NPE Ethical and Professional Conduct Questions and Answers

Question 1

A psychologist in a rural community is asked by a close friend to provide therapy for their teenage son, who is experiencing significant anxiety.
The nearest alternative psychologist is over 200 kilometres away.
Which ethical principle is most salient for the psychologist to consider when making this decision?

Accepted Answer

Management of professional boundaries and potential dual relationships

Answer

Beneficence (acting to benefit the client)

Answer

Fidelity (faithfulness to professional promises)

Answer

Justice (fair and equitable treatment)

Question 2

According to the Psychology Board of Australia's guidelines, which of the following is a mandatory requirement for maintaining general registration?

Accepted Answer

Holding professional indemnity insurance.

Answer

Publishing research in a peer-reviewed journal annually.

Answer

Undertaking a minimum number of hours of peer consultation.

Answer

Completing a specific number of continuing professional development (CPD) hours.

Question 3

A psychologist receives a subpoena from a court to produce all records related to a client involved in a legal dispute. The client has not provided consent for the release of these records and has explicitly asked the psychologist to keep them confidential. What is the psychologist's most appropriate initial action?

Accepted Answer

Seek legal advice to understand their obligations and clarify the validity of the subpoena.

Answer

Refuse to comply with the subpoena to protect client confidentiality.

Answer

Release only a summary of the records to the court.

Answer

Immediately release all records as required by a legal document.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the principle of 'Integrity' within the APS Code of Ethics?

Accepted Answer

The need for psychologists to be honest, trustworthy, and aware of their own biases and limits of competence.

Answer

The responsibility to do good and avoid causing harm.

Answer

The right of clients to make their own decisions and be self-determining.

Answer

The fair and non-discriminatory application of psychological services to all people.

Question 5

A provisional psychologist is conducting an assessment with a child. The child's parents request a copy of the raw test data, including the question booklet and the child's specific responses. The psychologist should:

Accepted Answer

Explain that providing raw data without professional interpretation can be misleading and harmful, and instead offer to provide a comprehensive report and feedback session.

Answer

Provide the raw data as requested, as parents have a right to their child's information.

Answer

Refuse to provide the data, explaining that it is confidential intellectual property.

Answer

Only provide the data if the parents sign a waiver absolving the psychologist of responsibility for its interpretation.

Question 6

As of 1 December 2025, which document serves as the primary regulatory code of conduct for all registered psychologists in Australia?

Accepted Answer

The Psychology Board of Australia's Code of Conduct.

Answer

The Australian Psychological Society (APS) Code of Ethics.

Answer

The International Declaration of Ethical Principles for Psychologists.

Answer

The National Health Practitioner Regulation Law (National Law).