Staying on top of changes in professional licensing exams is crucial for mental health professionals aiming to advance their careers. The California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) recently announced updates to the Law and Ethics Exam outlines for Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCCs). This blog post provides an overview of the changes and offers guidance on accessing the updated outlines.

Why the Updates?

The BBS conducts an Occupational Analysis every five years for each regulated profession to ensure that examination content aligns with the current competencies required for effective practice. The primary goal is to reflect any changes in laws and ethical standards within the past five years, ensuring that the exam remains a valid measure of a candidate's readiness for professional practice.

Changes Effective in 2024:

The content outline updates will be implemented for the Law and Ethics Exams on these dates:


LMFT Law and Ethics Exam - Effective 1/1/24

LCSW Law and Ethics Exam - Effective 1/1/24

LPCC Law and Ethics Exam - Effective 2/1/24

Accessing the Updated Outlines:

To familiarize yourself with the updated exam outlines, visit the Pearson VUE website dedicated to the California BBS: https://home.pearsonvue.com/cabbs. Here, you will find detailed information about the changes made to each exam, ensuring that you are well-prepared for success.

AATBS Study Materials:

The AATBS content team is diligently working to ensure that our Law and Ethics study materials align seamlessly with these changes. Recognizing the importance of staying current with evolving regulations, our team is committed to providing comprehensive and up-to-date resources for exam preparation. We understand that candidates rely on accurate and relevant materials, and as such, we are meticulously reviewing and revising our content to reflect the modifications outlined in the updated exam outlines. Our goal is to empower individuals pursuing licensure by offering them the most pertinent information and resources to navigate the complexities of the California Law and Ethics exams successfully

 


Staying informed about changes to the Law and Ethics Exam is a crucial step for mental health professionals in California. By understanding the updates to the exam outlines and accessing the relevant resources, you can enhance your preparation and increase your chances of success. With the alignment of exam content with current practice standards, these changes ensure that licensed professionals are well-equipped to provide effective and ethical mental health services to the community.