(1) In addition to an approved license application, each applicant for licensure shall submit three work samples, at least two of which must be complete psychological evaluations, all from work performed with respect to three different individuals within two years of the application date. Collectively, these are referred to as work samples in these rules.

(a) Each of the two psychological evaluations must include a demonstration of competence in:

(i) the integration and interpretation of:

(A) history-taking utilizing a clinical interview conducted by the applicant;

(B) intelligence testing utilizing comprehensive current norms; and

(C) personality testing utilizing at least one objective personality inventory that is widely recognized and used in the field/practice of psychology, has strong empirical foundations, and assesses global personality and psychological functioning;

(ii) the formulation of appropriate diagnoses using the current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM); and

(iii) making appropriate recommendations.

(b) Work samples do not include newspaper or other similar articles or publications. Tests utilized must be those widely recognized and respected in the practice of psychology. All identifying information must be removed, as specified on the application form, from work samples submitted to the board. Questions regarding the work samples will be included in the oral examination and candidates may be requested to present the raw data upon which their work samples were based.

(2) Examinations for licensure will be a computerized national examination and an oral examination. These will be conducted by the board or its duly constituted representative(s). The computerized examination developed by the national licensing program, with the support of the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards, may be given.

(a) The acceptable level of performance on the computerized examination shall be a scaled score of 500.

(b) The acceptable level of performance on the national written examination previously administered by the board shall be 70 percent.

(3) The applicant will be notified of the oral examination time schedule at least two weeks in advance. This examination schedule will establish time(s), place(s), the amount of the examination fee, and other pertinent information and/or instructions.

(4) The board shall determine the subject matter and scope of specialized psychological areas and techniques for the oral examination. Oral examinations shall include such matters as professional ethics for the purpose of determining the applicant's competence to conduct the applicant in a professional manner and to probe the applicant's knowledge and judgement. The examination shall be scored on a five-point scale: 5 (excellent), 4 (good), 3 (fair), 2 (poor), 1 (very poor). A mean score of three derived from the ratings of all examiners is required for passing. Candidates must have a mean of three, based on total points, divided by the number of scales evaluated. Additionally, they cannot have a mean of two or less on any one scale they are evaluated on. Oral examinations for candidates shall include, but not be limited to, questions in the following areas:

(a) psychopathology and diagnosis;

(b) assessment;

(c) ethics;

(d) Montana mental health law;

(e) psychotherapy;

(f) previously submitted work samples.

(5) Applicants shall be informed of the results of the examinations by the department. All applicants who pass both examinations shall be considered licensed if they have met all other requirements. The department shall transmit the board's decision in writing to applicants and, when appropriate, inform them of their right to appeal. Reasons for actions shall be specified. The communication shall be sent to the last known address of the applicant by mail.

(6) Applicants who fail the computerized examination will be required to retake both the computerized and oral examinations. Applicants failing the oral examination once will only be required to retake the oral examination. Applicants who fail the computerized or oral examinations twice shall, in addition to being retested, file in advance a plan that must be preapproved by the board and must include a time period for securing further professional training and experience. The license applicant is then obligated to complete the preapproved plan prior to being authorized to take the examination or to being licensed.