Licensing staff presented a detailed snapshot of application-types, processing timelines, and examination statistics during the May 15 meeting and addressed public questions about how future exam changes may affect candidates.
Staff reported fiscal-year 2025'26 license and registration counts and application workload trends across license types, noting the addition of a temporary out-of-state license type as of Jan. 1, 2026. Examination statistics for January'March 2026 show EP (Examination for Professional Practice) pass-rate averages of 37.53% with first-time pass rates around 16.54%; the Complete exam pass-rate averaged 77.35% with first-time pass-rate 79.31%.
Executive Officer John Burke summarized ASPPB updates: the integrated EP will be beta-tested in spring 2027 (ASPPB aims to recruit hundreds of volunteers), with a planned operational launch in Q4 2027; ASPPB notified jurisdictions that the EP fee will increase from $600 to $650 effective April 1, 2028 and that biennial CPI-linked adjustments will begin April 1, 2030. Burke said beta participants who pass during testing will be granted passing status but warned candidate pass/fail thresholds will be set after the beta period.
Why it matters: Changes to the national exam, fee structure, and eligibility advice affect candidates' preparation choices and financial planning. Board staff said they will share ASPPB announcements and work with stakeholders to publicize beta opportunities and study resources.
The board did not change state policy at the meeting but asked staff to ensure candidates receive clear guidance about timing, supervised experience expectations, and exam-preparation resources as the ASPPB timeline unfolds.