Pennsylvania Psychology Law Exam
What is the purpose of the Professional Psychologists Practice Act? - ANSWER--Protect the public
safety and welfare
-Regulate and control in the public interest
-Protect the public from unprofessional, improper, unauthorized and unqualified practice of
psychology
-Protect the public from unprofessional conduct by persons licensed to practice psychology
Practice of Psychology - ANSWER--Counseling and the use of psychological methods with persons or
groups with adjustment problems in the areas of work, family, school, and personal relationships
-Measuring and testing of personality, intelligence, aptitudes, and emotions
-Offering services as a psychological consultant.
Definition of Practice of Psychology - ANSWER-Application of established principles of learning,
motivation, perception, thinking, and emotional relationships to problems of personality evaluation,
group relations, and behavior adjustment.
Definition of Psychological Methods - ANSWER-Application of principles of learning and motivation in
an interpersonal situation with the objectives of modification of perception and adjustment, and
requiring highly developed skills in the disciplines, techniques, and methods of altering through
learning processes, attitudes, feelings, values, self-concept, personal goals and adaptive patterns
Definition of Psychological Consulting - ANSWER-Interpreting or reporting upon scientific fact or
theory in psychology, rendering expert psychological opinion, psychological evaluation, or engaging in
applied psychological research
Definition of Measurement and Testing - ANSWER-Psychological assessment and evaluation of
abilities, attitudes, aptitudes, achievements, adjustments, motives, personality dynamics and/or other
psychological attributes of individuals, or groups of individuals by means of standardized
measurements or other methods, techniques or procedures recognized by the science and profession
of psychology
Exemptions from Professional Psychologists Practice Act - ANSWER-(1) Simple acts of persuasion or
suggestion by one person to another, or to a group.
(2) Persons licensed to practice any of the healing arts in this Commonwealth
(3) Qualified members of other recognized professions (e.g., clergy, drug and alcohol abuse
counselors, mental health counselors)
(4) Volunteers providing services in crisis or emergency situations.
(4) Person employed as a psychologist by a Federal, State, county, or municipal agency, or other
political subdivisions
(5) Social Psychologists
(6) Member of the faculty or staff of a duly accredited university, college, hospital or State-approved
nonpublic school
(7) Student, intern or resident in psychology, pursuing a course of study in a duly accredited university,
provided that such practice and use of title constitute a part of his supervised course of study, and he
is designated by such titles as "psychology intern," "psychology trainee," or other title clearly
indicating such training status.
(8) People conducting or presenting research or other scientific information regarding psychology
(7) People meeting minimum qualifications for licensure on temporary assignment in the
Commonwealth
(8) I/O Psychologists
,(9) Clerical or administrative employe in the performance of duties incidental to and necessary to the
work of a psychologist
(10) School Psychologists
(11) Psychologist licensed under this act employing and supervising postdoctoral individuals
completing the experience requirement for licensure who shall be designated as "psychology interns,"
"psychology residents" or "psychological trainees."
(12) Psychologist licensed under this act employing professional employes with graduate training in
psychology.
How many people are on the Board? - ANSWER-9 - 8 are appointed by the governor with approval of
the Senate. The ninth is the Commissioner of Professional and Occupational Affairs. 2 members are
representatives of the public at large. 6 members are licensed psychologists, representing broad areas
of psychology
How long must people be residents of PA before serving on the Board? - ANSWER-3 years
How long are the terms of service for Board members? - ANSWER-4 years or until a successor has
been appointed. Not longer than 4 years, 6 months. If replacing a board member, serve for the
remainder of that member's term. 2 term limit.
How many Board members are needed for a quorum? - ANSWER-A majority. Must be physically
present to participate in Board business, unless suspended.
Who are the Board officers? - ANSWER-Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary - all elected by the Board
annually. Secretary does not need to be a Board member.
What is the per diem for Board members participating in Board business? - ANSWER-$60 plus amount
of reasonable traveling, hotel and other necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their
duties in accordance with Commonwealth regulations.
Number of consecutive meetings missed for a Board Member to forfeit seat - ANSWER-3 - unless the
Commissioner of Professional and Occupational Affairs, upon written request from the member, finds
that the member should be excused from a meeting because of illness or the death of a family
member.
Number of mandated trainings a public member must miss to forfeit seat - ANSWER-2 - unless the
Commissioner of Professional and Occupational Affairs, upon written request from the public
member, finds that the public member should be excused from a meeting because of illness or the
death of a family member.
Number of annual Board meetings - ANSWER-6, with additional meetings as needed
Powers of the Board - ANSWER-(1) To pass upon the qualifications and fitness of applicants for
licenses and reciprocal licenses
(2) To adopt and revise rules and regulations requiring applicants to pass examinations relating to
their qualifications as a prerequisite to the issuance of license.
(3) To adopt and, from time to time, revise such rules and regulations and policies not inconsistent
with the law as may be necessary to carry into effect the provisions of this act. Such rules and
regulations shall include, but not be limited to, standards for professional practice and a code of
ethics for psychologists in the State.
(4) To examine for, deny, approve, issue, revoke, suspend, restrict, limit and renew the licenses of
psychologist applicants pursuant to this act and to conduct hearings in connection therewith.
(5) To conduct hearings upon complaints concerning violations of the provisions of and the rules and
regulations adopted pursuant to this act and cause the prosecution, impose civil penalties and enjoin
any such violations.
(6) To employ, with the approval of the Commissioner of Professional and Occupational Affairs, a
professional credentials evaluator to review applications.
, (7) To waive examination and grant a license in cases deemed exceptional by the board and in
accordance with board regulations.
Conditions under which fees, fines, and penalties may be raised - ANSWER--If the revenues raised are
not sufficient to meet expenditures over a two-year period
-If the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs determines that the fees established by the
board are inadequate to meet the minimum enforcement efforts required by this act
Where do the fines, fees, and penalties go? - ANSWER-Professional Licensure Augmentation Account
For what can the Board charge fees? - ANSWER-Examinations, registrations, renewals, certifications,
licensures or applications
How often and to what entity must the Board submit a financial report? - ANSWER-Annually to the
Department of State
What must be included in the Board's financial reports? - ANSWER-Estimate of the financial
requirements of the board for its administrative, investigative, legal and miscellaneous expenses
When and to whom is the budget submitted for the Board? - ANSWER-Annually to the House and
Senate Appropriations Committees, fifteen days after the Governor has submitted his budget to the
General Assembly (copy of the one sent to the Department of State)
How often and to what entities must the Board report on its activities? - ANSWER-Annually to the
Professional Licensure Committee of the House of Representatives and to the Consumer Protection
and Professional Licensure Committee of the Senate
What do the Board's report of activities contain? - ANSWER-A description of the types of complaints
received, status of cases, board action which has been taken and the length of time from the initial
complaint to final board resolution.
Qualifications for licensure - ANSWER-(1) is of acceptable moral character
(2) is either
(i) a graduate of an accredited college or university holding a degree of Doctor of Philosophy in
psychology, Doctor of Psychology, or Doctor of Education in psychology
-Has not less than two years of supervised experience, at least one of which was obtained subsequent
to the granting of the doctoral degree, provided that such experience is acceptable to the board
(ii) a graduate of an accredited college or university holding a doctoral degree field related to
psychology and has not less than two years of supervised experience, at least one of which was
obtained subsequent to the granting of the doctoral degree, provided such experience and training
are acceptable to the board as being equivalent to the above pursuant to criteria established by board
regulation
(3) has passed an examination duly adopted by the board
(4) has paid all appropriate fees in the amount determined by the board by regulation
(5) has not been convicted of a felony under "The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic
Act," or of an offense under the laws of another jurisdiction which if committed in this
Commonwealth would be a felony under "The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act"
Exceptions to requirements that potential licensees not be convicted of drug-related felonies -
ANSWER-(i) at least ten years have elapsed from the date of conviction;
(ii) the applicant satisfactorily demonstrates to the board that he has made significant progress in
personal rehabilitation since the conviction such that licensure of the applicant should not be
expected to create a substantial risk of harm to the health and safety of his patients or the public or a
substantial risk of further criminal violations
(iii) the applicant otherwise satisfies the qualifications contained in or authorized by this act.
As used in this clause the term "convicted" shall include a judgment, an admission of guilt or a plea of
nolo contendere.
What is the purpose of the Professional Psychologists Practice Act? - ANSWER--Protect the public
safety and welfare
-Regulate and control in the public interest
-Protect the public from unprofessional, improper, unauthorized and unqualified practice of
psychology
-Protect the public from unprofessional conduct by persons licensed to practice psychology
Practice of Psychology - ANSWER--Counseling and the use of psychological methods with persons or
groups with adjustment problems in the areas of work, family, school, and personal relationships
-Measuring and testing of personality, intelligence, aptitudes, and emotions
-Offering services as a psychological consultant.
Definition of Practice of Psychology - ANSWER-Application of established principles of learning,
motivation, perception, thinking, and emotional relationships to problems of personality evaluation,
group relations, and behavior adjustment.
Definition of Psychological Methods - ANSWER-Application of principles of learning and motivation in
an interpersonal situation with the objectives of modification of perception and adjustment, and
requiring highly developed skills in the disciplines, techniques, and methods of altering through
learning processes, attitudes, feelings, values, self-concept, personal goals and adaptive patterns
Definition of Psychological Consulting - ANSWER-Interpreting or reporting upon scientific fact or
theory in psychology, rendering expert psychological opinion, psychological evaluation, or engaging in
applied psychological research
Definition of Measurement and Testing - ANSWER-Psychological assessment and evaluation of
abilities, attitudes, aptitudes, achievements, adjustments, motives, personality dynamics and/or other
psychological attributes of individuals, or groups of individuals by means of standardized
measurements or other methods, techniques or procedures recognized by the science and profession
of psychology
Exemptions from Professional Psychologists Practice Act - ANSWER-(1) Simple acts of persuasion or
suggestion by one person to another, or to a group.
(2) Persons licensed to practice any of the healing arts in this Commonwealth
(3) Qualified members of other recognized professions (e.g., clergy, drug and alcohol abuse
counselors, mental health counselors)
(4) Volunteers providing services in crisis or emergency situations.
(4) Person employed as a psychologist by a Federal, State, county, or municipal agency, or other
political subdivisions
(5) Social Psychologists
(6) Member of the faculty or staff of a duly accredited university, college, hospital or State-approved
nonpublic school
(7) Student, intern or resident in psychology, pursuing a course of study in a duly accredited university,
provided that such practice and use of title constitute a part of his supervised course of study, and he
is designated by such titles as "psychology intern," "psychology trainee," or other title clearly
indicating such training status.
(8) People conducting or presenting research or other scientific information regarding psychology
(7) People meeting minimum qualifications for licensure on temporary assignment in the
Commonwealth
(8) I/O Psychologists
,(9) Clerical or administrative employe in the performance of duties incidental to and necessary to the
work of a psychologist
(10) School Psychologists
(11) Psychologist licensed under this act employing and supervising postdoctoral individuals
completing the experience requirement for licensure who shall be designated as "psychology interns,"
"psychology residents" or "psychological trainees."
(12) Psychologist licensed under this act employing professional employes with graduate training in
psychology.
How many people are on the Board? - ANSWER-9 - 8 are appointed by the governor with approval of
the Senate. The ninth is the Commissioner of Professional and Occupational Affairs. 2 members are
representatives of the public at large. 6 members are licensed psychologists, representing broad areas
of psychology
How long must people be residents of PA before serving on the Board? - ANSWER-3 years
How long are the terms of service for Board members? - ANSWER-4 years or until a successor has
been appointed. Not longer than 4 years, 6 months. If replacing a board member, serve for the
remainder of that member's term. 2 term limit.
How many Board members are needed for a quorum? - ANSWER-A majority. Must be physically
present to participate in Board business, unless suspended.
Who are the Board officers? - ANSWER-Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary - all elected by the Board
annually. Secretary does not need to be a Board member.
What is the per diem for Board members participating in Board business? - ANSWER-$60 plus amount
of reasonable traveling, hotel and other necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their
duties in accordance with Commonwealth regulations.
Number of consecutive meetings missed for a Board Member to forfeit seat - ANSWER-3 - unless the
Commissioner of Professional and Occupational Affairs, upon written request from the member, finds
that the member should be excused from a meeting because of illness or the death of a family
member.
Number of mandated trainings a public member must miss to forfeit seat - ANSWER-2 - unless the
Commissioner of Professional and Occupational Affairs, upon written request from the public
member, finds that the public member should be excused from a meeting because of illness or the
death of a family member.
Number of annual Board meetings - ANSWER-6, with additional meetings as needed
Powers of the Board - ANSWER-(1) To pass upon the qualifications and fitness of applicants for
licenses and reciprocal licenses
(2) To adopt and revise rules and regulations requiring applicants to pass examinations relating to
their qualifications as a prerequisite to the issuance of license.
(3) To adopt and, from time to time, revise such rules and regulations and policies not inconsistent
with the law as may be necessary to carry into effect the provisions of this act. Such rules and
regulations shall include, but not be limited to, standards for professional practice and a code of
ethics for psychologists in the State.
(4) To examine for, deny, approve, issue, revoke, suspend, restrict, limit and renew the licenses of
psychologist applicants pursuant to this act and to conduct hearings in connection therewith.
(5) To conduct hearings upon complaints concerning violations of the provisions of and the rules and
regulations adopted pursuant to this act and cause the prosecution, impose civil penalties and enjoin
any such violations.
(6) To employ, with the approval of the Commissioner of Professional and Occupational Affairs, a
professional credentials evaluator to review applications.
, (7) To waive examination and grant a license in cases deemed exceptional by the board and in
accordance with board regulations.
Conditions under which fees, fines, and penalties may be raised - ANSWER--If the revenues raised are
not sufficient to meet expenditures over a two-year period
-If the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs determines that the fees established by the
board are inadequate to meet the minimum enforcement efforts required by this act
Where do the fines, fees, and penalties go? - ANSWER-Professional Licensure Augmentation Account
For what can the Board charge fees? - ANSWER-Examinations, registrations, renewals, certifications,
licensures or applications
How often and to what entity must the Board submit a financial report? - ANSWER-Annually to the
Department of State
What must be included in the Board's financial reports? - ANSWER-Estimate of the financial
requirements of the board for its administrative, investigative, legal and miscellaneous expenses
When and to whom is the budget submitted for the Board? - ANSWER-Annually to the House and
Senate Appropriations Committees, fifteen days after the Governor has submitted his budget to the
General Assembly (copy of the one sent to the Department of State)
How often and to what entities must the Board report on its activities? - ANSWER-Annually to the
Professional Licensure Committee of the House of Representatives and to the Consumer Protection
and Professional Licensure Committee of the Senate
What do the Board's report of activities contain? - ANSWER-A description of the types of complaints
received, status of cases, board action which has been taken and the length of time from the initial
complaint to final board resolution.
Qualifications for licensure - ANSWER-(1) is of acceptable moral character
(2) is either
(i) a graduate of an accredited college or university holding a degree of Doctor of Philosophy in
psychology, Doctor of Psychology, or Doctor of Education in psychology
-Has not less than two years of supervised experience, at least one of which was obtained subsequent
to the granting of the doctoral degree, provided that such experience is acceptable to the board
(ii) a graduate of an accredited college or university holding a doctoral degree field related to
psychology and has not less than two years of supervised experience, at least one of which was
obtained subsequent to the granting of the doctoral degree, provided such experience and training
are acceptable to the board as being equivalent to the above pursuant to criteria established by board
regulation
(3) has passed an examination duly adopted by the board
(4) has paid all appropriate fees in the amount determined by the board by regulation
(5) has not been convicted of a felony under "The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic
Act," or of an offense under the laws of another jurisdiction which if committed in this
Commonwealth would be a felony under "The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act"
Exceptions to requirements that potential licensees not be convicted of drug-related felonies -
ANSWER-(i) at least ten years have elapsed from the date of conviction;
(ii) the applicant satisfactorily demonstrates to the board that he has made significant progress in
personal rehabilitation since the conviction such that licensure of the applicant should not be
expected to create a substantial risk of harm to the health and safety of his patients or the public or a
substantial risk of further criminal violations
(iii) the applicant otherwise satisfies the qualifications contained in or authorized by this act.
As used in this clause the term "convicted" shall include a judgment, an admission of guilt or a plea of
nolo contendere.
