Tennessee Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Jurisprudence Exam COMPLETE EXAM QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS | 2026–2027 LATEST UPDATE |
GUARANTEED PASS | DETAILED RATIONALES | FULL STUDY
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PREPARATION
1. According to the Tennessee Social Work Practice Act and Board Rule 1365-01-.03, which action is
legally permissible for a newly licensed Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW)?
A. Accepting a position as an independent contractor providing fee-for-service counseling.
B. Practicing privately and independently in a solo private practice setting.
C. Providing supportive counseling as an employee within a qualified agency or organization.
D. Offering psychotherapy services to clients for a direct fee if supervised by an LCSW.
Correct Answer: C. Providing supportive counseling as an employee within a qualified agency or
organization.
Rationale: The Board's rules explicitly prohibit LBSWs from practicing privately or independently .
Their practice must be conducted within the auspices of an agency or organization, and they are
legally authorized to provide supportive counseling in that setting . Options A and B describe
independent practice, which is barred, while Option D describes psychotherapy, which is outside the
LBSW scope regardless of supervision.
2. A Licensed Master's Social Worker (LMSW) is working toward their LCSW and is completing their
clinical supervision hours. What is the minimum number of direct clinical contact hours required
for LCSW licensure in Tennessee?
A. 1,500 hours
B. 2,000 hours
C. 3,000 hours
D. 4,000 hours
Correct Answer: C. 3,000 hours
Rationale: The Tennessee Board requires a total of 3,000 hours of clinical experience under the
supervision of a qualified LCSW for LCSW licensure . This experience must be completed within a
timeframe of no less than two years and no more than eight years .
3. An LMSW is preparing for their biennial license renewal. They have completed 24 hours of
continuing education (CE), including 6 hours of professional ethics. What critical component is
missing if they have not yet completed it?
A. 1 hour specific to the Tennessee Code Annotated and Board Rules.
B. 1 hour of clinical supervision training.
C. 6 additional hours of ethics.
D. 2 hours of cultural competency training.
Correct Answer: A. 1 hour specific to the Tennessee Code Annotated and Board Rules.
,Rationale: Tennessee social workers have a specific, mandatory requirement to complete 1 hour of CE
focusing on the Tennessee Code Annotated and Board Rules each renewal cycle . While ethics hours
are satisfied with 6 hours, the state-specific rules requirement is distinct. Clinical supervision training
is only mandated for supervisors, not all licensees, and cultural competency is not a separate
mandated CE category in Tennessee .
4. A clinical social worker in Tennessee is providing services via telehealth to a client who is
temporarily residing in another state. Under the Social Work Licensure Compact, which state's laws
primarily govern the social worker's practice in this scenario?
A. The state where the social worker is licensed.
B. The state where the client is physically located at the time of service.
C. The state where the social worker's agency is headquartered.
D. Both states' laws must be followed equally.
Correct Answer: B. The state where the client is physically located at the time of service.
Rationale: A key principle of the Social Work Licensure Compact is that the practitioner must adhere
to the regulatory statutes and reporting laws of the state where the client is physically located during
the service provision . This is essential for maintaining legal and ethical practice across state lines.
5. Which Tennessee agency holds the authority and responsibility for regulating social workers,
including the issuance and discipline of licenses?
A. Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
B. Tennessee Board of Social Worker Certification and Licensure
C. Department of Health, Division of Health Related Boards
D. Tennessee Department of Human Services
Correct Answer: B. Tennessee Board of Social Worker Certification and Licensure
Rationale: The Board of Social Worker Certification and Licensure is the specific state agency
responsible for all aspects of social work regulation in Tennessee, including licensing, establishing
rules, and enforcing standards of practice . While the Department of Health provides administrative
support , the Board holds the ultimate decision-making authority .
6. An LMSW applicant has accrued their required 3,000 clinical hours for the LCSW. What is the
minimum and maximum time frame allowed by the Board to complete these hours?
A. Minimum 1 year, maximum 3 years.
B. Minimum 2 years, maximum 8 years.
C. Minimum 3 years, maximum 5 years.
D. Minimum 18 months, maximum 6 years.
Correct Answer: B. Minimum 2 years, maximum 8 years.
Rationale: The Board's regulations require that the 3,000 hours of clinical experience be accumulated
over a span of no less than two years and no more than eight years . This ensures that the experience
is sufficiently substantive and recent.
7. A social worker is considering terminating the therapeutic relationship with a client due to the
client's consistent failure to pay for services. What is the primary ethical and legal obligation of the
social worker in this situation?
A. Terminate services immediately upon the client's failure to pay.
B. Provide appropriate notice, facilitate a smooth transition, and address the client's needs.
, C. Continue providing services pro bono until the client's financial situation improves.
D. Refer the client to a collection agency and terminate all contact.
Correct Answer: B. Provide appropriate notice, facilitate a smooth transition, and address the
client's needs.
Rationale: Even when a client is non-paying, social workers have an ethical duty to avoid client
abandonment. Proper termination involves giving the client adequate notice, helping them connect
with other resources or providers, and ensuring a safe, orderly end to the professional relationship.
8. A client reports that their previous therapist, an LCSW, engaged in a sexual relationship with
them shortly after termination. The client is concerned and confused. What is the correct
statement regarding this situation under Tennessee law?
A. A sexual relationship with a former client is permissible after a 2-year waiting period.
B. Tennessee law prohibits sexual contact with a former client permanently, with no grace period.
C. The relationship is only problematic if the therapist initiated it.
D. This is a matter for the client to report to the police, not the licensing board.
Correct Answer: B. Tennessee law prohibits sexual contact with a former client permanently, with
no grace period.
Rationale: Unlike some other mental health professions, Tennessee law for social workers is absolute.
There is no "2-year grace period" or any other allowance; any sexual contact with a former client is
strictly and permanently prohibited . This is a clear violation of the Board's ethics rules.
9. A clinical social worker suspects that a client is planning to seriously harm a specific, identifiable
individual. What is the social worker's primary legal duty under Tennessee law?
A. Maintain client confidentiality as this is a privileged communication.
B. Warn the potential victim and take steps to protect them.
C. Immediately hospitalize the client against their will.
D. Report the client to the police but take no further action.
Correct Answer: B. Warn the potential victim and take steps to protect them.
Rationale: In Tennessee, the duty to warn is an "expanded" duty triggered by an actual threat of
bodily harm against an identified victim or a group of people (e.g., a school) . The social worker must
take reasonable steps to protect the potential victim, which includes warning them and may involve
contacting law enforcement or initiating civil commitment procedures.
10. A social worker discovers that a colleague in their agency is practicing while under the
influence of a substance that is affecting their clinical judgment. What is the social worker's first
and foremost responsibility?
A. Report the colleague to the Tennessee Board of Social Work Licensure.
B. Discuss the concerns directly with the colleague first.
C. Take steps to protect the clients and ensure client safety.
D. Ask the colleague to take a leave of absence.
Correct Answer: C. Take steps to protect the clients and ensure client safety.
Rationale: The primary and overriding duty in any situation is the protection of clients. While
reporting the colleague to the Board may be necessary, the first priority is to address the immediate
risk to the clients. This might involve discussing the issue with a supervisor or taking other immediate
steps to safeguard those receiving services.
Jurisprudence Exam COMPLETE EXAM QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS | 2026–2027 LATEST UPDATE |
GUARANTEED PASS | DETAILED RATIONALES | FULL STUDY
GUIDE | EXAM PREP | PRACTICE TEST | CERTIFICATION
PREPARATION
1. According to the Tennessee Social Work Practice Act and Board Rule 1365-01-.03, which action is
legally permissible for a newly licensed Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW)?
A. Accepting a position as an independent contractor providing fee-for-service counseling.
B. Practicing privately and independently in a solo private practice setting.
C. Providing supportive counseling as an employee within a qualified agency or organization.
D. Offering psychotherapy services to clients for a direct fee if supervised by an LCSW.
Correct Answer: C. Providing supportive counseling as an employee within a qualified agency or
organization.
Rationale: The Board's rules explicitly prohibit LBSWs from practicing privately or independently .
Their practice must be conducted within the auspices of an agency or organization, and they are
legally authorized to provide supportive counseling in that setting . Options A and B describe
independent practice, which is barred, while Option D describes psychotherapy, which is outside the
LBSW scope regardless of supervision.
2. A Licensed Master's Social Worker (LMSW) is working toward their LCSW and is completing their
clinical supervision hours. What is the minimum number of direct clinical contact hours required
for LCSW licensure in Tennessee?
A. 1,500 hours
B. 2,000 hours
C. 3,000 hours
D. 4,000 hours
Correct Answer: C. 3,000 hours
Rationale: The Tennessee Board requires a total of 3,000 hours of clinical experience under the
supervision of a qualified LCSW for LCSW licensure . This experience must be completed within a
timeframe of no less than two years and no more than eight years .
3. An LMSW is preparing for their biennial license renewal. They have completed 24 hours of
continuing education (CE), including 6 hours of professional ethics. What critical component is
missing if they have not yet completed it?
A. 1 hour specific to the Tennessee Code Annotated and Board Rules.
B. 1 hour of clinical supervision training.
C. 6 additional hours of ethics.
D. 2 hours of cultural competency training.
Correct Answer: A. 1 hour specific to the Tennessee Code Annotated and Board Rules.
,Rationale: Tennessee social workers have a specific, mandatory requirement to complete 1 hour of CE
focusing on the Tennessee Code Annotated and Board Rules each renewal cycle . While ethics hours
are satisfied with 6 hours, the state-specific rules requirement is distinct. Clinical supervision training
is only mandated for supervisors, not all licensees, and cultural competency is not a separate
mandated CE category in Tennessee .
4. A clinical social worker in Tennessee is providing services via telehealth to a client who is
temporarily residing in another state. Under the Social Work Licensure Compact, which state's laws
primarily govern the social worker's practice in this scenario?
A. The state where the social worker is licensed.
B. The state where the client is physically located at the time of service.
C. The state where the social worker's agency is headquartered.
D. Both states' laws must be followed equally.
Correct Answer: B. The state where the client is physically located at the time of service.
Rationale: A key principle of the Social Work Licensure Compact is that the practitioner must adhere
to the regulatory statutes and reporting laws of the state where the client is physically located during
the service provision . This is essential for maintaining legal and ethical practice across state lines.
5. Which Tennessee agency holds the authority and responsibility for regulating social workers,
including the issuance and discipline of licenses?
A. Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
B. Tennessee Board of Social Worker Certification and Licensure
C. Department of Health, Division of Health Related Boards
D. Tennessee Department of Human Services
Correct Answer: B. Tennessee Board of Social Worker Certification and Licensure
Rationale: The Board of Social Worker Certification and Licensure is the specific state agency
responsible for all aspects of social work regulation in Tennessee, including licensing, establishing
rules, and enforcing standards of practice . While the Department of Health provides administrative
support , the Board holds the ultimate decision-making authority .
6. An LMSW applicant has accrued their required 3,000 clinical hours for the LCSW. What is the
minimum and maximum time frame allowed by the Board to complete these hours?
A. Minimum 1 year, maximum 3 years.
B. Minimum 2 years, maximum 8 years.
C. Minimum 3 years, maximum 5 years.
D. Minimum 18 months, maximum 6 years.
Correct Answer: B. Minimum 2 years, maximum 8 years.
Rationale: The Board's regulations require that the 3,000 hours of clinical experience be accumulated
over a span of no less than two years and no more than eight years . This ensures that the experience
is sufficiently substantive and recent.
7. A social worker is considering terminating the therapeutic relationship with a client due to the
client's consistent failure to pay for services. What is the primary ethical and legal obligation of the
social worker in this situation?
A. Terminate services immediately upon the client's failure to pay.
B. Provide appropriate notice, facilitate a smooth transition, and address the client's needs.
, C. Continue providing services pro bono until the client's financial situation improves.
D. Refer the client to a collection agency and terminate all contact.
Correct Answer: B. Provide appropriate notice, facilitate a smooth transition, and address the
client's needs.
Rationale: Even when a client is non-paying, social workers have an ethical duty to avoid client
abandonment. Proper termination involves giving the client adequate notice, helping them connect
with other resources or providers, and ensuring a safe, orderly end to the professional relationship.
8. A client reports that their previous therapist, an LCSW, engaged in a sexual relationship with
them shortly after termination. The client is concerned and confused. What is the correct
statement regarding this situation under Tennessee law?
A. A sexual relationship with a former client is permissible after a 2-year waiting period.
B. Tennessee law prohibits sexual contact with a former client permanently, with no grace period.
C. The relationship is only problematic if the therapist initiated it.
D. This is a matter for the client to report to the police, not the licensing board.
Correct Answer: B. Tennessee law prohibits sexual contact with a former client permanently, with
no grace period.
Rationale: Unlike some other mental health professions, Tennessee law for social workers is absolute.
There is no "2-year grace period" or any other allowance; any sexual contact with a former client is
strictly and permanently prohibited . This is a clear violation of the Board's ethics rules.
9. A clinical social worker suspects that a client is planning to seriously harm a specific, identifiable
individual. What is the social worker's primary legal duty under Tennessee law?
A. Maintain client confidentiality as this is a privileged communication.
B. Warn the potential victim and take steps to protect them.
C. Immediately hospitalize the client against their will.
D. Report the client to the police but take no further action.
Correct Answer: B. Warn the potential victim and take steps to protect them.
Rationale: In Tennessee, the duty to warn is an "expanded" duty triggered by an actual threat of
bodily harm against an identified victim or a group of people (e.g., a school) . The social worker must
take reasonable steps to protect the potential victim, which includes warning them and may involve
contacting law enforcement or initiating civil commitment procedures.
10. A social worker discovers that a colleague in their agency is practicing while under the
influence of a substance that is affecting their clinical judgment. What is the social worker's first
and foremost responsibility?
A. Report the colleague to the Tennessee Board of Social Work Licensure.
B. Discuss the concerns directly with the colleague first.
C. Take steps to protect the clients and ensure client safety.
D. Ask the colleague to take a leave of absence.
Correct Answer: C. Take steps to protect the clients and ensure client safety.
Rationale: The primary and overriding duty in any situation is the protection of clients. While
reporting the colleague to the Board may be necessary, the first priority is to address the immediate
risk to the clients. This might involve discussing the issue with a supervisor or taking other immediate
steps to safeguard those receiving services.
