Test Authorization Eligibility

How to Obtain Test Authorization Eligibility

Candidates may request test authorization eligibility through submission of an Application for Eligibility Evaluation any time they are ready and would like to start the licensure process. Applications are submitted solely through our online application portal, Connect. Candidates must possess an NCARB record with California selected as the testing jurisdiction.

How long is Test Authorization Eligibility

A candidate retains test authorization eligibility for as long that they take an examination within the preceding five years. Eligibility starts with NCARB on the date CAB authorizes testing for the ARE. Those who choose to start with the CSE will have their test authorization eligibility start date when CAB sends the authorization to PSI for the CSE.

Expiration of Eligibility

A candidate must remain active in the examination process to retain eligibility to test. CAB defines “active in the examination process” to mean that a candidate has taken an examination within the preceding five-year period. Scheduling a division does not fulfill this requirement.

The expiration date for testing authorization eligibility is also known as the Test Activity Status (TAS) date and is displayed on the Scheduling section of the NCARB My Examination record. CAB recommends candidates regularly check their TAS to avoid becoming an inactive candidate.

Extensions to Eligibility

The TAS expiration date cannot be extended for candidates that will soon become inactive. Candidates are expected to know their respective TAS expiration date and to take an examination, ARE or CSE, within the preceding five years to avoid becoming an inactive candidate.