CALIFORNIA LCSW LAW & ETHICS
ACTUAL EXAM (Latest Update 2025 /
2026) Questions & Answers with
Rationales| 100% Correct | Grade.
1. A social worker learns from a teenage client that she is being
physically abused at home. What is the social worker’s legal
obligation in California?
A. Maintain confidentiality unless the client gives permission
B. Report to Child Protective Services immediately
C. Inform the parents and encourage treatment
D. Refer the client to another provider
Answer: B
Rationale: In CA, mandated reporters must report suspected child abuse
immediately.
2. A social worker’s client threatens to harm a specific individual.
What is the correct legal response under Tarasoff?
A. Break confidentiality only if the client is hospitalized
B. Warn the potential victim and notify law enforcement
C. Encourage the client to calm down and continue therapy
D. Do nothing unless the threat is repeated
Answer: B
Rationale: California’s Tarasoff duty requires duty to protect, which
may include warning potential victims and notifying police.
,3. How many hours of continuing education (CE) are required for
California LCSW renewal every 2 years?
A. 18 hours
B. 25 hours
C. 36 hours
D. 40 hours
Answer: C
Rationale: 36 CE hours are required, including mandatory law & ethics
training.
4. A social worker posts about a client on social media without using
their name. The client can still be identified by details. What
violation has occurred?
A. None, because no names were used
B. Breach of confidentiality
C. Fraud
D. Negligence
Answer: B
Rationale: Even without names, if a client is identifiable, it’s a breach
of confidentiality.
5. Which of the following is not required to be reported by a CA
LCSW?
A. Elder abuse
B. Child abuse
C. Domestic violence between two adults (if no child/elder dependent
involved)
D. Threat to self
, Answer: C
Rationale: DV is not mandated unless children, elders, or dependent
adults are involved.
6. A client requests access to their therapy records. According to
California law, the social worker must provide access within:
A. 5 days
B. 10 days
C. 15 days
D. 30 days
Answer: B
Rationale: In CA, clients have a right to access their records within 10
days of request (summary can be provided within 15 days if agreed).
7. A client’s spouse calls asking about the client’s treatment. The
social worker should:
A. Share general information only
B. Verify the caller’s identity and share all records
C. Decline to share without written authorization from the client
D. Give limited details about treatment progress
Answer: C
Rationale: Confidentiality requires written authorization, except in
mandated reporting or emergency exceptions.
8. When must a social worker break confidentiality without client
consent?
A. When a client requests it
B. When billing insurance companies
C. When child abuse is suspected
D. When the spouse asks for records
ACTUAL EXAM (Latest Update 2025 /
2026) Questions & Answers with
Rationales| 100% Correct | Grade.
1. A social worker learns from a teenage client that she is being
physically abused at home. What is the social worker’s legal
obligation in California?
A. Maintain confidentiality unless the client gives permission
B. Report to Child Protective Services immediately
C. Inform the parents and encourage treatment
D. Refer the client to another provider
Answer: B
Rationale: In CA, mandated reporters must report suspected child abuse
immediately.
2. A social worker’s client threatens to harm a specific individual.
What is the correct legal response under Tarasoff?
A. Break confidentiality only if the client is hospitalized
B. Warn the potential victim and notify law enforcement
C. Encourage the client to calm down and continue therapy
D. Do nothing unless the threat is repeated
Answer: B
Rationale: California’s Tarasoff duty requires duty to protect, which
may include warning potential victims and notifying police.
,3. How many hours of continuing education (CE) are required for
California LCSW renewal every 2 years?
A. 18 hours
B. 25 hours
C. 36 hours
D. 40 hours
Answer: C
Rationale: 36 CE hours are required, including mandatory law & ethics
training.
4. A social worker posts about a client on social media without using
their name. The client can still be identified by details. What
violation has occurred?
A. None, because no names were used
B. Breach of confidentiality
C. Fraud
D. Negligence
Answer: B
Rationale: Even without names, if a client is identifiable, it’s a breach
of confidentiality.
5. Which of the following is not required to be reported by a CA
LCSW?
A. Elder abuse
B. Child abuse
C. Domestic violence between two adults (if no child/elder dependent
involved)
D. Threat to self
, Answer: C
Rationale: DV is not mandated unless children, elders, or dependent
adults are involved.
6. A client requests access to their therapy records. According to
California law, the social worker must provide access within:
A. 5 days
B. 10 days
C. 15 days
D. 30 days
Answer: B
Rationale: In CA, clients have a right to access their records within 10
days of request (summary can be provided within 15 days if agreed).
7. A client’s spouse calls asking about the client’s treatment. The
social worker should:
A. Share general information only
B. Verify the caller’s identity and share all records
C. Decline to share without written authorization from the client
D. Give limited details about treatment progress
Answer: C
Rationale: Confidentiality requires written authorization, except in
mandated reporting or emergency exceptions.
8. When must a social worker break confidentiality without client
consent?
A. When a client requests it
B. When billing insurance companies
C. When child abuse is suspected
D. When the spouse asks for records
