(1) Any candidate who takes and does not pass the sex offender treatment provider examination may request an informal review of the results of the examination.

(a) The examination results shall not be modified unless the candidate presents clear and convincing evidence of error in the examination content or procedure, or bias, prejudice, or discrimination in the examination process.

(b) Any challenges to examination scores shall not be considered unless the total of the potentially revised score would result in issuance of a certificate.

(2) The procedure for requesting an informal review of examination results is as follows: The request shall be in writing and shall be received by the department within thirty days of the date on the letter of notification of examination results sent to the candidate.

(3) The candidate shall be identified only by candidate number for the purpose of this review. The candidate shall be notified in writing of the decision.

Letters of referral or requests for special consideration shall not be read or considered.

(4) Any candidate not satisfied with the results of the informal examination review may request a formal hearing before the secretary to challenge the informal review decision. The procedures for requesting a formal hearing are as follows:

(a) The candidate shall complete the informal review process before requesting a formal hearing.

(b) The request for formal hearing shall be received by the department within twenty days of the date on the notice of the results of the informal review.

(c) The written request shall specifically identify the challenged portion(s) of the examination and shall state the specific reason(s) why the candidate believes the examination results should be modified.

(d) Appeals are brief adjudicative proceedings, as provided under the Administrative Procedure Act, chapter 34.05 RCW and chapter 246-11 WAC. The presiding officer is the secretary or the secretary's designee.

(5) The hearing shall be restricted to the specific portion(s) of the examination the candidate had identified in the request for formal hearing.