New BBS Waiver: Order Extending Eligibility Period to Retake Examinations

From the Board of Behavioral Sciences of California:

Order Extending Eligibility Period to Retake Examinations for Marriage Family Therapist, Educational Psychologist, Clinical Social Worker, and Professional Clinical Counselor Applicants

On March 4, 2020, the Governor proclaimed a State of Emergency to exist in California as a result of the impacts of COVID-19 to make additional resources available, formalize emergency actions already underway across multiple state agencies and departments, and help the state prepare to respond to an increasing number of individuals requiring medical care and hospitalization as a result of a broader spread of COVID-19.

Pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Order N-39-20, during the State of Emergency, the Director of the California Department of Consumer Affairs may waive any statutory or regulatory professional licensing requirements pertaining to individuals licensed pursuant to Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code, including requirements related to the examinations necessary to obtain licensure as a marriage family therapist, educational psychologist, clinical social worker, and professional clinical counselor.

Accordingly, for marriage and family therapist, educational psychologist, clinical social worker, and professional clinical counselor applicants that failed the clinical or written examination, as applicable, and whose one-year eligibility to retake the examination expires between March 31, 2020, and July 1, 2020, the Director waives Business and Professions Code sections 4984.72, subdivision (a), 4989.22, subdivision (b), 4996.4, subdivision (a), and 4999.64, subdivision (a), to the extent they limit eligibility to
retake the examination to one year, subject to the condition that such applicants shall be eligible to retake the examination for 18 months after notification of failing the examination.

This order is effective immediately but may be amended as circumstances require.

Dated: June 23, 2020

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