FASS study guide
FASS · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The FASS examination is a multiple-choice credentialing exam for professionals whose work sits at the intersection of behavioral science and the law. Candidates typically include psychologists, counselors, social workers, and other clinicians who assess, treat, or consult on justice-involved populations, as well as those who prepare evaluations and testimony for courts, attorneys, and agencies. The FASS study guide has 8 sections and about 1,716 words.
01Assessment and Diagnosis
Forensic assessment and diagnosis require a solid grasp of psychometric principles, diagnostic systems, and the unique context of forensic settings. Candidates must understand reliability (inter-rater, test-retest), validity (content, construct, criterion), and the distinction between clinical and forensic assessment.
227 words, about 1 min02Psychopathology and Clinical Disorders
This domain covers the major mental disorders and their relevance to forensic issues. Candidates must know the diagnostic criteria, course, and prognosis of disorders such as schizophrenia, mood disorders, personality disorders (especially antisocial and borderline), substance use disorders, and paraphilic disorders.
241 words, about 1 min03Forensic Assessment and Risk Evaluation
Risk assessment is a core forensic task. Candidates must understand the difference between risk assessment (estimating likelihood) and risk management (interventions to reduce risk).
198 words, under 1 min04Forensic Treatment and Intervention
Forensic treatment focuses on reducing risk and improving functioning in justice-involved individuals. Candidates must understand treatment modalities (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, sex offender treatment, substance abuse treatment), the principles of risk-need-responsivity (RNR) model, and the importance of treatment engagement and motivation (e.g., stages of change).
208 words, about 1 min05Legal and Ethical Issues
Forensic psychologists must navigate complex legal and ethical landscapes. Key concepts include informed consent, confidentiality and its limits (e.g., Tarasoff duty to protect), competence, multiple relationships, and the specialty guidelines for forensic psychology (e.g., APA Forensic Specialty Guidelines).
199 words, under 1 min06Criminal Law and Procedure
This domain covers the intersection of psychology and criminal law. Candidates must understand key legal concepts: mens rea, actus reus, competency to stand trial (Dusky standard), insanity defense (M'Naghten, ALI, Durham), diminished capacity, and sentencing (e.g., death penalty, mitigation).
220 words, about 1 min07Civil Law and Procedure
Civil law involves disputes between individuals, including personal injury, malpractice, child custody, and civil commitment. Candidates must understand concepts such as negligence, duty, breach, causation, damages, and the standard of care.
222 words, about 1 min08Consultation, Testimony, and Professional Practice
Forensic psychologists often serve as consultants and expert witnesses. Candidates must understand the role of the expert witness, the difference between fact and expert testimony (e.g., Daubert/Frye standards), and the ethics of consultation (e.g., avoiding conflicts of interest).
201 words, about 1 min