OLERE Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: An LPC in Oklahoma is treating a couple, John and Jane, for marital issues. During an individual session, John discloses that he has been embezzling money from his employer. Later, the employer's attorney subpoenas the LPC for John's treatment records. In this situation, the LPC's responsibility regarding the disclosure of information is to:

Immediately release all records for both John and Jane, as a subpoena is a legal demand.
Only release the records from the joint sessions, withholding all individual session notes.
Inform John that he must confess to his employer before the LPC is legally required to turn over the records.
Assert privilege on behalf of John for the individual session records, as the subpoena alone is not sufficient for disclosure. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Assert privilege on behalf of John for the individual session records, as the subpoena alone is not sufficient for disclosure.

According to Oklahoma statutes (43A O.S. § 1-109), mental health information is confidential and privileged. A subpoena by itself is not sufficient to authorize the disclosure of this information; a valid court order is typically required. The LPC has a duty to protect the client's confidentiality and should assert privilege on the client's behalf until ordered by a court to do otherwise or upon receiving a valid client authorization.

Question 2: Which of the following scenarios might warrant a professional licensure audit in Oklahoma?

An unusual increase in client complaints (Correct answer)
A professional achieving high levels of success
A professional receiving a national award
A professional attending a major conference

Correct answer: An unusual increase in client complaints

An unusual increase in client complaints might trigger a licensure audit to ensure the professional is complying with legal and ethical standards.

Question 3: A client requests a copy of their counseling records. Under Oklahoma law and professional ethics, the counselor should:

Provide the records within a reasonable time and may charge a reasonable fee (Correct answer)
Refuse because providing records could harm the therapeutic relationship
Provide only a summary of the records, not the full documentation
Provide records only to the client's attorney, not directly to the client

Correct answer: Provide the records within a reasonable time and may charge a reasonable fee

Under HIPAA and Oklahoma law, clients have the right to access their own mental health records. The counselor must provide records within a reasonable timeframe and may charge a reasonable cost-based fee for copying.

Question 4: Which Oklahoma law specifically governs mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect by licensed counselors?

Oklahoma Public Health Act (Title 63)
Oklahoma Mental Health Law (Title 43A)
Oklahoma Education Code (Title 70)
Oklahoma Child Abuse Reporting and Prevention Act (Title 10A) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Oklahoma Child Abuse Reporting and Prevention Act (Title 10A)

The Oklahoma Child Abuse Reporting and Prevention Act, found in Title 10A of the Oklahoma Statutes, is the primary law governing mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect, including requirements for licensed counselors.

Question 5: Under Oklahoma's duty to protect obligations, a counselor's duty is triggered when a client makes a threat that is:

Made about a public figure or celebrity
Vague and expresses general hostility toward others
Any expression of anger toward a named individual
Specific and serious against an identifiable person or persons (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Specific and serious against an identifiable person or persons

Oklahoma's duty to protect applies when a client makes a credible, specific threat of serious physical harm against an identifiable third party. Vague or general expressions of hostility do not trigger the duty.

Question 6: Which of the following financial arrangements best aligns with the principles of client welfare and informed consent as defined by the Oklahoma LPC Rules?

Accepting a valuable piece of jewelry as payment from a client who is unable to pay in cash.
Offering a discount to a client in exchange for the client providing professional services (e.g., accounting) to the LPC.
Clearly explaining all fees, billing practices, and consequences for non-payment in writing prior to starting counseling. (Correct answer)
Waiting until several sessions have passed to discuss fees, once rapport has been established.

Correct answer: Clearly explaining all fees, billing practices, and consequences for non-payment in writing prior to starting counseling.

OAC 310:405-3-3.1(a) requires that LPCs 'shall clearly explain to clients, prior to entering the counseling relationship, all financial arrangements related to professional services including the consequences for non-payment of fees.' Bartering for services is prohibited, and bartering for goods is only allowed under specific, non-exploitative conditions with a written contract. Delaying the discussion of fees violates the principle of informed consent.

Question 7: Which of the following should NOT be included in a clinical case note under best practice standards?

Client's reported symptoms and affect
The counselor's personal opinions about the client's character (Correct answer)
Assessment and clinical formulation
Plan and next session objectives

Correct answer: The counselor's personal opinions about the client's character

Clinical notes should be objective and professional. Personal opinions about a client's character that are not clinically relevant are inappropriate in clinical records and could harm the client if the records are disclosed.

Question 8: Which of the following best describes the content that should appear in a psychotherapy note under HIPAA, as distinct from the general medical record?

Diagnosis, treatment summary, and billing information
Session start and stop times, medications, and treatment plan
The counselor's analysis, session impressions, and hypotheses kept separately from the main record (Correct answer)
Progress toward treatment goals only

Correct answer: The counselor's analysis, session impressions, and hypotheses kept separately from the main record

Under HIPAA, psychotherapy notes are defined as a counselor's private notes containing their analysis, impressions, and hypotheses. These notes are kept separately from the general record and receive enhanced privacy protections.

Question 9: An Oklahoma counselor is facilitating a therapy group when they recognize that one group member knows another member's employer and coworkers. The counselor should:

Continue the group without intervention because the members are responsible for their own disclosures
Address the potential confidentiality issue with both members privately and discuss whether group continuation is appropriate (Correct answer)
Disclose the connection to all group members at the next session
Remove one of the members from the group immediately

Correct answer: Address the potential confidentiality issue with both members privately and discuss whether group continuation is appropriate

When group members have preexisting relationships outside the group, confidentiality is compromised. The counselor should address this with the affected members privately and work with them to determine whether both can continue safely in the group.

Question 10: Which of the following best illustrates an unavoidable dual relationship that an Oklahoma counselor should manage rather than avoid?

A counselor who begins a business partnership with a current client
A counselor who employs a current client as their office receptionist
A counselor who is the only mental health provider in a small rural community and must serve community members they know socially (Correct answer)
A counselor who develops a romantic relationship with a former client

Correct answer: A counselor who is the only mental health provider in a small rural community and must serve community members they know socially

In small rural communities, counselors may know community members socially before they become clients, making some dual relationships unavoidable. These require careful management rather than categorical prohibition.

Question 11: A licensed LPC in Oklahoma has a client who is temporarily relocating to New Mexico for four months for a work assignment and wishes to continue weekly therapy via video conference. What is the LPC's primary legal and ethical obligation in this situation?

Have the client sign a waiver acknowledging they are receiving services from an out-of-state provider.
Verify and comply with New Mexico's laws and licensure requirements regarding the provision of telehealth services into that state. (Correct answer)
Continue therapy as usual since the therapeutic relationship was established in Oklahoma.
Inform the Oklahoma Board of Behavioral Health of the client's temporary relocation.

Correct answer: Verify and comply with New Mexico's laws and licensure requirements regarding the provision of telehealth services into that state.

The practice of counseling is regulated at the state level, and licensure is generally required in the state where the client is physically located at the time of service. The Oklahoma LPC must determine if providing services to a client in New Mexico constitutes practicing counseling in New Mexico and must comply with that state's specific laws, which may require licensure or a temporary permit. Simply having an established relationship in Oklahoma does not override the other state's regulations.

Question 12: An Oklahoma counselor shares client information at a professional conference as a case study without using any identifying information. This is:

Generally permissible if all identifying information has been removed (Correct answer)
Permissible only if the counselor has at least 10 years of experience
Permissible only if the client is deceased
Always prohibited without client consent regardless of anonymization

Correct answer: Generally permissible if all identifying information has been removed

Using case material for educational purposes is generally permissible if all identifying information has been effectively removed. The counselor must ensure the case cannot be identified through any combination of details.

Question 13: According to professional conduct rules for Oklahoma LPCs, advertising counseling services must be:

Accurate, honest, and not misleading to the public (Correct answer)
Based only on outcomes from specific measurable client results
Limited to licensed professional directories only
Pre-approved by the licensing board before publication

Correct answer: Accurate, honest, and not misleading to the public

Oklahoma professional conduct rules require that counselor advertising be truthful, accurate, and not misleading. This protects the public from misrepresentation about the counselor's qualifications, services, or expected outcomes.

Question 14: An LPC supervisor is reviewing their responsibilities for a supervisee. Which of the following is a mandatory action the supervisor must perform for each candidate during every six-month evaluation period?

Meet with the candidate's personal therapist to discuss countertransference issues.
Require the candidate to attend a workshop chosen by the supervisor.
Perform at least two observations (live or via recording) of the candidate's sessions. (Correct answer)
Co-sign all of the candidate's clinical progress notes.

Correct answer: Perform at least two observations (live or via recording) of the candidate's sessions.

The Oklahoma Administrative Code, specifically OAC 86:10-11-4(j), requires that 'Approved supervisors shall perform at least two (2) observations (live or tape) per each six (6) month evaluation period for each supervisee.'

Question 15: A counselor who assumes a client's problems are caused primarily by their racial or ethnic background is demonstrating:

Cultural sensitivity
Cultural stereotyping and bias (Correct answer)
Appropriate case conceptualization
Ecological systems thinking

Correct answer: Cultural stereotyping and bias

Attributing a client's problems primarily to their racial or ethnic background reflects cultural stereotyping and represents a significant ethical and clinical error.

Question 16: An LPC receives a notice that a formal complaint has been filed and an investigation is underway. As part of this process, which of the following actions is the Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health Licensure empowered to take?

Conduct a warrantless search of the licensee's private office.
Place a lien on the licensee's personal property to cover potential fines.
Issue a subpoena to compel the production of client records and other relevant documents. (Correct answer)
Order the licensee to pay restitution to the complainant before a formal hearing.

Correct answer: Issue a subpoena to compel the production of client records and other relevant documents.

As a state regulatory body, the Board has the legal authority to investigate complaints thoroughly. This authority includes the power to issue subpoenas to compel the licensee and other parties to produce documents and records that are pertinent to the investigation. The other options are outside the scope of the Board's authority during an investigation.

Question 17: An Oklahoma LPC's failure to address their own cultural biases in counseling is most directly a violation of which ethical principle?

Veracity
Justice
Fidelity
Nonmaleficence (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Nonmaleficence

Unchecked cultural biases can cause harm to clients, making nonmaleficence—the duty to avoid harm—the most directly implicated ethical principle.

Question 18: Under the ACA Code of Ethics, counselors have an affirmative duty to avoid discrimination based on all of the following EXCEPT:

Race, color, and ethnicity
Sexual orientation and gender identity
Religion and socioeconomic status
Theoretical orientation of the client's previous therapist (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Theoretical orientation of the client's previous therapist

The ACA nondiscrimination clause protects characteristics such as race, religion, gender identity, and socioeconomic status, but does not protect a client based on their prior therapist's theoretical orientation.

Question 19: An LPC-Candidate in Oklahoma wants to accumulate supervision hours more quickly by seeing clients on weekends and evenings beyond their regular employment. Their LPCS supervisor should:

Limit the supervisee to 40 client contact hours per week
Discourage this because the hours will not count toward licensure
Require board approval before authorizing additional practice hours
Approve additional hours as long as appropriate supervision is provided for all clinical hours (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Approve additional hours as long as appropriate supervision is provided for all clinical hours

LPC-Candidates may accumulate hours in multiple settings as long as they have appropriate supervision coverage. If the supervisee has adequate supervision for the additional practice, the hours can count toward the 3,000-hour requirement.

Question 20: An Oklahoma LPC who fails to renew their license by the expiration date but continues to practice counseling is:

Automatically granted a 90-day extension upon request
Required only to pay a late fee to continue practicing legally
Permitted to practice for up to 30 days after expiration without penalty
Practicing without a valid license, which is a violation of state law (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Practicing without a valid license, which is a violation of state law

Practicing counseling without a valid, current license is a violation of Oklahoma law. Once a license expires, the counselor may not legally practice until the license is reinstated.

Question 21: Which of the following is a legal requirement for maintaining a professional license in Oklahoma?

Completing continuing education credits (Correct answer)
Hiring a certain number of employees
Obtaining liability insurance
Participating in community service

Correct answer: Completing continuing education credits

Many professions require the completion of continuing education credits to ensure that professionals remain current with developments in their field.

Question 22: A student in Oklahoma who is enrolled in an LPC training program is also a client at the training clinic. Their supervisor realizes the student-client is a neighbor. The supervisor should:

Continue the supervision assignment because neighbors can be clients
Ask the student-therapist to choose between training and treatment at the clinic
Reassign the case to a different supervisor to avoid the dual relationship (Correct answer)
Inform the training program director and let them decide

Correct answer: Reassign the case to a different supervisor to avoid the dual relationship

A supervisor who has a preexisting relationship with a supervisee's client has a dual relationship that compromises the supervisor's objectivity. The appropriate response is to reassign the case to another supervisor.

Question 23: An Oklahoma counselor discovers mid-treatment that they lack the competence to adequately treat a client's specific presenting problem. The counselor's ethical obligation is to:

Disclose the limitation to the client and arrange for appropriate referral or consultation (Correct answer)
Continue treatment while studying the issue independently
Transfer the client without disclosure to avoid embarrassment
Continue for the remainder of the contracted treatment period

Correct answer: Disclose the limitation to the client and arrange for appropriate referral or consultation

Counselor competence is a core ethical obligation. If a counselor discovers a competence limitation affecting a client's care, they must disclose this to the client and make appropriate arrangements such as referral, consultation, or obtaining additional training.

Question 24: Which of the following boundary crossings by an Oklahoma counselor is most likely to transition into a harmful boundary violation?

Shaking hands with a client who offers a handshake
Gradually accepting more expensive gifts from a client over several months (Correct answer)
Self-disclosing a personal struggle to help normalize a client's experience
Attending a client's public performance after the client repeatedly invites the counselor

Correct answer: Gradually accepting more expensive gifts from a client over several months

Gradually accepting increasingly expensive gifts represents a pattern of boundary erosion that is more likely to lead to significant violations. This slippery slope pattern is more concerning than isolated minor crossings.

Question 25: A client asks their Oklahoma LPC to communicate exclusively via email for scheduling and session notes. The counselor's obligation is to:

Use any email system because all email is encrypted
Explain HIPAA requirements for secure communication and use only HIPAA-compliant email for clinical information (Correct answer)
Honor the client's preference since they have autonomy over communication methods
Decline email communication entirely and use phone only

Correct answer: Explain HIPAA requirements for secure communication and use only HIPAA-compliant email for clinical information

Standard email is not HIPAA-compliant for transmitting protected health information. The counselor should explain this to the client and use either HIPAA-compliant encrypted email for clinical information or limit email to non-clinical scheduling only.

Question 26: An LPC-Candidate in Oklahoma is working as a school counselor. The school district's administrative supervisor is not an LPCS. This means the LPC-Candidate must:

Obtain clinical supervision from a board-approved LPCS separate from their administrative supervision (Correct answer)
Request that the school district hire an LPCS as the administrative supervisor
Practice without clinical supervision because school counselors are not required to have LPCS supervision
Use the administrative supervisor's oversight as equivalent to clinical supervision

Correct answer: Obtain clinical supervision from a board-approved LPCS separate from their administrative supervision

Administrative supervision in a school setting does not substitute for the clinical supervision required for LPC licensure in Oklahoma. The LPC-Candidate must separately arrange for qualified LPCS clinical supervision to count hours toward licensure.

Question 27: An Oklahoma LPC is reviewing their technology practices and discovers they have been using an unencrypted USB drive to store client records. This situation represents:

A potential HIPAA violation requiring a risk assessment and corrective action (Correct answer)
Only a violation if the USB drive is lost or stolen
Acceptable for paper records but not electronic records
Acceptable practice because USB drives are commonly used in healthcare

Correct answer: A potential HIPAA violation requiring a risk assessment and corrective action

Storing PHI on unencrypted portable media is a significant HIPAA Security Rule vulnerability. The counselor should conduct a risk assessment, implement encryption, and take corrective action. This practice is a known HIPAA risk regardless of whether the drive has been lost.

Question 28: Under HIPAA's minimum necessary standard, an Oklahoma counselor must:

Share all available records whenever any legitimate request is made
Allow clients to determine how much information is shared with third parties
Disclose only the minimum amount of protected health information necessary to accomplish the intended purpose (Correct answer)
Always share complete records to avoid accusations of withholding information

Correct answer: Disclose only the minimum amount of protected health information necessary to accomplish the intended purpose

HIPAA's minimum necessary standard requires that when disclosing protected health information, providers share only the information that is necessary for the stated purpose, not complete records unless specifically required.

Question 29: An Oklahoma Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) has extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). A long-term client requests to begin Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, a modality in which the LPC has only completed introductory readings but has no formal training or supervised experience. According to the Oklahoma Administrative Code, what is the LPC's appropriate course of action?

Attempt to provide EMDR after informing the client of their limited background and obtaining consent.
Refer the client to a qualified EMDR therapist while offering to continue CBT for other issues. (Correct answer)
Begin using basic EMDR techniques learned from the readings, as it is within the general scope of counseling.
Agree to provide EMDR but immediately enroll in an online certification course to learn the technique.

Correct answer: Refer the client to a qualified EMDR therapist while offering to continue CBT for other issues.

According to the Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC) 86:10-3-2, LPCs must practice only within the boundaries of their competence, based on their education, training, and supervised experience. Practicing a new specialty like EMDR requires receiving the necessary education, training, and supervised experience. The most ethical and compliant action is to refer the client to a competent provider for that specific modality to protect the client from potential harm.

Question 30: Under the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct concerning communication (Rule 1.4), which of the following is a lawyer required to do?

Promptly inform the client of any decision or circumstance requiring the client's informed consent. (Correct answer)
Follow the client's instructions on every tactical decision during a trial.
Withhold upsetting or negative information from the client to avoid causing them distress.
Provide the client with daily updates on the status of their case, regardless of developments.

Correct answer: Promptly inform the client of any decision or circumstance requiring the client's informed consent.

ORPC Rule 1.4(a)(1) explicitly requires a lawyer to "promptly inform the client of any decision or circumstance with respect to which the client's informed consent...is required." This is a core component of keeping the client reasonably informed and allowing them to participate effectively in the representation.

Question 31: A client invites their Oklahoma LPC to attend their wedding as a guest. The counselor should:

Decline and explain that maintaining professional boundaries serves the client's best interests (Correct answer)
Attend because refusing would damage the therapeutic relationship
Attend only if the invitation is extended through the client's family
Accept if the counselor has been treating the client for more than 2 years

Correct answer: Decline and explain that maintaining professional boundaries serves the client's best interests

Attending a client's wedding would create a social dual relationship outside the professional context. The counselor should decline while using the discussion to explain how boundaries protect the client's interests.

Question 32: According to the Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC 86:10-3-4), which of the following actions is explicitly prohibited between an LPC and a current supervisee?

Discussing case conceptualization outside of scheduled supervision times.
Co-facilitating a therapy group.
Engaging in sexual contact. (Correct answer)
Attending the same professional development workshop.

Correct answer: Engaging in sexual contact.

The OAC, in section 86:10-3-4(c)(2), is unequivocal in its prohibition of sexual conduct with current supervisees. This rule is in place to prevent the exploitation of the supervisee, given the significant power differential inherent in the supervisory relationship. Other interactions, while requiring careful boundary management, are not explicitly forbidden.

Question 33: An Oklahoma LPC who has completed advanced training in EMDR wishes to begin using this technique with trauma clients. This is:

Not permitted because EMDR is outside the LPC scope of practice
Permitted only with board approval for each new technique
Appropriate only if the LPC also obtains a trauma counseling certification
Appropriate because the LPC has obtained the required training for this evidence-based technique (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Appropriate because the LPC has obtained the required training for this evidence-based technique

Evidence-based techniques such as EMDR fall within the LPC scope of practice when the counselor has obtained the appropriate training. The scope of practice is defined by the counselor's competence, not by a specific list of approved techniques.

Question 34: An LPC-Candidate in Oklahoma must complete supervised clinical experience under an approved supervisor before applying for full LPC licensure. How many hours of post-master's supervised experience are required?

1,000 hours total
3,000 hours total with 1,500 direct client contact hours (Correct answer)
500 hours total
2,000 hours total with 1,000 direct client contact hours

Correct answer: 3,000 hours total with 1,500 direct client contact hours

Oklahoma requires LPC-C holders to complete 3,000 hours of supervised post-master's experience, including at least 1,500 hours of direct client contact, before applying for full LPC licensure.

Question 35: An Oklahoma LPC receives notice that a formal complaint has been filed against them with the licensing board. The counselor's first recommended action is to:

Immediately surrender their license to avoid further proceedings
Contact the complainant directly to resolve the matter informally
Consult with an attorney who specializes in professional licensing matters (Correct answer)
Ignore the notice if they believe the complaint is frivolous

Correct answer: Consult with an attorney who specializes in professional licensing matters

Upon receiving notice of a formal board complaint, a counselor should immediately consult with an attorney experienced in professional licensing matters. Professional licensing proceedings have legal consequences and require proper legal guidance.

Question 36: Which entity has the authority to file a complaint against an Oklahoma LPC with the licensing board?

Any member of the public, including clients, colleagues, or employers (Correct answer)
Only licensed mental health professionals
Only clients who have received services
Only the Oklahoma Attorney General's office

Correct answer: Any member of the public, including clients, colleagues, or employers

In Oklahoma, any person including clients, family members, colleagues, employers, or any member of the public may file a complaint against a licensed counselor with the licensing board.

Question 37: A counselor's clinical notes for a deceased client are subpoenaed in a wrongful death lawsuit. The counselor should:

Consult with an attorney and respond appropriately to the legal process (Correct answer)
Destroy the records to protect the deceased client's privacy
Release records only to the deceased client's estate attorney
Refuse to comply because the client can no longer consent

Correct answer: Consult with an attorney and respond appropriately to the legal process

When records are subpoenaed, the counselor must consult with an attorney and respond to the legal process appropriately. A subpoena is a legal order and destroying records subject to a subpoena is illegal.

Question 38: Under Oklahoma statutes, the duty-to-protect obligation may be fulfilled by which of the following actions?

Ignoring the threat if the counselor personally judges it to be unlikely to occur
Warning the threatened person, notifying law enforcement, or pursuing hospitalization (Correct answer)
Consulting with a peer supervisor as the sole required step
Only documenting the threat internally in the clinical file without external action

Correct answer: Warning the threatened person, notifying law enforcement, or pursuing hospitalization

The duty to protect can be fulfilled through a combination of warning the potential victim, alerting law enforcement, or pursuing voluntary or involuntary hospitalization of the client.

Question 39: Which of the following communications is likely NOT protected by counselor-client privilege in Oklahoma?

A client's diagnosis shared during a routine therapy session
A client's disclosure of childhood trauma during individual therapy
A client's discussion of relationship problems in a private session
A client's statement during a court-ordered mental health evaluation (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A client's statement during a court-ordered mental health evaluation

Communications made during a court-ordered evaluation are generally not protected by privilege because the evaluation was ordered by the court and both parties understand the results will be shared with the court.

Question 40: An LPC receives a formal "Request for Inquiry" (RFI) via certified mail from the Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health Licensure. What is the LPC's primary professional and legal obligation upon receipt of this notice?

Surrender their license to the Board until the investigation is complete.
Provide a detailed, sworn written response to the Board within the specified timeframe. (Correct answer)
Seek legal counsel and refuse to communicate directly with the Board.
Immediately contact the complainant to attempt an informal resolution.

Correct answer: Provide a detailed, sworn written response to the Board within the specified timeframe.

According to the Oklahoma Administrative Code, upon receiving a Request for Inquiry, a licensee is required to provide a prompt and complete written response to the Board addressing the merits of the complaint. This response is a critical part of the initial investigation phase. Attempting to contact the complainant could be viewed as intimidation, surrendering a license is a drastic step not required at this stage, and while seeking legal counsel is advisable, refusing to respond to the Board is a separate violation.

Question 41: A counselor licensed in another state for the past ten years wishes to become an LPC in Oklahoma through licensure by endorsement. Which of the following is a mandatory requirement they must fulfill as part of this process?

Enroll in a graduate counseling program at an Oklahoma university.
Complete 1,000 hours of supervised practice in Oklahoma.
Successfully pass the Oklahoma Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Examination (OLERE). (Correct answer)
Provide a written statement promising to learn Oklahoma's laws.

Correct answer: Successfully pass the Oklahoma Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Examination (OLERE).

Applicants seeking licensure by endorsement in Oklahoma must, among other requirements, successfully complete the Oklahoma Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Examination (OLERE) to ensure they are knowledgeable about state-specific laws and regulations.

Question 42: An Oklahoma LPC is supervising an LPC-Candidate who requests guidance on prescribing medication for a client. The supervisor's response should be:

Provide guidance because supervisors are responsible for all aspects of the supervisee's practice
Advise the supervisee to consult with a psychiatrist informally rather than referring
Recommend the supervisee take a pharmacology course to expand their competence
Clarify that prescribing medication is not within the LPC or LPC-Candidate scope of practice and address the client's needs through appropriate referral (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Clarify that prescribing medication is not within the LPC or LPC-Candidate scope of practice and address the client's needs through appropriate referral

Prescribing medication is unambiguously outside the LPC scope of practice in Oklahoma. The supervisor must clarify this boundary and help the supervisee address the client's needs through an appropriate referral to a prescribing provider.

Question 43: Which of the following social media policies is most consistent with an Oklahoma LPC's duty to maintain professional boundaries and prevent dual relationships?

Posting vague details about challenging cases on a private blog accessible only by other mental health professionals.
Creating separate professional and personal social media pages and declining all connection requests from current clients on personal accounts. (Correct answer)
Accepting a friend request from a current client on a personal social media profile but restricting their access to posts.
Allowing clients to send direct messages for scheduling purposes through a public professional social media account.

Correct answer: Creating separate professional and personal social media pages and declining all connection requests from current clients on personal accounts.

Maintaining separate professional and personal social media accounts and not engaging in personal online relationships with current clients is a critical boundary. This practice prevents the blurring of lines between the therapeutic relationship and a personal one, which constitutes a dual relationship and can compromise confidentiality and professional judgment. The ACA Code of Ethics, which Oklahoma's rules align with, supports this separation to protect clients.

Question 44: Which of the following supervision formats is typically NOT acceptable in Oklahoma toward meeting LPC-Candidate supervision requirements?

Individual face-to-face supervision with the LPCS
Group supervision with up to 6 LPC-Candidates
Remote supervision via approved videoconferencing technology
Peer consultation with a colleague at the same licensure level (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Peer consultation with a colleague at the same licensure level

Peer consultation between colleagues at the same licensure level does not qualify as clinical supervision toward LPC licensure requirements. Qualifying supervision must be provided by a board-approved LPCS.

Question 45: When a minor client in Oklahoma is in crisis, the counselor's obligation to notify parents is:

Never required regardless of severity
Always required under all circumstances without exception
Required unless notification would harm the minor or conflict with mandatory reporting obligations (Correct answer)
Deferred automatically to the next scheduled family session

Correct answer: Required unless notification would harm the minor or conflict with mandatory reporting obligations

Parental notification for a minor in crisis is required in most circumstances, but clinical judgment and mandatory reporting rules may override parental notification in certain cases.

Question 46: A parent calls an Oklahoma counselor to ask whether the counselor reported their family to DHS. The counselor's best response is:

Confirm the report was made but decline to share details
Deny making any report to protect the child's safety
Neither confirm nor deny the specific report and refer the caller to DHS (Correct answer)
Confirm the report was made and share details to maintain transparency

Correct answer: Neither confirm nor deny the specific report and refer the caller to DHS

The identity of a mandatory reporter is confidential in Oklahoma. The counselor should neither confirm nor deny making a specific report and direct the parent to contact DHS directly. Confirming the report could endanger the child.

Question 47: Paying or receiving fees in exchange for client referrals is ethically problematic for Oklahoma LPCs primarily because:

It can compromise clinical judgment and create undisclosed conflicts of interest that harm clients (Correct answer)
It is an encouraged business development strategy in private practice settings
It is permitted as long as the referral fee is disclosed to the receiving counselor
It is required when working within managed care or insurance panel arrangements

Correct answer: It can compromise clinical judgment and create undisclosed conflicts of interest that harm clients

Fee-splitting for referrals corrupts clinical judgment by creating financial incentives that may override client welfare, and it represents an undisclosed conflict of interest.

Question 48: What information is typically required when making a mandatory report of child abuse or neglect in Oklahoma?

Only the child's name
Financial details of the child's family
Detailed personal information about the reporter
Information about the child, the nature of the suspected abuse or neglect, and the identity of the alleged abuser if known (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Information about the child, the nature of the suspected abuse or neglect, and the identity of the alleged abuser if known

The report should include information about the child, the nature of the suspected abuse or neglect, and the identity of the alleged abuser if known.

Question 49: Which of the following board disciplinary actions against an Oklahoma LPC would be considered the most severe?

Probation with conditions
License revocation (Correct answer)
Letter of reprimand
License suspension

Correct answer: License revocation

License revocation is the most severe disciplinary action available to a licensing board. It permanently removes the counselor's right to practice, whereas suspension is temporary and probation imposes conditions on continued practice.

Question 50: Which of the following forms of solicitation is generally prohibited for an Oklahoma lawyer seeking pecuniary gain under the Rules of Professional Conduct?

Contacting a former client by telephone to offer services for a new legal matter.
Making an in-person, unsolicited offer of employment to a potential client at an accident scene. (Correct answer)
Sending a truthful, non-deceptive direct mail advertisement to a prospective client.
Placing a television advertisement that includes client testimonials with appropriate disclaimers.

Correct answer: Making an in-person, unsolicited offer of employment to a potential client at an accident scene.

Rule 7.3(a) of the ORPC prohibits a lawyer from soliciting professional employment by in-person, live telephone, or real-time electronic contact when a significant motive is the lawyer's pecuniary gain, unless the person contacted is another lawyer, a family member, or has a prior professional relationship. Soliciting at an accident scene falls squarely within this prohibition.

Question 51: Dr. Evans, an Oklahoma LPC, attended several professional development activities this year. Which of the following activities would NOT be considered acceptable for continuing education credit towards her license renewal?

A live webinar on ethical dilemmas in counseling pre-approved by the Board.
Serving as the elected president of a state-level professional counseling organization. (Correct answer)
A university-sponsored workshop on trauma-informed care.
A home-study course on cognitive behavioral therapy from a Board-approved provider.

Correct answer: Serving as the elected president of a state-level professional counseling organization.

The Oklahoma Board of Behavioral Health Licensure does not approve continuing education credit for organizational activities such as serving on committees or as an officer in a professional organization. Other disapproved activities include banquet speeches, staff orientation, and administrative meetings.

Question 52: An LPC's client, a skilled electrician experiencing financial difficulties, offers to rewire the LPC's new office in exchange for four counseling sessions. According to Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC) 86:10-3-3.1 regarding bartering, under which condition might this be permissible?

If the fair market value of the electrical work is exactly equal to the cost of the four sessions.
If the arrangement is not exploitative, a written contract is created, it is an accepted community practice, and the client insists on it. (Correct answer)
If the LPC discloses the bartering arrangement to the Board in their semi-annual report.
If the services are for a pre-existing condition and not for a new diagnosis.

Correct answer: If the arrangement is not exploitative, a written contract is created, it is an accepted community practice, and the client insists on it.

The Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC) 86:10-3-3.1(b) specifies that LPCs may barter for tangible goods if the relationship is not exploitative, the client requests it, a clear written contract is established, and it's an accepted practice in the community. This question is a slight variation, as the code explicitly prohibits bartering for services rendered by the client, only allowing for tangible goods. However, among the choices provided, the first option contains the core principles (non-exploitation, client request, contract, community practice) that govern the limited allowance of bartering for tangible goods, making it the most correct answer reflecting the spirit and specific requirements of the bartering rule.

Question 53: The Oklahoma Professional Code of Ethics for licensed counselors is primarily derived from:

The National Association of Social Workers' ethical standards
Federal HIPAA regulations only
The American Psychological Association's ethics code
The ACA Code of Ethics and Oklahoma-specific statutory and administrative rules (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The ACA Code of Ethics and Oklahoma-specific statutory and administrative rules

Oklahoma's professional conduct standards for LPCs draw primarily from the ACA Code of Ethics, supplemented by Oklahoma-specific statutes and licensing board administrative rules.

Question 54: An Oklahoma LPC is asked to conduct a fitness-for-duty evaluation for an employer. Before accepting this referral, the counselor should consider:

Whether they have the forensic and assessment training for this specialized role, and whether the evaluation creates role conflicts (Correct answer)
Whether the employer is in the same city as their practice
Whether they can bill insurance for the evaluation
Whether the fee is sufficient

Correct answer: Whether they have the forensic and assessment training for this specialized role, and whether the evaluation creates role conflicts

Fitness-for-duty evaluations are specialized forensic assessments with specific ethical and legal requirements. The counselor must consider their competence for this role and whether accepting it creates ethical conflicts.

Question 55: A client's family member calls a counselor asking for information about the client, saying they are concerned about the client's welfare. Without the client's consent, the counselor should:

Share information needed to address the immediate safety concern
Decline to confirm or deny that the person is a client and provide only general crisis resources (Correct answer)
Provide general information to reassure the family member
Ask the family member to submit a formal written request

Correct answer: Decline to confirm or deny that the person is a client and provide only general crisis resources

Without the client's consent, the counselor cannot confirm the person is a client or share any information. The counselor can provide general crisis and community resources without confirming any specific therapeutic relationship.

Question 56: Which of the following activities falls squarely within the defined scope of practice for a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Oklahoma, as outlined by state law?

Representing a client in a child custody hearing as a legal advocate.
Diagnosing mental and emotional disorders for the purpose of establishing treatment goals. (Correct answer)
Prescribing psychotropic medications under the supervision of a physician.
Providing financial investment advice as part of a holistic wellness plan.

Correct answer: Diagnosing mental and emotional disorders for the purpose of establishing treatment goals.

The Oklahoma Licensed Professional Counselors Act and its associated rules explicitly state that the scope of practice includes diagnosing mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders to establish treatment goals and objectives. Prescribing medication, acting as a legal advocate, and providing financial advice are outside the legally defined scope of practice for an LPC.

Question 57: An Oklahoma LPC who is asked to provide testimony as an expert witness in a court proceeding should:

Only accept if they have specific training and supervised experience in forensic assessment (Correct answer)
Decline all forensic work because it is outside the LPC's scope of practice
Accept only if the case involves their current or former client
Accept because any licensed mental health professional can serve as an expert witness

Correct answer: Only accept if they have specific training and supervised experience in forensic assessment

Forensic work including serving as an expert witness requires specialized training. An LPC who lacks forensic training should not accept expert witness roles that exceed their competence.

Question 58: A counselor becomes romantically attracted to a current client. The ethical and legal response is to:

Terminate the counseling relationship immediately and begin a romantic relationship
Pursue the relationship because attraction is natural and uncontrollable
Seek consultation and supervision to manage the feelings and refer if necessary (Correct answer)
Disclose the attraction to the client to maintain transparency

Correct answer: Seek consultation and supervision to manage the feelings and refer if necessary

When a counselor experiences attraction to a client, the ethical response is to seek consultation and supervision to manage the feelings professionally. If the feelings cannot be managed without affecting care, referral may be necessary.

Question 59: An Oklahoma attorney is representing a client in a personal injury case on a contingent fee basis. Which of the following is an absolute requirement for the fee agreement under the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct (ORPC)?

The agreement must be in writing and signed by the client. (Correct answer)
The agreement must be verbally explained to the client in the presence of a witness.
The attorney must file a copy of the agreement with the court at the inception of the case.
The contingency fee percentage cannot exceed 33.3% of the recovery.

Correct answer: The agreement must be in writing and signed by the client.

According to Rule 1.5(c) of the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct, a contingent fee agreement must be in writing and signed by the client. It also must state the method for determining the fee, the percentages that will accrue to the lawyer, and how expenses will be handled.

Question 60: How often must Oklahoma LPCs renew their license?

Every two years (Correct answer)
Every three years
Every five years
Annually

Correct answer: Every two years

Oklahoma LPC licenses are renewed biennially, every two years. Renewal requires completion of continuing education hours and payment of the renewal fee.

Question 61: A counselor discovers an error in a previously completed clinical note. The appropriate way to correct the error is to:

Draw a single line through the error, note the correction, date and initial it (Correct answer)
Delete the original note and write a corrected version
Leave the error as is to maintain the integrity of the original record
Use correction fluid to cover the error in paper records

Correct answer: Draw a single line through the error, note the correction, date and initial it

The correct method for correcting errors in clinical records is to draw a single line through the error, write the correction, and add the date and initials. This maintains the original record while documenting the correction.

Question 62: A client's employer requests information about the client's diagnosis and treatment progress. Without a specific release signed by the client, the counselor should:

Share information because employers have a legitimate need to know
Share general treatment information but not the specific diagnosis
Decline to confirm or deny that the individual is a client (Correct answer)
Provide information to protect the employment relationship

Correct answer: Decline to confirm or deny that the individual is a client

Without a valid release of information signed by the client, the counselor cannot share any information including whether the person is even a client. The counselor should decline to confirm or deny the therapeutic relationship.

Question 63: A client who has made significant progress informs their LPC that they wish to terminate services, effective immediately. To adhere to ethical standards regarding client welfare and termination, the LPC's most appropriate response is to:

Charge the client a penalty fee for terminating without advance notice.
Respect the client's decision while offering a final session to review progress and discuss resources. (Correct answer)
Immediately close the client's file without any further communication to respect their stated wish.
Insist that the client attend at least three more sessions to properly process the termination.

Correct answer: Respect the client's decision while offering a final session to review progress and discuss resources.

OAC 86:10-3-3(i)(2) states that LPCs shall not abandon or neglect current clients without making reasonable arrangements for the continuation of such treatment. While respecting the client's autonomy to terminate, the standard of care involves offering a termination session to ensure a smooth transition, review progress, and provide referrals or resources if needed. Abandoning the client or penalizing them for exercising their right to terminate would be unethical.

Question 64: A client who signed a general release of information at the start of treatment asks the counselor to stop sharing information with their insurance company. The counselor should:

Honor the revocation going forward and note the date of revocation (Correct answer)
Explain that consent, once given, cannot be revoked
Require the client to continue sharing to maintain insurance coverage
Terminate services because the insurance company requires authorization

Correct answer: Honor the revocation going forward and note the date of revocation

Under HIPAA, clients have the right to revoke their authorization to disclose information at any time. The revocation applies to future disclosures and the counselor must honor it going forward.

Question 65: An LPC-Candidate in Oklahoma receives feedback from their LPCS supervisor that they have a clinical blind spot regarding a specific type of client. The ethically appropriate response from the supervisee is to:

Avoid seeing clients who might trigger the identified blind spot
Receive the feedback openly, reflect on it, and work with the supervisor to address the developmental concern (Correct answer)
Disagree with the assessment and seek a second supervisor's opinion immediately
Inform the supervisor that addressing the issue is outside the scope of supervision

Correct answer: Receive the feedback openly, reflect on it, and work with the supervisor to address the developmental concern

Supervision feedback including identification of blind spots is a core component of professional development. Supervisees should receive feedback openly and work collaboratively with the supervisor to address developmental concerns.

Question 66: Under Oklahoma LPC rules, when a counselor lacks competence to serve a client from a specific cultural background, the most ethical course of action is to:

Terminate the counseling relationship immediately without referral
Limit services to assessment only until competence is established
Obtain appropriate supervision, consultation, or referral while being transparent with the client (Correct answer)
Continue services while concealing the limitation from the client

Correct answer: Obtain appropriate supervision, consultation, or referral while being transparent with the client

Ethical practice requires counselors to acknowledge limitations, pursue competence-building, and refer or consult when necessary, while maintaining transparency with the client.

Question 67: What is the timeframe for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect in Oklahoma?

Within one week
Within 72 hours
Within 24 hours
Immediately or as soon as practicable (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Immediately or as soon as practicable

Oklahoma law requires that suspected abuse or neglect be reported immediately or as soon as practicable.

Question 68: A counselor's Oklahoma license has been revoked due to a disciplinary action. After demonstrating rehabilitation and a waiting period, the counselor may:

Apply to the board for reinstatement of the license (Correct answer)
Automatically have their license restored after 5 years
Never apply for licensure in Oklahoma again
Apply only for a temporary or provisional license

Correct answer: Apply to the board for reinstatement of the license

Oklahoma law typically allows revoked licensees to apply for reinstatement after a specified period, provided they can demonstrate rehabilitation and fitness to practice safely.

Question 69: When an Oklahoma LPC provides court-ordered counseling services, the fee arrangement should:

Be exempt from standard ethical fee and disclosure guidelines due to the court-ordered nature
Be set exclusively by the referring court with no input from the counselor
Be disclosed to all relevant parties and structured to avoid conflicts of interest affecting clinical objectivity (Correct answer)
Mirror standard voluntary client fees without any need for additional disclosure

Correct answer: Be disclosed to all relevant parties and structured to avoid conflicts of interest affecting clinical objectivity

Court-ordered services require transparent fee arrangements disclosed to all parties, and the financial structure must not compromise the counselor's clinical independence or objectivity.

Question 70: Under the Oklahoma LPC Rules of Professional Conduct, which of the following is true regarding sexual or romantic relationships with former clients?

Such relationships are never allowed under any circumstances, regardless of the time passed.
Such relationships are allowed immediately upon termination if the client initiates it and signs a waiver.
Such relationships are strictly prohibited for at least five years after the termination of counseling. (Correct answer)
Such relationships are permissible after two years following the termination of counseling.

Correct answer: Such relationships are strictly prohibited for at least five years after the termination of counseling.

The Oklahoma Administrative Code, specifically OAC 86:10-3-3(f) as referenced in court documents, states that LPCs shall not engage in any activity that is or may be sexual in nature with a former client for at least five years after the termination of the counseling relationship. Some older versions of the rule cited two years for general relationships but the stricter five-year ban applies to sexual activities.

Question 71: Can an Oklahoma LPC conduct psychological testing and provide psychological test interpretations?

No because all assessment is prohibited for LPCs
Yes, as long as the LPC has taken a graduate course in testing
Limited because LPCs may administer certain counseling assessments but comprehensive psychological testing is within the psychologist's scope (Correct answer)
Yes, all mental health testing is within the LPC scope of practice

Correct answer: Limited because LPCs may administer certain counseling assessments but comprehensive psychological testing is within the psychologist's scope

While Oklahoma LPCs can administer counseling-related assessments, formal psychological testing such as comprehensive neuropsychological assessments or IQ testing is primarily within the scope of practice of licensed psychologists.

Question 72: Under Oklahoma's mandatory reporting law, how soon must an initial report of suspected child abuse be made after a mandatory reporter forms reasonable suspicion?

Within 48 hours
Within 72 hours
Immediately or as soon as reasonably possible (Correct answer)
Within 24 hours

Correct answer: Immediately or as soon as reasonably possible

Oklahoma law requires mandatory reporters to make their initial report immediately or as soon as reasonably possible after forming reasonable suspicion. There is no grace period and prompt action is required.

Question 73: Under Oklahoma law, what is the consequence of practicing counseling using the title LPC or Licensed Professional Counselor without a valid Oklahoma license?

Criminal misdemeanor charges and civil penalties under Oklahoma statute (Correct answer)
A civil penalty only with no criminal consequences
An automatic 6-month suspension when a license is later obtained
Only a formal warning from the licensing board

Correct answer: Criminal misdemeanor charges and civil penalties under Oklahoma statute

Using the protected title LPC or Licensed Professional Counselor without a valid Oklahoma license constitutes unlicensed practice and can result in criminal misdemeanor charges and civil penalties under state law.

Question 74: A client presents to an Oklahoma LPC with symptoms that suggest a psychotic disorder. The LPC's most appropriate action is to:

Conduct a thorough clinical assessment and coordinate with a psychiatrist for evaluation and potential medication management (Correct answer)
Tell the client their symptoms are beyond the LPC's scope and terminate services
Diagnose the disorder and develop a counseling treatment plan independently
Provide counseling only and avoid documenting the psychotic symptoms

Correct answer: Conduct a thorough clinical assessment and coordinate with a psychiatrist for evaluation and potential medication management

LPCs can assess and support clients with serious mental illness, but medication management for psychotic disorders requires coordination with a psychiatrist or prescribing provider. The LPC should collaborate with medical providers rather than manage such cases alone.

Question 75: In Oklahoma, what legal protection is provided to individuals who make a report of suspected child abuse in good faith?

Protection from media scrutiny
Immunity from all future lawsuits
No protection is provided
Protection from civil and criminal liability (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Protection from civil and criminal liability

Individuals who make a report in good faith are protected from civil and criminal liability.

Question 76: An attorney in Tulsa learns confidential information from a client indicating the client's intent to commit a future crime that is reasonably certain to result in substantial bodily harm to another person. According to the ORPC, the attorney's professional responsibility is to:

Disclose the information to the potential victim only if the client consents.
Maintain absolute confidentiality as the information is privileged.
Reveal the information to the extent the lawyer reasonably believes necessary to prevent the harm. (Correct answer)
Immediately withdraw from the representation without disclosing the information to anyone.

Correct answer: Reveal the information to the extent the lawyer reasonably believes necessary to prevent the harm.

Rule 1.6(b)(1) of the ORPC permits a lawyer to reveal confidential information to prevent reasonably certain death or substantial bodily harm. This is a specific exception to the general duty of confidentiality. The lawyer is permitted, but not required, to make this disclosure.

Question 77: Providing crisis intervention via telephone or telehealth in Oklahoma requires the LPC to:

Adhere to the same ethical, clinical, and legal standards that apply to in-person crisis intervention (Correct answer)
Apply for a specific Board exemption before providing each telehealth crisis contact
Obtain a separate specialized crisis counseling license in addition to the LPC license
Limit all telehealth crisis contacts to informational support only, without clinical intervention

Correct answer: Adhere to the same ethical, clinical, and legal standards that apply to in-person crisis intervention

The medium of delivery does not change the LPC's ethical and legal obligations — telephone and telehealth crisis care must meet the same standards as in-person crisis intervention.

Question 78: An Oklahoma LPC who is also a National Certified Counselor (NCC) allows their NCC certification to lapse. How does this affect their Oklahoma LPC license?

The counselor must notify the board within 30 days of the NCC lapse
The LPC license is unaffected and it is a separate state credential maintained independently of NCC certification (Correct answer)
The counselor must complete additional CE to compensate for the lapsed NCC
The LPC license is automatically suspended until the NCC is reinstated

Correct answer: The LPC license is unaffected and it is a separate state credential maintained independently of NCC certification

The Oklahoma LPC license and the NCC are independent credentials. Allowing the NCC to lapse does not affect the state license, which has its own renewal requirements administered by the Oklahoma licensing board.

OLERE Exam

The Oklahoma Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Examination (OLERE) is a state jurisprudence exam required for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) candidacy in Oklahoma. It assesses knowledge of the LPC Act, Board rules, and ethical standards governing counseling practice.

Questions

60 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

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These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

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oklahoma.gov — Eligibility, fees, exam format, passing score, registration deadline, retake policy, test dates, time limit, test delivery · verified Oct 2026