What happens to an applicant who fails the examination three times?

When an applicant fails the examination three times, they must seek permission from the board before they can retake the examination. This requirement is in place to ensure that the applicant has taken the necessary steps to address the areas in which they struggled, such as additional study or training. This policy reflects a structured approach to maintaining the integrity of the certification process, allowing the board to evaluate the applicant's readiness to retake the exam after multiple attempts.

The necessity of obtaining permission also underscores the importance of preparation and understanding of the material, rather than simply allowing unlimited reattempts that could undermine the qualifications for certification. In most certification processes, this kind of requirement is standard practice to help ensure that applicants are fully prepared to demonstrate competency in their field upon reexamination.