All NBCSN operations, methods, materials, documents, procedures, and proceedings relative to certification examinations are considered private, confidential, and proprietary information of the organization. NBCSN certification examination information is to remain secure and confidential.

The certifying organization assures that confidential information about candidates and certificants is protected. The confidentiality statements will be maintained by the management company. Confidentiality is to be maintained throughout service with the management company, and for five (5) years following that service. Files will be checked annually to determine that all appropriate confidentiality statements are on file.

Confidential material includes all applicant/candidate information except first name, last name, city, state, and credential (which are public information); pass/fail rosters, individual exam scores, and candidate score reports; job analysis/detailed test specifications (with the exception of the content outline, which is published and available to candidates); cut score studies, test analysis reports, and other test data; NBCSN committee files; NCSN item bank; and examination/test draft and masters.

Certification designations are a matter of public record. The name, city, state of residence, and current certification status of certificants are not considered confidential.

NBCSN will periodically publish aggregate certification data while maintaining candidate confidentiality. Published aggregate data will include the number of test takers, the pass/fail rate, the number of individuals recertified, and the total number of individuals currently certified. This data will be posted on the NBCSN website and available to the public. Aggregate results will only be made public for groups of 10 or more test takers. 

Exam candidates agree to the confidentiality requirements by agreeing to the confidentiality statement.

Nothing in this policy shall prohibit NBCSN or its management company from complying with obligations it may have under state and federal law, legal process issued pursuant thereto, or lawful orders of governmental authorities. The management company will release confidential information to state licensing boards upon an official written request from a licensing board.