Supplemental materials, official sources, and the latest California law changes to keep your exam prep current.
Changes that may affect the Law & Ethics Exam
The California BBS has proposed significant changes including: changing the six-year rule to a seven-year rule for associate registration, allowing associates to apply for Clinical Exam eligibility after 850 clinical hours (instead of 3,000 total), and removing the requirement to attempt the Law & Ethics Exam in the first year of registration.
Note: These are still formally proposals and may change. Law & Ethics timing changes anticipated for Jan 1, 2027 if approved.
The BBS updated the required "Notice to Clients" language that must be provided to all clients at the outset of treatment. All licensees and associates must use the updated notice effective July 1, 2025.
Source: BBS official announcement, June 2025.
Associates must receive two units of supervision in any week where more than 10 hours of direct clinical counseling are performed. This clarification applies to associate clinical social workers (ASWs) gaining hours toward LCSW licensure.
Source: BBS clarification, effective July 1, 2024.
The BBS updated the exam content distribution: 44% Law (Scope of Practice, Consent & Confidentiality, Mandated Reporting, Legal Standards) and 56% Ethics (Professional Competence, Client Relationships, Practice Policies). The exam consists of 75 multiple-choice questions with a 2.5-hour time limit.
Important: California law changes frequently. Always verify current statutes and regulations on the official BBS website before your exam. This course is updated regularly, but you should confirm any recent changes independently.
Primary references for exam preparation
Official California licensing board — exam info, applications, statutes, and regulations.
Complete text of California Business & Professions Code sections governing social work practice.
Full text of the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics — the ethical foundation for the exam.
Official exam information, FAQs, content outline, and registration details.
The most frequently tested California statutes on the exam
| Statute | Topic | Key Point |
|---|---|---|
| FC §6924 | Minor Consent | Minor 12+ can consent to outpatient mental health treatment |
| PC §11166 | Child Abuse Reporting | Mandated reporters must report known/suspected child abuse immediately |
| WIC §15630 | Elder/Dependent Adult Abuse | Must report abuse of persons 65+ or dependent adults |
| CC §43.92 | Tarasoff Duty | Duty to warn identifiable victim AND notify law enforcement |
| WIC §5150 | Involuntary Hold | 72-hour hold for danger to self/others or gravely disabled |
| EC §1014 | Psychotherapist-Patient Privilege | Client holds the privilege; therapist asserts on client's behalf |
| BPC §4996.9 | LCSW Scope of Practice | Defines what LCSWs are authorized to do in California |
| BPC §4982 | Grounds for Discipline | Lists violations that can result in license revocation/suspension |
| HIPAA | Federal Privacy Rule | Federal minimum standard; California (CMIA) is often stricter |
| CC §56 (CMIA) | CA Medical Information Act | California's stricter privacy law — when HIPAA and CMIA conflict, follow the stricter standard |
Read Every Word
BBS questions are scenario-based. Key details are often buried in the middle of the vignette.
Look for "FIRST" and "BEST"
Multiple answers may seem correct. The question asks for the FIRST or BEST action, not just a correct one.
California Law Trumps
When California law is stricter than federal law (HIPAA vs. CMIA), always follow the stricter California standard.
Eliminate Absolutes
Watch for words like "always," "never," "must immediately." In ethics, context usually matters.
Ready to test your knowledge?