(a) General rule.--The board may require an applicant to take and pass an examination to the satisfaction of the board.

(b) Proficiency in English language.--In addition to any other examination required by this act or by regulation of the board, applicants for a license or certificate whose principal language is other than English may also be required to demonstrate, by examination, proficiency in the English language to any agency considered competent by the board.

(c) Third-party testing.--All written, oral and practical examinations shall be prepared and administered by a qualified and approved professional testing organization in the manner prescribed for written examinations by the provisions of section 812.1 of the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L. 177, No. 175), known as The Administrative Code of 1929.¹

(d) Examining agency.--When the board accepts an examination given by an examining agency, the board may establish the criteria for passing, or may accept the criteria for passing, established by the examining agency. If the examination is offered in parts, the board may establish, by regulation, a time period in which the entire examination must be successfully completed. The board may establish, by regulation, a maximum number of examination attempts it will recognize for the purpose of receiving a passing score on an examination recognized but not given by the board.