Do applicants who fail an examination have the right to review their exam with the board?

The position that applicants who fail an examination do not have the right to review their exam with the board is based on the policies and regulations that typically govern licensing examinations in the dental field. Most regulatory boards implement measures designed to maintain the integrity and security of the examination process, which includes restricting access to exam content after it has been administered.

The rationale behind denying review rights for failed candidates often includes the desire to prevent any potential compromise of the examination material. Allowing applicants to review their exams could lead to a scenario where content from the exams is disclosed or shared, which would undermine the test's integrity and validity for future candidates. This is a common practice among many professional licensing boards to ensure that the examination process remains fair and credible for all those seeking licensure.

Importantly, while some jurisdictions may have specific provisions for reviewing exam performance or feedback, the prevailing norm is to prohibit a full review of the test, particularly for those who did not achieve a passing score. This helps to maintain the confidentiality of exam content and upholds the standards of the profession.