Exam Information

Certified Adviser applicants must pass an examination in risk assessment, ethics, client referral, and appropriate screening using the global assessment of functioning scale, and Washington state law for certification. We will contact applicants when they can schedule their first exam attempt and will coordinate with the applicant to determine the date and time to take the examination. 

The department uses an online exam provider, Examsoft, to administer the examination. Candidates will take the examination on their home computer. Further information will be provided upon scheduling the exam. The exam fee is paid directly to the Department of Health. 

Exam Details | Exam Content

Exam Details

When, where, and how will the exam be administered?

Examsoft will allow the candidates to take this examination on their home computer. It is monitored by the camera and microphone. Further instructions on taking the exam will be provided when it is scheduled. It is an online-only exam.

You cannot register for an exam with less than 24 hours' notice.

How do I request ADA accommodations for an exam?

You must submit requests for ADA accommodations at the time you schedule the examination with the department. All requests are handled on a case-by-case basis. 

How many questions are on the exam?

The exam will have 50 multiple-choice questions.

How long does the exam take?

You're allowed two hours to complete the exam.

How much does the exam cost?

The cost of the exam is $85. You must pay the exam fee to the department.

When will I receive exam results?

Results are sent via email to the email address on file with the Department of Health within 5 business days.

If I don't pass the exam, when can I retake it?

You must wait at least one week from the date of your last exam.

Can I find out which questions I missed on the exam?

State law prohibits us from releasing examination questions. (RCW 42.56.250) Whether you pass or fail the exam, we cannot provide you with the questions you answered incorrectly.

Exam Content

What topics are covered on the exam?

The exam covers risk assessment, ethics, appropriate screening using the global assessment of functioning scale, client referral, and Washington State law.

What should I study to prepare for the exam?

Exam content will come from a variety of sources, the primary references for the exam are:

• Chapter on the Global Assessment of Functioning in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), Fourth Edition, American Psychiatric Association.
• Washington State Law (available at libraries or online) .
  • RCW 18.19 Counselors
  • RCW 18.130 Uniform Disciplinary Act
  • RCW 70.02 Health Care Information Act
  • RCW 26.44 Abuse of Children
  • RCW 71.05 Mental Illness Act
  • RCW 74.34 Abuse of Vulnerable Adults
  • WAC 246-810 Counselor Rules
  • WAC 246-15 Whistleblower Complaints
  • WAC 246-16 Standards of Professional Conduct
  • WAC 246-12 Administrative Procedures and Requirements for Credentialed Health Care Providers
  • RCW 71.34 Age of Consent Regulations
• National Institutes of Mental Health Publications on Disorders, Populations, and Other booklets, easy-to-read guides, fact sheets available free of charge.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Suicide Prevention information is available free of charge.
• Caring for women subjected to violence: a WHO curriculum for training health care providers presentations available free of charge.

Are there sample exam questions?

Below are a few samples of exam questions. These samples will not be on the exam.

1. According to the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), in some settings, scales in addition to the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) may be useful. These other scales include all of the following EXCEPT the:

A. Defensive Functioning Scale

B. Psychometric Functioning Scale

C. Social and Occupational Functioning Scale

D. Global Assessment of Relational Functioning 

2. According to the Counselor statute, RCW 18.19, which of the following persons is EXEMPT from the requirement to be credentialed in the state of Washington?

A. A person practicing peer counseling

B. A student practicing counseling as part of a course at a university

C. A person practicing counseling under the auspices of their church

D. All of the above

3. According to the Counselor statute, RCW 18.19, which one of the following is required to complete continuing education?

A. Certified adviser

B. Registered counselor

C. Registered hypnotherapist

D. Certified human services counselor

4. According to Chapter 70.02 RCW - Medical Records, when an authorization permits the disclosure of healthcare information to an employer of a patient for purposes other than payment, unless renewed the authorization shall expire after:

A. 60 days

B. 90 days

C. 180 days

D. One year

5. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all of the following are challenging issues within a person’s community that contribute to suicide risk except:

A. Loss of relationships

B. Discrimination

C. Community Violence

D. Lack of access to health care

Answers: 1-B, 2-D, 3-A, 4-D, 5-A

What is the passing score for the exam?

A passing score is 70 percent.