Advertisements
What this domain tests
Advertising items test APA Standards 5.01–5.06 and Nebraska's treatment of false or misleading public statements as unprofessional conduct. The exam applies these rules to websites, directory profiles, social media, podcasts, and printed materials.
Core rules and concepts
- 5.01: no false, deceptive, or misleading statements about training, credentials, affiliations, services, fees, or outcomes.
- 5.02: you are responsible for statements others make on your behalf, including marketing staff and directory services.
- 5.05: do not solicit testimonials from current clients or people vulnerable to undue influence; published testimonials must not mislead.
- 5.04: media presentations must be accurate and must not create the impression of a therapeutic relationship with the audience.
- Claims of specialty or board certification are permitted only when the credential is real, from a recognized body, and accurately described.
- No guarantees of outcome, no unverifiable superiority claims ("best in Nebraska"), no sensationalism, no solicitation of vulnerable persons.
Worked example
A practice website reads "Nebraska's top-rated trauma expert - guaranteed results in 8 sessions," lists a "board certification" from a mail-order institute, and displays a current client's five-star review. Reasoning: three separate problems. The superiority and guarantee claims are unverifiable and misleading, the certification is misrepresented, and soliciting or displaying a current client's testimonial risks exploitation. The fix is factual language about training, populations served, and fees, plus a review process that does not target current clients.
Traps that cost marks
- Believing free-speech arguments defeat professional advertising rules.
- Ignoring what an employee or marketing vendor writes for you.
- Using the word "confidential" in absolute terms when legal limits exist.
- Listing credentials without explaining what they are.