Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I need some understanding of legal terminology or processes to pass the essay exam?
A. The essay test is not a test of detailed legal terminology, but it does require an understanding of the appropriate protocols and judgments necessary in the professional workplace environment.
Q. How do I study for this examination?
A. In order to best prepare for the examination, EBAS encourages you to be familiar with the information provided using the links below as found on EBAS website:
Q. Will all the scenarios be specific to my profession?
A. EBAS has five profession specific exams (Chiropractic, Medical Doctor, Nursing, Dental, Social Work), one healthcare exam and one non-health exam. If your profession falls outside of the specific exams, the setting of the scenarios that you will be asked to evaluate may NOT be specific to your profession or occupation. Many scenarios are general in nature. For example, you may be directed to comment on a boundary violation occurring between a counselor and a patient, even though your occupation may be slightly different. In any of these cases, you should be able to identify and address the ethical/boundary issues that are represented. Such issues can occur across a wide variety of professional settings.
Q. Is there a format for writing the required essays?
A. Each essay response has four components: I. Introductory Opinion Statements; II: Consequences; III. Solutions; and, IV. Public Protection. Refer to the Essay Writing Exercise for detailed information about the essay format.
Q. How do I create INTRODUCTORY OPINION STATEMENTS?
Referring to the given scenario and its assigned focus, present several statements about the ethical issues and concerns involved. Additionally, identify when/how the licensee disregarded professional conduct standards.
A. As you read and consider the scenario, you will need to formulate opinions relevant to the situation presented and specific to the focus indicated in bold font directly below the scenario. (See the Essay Writing Exercise.) You are encouraged to write complete sentences that clearly express these opinions and that identify problem areas in the scenario.
Q. What are relevant CONSEQUENCES?
Discuss several consequences that could arise from the above scenario to all involved parties.
A. Your response should identify all possible consequences and provide details to support what you consider relevant to each party that might be involved and/or impacted by the violations described in the above scenario.
Q. How Should I address SOLUTIONS?
Identify the actions needed to resolve the ethical violation(s) described in the above scenario, and include what could prevent such violations(s) from occurring in the future.
A. Suggested solutions should describe both the corrective and preventive steps related to any/all concerns. Consider every viable preventive action that could be taken to remediate and avoid the situation in the above scenario. You should fully explain each proposed solution and its application in as much detail as possible.
Q. How should I discuss PUBLIC PROTECTION?
Explain how the actions of the licensee compromise the community’s safety and welfare, and provide several reasons why these actions are considered to be an ethical violation.
A. Your response should explain how the actions of the licensee impacts the public’s safety and welfare. You should fully identify all possible reasons why the licensee’s actions are considered to be an ethical violation.
Q. How are my essays graded?
A. Each essay is reviewed by the grader pool utilizing a secure graders’ website. Graders are professionals with regulatory experience who have addressed ethical and boundary issues in a licensing/regulatory context. Essays are scored according to the published Scoring Criteria.
Q. What if I misspell words? What if I type sentences containing errors in punctuation or grammar?
A. Content and expression of ideas are weighed more in the grading than grammar, punctuation, or spelling. However, you are encouraged to type complete sentences and present content consistent with the instructions given for each component.
Q. How can I prepare for the typing aspect of this examination?
A. Use the Essay Writing Exercise to practice typing responses to create essays by following the instructions for each component. (This exercise is available online at www.ebas.org/exercise and provides a writing format similar to the one used at the test site.
Q. My keyboard typing speed is very slow. Can I apply for a test accommodation?
A. Difficulty with keyboard typing skills does not constitute qualification for a test accommodation as defined by the “Americans with Disabilities Act." Therefore, EBAS can only suggest you spend time to improve your typing speed before scheduling your exam. IF you feel you qualify for an accommodation, please refer to Test Accommodations for complete instructions.
Q. How much time do I have to write each essay?
A. There is 60 minutes allotted to address each essay. There is a time clock on the computer screen. The test program will time you out and send you to the next essay after 60 minutes. Conversely, if you finish responding before the allotted 60 minutes, the program allows you to proceed to the next essay.
Q. Will I receive any breaks?
A. If you are writing multiple essays, you will have an optional break after completing your 2nd and 4th essays.
Q. What additional preparation is available for this examination?
A. After typing your practice responses using the Essay Writing Exercise, you can then use the Scoring Criteria to grade your own practice essays. EBAS does not provide any feedback on these practice sessions, nor does its website track your usage.