Question 1

What is the CPLEE?

Accepted Answer

The CPLEE (California Psychology Law and Ethics Examination) is required for all psychologists seeking licensure in California. The CPLEE is developed by the California Board of Psychology (https://www.psychology.ca.gov/)through the Office of Professional Examination Service (OPES) of the Department of Consumer Affairs. The CPLEE is computer administered at PSI examination centers.(https://candidate.psiexams.com/) For more information about the CPLEE see the California Board of Psychology CPLEE Candidate Examination Bulletin.(https://candidate.psiexams.com/bulletin/display_bulletin.jsp?ro=yes&actionname=83&bulletinid=310&bulletinurl=.pdf)

Question 2

What is the structure and content of the CPLEE? How much time do I have to take the test?

Accepted Answer

The CPLEE consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, with 75 scored items and 25 pilot items. The pilot items will not count toward your final score. Examinees have 2.5 hours to complete the CPLEE. There is only one form of the CPLEE in circulation at any point in time. The form changes four times a year on January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1. The content on each exam does not change from form to form; some of the questions even overlap.

The CPLEE encompasses California laws and regulations, and APA’s ethical requirements. Effective January 1, 2022, the CPLEE content areas are:

1. Informed Consent, Confidentiality and Privilege (20%)
2. Psychotherapeutic Relationships (13%)
3. Personal Competence (16%)
4. Assessments, Evaluation, and Intervention (20%)
5. Records (11%)
6. Administrative (5%)
7. Professional Issues (6%)
8. Teaching, Training, Supervision, and Research (9%)

Question 3

How is the CPLEE scored? What is considered passing?

Accepted Answer

The CPLEE is scored out of 75 points. The passing score cutoff varies slightly from form to form. Typically, it ranges from 56/75 to 59/75. Once you complete your exam, you will receive a printed score report. You will only receive a numerical score if you fail. If you pass, you will receive a letter indicating you have passed, followed by a ‘Request for Initial Licensure’ form in the mail.

Question 4

How do I register for the CPLEE? Where is the test offered?

Accepted Answer

To register for the CPLEE, you need to first be approved by the Board of Psychology; then PSI will send you an email confirming your eligibility to schedule your testing appointment. You can then schedule your exam date online at www.psiexams.com (http://www.psiexams.com)or over the phone at 877-392-6422.(tel:877-392-6422)

The CPLEE is administered at the PSI examination centers. For locations, please go to the section labeled ‘Examination Site Locations’ starting on page 3 of the California Board of Psychology CPLEE Candidate Examination Bulletin.(https://candidate.psiexams.com/bulletin/display_bulletin.jsp?ro=yes&actionname=83&bulletinid=310&bulletinurl=.pdf)

Each form of the CPLEE is in circulation for a 3-month timeframe. The four timeframes are: January 1 - March 31, April 1 - June 30, July 1 - September 30, and October 1 - December 31. You can only take each form of the CPLEE once, which means that you can take the CPLEE up to four times per year. If the timing works out, we recommend you schedule your test at the end of a timeframe rather than at the beginning. That way, in case you do not pass, you will not have to wait a full three months to retake the CPLEE (i.e., schedule for March 31 rather than April 1).

Question 5

Once I’ve been approved, how long do I have to take the CPLEE?"

Accepted Answer

Examination eligibility expires for first time applicants within one year after a candidate is notified of eligibility. Exam eligibility expires for those who are re-testing within one year after a candidate has failed the CPLEE.

Question 6

What do I need to know to be prepared for my CPLEE test day?

Accepted Answer

Arrive at least 30 minutes before your testing appointment with a valid government-issued ID. Make sure your first and last names on your ID match the name you registered with. If you miss your scheduled appointment, arrive after the exam start time, or do not have proper identification with you when you arrive, you will lose your exam fee.

You will have your thumb print taken during check-in. If you leave the room for a break (e.g., to go to the restroom) your thumb print will be matched when you return. You are not allowed to take a break for longer than five minutes.

You will take the CPLEE on a computer, but you won’t be required to have computer knowledge to do so. For up to 15 minutes before the exam starts, you will complete a tutorial that explains how to select answers and move from question to question. This time is not included in your exam time.

Question 7

Should I leave questions blank while taking the CPLEE? What should I do if I am almost out of time and realize I won’t be able to finish the test?

Accepted Answer

We strongly encourage you not to leave questions unanswered while taking the CPLEE. You are not penalized for incorrect answers, so pick an answer for every question. If you leave questions blank and don’t have time to review them once you’ve finished the CPLEE, then you have a 0% chance of getting them right! It is always better to make an educated guess before moving on to the next question, instead of leaving the question unanswered.

If you are almost out of time and realize you won’t be able to finish the CPLEE (e.g., you have five minutes left and 15 questions remaining), we recommend you immediately select an answer for each remaining question. This improves your chances of correctly answering these questions from 0% (if left unanswered) to 25%.

Question 8

How do I apply for accommodations? What if English is my second language?

Accepted Answer

If you need a special testing arrangement due to a disability, you must submit a form to the Board of Psychology (BOP) for accommodations:
http://www.psychology.ca.gov/forms_pubs/adaform.pdf. (http://www.psychology.ca.gov/forms_pubs/adaform.pdf)

If English is your second language you may qualify for additional time. To receive this accommodation, you must submit a request for additional time:
http://www.psychology.ca.gov/applicants/exam_accom_esl.shtml. (http://www.psychology.ca.gov/applicants/exam_accom_esl.shtml.)

If your accommodation request is approved by the BOP, your time to take the exam will increase to time and half (3 hours and 45 minutes). You should not schedule your exam until you have received approval.

Question 9

How much does it cost to take the CPLEE? Can I cancel or reschedule my CPLEE?

Accepted Answer

The examination fee for the CPLEE is $235.20, effective July 1, 2022. You can cancel or reschedule your testing appointment without forfeiting your fee, if you cancel at least two days before your scheduled exam date. You must submit your cancellation to PSI either online at www.psiexams.com (http://www.psiexams.com)or over the phone at 877-392-6422.(tel:877-392-6422)

Question 10

Can I take a practice CPLEE?

Accepted Answer

There is no practice CPLEE available. The California Board of Psychology CPLEE Candidate Examination Bulletin (https://candidate.psiexams.com/bulletin/display_bulletin.jsp?ro=yes&actionname=83&bulletinid=310&bulletinurl=.pdf)includes nine study guide questions on pages 24 – 25.

Question 11

What if I fail? How often can I take the CPLEE?

Accepted Answer

You can take the CPLEE up to four times per year. If you fail the CPLEE, you can retake the exam once a new form becomes available and you have been approved by the Board of Psychology to retake the test. Each form of the CPLEE is in circulation for a 3-month timeframe. The four timeframes are: January 1 - March 31, April 1 - June 30, July 1 - September 30, and October 1 - December 31. Your exam eligibility will expire within one year after you have failed the CPLEE.

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