Examinations

Except as provided in this rule, an individual seeking licensure shall be required to pass Board-approved written and oral examinations. Except as provided in this rule, passing the written examination is a prerequisite to taking the oral examination. (1) Written Examination - The written examination shall be passed by all applicants except those who upgrade or are approved for licensure by reciprocity pursuant to rule 0450-02-.04. GENERAL RULES GOVERNING MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPISTS CHAPTER 0450-02 (a) The Board adopts as its written examination for marital and family therapists licensure the Professional Examination Service (PES) published examination or their successor examination, as developed by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards. (b) Upon being deemed eligible, the Board shall send an examination admissions form to approved applicants. (c) The applicant shall complete the examination admissions form and return to PES. (d) PES shall provide the applicant information to schedule the examination at Prometric Testing Centers. (e) PES shall notify the Board and the applicant of the written examination results. (f) Passing scores on the examination are determined by PES. Such passing scores as certified to the Board by PES are adopted by the Board as constituting successful completion of the written examination. A passing score will qualify the applicant for the oral examination, if all other requirements pursuant to rule 0450-02-.05 have been successfully completed. (2) Oral Examination (a) Oral examinations are required for all applicants except those approved to upgrade from CMFT to LMFT. (b) An oral examination is scheduled for each applicant as soon as reasonable after the Board’s receipt of a passing score from the written examination or upon being deemed eligible by the board. Notification of admission to the oral examination will be provided to applicants in writing from the Board’s administrative office at least thirty (30) days prior to the examination date. (c) An oral examination shall be conducted by a two (2) or three (3) member committee, appointed by the president of the Board, whose written report and recommended action shall be forwarded to the Board. A passing score shall be seventy-five percent (75%). (d) The Board determines oral examination sites, and respective applicants shall be notified in writing as to the location, time, and date. (e) The oral examination of an applicant shall cover: 1. The applicant’s knowledge of the content and interpretation of T.C.A. §§ 63-22- 101, et seq. 2. The applicant’s knowledge of the Board’s current code of ethics pursuant to rule 0450-02-.13; and 3. Other practice-related areas. (f) The Board’s administrative office will notify applicants in writing of the oral examination results once ratified by the full Board. (g) An applicant who does not appear for his/her scheduled oral examination shall be deemed to have failed the oral examination unless the oral examiner is notified at least GENERAL RULES GOVERNING MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPISTS CHAPTER 0450-02 twenty-four (24) hours prior to the scheduled examination time. A subsequent scheduled oral examination shall be considered as a second (2nd) attempt. (h) If the applicant has met all other requirements, a passing score will qualify him for licensure. (3) If an applicant neglects, fails, or refuses to take either the written or oral examination or fails to pass either the written or oral examination for licensure under these rules within twelve (12) months after being deemed eligible by the Board, the application will be denied. However, such an applicant may thereafter make a new application accompanied by the required fee. The applicant shall meet the requirements in effect at the time of the new application. (4) Written or oral re-examination (a) Written Examination. 1. Applicants who fail to pass the written examination may apply for re-examination. 2. Such a request must be received in the Board’s administrative office on or before the forty-fifth (45th) day after the letter notifying the applicant of the examination results is sent. 3. Applicants for re-examination shall be approved pursuant to paragraph (1) of this rule. (b) Oral Examination 1. Applicants who fail to pass the oral examination may apply for re-examination. 2. Such a request must be received in the Board’s administrative office on or before the forty-fifth (45th) day after the letter notifying the applicant of the examination results is sent. 3. Individuals requesting re-examination will be scheduled for the next available examination. (5) Appeal of oral examination results (a) An appeal shall be in writing to the board and the applicant shall set forth the ground(s) for appeal and all of the specific facts or circumstances which constitute the basis for the appeal and how those facts or circumstances demonstrate examiner misconduct or error. (b) An applicant will be notified in writing by certified mail of the results of the appeal. In acting on appeals, the board may take such action as it deems appropriate including issuance of a license, where the board determined that the applicant has demonstrated the required competence. (c) If an appeal is denied, the applicant shall have the right to request a contested case hearing. Such request must be in writing and be submitted to the board within 30 days of receipt of the notice from the board. (6) The Board may, at its discretion, delay a decision on eligibility to take the written and/or oral examinations or re-examinations for any applicant for whom the Board wishes additional information for the purpose of clarifying information previously submitted. This request for GENERAL RULES GOVERNING MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPISTS CHAPTER 0450-02 additional information is to be in writing and shall be made within sixty (60) days from the date of the official review of the application by the Board.