1. A. Unless waived by the Board as provided in §D of this regulation, an applicant shall pass a Board-approved written examination before certification.
2. B. A minimum passing score of 75 percent is required on the examination.
3. C. In order to qualify for certification, an applicant shall pass the examination within 3 years of the first time the applicant takes the examination.

4. D. Waiver of Examination. The Board may waive the examination requirement for an applicant who:

   1. (1) Pays the application fee as provided in COMAR 10.57.07;
   2. (2) Is certified as a program administrator in any other state that the Board determines has a comparable certification process; and

   3. (3) Provides adequate evidence that:

      1. (a) At the time the applicant was certified in the other state, the applicant was qualified to take the examination that then was required by the laws of this State;
      2. (b) The applicant qualified for a certificate in the other state by passing an examination given in that or any other state;
      3. (c) The applicant has completed a State and national criminal history records check; and
      4. (d) Unless waived by the Board in accordance with Health Occupations Article, §20–303(d), Annotated Code of Maryland, the applicant has submitted to a child protective services background clearance.

5. E. Reexamination.

   1. (1) An applicant who fails the examination:

      1. (a) May retake the examination three times within the 12-month period after a failed examination; and
      2. (b) May not retake the examination within 6-months of failing the examination for the third time.
   2. (2) Before or on the day of the repeat examination, the applicant shall pay to the Board the examination fee as established in COMAR 10.57.07.
   3. (3) An applicant may request a waiver of the 6-month waiting period after failure of the third examination upon proof of exceptional circumstances.

6. F. Applicants Requiring Special Accommodation.

   1. (1) An applicant with a disability may request modifications in examination materials or procedures.

   2. (2) The applicant shall make the request for modification in writing and include in the request the following:

      1. (a) The applicant's name;
      2. (b) The date of the examination to be modified; and

      3. (c) A letter from the appropriate licensed professional which:

         1. (i) Confirms the disability; and
         2. (ii) Provides information describing the accommodations required.
   3. (3) Requests for modification and supporting documentation shall be received by the application deadline.

Authority: Health Occupations Article, §§20-205, 20-301, 20-302, 20-303, 20-305—20-307, 20-310, 20-311, and 20-404, Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date:

Regulations .01—.06 adopted as an emergency provision effective January 7, 2008 (35:9 Md. R. 894); adopted permanently effective April 7, 2008 (35:7 Md. R. 749)

Chapter revised effective April 19, 2010 (37:8 Md. R. 617)

Chapter revised effective November 7, 2016 (43:22 Md. R. 1223)

Regulation .01 amended effective December 27, 2021 (48:26 Md. R. 1112)

Regulation .04 amended effective December 31, 2018 (45:26 Md. R. 1246)

Regulation .04B, D amended effective October 13, 2025 (52:20 Md. R. 1002)

Regulation .05A, B amended effective October 13, 2025 (52:20 Md. R. 1002)

Regulation .05D adopted effective December 31, 2018 (45:26 Md. R. 1246)

Regulation .07 amended effective October 13, 2025 (52:20 Md. R. 1002)