Which action is NCARB allowed to take if a candidate has outstanding debt?

• A. Withhold test scores and suspend test-taking privileges.
• B. Suspend the exam for a fixed period of time.
• C. Cancel the candidate's account.
• D. Require documentation from a licensed professional.

Answer: (A)

When there is outstanding debt, the action that aligns with enforcing the obligation is to withhold earned test scores and suspend the ability to register for or take more exams. This directly ties the testing activity to the financial balance owed, prevents further testing until the payment is made, and keeps the process fair for other candidates. It’s a reversible measure focused on payment status, rather than a punitive or permanent account action.

Other options don’t fit the debt context as directly. Suspending the exam for a fixed period is a broader disciplinary tool that isn’t specifically tied to unpaid balances. Canceling the candidate’s account is too severe for a balance issue alone and would affect access beyond the debt situation. Requiring documentation from a licensed professional isn’t related to payment and wouldn’t address the outstanding balance.