Board votes to include online examination option in next testing contract

The Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors voted July 29, 2025 to include an online proctored testing option in the next contract for trade-exam providers.

Staff told the board the current contract with PSI runs through 2026 and the division’s contract specialists are preparing the next solicitation. Staff asked whether the board wanted the online option included in the new contract; staff said other regulatory boards in the division have implemented online exams and reported no major security incidents.

“This is an option for us to consider. Other boards … have been utilizing this option. Real estate in particular is the one I’m referring to, and I’ve reached out to them,” a staff member said. The staff member added that including the online option would impose no additional cost to the board under the proposed contract approach.

Board member Andy Allen said he had taken an online proctored exam and found the process stricter than in-person proctoring. “I’ve taken one of these, and they are legit. They are more strict than the proctored ones,” Andy said. The board discussed security measures such as room scanning and automated monitoring of eye movement.

A motion to include the online testing option in the next examination-provider contract passed on a voice vote. The motion included staff direction to incorporate the option into the solicitation and to monitor implementation issues as the new contract proceeds to procurement.

Staff noted the board would not incur extra cost for the option and that other boards’ experience will continue to inform deployment and security practices.