Scoring Info

Scoring and Appeals
To become an RCE you must successfully complete the ADF and the written examination. A combined score of at least 700 points is needed to qualify for certification. You must earn a minimum of 350 points on the ADF in order to take the examination; the maximum number of points that you can earn from the ADF is 475. The examination has 420 possible points, and you must score at least 225 (75 points minimum per module).
 
You need to earn more than the minimum number of points on either the ADF or the examination to receive the 700 points needed to earn the designation. This dual system recognizes that while some applicants will be stronger on the ADF and others may be stronger on the examination, both will have an equal chance to earn the designation.
 
Current members of the RCE Certification Board will score the examinations and portions of the ADFs. Names will be removed from the examinations and ADFs and replaced with NRDS IDs to ensure confidentiality.
 
Applicants who do not earn the minimum number of points on the ADF or the examination will have 30 days from the date they receive their scores to appeal the results. To appeal, the applicant must notify the National Association's AE and Leadership Development Department in writing. The appeal will then be sent to the RCE Certification Board Appeal Panel.
 
A candidate may not retroactively appeal an ADF score after having received his/her examination score. However, a candidate who has achieved at least the minimum required score on the written examination may resubmit an updated ADF immediately following the exam and, should the new ADF score and the previous examination score equal the required score for certification, the candidate can achieve certification without retaking the examination.
 

 
 
Reapplication
Applicants who do not attain the minimum number of points after completing the ADF have one year in which to resubmit another ADF at no cost. If they fail to submit another ADF within one year from the time they receive notification of their initial ADF results, they must reapply and submit a $125 fee to restart the process. Resubmitted ADF should be submitted in the next ADF review cycle.
 
Candidates who do not take the examination within two years after receiving their ADF score must resubmit a new ADF, along with a $75 resubmission fee in order to take the examination.