Licensure Examination Development and Delivery

The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council is requesting proposals for licensure examination development and delivery services for psychologists and psychological associates, with proposals due August 31, 2026 and a question deadline of July 31, 2026.

The scope encompasses developing and validating a high-stakes licensure examination that assesses minimum competence for safe and effective practice, supporting both supervised and independent practice thresholds. Key deliverables include conducting or validating job and practice analysis, developing an examination blueprint, providing item development training, conducting psychometric analysis, supporting test form development and assembly, conducting standard setting for two cut scores, designing and supporting pilot and beta testing, and providing technical documentation and ongoing evaluation. The examination must incorporate approximately 50% situational judgment items and support up to 4.5 hours of seat time. The vendor must provide or integrate secure item authoring and banking systems, candidate registration and eligibility systems, and support test administration through both test center and remote proctored delivery.

Respondents must demonstrate at least five years of experience developing, administering, and maintaining high-stakes licensure, certification, or regulatory examinations, with demonstrated expertise in psychometric services, examination administration, secure testing platforms, examination security, and compliance with the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing. The Council anticipates a multi-vendor or hybrid delivery model and encourages respondents to describe how program infrastructure, operational coordination, and strategic advisory services will be handled directly or through partnerships.

The initial contract term extends from award through August 31, 2029, with an optional renewal from September 1, 2029, through August 31, 2033. Evaluation uses a best value standard with weighted criteria: costs (30%), implementation proposal (30%), and respondent qualifications, experience, and past performance (40%). Selected vendors will present September 21–25, 2026, with provider selection occurring October 27, 2026. Pricing must be submitted as a detailed schedule with clear explanation of fee structure and assumptions.