Introduction
DORA requires their online Jurisprudence Exam to be taken prior to licensure as an LSW, LCSW or out of state applicants seeking licensure by endorsement. The following guide has been
developed based on the content outline of the exam that DORA provides and on CO statute and DORA Rules that affect
social workers.
Note that the
Jurisprudence Exam is separate and distinct from the National ASWB
Exams. For info on preparing for those exams see the
ASWB website and Exam Prep on our website.
Basics on Taking the Exam
- Exam tests knowledge of state laws and ethical standards that regulate the practice of Social Work in CO
- Given online through a DORA website portal; you are given an individual pass code to use to sign in
- Exam fee is currently $20 (subject to change)
- Exam is not timed; you have 60-day period to complete it once started
- Exam is "open book"; however, this is a misnomer as
there
IS NO BOOK, rather it is based on the volumes of the Colorado Revised
Statutes (C.R.S.) and on DORA Board Rules and Policies
- You are not permitted to collaborate with others and take the exam "together" - DORA does random audits of test answers to ensure this isn't happening and you can be held accountable if found to be collaborating with other test takers
- If you fail, there is no limit on how many times it can be repeated, but you must wait 10 days before re-testing and pay the fee again
- There are 45 questions which rotate from a pool of questions; they are weighted by importance in scoring
- Test results are calculated on a scale of 200 - 800; a minimum score of 500 is needed to pass
- Upon completion, you are Issued a Results Report; print it out & follow the instructions regarding license application
- Upon sign up, you agree to DORA's Terms &
Conditions - read this carefully; the exam is under Copyright and may NOT
be reproduced, copied, transcribed, photographed, etc., or shared
DORA LINK:
Jurisprudence Exam - Online User Guide, Outline, Exam Resources and Registration Information
Exam Resources & Links
Statute: Mental Health Practice Act. See DORA website for most up-to-date statute; Key Areas:
- Disclosure of Confidential Info
- Mandatory Disclosure
- Prohibited Activities
- DORA Board Duties
- Disciplinary Proceedings
- Social Work section
DORA Board: Social Work Rules and Regulations - click link to "current version" on SOS website; Key Areas:
- Records Required & Record Retention
- Clinical Supervision & Post-degree Supervised Work Experience Requirements
DORA Board: Social Work Practice Policy(s) ; Key Areas:
- Teletherapy
- Dual Relationships
DORA Continuing Professional Competency Program for Social Workers
Additional Important Statutes (you can search them here: https://advance.lexis.com/container?config=0345494EJAA5ZjE0MDIyYy1kNzZkLTRkNzktYTkxMS04YmJhNjBlNWUwYzYKAFBvZENhdGFsb2e4CaPI4cak6laXLCWyLBO9&crid=eab27e17-f794-45e8-a137-47ae6b93a99a
Statute: Care & Treatment of Persons with Mental Illness
- Emergency Procedure (72-hour hold)
- Who May Effect a 72-hour Hold
- Age of Consent to Mental Health Treatment
Statute: Children's Code
- Persons Required to Report Child Abuse & Neglect
Statute: Wrongs to At Risk Adults
- Mandatory Reports of Abuse and Exploitation of at-risk elders and at-risk adults
Additional NASW Resources:
NASW: Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice
NASW Colorado Chapter: Practice Guidelines
NASW Colorado Chapter: Video Info Session