Exam changes are coming in California.
Starting in 2014 [UPDATE: CHANGE POSTPONED TO
2016], the vignette exam will be retired and replaced by a
new law and ethics exam, which will be taken during internship
time. The standard written becomes the "clinical exam," taken
after internship hours are complete. The clinical exam is
likely to be administered by the ASWB--stay tuned! From the
BBS:
Under current law, applicants must
take and pass a standard written examination upon completion of
examination eligibility requirements, including completion of
experience requirements. Once an applicant passes the standard
written examination, they are eligible to take a clinical vignette
examination. An applicant must pass both examinations to be
eligible for licensure [...]
Effective January 1, 2014, SB 704
requires applicants for licensure to pass two new exams: a
California law and ethics examination and a clinical examination.
These new exams would replace the standard written and the clinical
vignette exams currently in place.
- The California law and ethics examination will be taken during
the registration period while the applicant gains experience
hours.
- The clinical examination will be taken once the registrant has
completed all supervised work experience, education requirements,
and passed the California law and ethics examination [...]
As January 1, 2014 draws
closer, the Board will provide further information on how this will
affect current registrants at the time the restructure takes place,
as well as how it will affect those already in the exam cycle. The
Board will also provide additional information on the new
California law and ethics examination and the clinical
examination.