Wisconsin Counseling Jurisprudence Exam
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Wisconsin Counseling Jurisprudence Exam
POINT-FORM SUMMARIZED EXAM COVERAGE
• Purpose of licensure laws: public protection from unethical or incompetent practice
• Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS): primary licensing and
enforcement authority
• Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling, and Social Work Examining Board
(MPSW Board): composition of 7 members, advises DSPS, adopts rules and code of ethics
• Chapter 457, Wisconsin Statutes: definitions, licensure requirements, scope of practice,
prohibited practices
• Chapter MPSW, Wisconsin Administrative Code: professional conduct, continuing education,
application procedures
• Professional counseling defined: applying human development and psychosocial principles to
achieve mental, emotional, and behavioral health
• Psychotherapy defined: diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders
through established psychological principles
• Prohibited practices (MPSW 20): unprofessional conduct, grounds for discipline, mandatory
reporting violations
• LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor): independent practice license
• LPC-IT (Licensed Professional Counselor-In-Training): temporary license for supervised post-
degree hours
• Training license validity: 48 months, one 9-month renewal possible at section's discretion
• Supervised hours: 3,000 total post-degree hours, minimum 1,000 direct client contact
• Education: master's or doctorate from CACREP-approved or equivalent program, 60 graduate
semester credits typical
• Examinations: NCE or NCMHCE for LPC; Wisconsin State Jurisprudence Exam testing state law
knowledge
• Continuing education: 30 hours per biennium (renewal period ending February 28 of odd-
numbered years), minimum 4 hours ethics
• Psychotherapy rules: MPSW Board rules specify levels of psychometric testing qualified to
perform
• Confidentiality and privilege: Wis. Stat. § 905.04 governs psychotherapist-client privilege
• Mandatory child abuse reporting: Wis. Stat. § 48.981, report to CPS within 24 hours
• Duty to warn/protect: Tarasoff duty exists under Wisconsin common law
• Supervision requirements: LPC-IT must practice under approved LPC supervisor
• Licensure by reciprocity: available for individuals licensed in other states with substantially
equivalent requirements
• Counseling Compact: Wis. Stat. § 457.50, privilege to practice in compact member states
• Disciplinary proceedings: Wis. Stat. § 457.26, DSPS and Examining Board authority
• Unprofessional conduct (MPSW 20.02): includes practicing beyond scope, sexual misconduct,
fraudulent practice, confidentiality breaches, conversion therapy prohibition
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• Sexual misconduct with clients: Wis. Stat. § 940.22, criminal offense, permanent license
revocation
• Record keeping: client records must be maintained, retention period specified in administrative
code
• Professional liability insurance: required for independent practice, may be required for training
license
• Informed consent: required for treatment, includes confidentiality limits, risks, benefits,
alternatives
• Good faith reporting immunity: mandated reporters immune from civil liability for good faith
child abuse reports
1. What is the primary purpose of counseling jurisprudence laws in Wisconsin, as established in Chapter
457?
A) To increase counselor income through mandatory fee structures
B) To protect the public from unethical or incompetent practice of professional counseling
C) To limit the availability of mental health services to certain populations
D) To promote competition among licensed professional counselors
Answer: B
Rationale: The primary purpose of licensure laws is public protection, establishing minimum standards
for education, examination, and ethical conduct to ensure client safety .
2. Under Wisconsin law, practicing professional counseling without a valid license is considered what
type of violation?
A) A minor infraction with no penalty
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B) A civil violation subject only to administrative fines
C) Unlawful conduct that may result in both civil and criminal penalties
D) Permitted under general exemptions for all master's degree holders
Answer: C
Rationale: Providing professional counseling services without a license violates state law and may result
in both civil penalties and criminal prosecution .
3. The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) holds primary authority over
which aspect of counseling regulation?
A) Setting national examination passing scores
B) Licensure, renewal, and discipline of professional counselors
C) Accrediting graduate counseling programs
D) Determining insurance reimbursement rates for therapy
Answer: B
Rationale: DSPS is the state agency responsible for licensing, credential renewal, and disciplinary
enforcement for professional counselors and other regulated professions .
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4. How many members serve on the Wisconsin Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling,
and Social Work Examining Board?
A) 5 members (3 professional, 2 public)
B) 7 members (5 professional, 2 public minimum)
C) 9 members (6 professional, 3 public)
D) 11 members (8 professional, 3 public)
Answer: B
Rationale: The MPSW Board consists of seven members, including at least three professional counselors
or therapists, at least one social worker, and at least two public members .
5. Which Wisconsin Administrative Code chapter specifically establishes continuing education
requirements for professional counselors?
A) MPSW 10
B) MPSW 11
C) MPSW 19
D) MPSW 20
Answer: C