundary violations are exploitative and harmful.
Sexual contact with a former client within 5 years is a clear
violation (ACA A.5.c.). Gifts, time extensions, and public events
may be permissible boundary crossings.
2026 CPCE EXAM /ACTUAL CPCE EXAM
AND STUDY GUIDE COMPLETE REAL EXAM
APPROVED QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
DETAILED ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS)
LATEST UPDATED VERSION 2026 EDITION
|GUARANTEED PASS A+ |FULL REVISED
EXAM
1. A counselor realizes they have romantic feelings for a client
who has just initiated termination. According to the 2014 ACA
Code of Ethics, when is it permissible to pursue a romantic
relationship with this former client?
A. After 2 years from the last professional contact
,Page 2 of 187
B. After 5 years, with a written disclosure of risks
C. Never, under any circumstances
D. After 1 year, provided the client initiates contact
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: ACA Code of Ethics Standard A.5.c. prohibits
sexual or romantic relationships with former clients for 5 years
following the last professional contact. Even after 5 years, the
counselor must document potential harm and avoid
exploitation.
2. Scenario: A 15-year-old client reveals they are being
sexually abused by a stepparent but begs the counselor not to
tell anyone. The counselor’s FIRST action should be:
A. Respect the client’s autonomy and maintain confidentiality
B. Inform the stepparent to ensure the client’s safety
C. Report the abuse to child protective services as mandated
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by law
D. Seek a consultation with another counselor before acting
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Mandated reporting laws supersede confidentiality
when child abuse is disclosed. Waiting or consulting delays
could endanger the child.
3. A counselor who is a devout Christian works with a client
who plans to have an abortion. The counselor feels morally
opposed. Ethically, the counselor should:
A. Refer the client to another counselor without explaining why
B. Share their religious beliefs to help the client reconsider
C. Explore the client’s values while keeping their own beliefs
separate
D. Decline the case immediately due to value conflict
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: ACA Code of Ethics A.4.b. states counselors must
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avoid imposing their values on clients. Exploring the client’s
values is appropriate. Referral is acceptable only if the
counselor cannot remain neutral.
4. Which of the following is an example of a boundary
violation rather than a boundary crossing?
A. Accepting a homemade gift from a client
B. Extending a session by 10 minutes for a client in crisis
C. Having a sexual relationship with a former client 4 years
after termination
D. Attending a client’s public graduation ceremony
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Boundary violations are exploitative and harmful.
Sexual contact with a former client within 5 years is a clear
violation (ACA A.5.c.). Gifts, time extensions, and public events
may be permissible boundary crossings.
