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Board discusses exam pass/fail rates, ERC reviews and concerns about delayed law-and-rules book distribution
Summary
Advisory members and TDLR staff discussed slightly increased test-taker numbers, peer review of exam items by subject-matter experts, practice resources, and ongoing problems with students not receiving the required law-and-rules book in a timely manner.
Board members raised concerns about barber and cosmetology exam pass rates and the accessibility of preparatory resources.
Jennifer Cortez, licensing team lead, told the board that 617 Class A barber applications had been filed online since the online option launched Sept. 8 and that 90% of those licenses have been issued; she added that only about 40% of eligible Class A students had used the online application process. Simone from the Education and Examination Division said curriculum approvals and continuing-education statistics were similar to the prior year and that total test-taker counts had increased slightly but pass/fail percentages remained similar to earlier quarters.
On exam content, Simone and other staff said exam items had been peer-reviewed by subject-matter experts. Simone said exam updates were made live on March 1; staff also said the candidate information bulletins (CIBs) provide topic breakdowns and that PSI provides practice tests. Board members asked whether TDLR endorses third-party practice exams; staff recommended the TDLR CIBs as the authoritative resource and said they were reviewing any CIB distribution issues.
Multiple board members also described students not timely receiving the law-and-rules book included with the permit fee. Mary Lindsey and others said students have paid the permit fee, which includes the rule book, but delivery delays meant students could be tested without having the required materials. Staff said they were tracking complaints and that IT and customer-service teams were investigating mailing/distribution issues. Yvonne Lopez (TDLR staff) confirmed the law-and-rules book remains included with permit application/renewal and suggested adding parentheses to clarify the separate charge applies only to additional copies ordered outside the application/renewal process.
Nut graf: Board members called for continued monitoring of pass rates and urged TDLR to ensure students receive materials and access to practice resources. Staff said exam items are under continuous review, that ERCs (exam review committees of SMEs) review actual test questions, and that schools and board members may apply to serve as SMEs.
Ending: Staff said they will continue to monitor pass/fail results, maintain ERC schedules, update CIBs and resources, and pursue fixes for law-and-rules book distribution problems.
