(a) An applicant who otherwise qualifies for a certificate is entitled to be examined as provided in this section.

(b) The Board shall give examinations to applicants at least four times a year, at the times and places that the Board determines.

(c) The Board shall notify each qualified applicant of the time and place of examination.

(d) (1) Subject to the provisions of this subsection, for qualified certified program administrator applicants, the Board shall determine the subjects, scope, form, and passing score for examinations given under this subtitle.

(2) The subjects of examination shall be related to:

(i) Health and safety issues, including:

1. Nutritional standards;

2. Water safety;

3. Preventative and acute health care standards;

4. Suicide assessment;

5. Prevention of abuse and neglect; and

6. Crisis intervention and problem solving;

(ii) The importance of staff training in appropriate observation techniques, including educational and psychological tests and social histories;

(iii) Rights of the child, including:

1. Educational and recreational needs; and

2. Establishment of and compliance with appropriate grievance procedures;

(iv) Physical plant requirements;

(v) Criminal history records checks of personnel;

(vi) Fiscal accountability;

(vii) Record keeping that complies with federal requirements and State regulations;

(viii) Emergency planning; and

(ix) Other standards established in the regulations.

(3) Each applicant shall be required to show knowledge of the laws, rules, and regulations that apply to programs.

(4) The scope, content, and form of an examination shall be the same for all certificate applicants who take the examination at the same time.

(e) For qualified certified residential child and youth care practitioner applicants, the Board shall determine the subjects, scope, form, and passing score for examinations given under this subtitle.

(f) (1) The Board may limit the number of times an applicant may take an examination required under this subtitle.

(2) To qualify for a certificate, an applicant shall pass the examination within 3 years of the first time the applicant takes the examination.