MASSACHUSETTS PSYCHOLOGY JURISPRUDENCE
EXAM
150+ Practice Questions with Detailed Rationales
2026/2027 Edition
SECTION 1: LICENSING LAWS (M.G.L. c. 112, §§ 118-129A) —
Questions 1-20
Q1. According to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 112,
§ 118, which activity constitutes the "practice of
psychology"?
A. Prescribing psychotropic medication for mental illness
B. The observation, description, evaluation, interpretation,
and modification of human behavior by applying
psychological principles
C. Conducting sociological research without direct client
,interaction
D. Providing spiritual counseling or religious guidance
Answer: B
Rationale: M.G.L. c. 112, § 118 defines the practice of
psychology specifically as applying psychological
principles to evaluate, interpret, and modify human
behavior for treating nervous or mental conditions.
Prescribing medication is explicitly excluded from
psychologists' scope (reserved for physicians) .
Q2. Under M.G.L. c. 112, § 121, which individual is explicitly
EXEMPT from the requirement to be licensed as a
psychologist?
A. A clinician in private practice offering psychotherapy
for a fee
B. A school psychologist employed by a public school
district with DESE certification
C. A researcher at a university conducting human subject
experiments
D. A retired psychologist from another state offering pro-
bono services
,Answer: B
Rationale: Massachusetts law exempts certified school
psychologists working within the educational system who
hold valid DESE certification. Private practice always
requires a license. Researchers are exempt only if their
work is not the "practice of psychology" (i.e., not offering
direct psychological services). Pro-bono work still
requires a license if it constitutes practice .
Q3. What is the penalty for practicing psychology without
a license in Massachusetts?
A. A civil fine of $500 per violation
B. A misdemeanor with fine up to $1,000 and/or
imprisonment up to 6 months
C. A felony with mandatory 1-year prison sentence
D. Automatic revocation of any related healthcare license
Answer: B
Rationale: M.G.L. c. 112, § 129 stipulates unlicensed
practice is a misdemeanor with maximum penalties of a
$1,000 fine and/or 6 months imprisonment. It is not a
, felony, and automatic revocation without due process is
not the statutory penalty .
Q4. Which title is restricted for use ONLY by individuals
licensed under M.G.L. c. 112, § 118?
A. "Counselor"
B. "Psychologist"
C. "Therapist"
D. "Coach"
Answer: B
Rationale: The title "Psychologist" is legally protected in
Massachusetts; only those licensed by the Board of
Registration of Psychologists may use it. Titles like
"Counselor," "Therapist," and "Coach" are not specifically
restricted by the Board of Psychology .
Q5. To be eligible for licensure as a psychologist in
Massachusetts, an applicant must have a doctoral degree
from what type of institution?
A. Any accredited institution offering psychology
B. An APA-accredited institution or regionally accredited
EXAM
150+ Practice Questions with Detailed Rationales
2026/2027 Edition
SECTION 1: LICENSING LAWS (M.G.L. c. 112, §§ 118-129A) —
Questions 1-20
Q1. According to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 112,
§ 118, which activity constitutes the "practice of
psychology"?
A. Prescribing psychotropic medication for mental illness
B. The observation, description, evaluation, interpretation,
and modification of human behavior by applying
psychological principles
C. Conducting sociological research without direct client
,interaction
D. Providing spiritual counseling or religious guidance
Answer: B
Rationale: M.G.L. c. 112, § 118 defines the practice of
psychology specifically as applying psychological
principles to evaluate, interpret, and modify human
behavior for treating nervous or mental conditions.
Prescribing medication is explicitly excluded from
psychologists' scope (reserved for physicians) .
Q2. Under M.G.L. c. 112, § 121, which individual is explicitly
EXEMPT from the requirement to be licensed as a
psychologist?
A. A clinician in private practice offering psychotherapy
for a fee
B. A school psychologist employed by a public school
district with DESE certification
C. A researcher at a university conducting human subject
experiments
D. A retired psychologist from another state offering pro-
bono services
,Answer: B
Rationale: Massachusetts law exempts certified school
psychologists working within the educational system who
hold valid DESE certification. Private practice always
requires a license. Researchers are exempt only if their
work is not the "practice of psychology" (i.e., not offering
direct psychological services). Pro-bono work still
requires a license if it constitutes practice .
Q3. What is the penalty for practicing psychology without
a license in Massachusetts?
A. A civil fine of $500 per violation
B. A misdemeanor with fine up to $1,000 and/or
imprisonment up to 6 months
C. A felony with mandatory 1-year prison sentence
D. Automatic revocation of any related healthcare license
Answer: B
Rationale: M.G.L. c. 112, § 129 stipulates unlicensed
practice is a misdemeanor with maximum penalties of a
$1,000 fine and/or 6 months imprisonment. It is not a
, felony, and automatic revocation without due process is
not the statutory penalty .
Q4. Which title is restricted for use ONLY by individuals
licensed under M.G.L. c. 112, § 118?
A. "Counselor"
B. "Psychologist"
C. "Therapist"
D. "Coach"
Answer: B
Rationale: The title "Psychologist" is legally protected in
Massachusetts; only those licensed by the Board of
Registration of Psychologists may use it. Titles like
"Counselor," "Therapist," and "Coach" are not specifically
restricted by the Board of Psychology .
Q5. To be eligible for licensure as a psychologist in
Massachusetts, an applicant must have a doctoral degree
from what type of institution?
A. Any accredited institution offering psychology
B. An APA-accredited institution or regionally accredited
