California Law and Ethics Examination

Important Information

• The California Law and Ethics Examinations are administered by the testing vendor, Pearson Vue.
• There is a separate Law and Ethics exam for EACH license type (LCSW, LMFT, and LPCC), and you must apply for each separately.
• Exam must be TAKEN annually, until passed, to renew an Associate Registration.
• Exam must be PASSED to receive a subsequent Associate Registration.
• Exam must be PASSED to become fully licensed.
• Your name on file with the Board must match the name on your current government issued photo ID. A middle name is not required and will not be used for entrance to the exam site. If the first, last, or suffix do not match, you will need to complete a Name Change request.

Resources

• Law and Ethics Examination FAQs
• Candidate Handbook

Testing Accommodations

• Testing Accommodations Information

Apply for INITIAL Law and Ethics Exam

The California Law and Ethics Examination is different for EACH license type (LCSW, LMFT, and LPCC). You must apply and pay the fee for EACH exam separately.

If you are an Out–of–State applicant who is NOT applying for an Associate registration, your Application for Licensure must be approved by the Board to receive authorization to take the Law and Ethics Exam.

• Initial California Law and Ethics Exam Application – ONLINE for Associates ONLY, in your BreEZe account (For fastest processing). To avoid delays, Associate’s MUST select the application under MANAGE YOUR LICENSE INFORMATION section. 
• Manual Initial California Law and Ethics Exam Application submitted by mail (4 to 6 week processing time).

Apply for Law and Ethics RE–EXAM

You may submit your Re–Exam application any time after attempting the exam. However, your eligibility will not be sent to Pearson Vue until the 90–day waiting period from your last exam attempt has elapsed.  

• California Law and Ethics RE–EXAM Application – ONLINE in your BreEZe account (For fastest processing). Associate’s MUST select the application under MANAGE YOUR LICENSE INFORMATION section. 
• Manual California Law and Ethics RE–EXAM Application submitted by mail (4 to 6 week processing time)

Questions

For exam questions or issues, click here to Message the Board and choose Exam Questions.