Examinations

In addition to having filed an application, individuals seeking licensure as a Clinical Pastoral Therapists are required to pass an examination consisting of written and oral sections. (1) Written section (a) The written section of the examination shall be passed by all applicants, except certain persons who are licensed by professional experience. (b) The Board adopts the following examinations or their successor examinations as the written section of the examination: 1. The Marital and Family Therapy Examination, published by the Professional Examination Service (PES), as developed by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards and with a passing score determined by PES. 2. The National Counselor Examination and the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination given by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and with a passing score determined by NBCC. 3. The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) provided by PES and with a passing score as determined by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards. 4. The written examination adopted by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) and with a passing score as determined by ASWB. (c) Even though the Board adopts the above listed examinations as its written section, an applicant must successfully complete only one (1) of these examinations. The choice of which examination to successfully complete is entirely up to the applicant. (d) The testing agencies govern the examination dates. (e) A passing score on the written section will qualify the applicant for the oral section if the Board determines all other requirements pursuant to Rule 0450-03-.05 have been successfully completed. (2) Oral section (a) The Oral section of the examination is required for all applicants unless exempted by law. (b) The oral section of the examination is scheduled for each applicant as soon as reasonable after the applicant has been deemed eligible by the Board. Notification of admission to the oral section of the examination will be provided to applicants in writing from the Board’s Administrative Office at least 30 days prior to the examination date. (c) The oral section of the examination shall be conducted by a two or three 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 75 percent. (d) Oral examination sites are determined by the Board, and respective applicants shall be notified in writing as to the location, time, and date. GENERAL RULES GOVERNING CLINICAL PASTORAL THERAPISTS CHAPTER 0450-03 (e) The oral section of the examination of an applicant shall cover: 1. The applicant’s knowledge of the content and interpretation of T.C.A. §§ 63-22- 201, et seq. 2. The applicant’s knowledge of the Board’s current code of ethics, adopted pursuant to Rule 0450-03-.13. 3. Other practice-related areas. (f) The Board’s Administrative Office will notify applicants in writing of the results of the oral section of the examination 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 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 the applicant neglects, fails, or refuses to take an examination or fails to pass the examination for a license under these rules within 12 months after being deemed eligible to sit by the Board, the application will be closed/denied. However, such an applicant may thereafter make a new application accompanied by the required fees. The applicant shall meet any requirements in effect at the time of the new application. (4) Oral section re-examination (a) An applicant who fails to pass the oral section of the examination may apply for re- examination. (b) Such a request must be received in the Board’s Administrative Office on or before the 30th day after the applicant’s receipt of notification by certified mail of the examination results. (c) An individual will be scheduled for the next available examination. (5) Appeal of the oral section examination results (a) An appeal shall be made in writing to the Board, and the applicant shall set forth the grounds for appeal, 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 an appeal, the Board may take such action as it deems appropriate, including issuance of a license where the Board determines that the applicant has demonstrated the required competence. If the applicant does not concur with the finding of the Board, the applicant may proceed pursuant to Rule 0450-03-.07(5). (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 submitted to the Board within thirty (30) days of receipt of the notice from the Board. GENERAL RULES GOVERNING CLINICAL PASTORAL THERAPISTS CHAPTER 0450-03 (6) The Board may at its discretion delay a decision on eligibility to take the oral section of the examination or re-examination for any applicant for whom the Board wishes additional information for the purpose of clarifying information previously submitted. This request is to be in writing and shall be made within 60 days from the date of the official review of the application by the Board.