Examination Appeals Process

An Applicant, Candidate or Certificant may submit an appeal of an adverse APCA action or decision based on any of the following reasons:

  • The Applicant/Candidate was found to be ineligible to take or complete an examination; or
  • The candidate did not pass or successfully complete the examination due to the following reasons: (1) disruptive examination conditions, (2) absence from an examination appointment due to a medical situation, (3) loss/bereavement, or (4) inclement weather.

An appeal must be made in writing and submitted by one of the following methods:

  • In MY APCA, upload a new document under “Uploaded Documents” in the the “My Resources” tab. Select Pearson VUE Appeals.
  • E-mail to appeals@inteleos.org with the subject line, “Appeal”.
  • Letter mailed to the following address:
    APCA, Attn: Appeal
    1401 Rockville Pike, Suite 600
    Rockville, MD 20852-1402
  • Fax to (301) 424-2095, Attn: Appeal.

The grounds for appeals to the review panel are only for those stated in the previous sentence. Actions regarding APCA compliance policy may not be appealed to the APCA Review Panel.

Please note that if you choose to reapply for the examination prior to receiving​ the determination of your appeal, your appeal is no longer valid and you forfeit the determination. ​Additionally, be advised all appeals must be received within 30 days of a missed appointment or within 30 days of eligibility expiration or it will not be considered.

An appeal regarding determination of eligibility to take an examination must be received by APCA within 30 days of the date that APCA mailed the notice denying eligibility to take the examination. The written appeal must identify the precise factual basis, applicable rules or examination conditions that are the basis for the appeal.

An appeal regarding disruptive examination conditions submitted to the APCA Review Panel must be received by APCA within 30 days of the date on which a disruptive examination condition or examination occurred. The written appeal must identify the precise factual basis, applicable rules or examination conditions that are the basis for the appeal.​

Appeals regarding absence from an examination appointment due to death must be submitted no later than 30 days following the date of the missed examination.

  • Death-related appeals will only be considered for family members determined to be the Candidate’s immediate family which includes grandparents, parents, spouse, children, siblings, step-parents, step-children, and parents-in-laws.
  • Must include official documentation verifying the death and the Candidate’s family member as well as the date of death. Acceptable documentation includes an obituary, death certificate, and/or letter from the attending physician.
  • Must provide documentation verifying the Candidate’s relationship to the deceased family member. Acceptable documentation includes an obituary, death certificate, memorial pamphlet and/or letter from the funeral home.

All documentation will be reviewed and if required, additional documentation may be requested by the Program Support Analyst.

If a Candidate fails to provide medical documentation that satisfies the requirements above, the Candidate shall forfeit the examination fees for the missed examination and will be required to re-apply for the examination.​

Appeals regarding absence from an examination appointment due to inclement weather must be submitted no later than 30 days following the date of the missed examination. The written appeal must include documentation of the weather conditions in your area (i.e., copy of weather report from a local newspaper).

All documentation will be reviewed and if required, additional documentation may be requested by the Program Support Analyst.

If a candidate fails to provide documentation that satisfies the requirements above, the candidate shall forfeit the examination fees for the missed examination and will be required to re-apply for the examination.

Appeals regarding absence from an examination appointment due to a medical situation must be submitted no later than 30 days following the date of the missed examination. The written request must include:

  1. A letter from the Candidate’s treating physician printed on facility letterhead and including the date seen/diagnosed, dates the Candidate was incapacitated (if applicable) and the date the Candidate is expected to resume normal activity. The letter must be signed by the healthcare professional who provided the treatment.
  2. For previously scheduled or “elective” treatment, Candidate must provide an explanation of the circumstances that prevented the Candidate from scheduling the treatment for a time other than the date of the examination.

All documentation will be reviewed and if required, additional documentation may be requested by the APCA.

If a candidate fails to provide medical documentation that satisfies the requirements above, the candidate shall forfeit the examination fees for the missed examination and will be required to re-apply for the examination​.

All appeals must be submitted within 30 days of the examination date and must include:

  • Examination Name
  • Date/Time of the Examination
  • Pearson VUE Case Number (if applicable)

Be advised that that the systems check verifies an internet connection and working webcam. However, it is possible you may still experience technical issues (connectivity, webcam) during the check-in process or during your examination. Note that this is due to your device’s inability to function properly once the process begins. If this occurs and you are unable to complete your examination, you will forfeit your application fee and will need to reapply.