What to Expect and How to Prepare for CPLEE Exam Day

Are you ready for CPLEE exam day? Before you arrive to take the test, make sure you are prepared.

First, prepare yourself for exam day by thoroughly reading the CPLEE candidate information bulletin board  by the California Board of Psychology.  It covers the following topics:

  • Purpose of the bulletin
  • Examination Development
  • Establishing the Passing Standards
  • Examination Scheduling Procedure
  • Special Accommodations Available
  • Examination Site Location
  • Reporting to the Examination Site
  • Taking the Examination by Computer
  • Study Materials
  • Examination Items
  • Understanding the Results
  • Abandonment of Application
  • Licensing Information
  • Licensing Fee
  • Fields of Competence
  • Continuing Education Requirements
  • Examination Summary
  • Examination Outline
  • Examination Study Questions

Once you have read the bulletin, you should do the following:

  • Visit the testing center location
  • Prepare for the exam the night before by choosing what clothes you will wear and by packing snacks and having your identification ready. (Clothing with pockets in not allowed)
  • Review pages 7 and 8 of the information bulletin so you know what items are prohibited in the testing center.
  • Review your EPPP exam day routine. You will follow the same routine when taking the CPLEE.

On CPLEE exam day, arrive 30 minutes before your start time. You will complete preliminary paperwork and verification during this time. To ensure timeliness, the Taylor Study Method recommends giving yourself an extra hour to get there in case of traffic or directional issues. When you arrive at the testing center, leave any prohibited items in your car. Once you enter the building and check in, you must provide one of the following forms of identification:

  • A current State issued Driver’s License
  • A current State Department of Motor Vehicles Identification Card
  • A current U.S. military-issued identification card
  • A current government issued passport

As a part of the check-in process, you will also provide a thumb print.

You will be given 2.5 hours to answer 100 multiple choice questions once the exam begins. Before your timer starts, the computer will take you through a tutorial on how to navigate the system. This does not count as part of your examination time, and we recommend you take advantage of the tutorial so you can go into the exam completely confident.

Once you are done with your exam, you will be provided with a printed report of your score.

If you have any questions or concerns about CPLEE exam day, give TSM a call at 1-877-510-5445 or email us at contactus@taylorstudymethod.com

What is the CPLEE and What Does it Cover?

Are you on your way to California licensure and ready to take the CPLEE? It is helpful to know the components and background of the exam.

The California Psychology Laws and Ethics Examination (CPLEE) was developed and is maintained by the California Office of Professional Examinations Services (OPES) of the Department of Consumer Affairs. In July of 2015 it was determined that all psychologists seeking California licensure must successfully pass the CPLEE. Once you have finished a qualifying doctorate degree, completed all 3,000 hours of supervised and qualifying professional experience, and passed the EPPP, you are eligible to take the CPLEE.

The CPLEE is computer administered by Psychological Services, Inc. (PSI) throughout California and in some out of state locations. Call TSM at 1-877-510-5445 or email us at contactus@taylorstudymethod.com to find out the locations of testing centers in your area.

The CPLEE consists of 100 multiple choice questions regarding laws and ethics and candidates will have two and a half hours to complete the exam. 75 questions will be scored and 25 will remain unscored. A passing score is determined for each form of the exam by the California OPES of the Department of Consumer Affairs.

The CPLEE is made up of the following areas:

Area One: Confidentiality and Privilege

Makes up 14% of the exam

You will need to understand and apply the legal and ethical requirements regarding:

  • Mandated Reporting (4% of the section)
  • Privilege (4% of the section)
  • Confidentiality (6% of the section)

Area Two: Psychotherapeutic Relationships

Makes up 15% of the exam

You will need to understand and apply the legal and ethical requirements regarding:

  • Informed Consent (3% of the section)
  • Treatment of Minors (3% of the section)
  • Sexual Misconduct (3% of the section)
  • Multiple and Exploitative Relationships (3% of the section)
  • Termination of Relationship (2% of the section)
  • Telehealth (1% of the section)

Area Three: Interpersonal Relationships

Makes up 14% of the exam

You will need to understand and apply the legal and ethical requirements regarding:

  • Industrial/Organizational Consulting (3% of the section)
  • Psychological Consulting (3% of the section)
  • Personal Impairments (3% of the section)
  • Cultural Competence (5% of the section)

Area Four: Intervention, Evaluation and Assessments

Makes up 14% of the exam

You will need to understand and apply the legal and ethical requirements regarding:

  • Involuntary Treatment (4% of the section)
  • Duty to Protect (3% of the section)
  • Psychological Testing (4% of the section)
  • Forensic Services (3% of the section)

Area Five: Records

Makes up 11% of the exam

You will need to understand and apply the legal and ethical requirements regarding:

  • General Requirements (2% of the section)
  • Retention of Records (3% of the section)
  • Release of Records (4% of the section)
  • Electronic Recordkeeping (2% of the section)

Area Six: Administrative Issues

Makes up 5% of the exam

You will need to understand and apply the legal and ethical requirements regarding:

  • Fees and Arrangements (3% of the section)
  • Barter (1% of the section)
  • Notice to Consumers (1% of the section)

Area Seven: Professional Issues

Makes up 15% of the exam

You will need to understand and apply the legal and ethical requirements regarding:

  • Competence Boundaries (3% of the section)
  • Professional Consultation (3% of the section)
  • Peer Infractions (3% of the section)
  • Advertising and Marketing (1% of the section)
  • Disciplinary Actions (3% of the section)
  • Conflicts of Interest (2% of the section)

Area Eight: Scientific Research and Publication

Makes up 4% of the exam

You will need to understand and apply the legal and ethical requirements regarding:

  • Public Media (4% of the section)

Area Nine: Teaching, Training, and Supervision

Makes up 8% of the exam

You will need to understand and apply the legal and ethical requirements regarding:

  • Teaching and Supervision (3% of the section)
  • Professional and Continuing Education (1% of the section)
  • Supervision of Pre-licensed Clinicians (4% of the section)