Massachusetts § 166 - Allied mental health and human service professionals; examinations; issuance of licenses without examinations

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 166 — Allied mental health and human service professionals; examinations; issuance of licenses without examinations, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 166. Allied mental health and human service professionals; examinations; issuance of licenses without examinations

Section 166. The board shall conduct examinations at least twice a year at a time and place designated by the board, in order to determine any applicant's qualifications for the practice of an allied mental health and human services profession.

Examinations may be written or oral as determined by the board. In any written examination each applicant shall be designated so that the name shall not be disclosed to the board until examinations have been graded.

Examinations shall include questions in such theoretical and applied fields as the board deems most suitable to test an applicant's knowledge and competence to engage in the practice of the allied mental health and human services profession in which licensure is sought.

An applicant shall be held to have passed an examination upon affirmative vote of at least five members of the board.

Any individual who fails an examination conducted by the board shall not be admitted to a subsequent examination for a period of at least six months.

The board shall issue a license without examination to the following: (1) an applicant licensed as a professional in a comparable field in another state whose requirements for the license are determined by the board to be equivalent to or exceed the requirements of the commonwealth (2) an applicant who has passed a civil service examination for a position whose title is included in the definition of an allied mental health and human services professional in section one hundred and sixty-three and who has completed six months service in such position with an agency of the commonwealth or its political subdivisions and who meets the requirements of section one hundred and sixty-five; provided, however, that such applicant shall submit an application on forms prescribed by the board and pay the licensure fee therefor.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 166

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 166 cover?

Section 166 ("Allied mental health and human service professionals; examinations; issuance of licenses without examinations") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Massachusetts § 166?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 166" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

How does Massachusetts § 166 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.