Step 5: My Original Exam Application was Accepted

This step helps you understand the process when your exam application is accepted.

What can I expect when my exam application has been accepted?

This step will outline some of the procedures you can expect when your exam application is accepted.

IMPORTANT - Applicants with a disability requiring special testing accommodations must complete the Special Accommodation Request For Examination form 13E-77. The form is a part of the application packet and is also available at any CSLB office. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Public Law 101-336, the CSLB provides "reasonable accommodations" for applicants with disabilities that may affect their ability to take required examinations. It is the applicant's responsibility to notify the CSLB of alternative arrangements needed. The CSLB is not required by the ADA to provide special accommodations if they are unaware of specific needs.

What if I need a translator for the examination?

If you have difficulty understanding or reading the English language, the CSLB may allow you to use a translator to read the examination for you. The translator you choose must be approved in advance by the CSLB. If you would like to use a translator during your examination, please notify the CSLB in writing. Include your Application Fee Number in all correspondence. Please note, if your exam is available in your preferred language, you will not be allowed to use a translator.

Where are the examinations given?

To make the examination procedure more convenient for applicants, testing is performed at PSI Exams. PSI has locations throughout the state and offer testing six days a week.

The Notice to Schedule an Examination mailed to you will provide detailed information regarding self-scheduling of your exam through the PSI Exams Website.

What should I bring to the examination site?

What is involved with the computer-assisted testing (CAT) system?

You will be taking your examination on the easy-to-use computer-assisted testing (CAT) system. No prior experience with computers is necessary--the test monitor guides all test-takers through a short exercise to help them feel at ease with the computer.

How long does the examination take?

You will be given 3 -1/2 hours to complete each examination.

When will I know if I passed?

Test-takers receive their score results before they leave the test site. Successful test-takers are told only that they have passed the examination, they are not given detailed information about the score.

Unsuccessful test-takers are given a statement showing how well they performed in each section of the test. These sections are described in greater detail in the Study Guide for that examination so the test-taker will know what areas to emphasize in preparing to retake the examination.

What if I fail to appear for an examination?

What if I fail the Law and Business and/or Trade examination?

How do I reschedule/postpone/cancel an existing examination appointment with PSI?

You may cancel and reschedule an examination appointment without forfeiting your fee if your cancellation notice is received two days prior to the scheduled examination date. For example, for a 9:00 a.m. Monday appointment, the cancellation notice would need to be received before 9:00 a.m. on the previous Saturday. To cancel or reschedule, call PSI at (877) 392-6422, option 2.

Note: A voicemail or email message to CSLB or PSI is not an acceptable form of cancellation. You must use the PSI website or call PSI and speak directly to a Customer Service Representative to cancel or reschedule your examination and not forfeit the fee.

May I review the test questions after the examinations?

Test questions and answer keys are not available for review. You may file a written protest or critique of any examination question(s) after you have completed your examination and before you turn in your examination materials to the proctor.

Are there any penalties for disclosing the contents of a state examination?

Conduct which violates the security of the examination includes providing information about test questions to any school, person, or business; removing examination materials from the examination site (including copying examination questions by any means for future use); communicating with other examinees during an examination; copying or permitting your answers to be copied; having in your possession any written material other than test materials provided for the examination; or taking the examination on behalf of another applicant.

Penalties for conduct that violates the security of the examination include prosecution on misdemeanor charges resulting in a fine of $500, payment of damages of up to $10,000 plus the costs of litigation, and a sentence in the county jail. You would also be subject to automatic test failure; any fee(s) paid to the State of California would not be refunded; and you would not be allowed to apply for any license classification for a period of one year from your examination date.

IMPORTANT - Examination results are good for five years. If you pass either the trade or the Law and Business examination but fail the other, you need only take the examination you failed as long as you retake the examination within five years.

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