The Law and Ethics for Associate Marriage and Family Therapists in California

by Arti Patel

To accumulate supervised experience hours and maintain your status as an associate marriage and family therapist (AMFT) in California, you are required to take the law and ethics exam at least once per registrational renewal period until you pass the exam. (Once you pass the exam, you do not need to retake it.) This exam covers a wide range of topics, including ethical principles, legal issues, and California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) regulations. To help you understand what to expect when taking the exam, I have provided a breakdown of the structure, content, and logistics of the exam:

Eligibility: 
Once you receive your associate registration number, you are eligible to apply for the California MFT Law and Ethics (L&E) Exam.

Structure of the Exam:
The law and ethics exam is a computer-based test (CBT) that consists of multiple-choice questions. The exam is divided into two sections: 40% covers Law and 60% covers Ethics. The exam will test your knowledge of the relevant laws and regulations that apply to marriage and family therapists in California. The exam will also test your ability to identify and apply ethical standards of professional conduct, such as those included in the CAMFT Code of Ethics, applying these ethical principles to real-life situations.

Breakdown of the topics covered under the Law section (40%):

• Confidentiality, Privilege, and Consent (14%)
• Limits of Confidentiality / Mandated Reporting (16%)
• Legal Standards for Professional Practice (10%)

Breakdown of the topics covered under the Ethics section (60%):

• Professional Competence and Preventing Harm (18%)
• Therapeutic Relationships (27%)
• Business Practices and Policies (15%)

Number of Questions: 
The exam consists of 75 multiple-choice questions, only 50 will be scored, while the remaining 25 are experimental and do not factor into the final score. These experimental questions can be found anywhere on the exam, and it's not indicated by the BBS which questions are experimental and which ones will be counted towards the final score.

Time Allotted: 
Test takers will have 1 hour and 30 minutes (90 minutes) to complete the exam.

Accommodations: 
Applicants who have mental or physical conditions that impact their test-taking abilities can request additional time to complete the exam, separate testing rooms, breaks, and/or other test accommodations through the BBS’s testing vendor, Pearson Vue. Prospective test-takers may submit disability-related accommodation requests online via Pearson Vue’s website.

Test-takers who speak English as a second language quality for time and a half (i.e. 1.5x the typical time allotted) on Board-administered exams. These test takers may request this accommodation by completing the Request For Testing Accommodation English As A Second Language (ESL) form and submitting the form to the Board.  

Retake Policy: 
If you do not pass the exam on your first attempt, you must wait 90 days after a failed attempt before being eligible to retake the exam. This means that you can make up to four attempts per year. However, it's worth noting that you can't take the exam on the day you become eligible again, you have to reapply for eligibility and schedule your test.

Application for Re-examination

*Links and forms are subject to change over time. It is best to visit the BBS for the most up-to-date forms and links. 

Application Process:Before you move forward with the application, ensure that your BreEZe profile is up-to-date. You’ll need to make sure that the email being used on the BreEZe portal is current, as this is the only way you will receive notice of your eligibility for the exam and your application status. You can apply for the L&E Exam via BreEZe or via postal mail. The application process for the exam includes: filling out a one-page application, attaching a certified check for $150, and sending it to the BBS via postal mail.

Law and Ethics Exam Application

*Links and forms are subject to change over time. It is best to visit the BBS for the most up-to-date forms and links. 

Cost:

As of January 2023, the cost for the L&E exam is $150.  

You will need to check the Law and Ethics Exam Application for the current cost of the exam.

Application Processing Time:
BBS application processing times differ based on staffing and other factors. In many cases, the Board may take around 4-6 weeks to process applications. If you are requesting test accommodation, the Board recommends that you do not schedule your exam until your request has been approved.

Exam Locations:
The BBS administers its L&E exams through Pearson Vue. The Pearson Vue operates testing centers throughout California that offer the law and ethics exam and other BBS exams. Test centers may have long lead times for booking exams. It is best to plan ahead to get the date range that will allow you to meet important deadlines.

You can use this tool on the Pearson Vue website to locate a test center closest to you.

*Links and forms are subject to change over time. It is best to visit the BBS for the most up-to-date forms and links. 

Disclaimers:
It's important to note that the above information is subject to change, so it's always recommended to check the official website of the California Board of Behavioral Sciences for the latest information and updates. 

Study Tips:
It's essential to prepare thoroughly for the exam by studying using BBS-approved materials, practicing case scenarios, and networking with colleagues. By following these steps, you can increase your chances of passing the exam on your first attempt and maintaining your registration as an associate marriage and family therapist in California.

Here are five critical tips to help you do just that:

1. Understand the BBS regulations and laws. Familiarizing yourself with the CAMFT’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct is essential because it lays out the ethical principles that you are expected to abide by as a licensed therapist. In addition, you should also be aware of any other relevant laws and regulations that apply to marriage and family therapists in California.
2. Review BBS publications. The BBS has published a Law and Ethics Exam Candidate Handbook and the Law and Ethics Examination FAQs, which are both located on the Board of Behavioral Science’s website. On the Pearson Vue website, you may review the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Law and Ethics Examination Outline, which reviews the subjects tested and also provides sample questions. By using these resources, you can be sure that you have the most relevant and up-to-date information.
3. Practice applying ethical principles to case scenarios. One of the most important aspects of the exam is being able to apply ethical principles to real-life situations. Practice case scenarios and see how you would respond in each situation. This will help you to understand how to apply the ethical principles that you have learned in a practical context.
4. Brush up on your legal knowledge. The exam will also test your knowledge of legal issues relevant to marriage and family therapy. Make sure you are familiar with legal concepts such as informed consent, confidentiality, and child and dependent adult abuse reporting. It's important to understand the legal requirements and responsibilities that come with being a licensed therapist.
5. Join study groups and network with other therapists. Networking with other therapists can be a valuable resource as you prepare for the exam. Joining a study group or connecting with other therapists who have recently taken the exam can provide you with valuable advice and support. You can also exchange case scenarios and study materials, which can help you to better understand and prepare for the exam.

By following these five critical tips, you can ensure that you are well-prepared and well-positioned for passing it on your first try. Remember to stay informed, practice applying ethical principles, and network with other therapists to increase your chances of success.

Sample Questions to Test Your Knowledge (LMFT L&E Examination Outline by Pearson Vue)  

1. An intern is considering asking his clinical supervisor to be his therapist. The intern would like to address ongoing personal relationship issues. Which of the following actions should the intern take to manage the ethical issue in this case? 

a.  Explore the relationship issues with the supervisor as part of supervision 

b.  Arrange for therapy with the supervisor that is separate from supervision 

c.  Seek personal therapy from another therapist to avoid a dual relationship

d.  Wait until supervision hours are complete prior to initiating personal therapy
 

2. A client initiates therapy for depression following a failed marriage. The therapist finds the client very attractive.  Which of the following actions should the therapist take to manage the ethical obligation in this case?   

a. Suppress personal feelings of attraction and continue providing therapy

b. Inform the client of the therapist’s feelings and discuss therapeutic boundaries

c. Explain the ethical issue to the client and provide a referral to an alternate therapist

d. Seek consultation to manage the attraction and monitor therapeutic boundaries

 

3. A 58-year-old client who is working on childhood abuse issues has recently become the conservator of her mother’s finances. The client states that now that she has control of her mother’s money she finally has extra money to buy what she wants and enjoy her own life. The client states that her mother is “finally getting what she deserves.” Which of the following actions should the therapist take to address the legal issue involved in this case?

a.  Maintain confidentiality and address the client’s childhood trauma

b.  Maintain confidentiality and seek consultation for any countertransference issues

c.  Break confidentiality and initiate a well-person check ​

Answers: 1-C; 2-D; 3-C

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Written Clinical Examination Outline

Questions from Pearson Vue

*Plan Ahead

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Sources:

The Therapist Development Center

Pearson | Vue California Board of Behavioral Sciences Examination Candidate Handbook

Pearson | Vue California Board of Behavioral Sciences Examination Scheduling Information

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Arti Patel, AMFT, graduated last May from the University of San Francisco and is now working as an AMFT in Santa Clara County.  She provides outpatient services to a diverse population of adults 18+ with severe and persistent mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, PTSD, and other co-occurring conditions. In addition to providing individual therapy, Arti also facilitates an Art Therapy group and a Grief and Loss group. She also provides case management services, risk assessments, safety plans, and more, at a residential care facility.  Arti enjoys working on a cross-functional team with psychiatrists, nurses, and rehabilitation counselors.  With a schedule that full, we are lucky to have her on our committee!  

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