TEXAS STATE BOARD OF EXAMINERS
OF PSYCHOLOGISTS
Psychologists' Licensing Act — Comprehensive Exam
200 MCQs (Advanced Level)
📋 EXAM COVERAGE DESCRIPTION
This exam covers the following core domains as assessed for Texas psychologist licensure and
jurisprudence:
Texas Psychologists' Licensing Act: Statutory requirements, scope, purpose, and
definitions
Board Structure & Authority: TSBEP composition, powers, duties, and rulemaking
authority
Licensure Requirements: Qualifications, education, examination, and application
procedures
License Types & Categories: Licensed Psychologist, Psychological Associate,
Provisionally Licensed Psychologist, Specialist designations
Supervision Requirements: Supervision structures, supervisory relationships, and
responsibilities
Scope of Practice: Authorized activities, practice limitations, and boundaries
Ethical Standards: Professional conduct, ethical obligations, and standards of practice
Confidentiality & Privileged Communication: Patient rights, exceptions, mandatory
reporting
Disciplinary Procedures: Complaints, investigations, hearings, sanctions, and appeals
Continuing Education: Requirements, approved providers, and compliance
Fees & Renewals: License fees, renewal periods, and lapse procedures
Exemptions & Special Provisions: Military, academic, research, and other exemptions
Telehealth & Technology: Telepsychology provisions under Texas law
Consumer Protection: Public safety provisions, advertising standards, record keeping
SECTION 1: DEFINITIONS & GENERAL PROVISIONS
,1. Under the Texas Psychologists' Licensing Act, which of the following BEST defines the
practice of psychology?
A. Only the administration and interpretation of psychological tests B. The observation,
description, evaluation, interpretation, and modification of human behavior by the application of
psychological principles, methods, and procedures for the purpose of preventing or eliminating
symptomatic, maladaptive, or undesired behavior ✅ (correct answer) C. Providing counseling
services exclusively to individuals with mental illness D. The diagnosis and treatment of
psychiatric disorders using DSM criteria only E. Any activity performed by a licensed mental
health professional in Texas
Rationale: The Texas Psychologists' Licensing Act defines the practice of psychology broadly
to include observation, description, evaluation, interpretation, and modification of human
behavior through psychological principles, methods, and procedures. This encompasses
prevention, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. The definition is intentionally broad to
encompass the full range of activities psychologists perform across diverse settings including
clinical, school, forensic, industrial-organizational, and research contexts.
2. The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (TSBEP) is established under which
primary authority?
A. The Texas Medical Practice Act B. The Texas Health and Safety Code C. The Texas
Occupations Code, Chapter 501 ✅ (correct answer) D. The Texas Administrative Code, Title
22 E. The Texas Education Code
Rationale: The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists operates under the Texas
Occupations Code, Chapter 501 (the Psychologists' Licensing Act). The Texas Administrative
Code, Title 22, Part 21 contains the Board's administrative rules implementing the Act. The
Occupations Code is the statutory authority (enacted by the Legislature), while the Texas
Administrative Code contains the rules promulgated by the Board pursuant to that statutory
authority.
3. Under the Texas Psychologists' Licensing Act, the term "psychological associate" refers to a
person who:
A. Has completed a doctoral degree and passed all licensing examinations B. Holds a master's
degree in psychology and is licensed by the Board to practice psychology under the supervision
of a licensed psychologist ✅ (correct answer) C. Is a doctoral intern working under
supervision in an approved program D. Is a licensed psychologist with a specialty designation E.
Has completed postdoctoral training and is awaiting licensure examination
,Rationale: A Psychological Associate (PA) in Texas holds a master's degree (at minimum) in
psychology or a related field and is licensed by TSBEP to practice psychology. Unlike a
Licensed Psychologist (LP) who holds a doctoral degree, the PA must practice under the
supervision of a Licensed Psychologist. The PA designation is distinct from the provisional
license designation, which applies to doctoral-level applicants completing postdoctoral
requirements.
4. Which of the following correctly identifies who is a "licensed psychologist" under Texas law?
A. Any person with a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited institution B. A person
licensed under the Act who holds a doctoral degree and has met all Board requirements for full
independent licensure ✅ (correct answer) C. Any person who provides psychological services
in Texas regardless of credentials D. A person who has passed the EPPP examination
administered by ASPPB E. A board-certified psychologist from any US state practicing in Texas
Rationale: A "Licensed Psychologist" in Texas is a person who has met ALL Board
requirements including: doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited institution, supervised
experience (typically 2 years including 1 year postdoctoral), passing scores on the EPPP
(Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology) and the Texas Jurisprudence
Examination, and Board approval. Holding a doctoral degree alone does not make one a licensed
psychologist — all requirements must be met and the license must be issued by TSBEP.
5. The term "provisionally licensed psychologist" (PLP) in Texas refers to:
A. A psychologist whose license has been suspended pending disciplinary action B. A doctoral-
level individual who has met education requirements and is completing postdoctoral supervised
experience under a provisional license ✅ (correct answer) C. A psychologist licensed in
another state seeking Texas licensure by endorsement D. A master's-level psychologist practicing
under supervision E. A retired psychologist maintaining an inactive license status
Rationale: The Provisionally Licensed Psychologist (PLP) designation in Texas is for doctoral-
level individuals who have: (1) Completed their doctoral degree from an accredited program; (2)
Met other preliminary requirements; but (3) Have not yet completed their required postdoctoral
supervised experience or passed all required examinations. The PLP works under supervision
while accumulating the required supervised experience. Once all requirements are met, the PLP
may apply for full licensure as a Licensed Psychologist.
6. Under the Texas Psychologists' Licensing Act, which individual is EXEMPT from licensure
requirements?
, A. A person providing psychological services at a private practice for profit B. A person
providing psychological services at a nonprofit mental health center C. An employee of the
federal government performing duties within the scope of that employment ✅ (correct answer)
D. A licensed professional counselor providing therapy services E. A person providing
psychological testing for educational placement
Rationale: Federal government employees performing psychological services within the scope
of their employment are exempt from Texas licensure requirements. This exemption applies to
employees of federal agencies (VA, DoD, federal prisons, federal health facilities) when acting
within their employment scope. Other common exemptions include: students and trainees under
supervision in accredited programs, out-of-state psychologists providing temporary services, and
individuals performing activities that do not constitute the practice of psychology as defined by
the Act.
7. Which of the following activities is considered the UNAUTHORIZED practice of psychology
under Texas law?
A. A student in an APA-accredited doctoral program providing psychological services under
supervision B. A licensed professional counselor providing therapy within their scope of practice
C. A person with a master's degree in psychology providing assessment and treatment services
without any license from TSBEP ✅ (correct answer) D. A psychiatrist performing
psychological testing as part of psychiatric evaluation E. A school psychologist employed by a
public school district providing services to students
Rationale: Providing psychological services — including assessment and treatment — without a
valid license from TSBEP constitutes unauthorized practice of psychology in Texas. The Act
prohibits individuals from using titles or representing themselves as psychologists, performing
psychological services, or engaging in the practice of psychology without proper licensure. A
person with a master's degree who has not obtained a Psychological Associate license from
TSBEP and who provides assessment and treatment services is practicing without authorization,
which is a violation of the Act.
8. Under Texas law, which of the following correctly describes when a person may use the title
"psychologist"?
A. When the person holds a doctoral degree in any field related to mental health B. When the
person holds a doctoral degree in psychology from any university worldwide C. Only when the
person holds a current, valid license issued by TSBEP as a Licensed Psychologist ✅ (correct
answer) D. When the person is a doctoral candidate in an APA-accredited program E. When the
person is employed by a state mental health facility in a psychological capacity
OF PSYCHOLOGISTS
Psychologists' Licensing Act — Comprehensive Exam
200 MCQs (Advanced Level)
📋 EXAM COVERAGE DESCRIPTION
This exam covers the following core domains as assessed for Texas psychologist licensure and
jurisprudence:
Texas Psychologists' Licensing Act: Statutory requirements, scope, purpose, and
definitions
Board Structure & Authority: TSBEP composition, powers, duties, and rulemaking
authority
Licensure Requirements: Qualifications, education, examination, and application
procedures
License Types & Categories: Licensed Psychologist, Psychological Associate,
Provisionally Licensed Psychologist, Specialist designations
Supervision Requirements: Supervision structures, supervisory relationships, and
responsibilities
Scope of Practice: Authorized activities, practice limitations, and boundaries
Ethical Standards: Professional conduct, ethical obligations, and standards of practice
Confidentiality & Privileged Communication: Patient rights, exceptions, mandatory
reporting
Disciplinary Procedures: Complaints, investigations, hearings, sanctions, and appeals
Continuing Education: Requirements, approved providers, and compliance
Fees & Renewals: License fees, renewal periods, and lapse procedures
Exemptions & Special Provisions: Military, academic, research, and other exemptions
Telehealth & Technology: Telepsychology provisions under Texas law
Consumer Protection: Public safety provisions, advertising standards, record keeping
SECTION 1: DEFINITIONS & GENERAL PROVISIONS
,1. Under the Texas Psychologists' Licensing Act, which of the following BEST defines the
practice of psychology?
A. Only the administration and interpretation of psychological tests B. The observation,
description, evaluation, interpretation, and modification of human behavior by the application of
psychological principles, methods, and procedures for the purpose of preventing or eliminating
symptomatic, maladaptive, or undesired behavior ✅ (correct answer) C. Providing counseling
services exclusively to individuals with mental illness D. The diagnosis and treatment of
psychiatric disorders using DSM criteria only E. Any activity performed by a licensed mental
health professional in Texas
Rationale: The Texas Psychologists' Licensing Act defines the practice of psychology broadly
to include observation, description, evaluation, interpretation, and modification of human
behavior through psychological principles, methods, and procedures. This encompasses
prevention, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. The definition is intentionally broad to
encompass the full range of activities psychologists perform across diverse settings including
clinical, school, forensic, industrial-organizational, and research contexts.
2. The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (TSBEP) is established under which
primary authority?
A. The Texas Medical Practice Act B. The Texas Health and Safety Code C. The Texas
Occupations Code, Chapter 501 ✅ (correct answer) D. The Texas Administrative Code, Title
22 E. The Texas Education Code
Rationale: The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists operates under the Texas
Occupations Code, Chapter 501 (the Psychologists' Licensing Act). The Texas Administrative
Code, Title 22, Part 21 contains the Board's administrative rules implementing the Act. The
Occupations Code is the statutory authority (enacted by the Legislature), while the Texas
Administrative Code contains the rules promulgated by the Board pursuant to that statutory
authority.
3. Under the Texas Psychologists' Licensing Act, the term "psychological associate" refers to a
person who:
A. Has completed a doctoral degree and passed all licensing examinations B. Holds a master's
degree in psychology and is licensed by the Board to practice psychology under the supervision
of a licensed psychologist ✅ (correct answer) C. Is a doctoral intern working under
supervision in an approved program D. Is a licensed psychologist with a specialty designation E.
Has completed postdoctoral training and is awaiting licensure examination
,Rationale: A Psychological Associate (PA) in Texas holds a master's degree (at minimum) in
psychology or a related field and is licensed by TSBEP to practice psychology. Unlike a
Licensed Psychologist (LP) who holds a doctoral degree, the PA must practice under the
supervision of a Licensed Psychologist. The PA designation is distinct from the provisional
license designation, which applies to doctoral-level applicants completing postdoctoral
requirements.
4. Which of the following correctly identifies who is a "licensed psychologist" under Texas law?
A. Any person with a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited institution B. A person
licensed under the Act who holds a doctoral degree and has met all Board requirements for full
independent licensure ✅ (correct answer) C. Any person who provides psychological services
in Texas regardless of credentials D. A person who has passed the EPPP examination
administered by ASPPB E. A board-certified psychologist from any US state practicing in Texas
Rationale: A "Licensed Psychologist" in Texas is a person who has met ALL Board
requirements including: doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited institution, supervised
experience (typically 2 years including 1 year postdoctoral), passing scores on the EPPP
(Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology) and the Texas Jurisprudence
Examination, and Board approval. Holding a doctoral degree alone does not make one a licensed
psychologist — all requirements must be met and the license must be issued by TSBEP.
5. The term "provisionally licensed psychologist" (PLP) in Texas refers to:
A. A psychologist whose license has been suspended pending disciplinary action B. A doctoral-
level individual who has met education requirements and is completing postdoctoral supervised
experience under a provisional license ✅ (correct answer) C. A psychologist licensed in
another state seeking Texas licensure by endorsement D. A master's-level psychologist practicing
under supervision E. A retired psychologist maintaining an inactive license status
Rationale: The Provisionally Licensed Psychologist (PLP) designation in Texas is for doctoral-
level individuals who have: (1) Completed their doctoral degree from an accredited program; (2)
Met other preliminary requirements; but (3) Have not yet completed their required postdoctoral
supervised experience or passed all required examinations. The PLP works under supervision
while accumulating the required supervised experience. Once all requirements are met, the PLP
may apply for full licensure as a Licensed Psychologist.
6. Under the Texas Psychologists' Licensing Act, which individual is EXEMPT from licensure
requirements?
, A. A person providing psychological services at a private practice for profit B. A person
providing psychological services at a nonprofit mental health center C. An employee of the
federal government performing duties within the scope of that employment ✅ (correct answer)
D. A licensed professional counselor providing therapy services E. A person providing
psychological testing for educational placement
Rationale: Federal government employees performing psychological services within the scope
of their employment are exempt from Texas licensure requirements. This exemption applies to
employees of federal agencies (VA, DoD, federal prisons, federal health facilities) when acting
within their employment scope. Other common exemptions include: students and trainees under
supervision in accredited programs, out-of-state psychologists providing temporary services, and
individuals performing activities that do not constitute the practice of psychology as defined by
the Act.
7. Which of the following activities is considered the UNAUTHORIZED practice of psychology
under Texas law?
A. A student in an APA-accredited doctoral program providing psychological services under
supervision B. A licensed professional counselor providing therapy within their scope of practice
C. A person with a master's degree in psychology providing assessment and treatment services
without any license from TSBEP ✅ (correct answer) D. A psychiatrist performing
psychological testing as part of psychiatric evaluation E. A school psychologist employed by a
public school district providing services to students
Rationale: Providing psychological services — including assessment and treatment — without a
valid license from TSBEP constitutes unauthorized practice of psychology in Texas. The Act
prohibits individuals from using titles or representing themselves as psychologists, performing
psychological services, or engaging in the practice of psychology without proper licensure. A
person with a master's degree who has not obtained a Psychological Associate license from
TSBEP and who provides assessment and treatment services is practicing without authorization,
which is a violation of the Act.
8. Under Texas law, which of the following correctly describes when a person may use the title
"psychologist"?
A. When the person holds a doctoral degree in any field related to mental health B. When the
person holds a doctoral degree in psychology from any university worldwide C. Only when the
person holds a current, valid license issued by TSBEP as a Licensed Psychologist ✅ (correct
answer) D. When the person is a doctoral candidate in an APA-accredited program E. When the
person is employed by a state mental health facility in a psychological capacity
