Q. How will I know if Professional Credential Services (PCS) has received my Application?
A. Once your application has been uploaded to your PCS account, PCS will review your complete application (application, fees, experience documentation, transcripts, references, etc.) to ensure that everything has been received. Applicants will be notified of any discrepancies by email or writing. Applicants will also receive an email notification when their application has been sent to the Massachusetts Board for the eligibility review.
Q. Which forms go to PCS and which go to the Massachusetts Board?
A. All applications and supporting documentation must be sent to PCS. Documents that are sent to the Massachusetts Board instead of PCS will cause a delay in the processing of your application.
Q. How will I know if I am eligible for the examination?
A: PCS will send you an email with further instructions on how to register with NCEES and scheduling and pay PCS for the examination.
Q. Can I schedule and pay with PCS before I have been approved by the board?
A: No. you must wait to hear that you are eligible in order to schedule. If you do not hear from PCS before the registration and scheduling deadline, you will have to wait to schedule for the next exam cycle.
Q. What more can you tell me about the examination?
A. For information concerning the examination content, scoring information and national pass rates please visit NCEES web site, www.ncees.org. (All candidates are recommended to read the “NCEES Examinee Guide” on the www.ncees.org website and the “Candidate Information Bulletin” on the www.pcshq.com website.)
Q. I am a Massachusetts applicant. Can I take the examination in a state other than Massachusetts?
A. No, proctoring is no longer allowed. (If you have military orders, please contact NCEES to request accommodations.)
Q. I have been approved to take the examination in another state (other than Massachusetts). Can I take the examination in Massachusetts?
A. No, proctoring is no longer allowed. (If you have military orders, please contact NCEES to request accommodations.)
Q. When will I receive my admission materials and will I receive them by mail?
A. Admission materials are no longer mailed. Approximately two weeks prior to the examination, NCEES will email eligible candidates prompting them to log on to their NCEES account to print their admission materials. The exam authorization will include the date, time and location of the examination. PCS will email State-specific exam candidates. If the exam authorization has not been received within seven days prior to the examination date, please contact PCS at 877-364-3926. Pease check your Spam or Junk folder. If you do not show up for the examination your fees will be forfeited and you will be required to pay the examination fee in full the next time you choose to sit for an exam.
Q. What is the refund and rescheduling policy?
A. If you wish to cancel your examination and receive a partial refund you must notify PCS, in writing, no later than the scheduling deadline. A $50 processing fee will apply to candidates who cancel the examination. All refunds will be issued 30 days after the examination. FEES WILL NOT BE TRANSFERRED TO FUTURE EXAMINATIONS FOR ANY REASON.
Requests after the deadline will only be approved in cases involving extenuating circumstances. Proper documentation may be required such as military orders, doctor notes (for illness), a death certificate (for a death in the family), etc. Extenuating circumstances are NOT job requirements, vacations, lack of study time, weddings, etc. If you do not show up for the examination you will forfeit your fees and be required to pay the examination fee in full the next time you choose to sit for an exam.
Q. How do I become licensed?
A. Passing examinees will be notified regarding the remaining steps to the licensure process. Payment of a license fee is required, please see the “Massachusetts Licensing Fees” link for more details.
Q. When will my license number be issued?
A. Once a passing score has been obtained, a letter will be emailed from Professional Credential Services notifying the applicant. The letter will inform the applicant of the Board License fee and the PCS Wall Certificate fee. The license number will be issued and posted approximately ten to fifteen business days after the fees have been received. License numbers may be found on the Board's web site.
