Mandated Reporter: School Personnel Exam
– Practice Questions & Answers (Updated
2025–2026)
Question 1
Who is considered a mandated reporter in Connecticut schools?
A. Only school nurses
B. All school employees, including teachers and administrators
C. Only principals
D. Volunteers only
Answer: B. All school employees, including teachers and administrators
Rationale: Connecticut law (Sec. 17a-101) requires all school personnel who suspect child
abuse or neglect to report it immediately. This includes teachers, administrators, coaches, and
support staff.
Question 2
What is the primary responsibility of a mandated reporter?
A. Investigate abuse themselves
B. Report suspected abuse to the proper authorities immediately
C. Notify the child’s parents first
D. Document the abuse privately
Answer: B. Report suspected abuse to the proper authorities immediately
Rationale: Mandated reporters must report suspicion promptly; they are not responsible for
investigating. The focus is on timely notification to DCF (Department of Children and
Families) or law enforcement.
Question 3
Which of the following is considered child abuse under Connecticut law?
, A. Leaving a child unsupervised briefly
B. Physical, sexual, or emotional harm, or neglect
C. Occasional tardiness to school
D. Disciplinary spanking in moderation
Answer: B. Physical, sexual, or emotional harm, or neglect
Rationale: Connecticut defines abuse broadly to include physical injury, sexual abuse,
emotional maltreatment, and neglect that endangers the child’s health or welfare.
Question 4
When should a mandated reporter submit a report?
A. Within 24 hours
B. Within 48 hours
C. Immediately upon suspicion, followed by a written report within 48 hours
D. At the end of the school year
Answer: C. Immediately upon suspicion, followed by a written report within 48 hours
Rationale: The law requires oral or electronic reporting immediately, with a written report
within 48 hours to ensure prompt protective action.
Question 5
What is the first step a teacher should take if they suspect abuse?
A. Conduct an investigation
B. Report the suspicion to DCF or law enforcement
C. Ask the child directly for details
D. Notify the principal only
Answer: B. Report the suspicion to DCF or law enforcement
Rationale: Mandated reporters are not investigators. They must report suspicion, not prove
abuse.
Question 6
Which of the following is not required in a mandated reporter’s written report?
– Practice Questions & Answers (Updated
2025–2026)
Question 1
Who is considered a mandated reporter in Connecticut schools?
A. Only school nurses
B. All school employees, including teachers and administrators
C. Only principals
D. Volunteers only
Answer: B. All school employees, including teachers and administrators
Rationale: Connecticut law (Sec. 17a-101) requires all school personnel who suspect child
abuse or neglect to report it immediately. This includes teachers, administrators, coaches, and
support staff.
Question 2
What is the primary responsibility of a mandated reporter?
A. Investigate abuse themselves
B. Report suspected abuse to the proper authorities immediately
C. Notify the child’s parents first
D. Document the abuse privately
Answer: B. Report suspected abuse to the proper authorities immediately
Rationale: Mandated reporters must report suspicion promptly; they are not responsible for
investigating. The focus is on timely notification to DCF (Department of Children and
Families) or law enforcement.
Question 3
Which of the following is considered child abuse under Connecticut law?
, A. Leaving a child unsupervised briefly
B. Physical, sexual, or emotional harm, or neglect
C. Occasional tardiness to school
D. Disciplinary spanking in moderation
Answer: B. Physical, sexual, or emotional harm, or neglect
Rationale: Connecticut defines abuse broadly to include physical injury, sexual abuse,
emotional maltreatment, and neglect that endangers the child’s health or welfare.
Question 4
When should a mandated reporter submit a report?
A. Within 24 hours
B. Within 48 hours
C. Immediately upon suspicion, followed by a written report within 48 hours
D. At the end of the school year
Answer: C. Immediately upon suspicion, followed by a written report within 48 hours
Rationale: The law requires oral or electronic reporting immediately, with a written report
within 48 hours to ensure prompt protective action.
Question 5
What is the first step a teacher should take if they suspect abuse?
A. Conduct an investigation
B. Report the suspicion to DCF or law enforcement
C. Ask the child directly for details
D. Notify the principal only
Answer: B. Report the suspicion to DCF or law enforcement
Rationale: Mandated reporters are not investigators. They must report suspicion, not prove
abuse.
Question 6
Which of the following is not required in a mandated reporter’s written report?
