(1) The *commission shall examine each applicant, by a written or oral and a manual component of competency evaluation. The competency evaluation shall be limited to the purpose of determining whether the applicant possesses the minimum skill and knowledge necessary to practice competently.

(2) Any applicant failing to make the required grade in the first competency evaluation may take up to three subsequent competency evaluations as the applicant desires upon prepaying a fee determined by the secretary under RCW 43.70.250 for each subsequent competency evaluation. Upon failing four competency evaluations, the secretary may invalidate the original application and require such remedial education before the person may take future competency evaluations.

The *commission may approve a competency evaluation prepared or administered by a private testing agency or association of licensing agencies for use by an applicant in meeting the credentialing requirements.

*Reviser's note: The reference to "nursing care quality assurance commission" was changed to "board of nursing" by 2023 c 123.

Conflict with federal requirements—2010 c 169: See note following RCW 18.88A.010.

Severability—Headings and captions not law—Effective date—1994 sp.s. c 9: See RCW 18.79.900 through 18.79.902.