Approved By:	ESPCC
Approval Date:	October 25, 2019
Revision Date(s):	January 22, 2021; March 9, 2022; October 24, 2025
Date Last Reviewed:	October 24, 2025

An applicant may submit an appeal of an adverse ESPCC credentialing program decision under the following circumstances:

• The applicant was found to be ineligible to take the CESP examination (30-day deadline for appeal)
• The applicant had a denied application for CESP renewal (30-day deadline for appeal)
• The applicant feels their failing score is incorrect as a result from disruptive testing conditions (three business-day deadline for appeal)
• The applicant’s request for testing accommodation was denied (30-day deadline for appeal)

The request must be submitted according to the deadlines above. Please email cesp@apse.org and detail the nature of the appeal and the specific facts supporting the appeal. No new or additional information may be submitted with the appeal request.

Appeals will not be considered based on the following circumstances:

• An applicant’s receipt of a failing grade on a CESP examination unless extraordinary circumstances exist as determined solely by the ESPCC
• A test taker’s failure to follow proctored examination requirements as listed in the Candidate Handbook and Code of Conduct
• An applicant’s failure to include required documentation or follow stated instructions in the application for either exam eligibility or renewal

All appeal procedures follow the timeline listed. An appeal may be subject to an expedited schedule when deemed necessary by the ESPCC.

Review Process

The appeal and the adverse credentialing program decision will be reviewed by the ESPCC or an ESPCC Committee. The ESPCC and/or Committee may review any information it deems pertinent. APSE Staff will coordinate to ensure the application or relevant materials are provided for review, which may include reports from the testing vendor.

An ESPCC representative will notify the applicant or test taker in writing of action taken within 60 days of receiving the appeal.

The ESPCC and/or Committee may, at its discretion, take one of the following actions

• Affirm the adverse decision. An individual who has been notified that the adverse decision has been confirmed by the ESPCC and/or Committee cannot make additional appeals regarding this adverse decision.
• Request additional information from the applicant or test taker (an additional 30 days will be allowed).
• Recommend that the adverse decision be reversed or modified.