PENNSYLVANIA PSYCHOLOGY LAW EXAM - JURISPRUDENCE
ASSESSMENT 2026/2027 EDITION | 300 VERIFIED QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTENT AREA 1: Professional Psychologists Practice Act (1972) ........... 35 Qs
1.1 Declaration of Policy and Purpose (Q1-Q4)
1.2 Definitions and Scope of Practice (Q5-Q9)
1.3 Licensure Requirement and Exemptions (Q10-Q16)
1.4 Use of Protected Titles and Holding Out (Q17-Q21)
1.5 Unlawful Practice and Criminal Penalties (Q22-Q28)
1.6 Civil Liability and Enforcement (Q29-Q35)
CONTENT AREA 2: Confidentiality and Privileged Communication .............. 40 Qs
2.1 Psychologist-Client Privilege (Q36-Q42)
2.2 Subpoena vs. Court Order / Rost Decision (Q43-Q49)
2.3 Permitted Disclosures Without Consent (Q50-Q56)
2.4 Duty to Warn/Protect (Tarasoff) (Q57-Q62)
2.5 Confidentiality and Minors (Q63-Q68)
2.6 HIPAA and Privacy Rule Intersection (Q69-Q75)
CONTENT AREA 3: Licensure Requirements and Qualifications .................. 25 Qs
3.1 Educational Requirements (Q76-Q80)
3.2 Supervised Experience (Q81-Q86)
3.3 EPPP and Oral Examination (Q87-Q92)
3.4 Licensure by Reciprocity/Endorsement (Q93-Q98)
3.5 Licensure Reactivation and Reinstatement (Q99-Q100)
CONTENT AREA 4: Board of Psychology – Powers and Duties .................... 25 Qs
4.1 Composition and Appointment (Q101-Q104)
4.2 Rulemaking and Regulatory Authority (Q105-Q109)
4.3 Issuance, Renewal, and Denial of Licenses (Q110-Q115)
4.4 Investigation and Subpoena Powers (Q116-Q120)
4.5 Public Records and Open Meetings (Q121-Q125)
CONTENT AREA 5: Unlawful Practice and Penalties ............................. 25 Qs
1
, 5.1 Acts Constituting Unlawful Practice (Q126-Q131)
5.2 Fines and Imprisonment (Q132-Q136)
5.3 Injunctive Relief and Civil Penalties (Q137-Q141)
5.4 Practice by Inactive or Lapsed Licensees (Q142-Q146)
5.5 Supervision of Unlicensed Personnel (Q147-Q150)
CONTENT AREA 6: Telepsychology and PSYPACT .................................. 25 Qs
6.1 Jurisdiction: Client Physical Location (Q151-Q156)
6.2 PSYPACT Privileges and Requirements (Q157-Q162)
6.3 Temporary Authorizations and Emergency Practice (Q163-Q167)
6.4 Technology Standards and Interstate Compacts (Q168-Q172)
6.5 Out-of-State Practitioners in PA (Q173-Q175)
CONTENT AREA 7: Informed Consent and Client Rights .......................... 25 Qs
7.1 Elements of Informed Consent (Q176-Q181)
7.2 Financial Policies and Fee Disclosure (Q182-Q186)
7.3 Rights of Minors and Guardianship (Q187-Q191)
7.4 Termination and Abandonment (Q192-Q196)
7.5 Culturally Competent Practice (Q197-Q200)
CONTENT AREA 8: Record Keeping and Documentation ............................ 25 Qs
8.1 Record Content and Maintenance (Q201-Q206)
8.2 Retention Periods (Q207-Q211)
8.3 Access to Records and Transfer (Q212-Q216)
8.4 Electronic Records and Security (Q217-Q221)
8.5 Record Destruction and Disposal (Q222-Q225)
CONTENT AREA 9: Child Protective Services Law (CPSL) – Mandated Reporting ...
25 Qs
9.1 Definition of Child Abuse (Q226-Q230)
9.2 Persons Required to Report (Q231-Q235)
9.3 Reporting Procedures and Timeline (Q236-Q240)
9.4 Immunity and Civil Liability (Q241-Q245)
9.5 Failure to Report – Penalties (Q246-Q250)
CONTENT AREA 10: Ethics – Boundaries and Dual Relationships ................. 20 Qs
10.1 Prohibited Sexual Relationships (Q251-Q255)
2
, 10.2 Non-Sexual Dual Relationships (Q256-Q260)
10.3 Bartering and Gifts (Q261-Q264)
10.4 Conflict of Interest and Multiple Roles (Q265-Q270)
CONTENT AREA 11: Continuing Education (CE) and Competence ................... 30
Qs
11.1 CE Hours and Subject Matter (Q271-Q276)
11.2 Approved Providers and Sponsor (Q277-Q280)
11.3 CE Exemptions and Audits (Q281-Q284)
11.4 Cultural Competence and Ethics CE (Q285-Q290)
11.5 Competence Maintenance and Impairment (Q291-Q300)
3
, 1: Professional Psychologists Practice Act (1972)
Q1. A psychologist in Pennsylvania receives a subpoena for client records in a civil
lawsuit. The client has not signed a release. Which of the following is the
psychologist's most appropriate initial action?
A. Immediately comply with the subpoena to avoid being held in contempt of
court.
B. File a motion to quash the subpoena on grounds of privilege, unless the client
waives privilege.
C. Release only the records that the psychologist deems relevant to the legal
issues.
D. Notify the court that the psychologist will not comply unless ordered by a
judge.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Under Pennsylvania law and APA ethics, a subpoena is not a court
order. Psychologists must assert privilege on behalf of the client unless the client
waives it. Filing a motion to quash is the proper first step, as it protects client
confidentiality while seeking judicial guidance.
Why Wrong:
A - Complying immediately without client authorization violates confidentiality
and ethical duties.
C - Psychologists cannot unilaterally determine relevance; all records are
privileged unless waived.
D - Simply notifying the court without a formal motion does not adequately
protect the client's rights.
Reference: Pennsylvania Psychology Practice Act, § 1223; APA Ethical Principles,
Standard 4.04
Q2. A psychologist is providing telehealth services to a client who lives in
Pennsylvania but is temporarily vacationing in another state. The psychologist is
licensed only in Pennsylvania. According to the Psychology Interjurisdictional
4
ASSESSMENT 2026/2027 EDITION | 300 VERIFIED QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTENT AREA 1: Professional Psychologists Practice Act (1972) ........... 35 Qs
1.1 Declaration of Policy and Purpose (Q1-Q4)
1.2 Definitions and Scope of Practice (Q5-Q9)
1.3 Licensure Requirement and Exemptions (Q10-Q16)
1.4 Use of Protected Titles and Holding Out (Q17-Q21)
1.5 Unlawful Practice and Criminal Penalties (Q22-Q28)
1.6 Civil Liability and Enforcement (Q29-Q35)
CONTENT AREA 2: Confidentiality and Privileged Communication .............. 40 Qs
2.1 Psychologist-Client Privilege (Q36-Q42)
2.2 Subpoena vs. Court Order / Rost Decision (Q43-Q49)
2.3 Permitted Disclosures Without Consent (Q50-Q56)
2.4 Duty to Warn/Protect (Tarasoff) (Q57-Q62)
2.5 Confidentiality and Minors (Q63-Q68)
2.6 HIPAA and Privacy Rule Intersection (Q69-Q75)
CONTENT AREA 3: Licensure Requirements and Qualifications .................. 25 Qs
3.1 Educational Requirements (Q76-Q80)
3.2 Supervised Experience (Q81-Q86)
3.3 EPPP and Oral Examination (Q87-Q92)
3.4 Licensure by Reciprocity/Endorsement (Q93-Q98)
3.5 Licensure Reactivation and Reinstatement (Q99-Q100)
CONTENT AREA 4: Board of Psychology – Powers and Duties .................... 25 Qs
4.1 Composition and Appointment (Q101-Q104)
4.2 Rulemaking and Regulatory Authority (Q105-Q109)
4.3 Issuance, Renewal, and Denial of Licenses (Q110-Q115)
4.4 Investigation and Subpoena Powers (Q116-Q120)
4.5 Public Records and Open Meetings (Q121-Q125)
CONTENT AREA 5: Unlawful Practice and Penalties ............................. 25 Qs
1
, 5.1 Acts Constituting Unlawful Practice (Q126-Q131)
5.2 Fines and Imprisonment (Q132-Q136)
5.3 Injunctive Relief and Civil Penalties (Q137-Q141)
5.4 Practice by Inactive or Lapsed Licensees (Q142-Q146)
5.5 Supervision of Unlicensed Personnel (Q147-Q150)
CONTENT AREA 6: Telepsychology and PSYPACT .................................. 25 Qs
6.1 Jurisdiction: Client Physical Location (Q151-Q156)
6.2 PSYPACT Privileges and Requirements (Q157-Q162)
6.3 Temporary Authorizations and Emergency Practice (Q163-Q167)
6.4 Technology Standards and Interstate Compacts (Q168-Q172)
6.5 Out-of-State Practitioners in PA (Q173-Q175)
CONTENT AREA 7: Informed Consent and Client Rights .......................... 25 Qs
7.1 Elements of Informed Consent (Q176-Q181)
7.2 Financial Policies and Fee Disclosure (Q182-Q186)
7.3 Rights of Minors and Guardianship (Q187-Q191)
7.4 Termination and Abandonment (Q192-Q196)
7.5 Culturally Competent Practice (Q197-Q200)
CONTENT AREA 8: Record Keeping and Documentation ............................ 25 Qs
8.1 Record Content and Maintenance (Q201-Q206)
8.2 Retention Periods (Q207-Q211)
8.3 Access to Records and Transfer (Q212-Q216)
8.4 Electronic Records and Security (Q217-Q221)
8.5 Record Destruction and Disposal (Q222-Q225)
CONTENT AREA 9: Child Protective Services Law (CPSL) – Mandated Reporting ...
25 Qs
9.1 Definition of Child Abuse (Q226-Q230)
9.2 Persons Required to Report (Q231-Q235)
9.3 Reporting Procedures and Timeline (Q236-Q240)
9.4 Immunity and Civil Liability (Q241-Q245)
9.5 Failure to Report – Penalties (Q246-Q250)
CONTENT AREA 10: Ethics – Boundaries and Dual Relationships ................. 20 Qs
10.1 Prohibited Sexual Relationships (Q251-Q255)
2
, 10.2 Non-Sexual Dual Relationships (Q256-Q260)
10.3 Bartering and Gifts (Q261-Q264)
10.4 Conflict of Interest and Multiple Roles (Q265-Q270)
CONTENT AREA 11: Continuing Education (CE) and Competence ................... 30
Qs
11.1 CE Hours and Subject Matter (Q271-Q276)
11.2 Approved Providers and Sponsor (Q277-Q280)
11.3 CE Exemptions and Audits (Q281-Q284)
11.4 Cultural Competence and Ethics CE (Q285-Q290)
11.5 Competence Maintenance and Impairment (Q291-Q300)
3
, 1: Professional Psychologists Practice Act (1972)
Q1. A psychologist in Pennsylvania receives a subpoena for client records in a civil
lawsuit. The client has not signed a release. Which of the following is the
psychologist's most appropriate initial action?
A. Immediately comply with the subpoena to avoid being held in contempt of
court.
B. File a motion to quash the subpoena on grounds of privilege, unless the client
waives privilege.
C. Release only the records that the psychologist deems relevant to the legal
issues.
D. Notify the court that the psychologist will not comply unless ordered by a
judge.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Under Pennsylvania law and APA ethics, a subpoena is not a court
order. Psychologists must assert privilege on behalf of the client unless the client
waives it. Filing a motion to quash is the proper first step, as it protects client
confidentiality while seeking judicial guidance.
Why Wrong:
A - Complying immediately without client authorization violates confidentiality
and ethical duties.
C - Psychologists cannot unilaterally determine relevance; all records are
privileged unless waived.
D - Simply notifying the court without a formal motion does not adequately
protect the client's rights.
Reference: Pennsylvania Psychology Practice Act, § 1223; APA Ethical Principles,
Standard 4.04
Q2. A psychologist is providing telehealth services to a client who lives in
Pennsylvania but is temporarily vacationing in another state. The psychologist is
licensed only in Pennsylvania. According to the Psychology Interjurisdictional
4
