What is an expired file?
What is a closed file?
Can I appeal the decision to close my file if I fail to pass the FPGEE in 5 attempts?
Can I still be certified if my file is expired?
If your FPGEC application expires, you may reapply to the FPGEC program according to the current FPGEC requirements as stated in the FPGEC Bulletin at the time of reapplication.
Your application will expire, and fees will be surrendered to the FPGEC in the following situations:
If, after evaluation of submitted documentation, it is determined that your credentials do not meet the eligibility criteria for the FPGEC Certification Program.
If your submitted documentation is deficient in any way and you remain unable to comply with the requirements in order to qualify for the FPGEC Certification Program.
If you fail to complete all application requirements within 2 years of submitting your application.
If you fail to pass the FPGEE within 2 years of being accepted to the FPGEC Certification Program.
If you applied prior to January 1, 2020, and passed the FPGEE, but you failed to pass the TOEFL iBT within 5 years of passing the FPGEE.
If your FPGEC file is closed, you are prohibited from applying to the FPGEC program again.
Your application will be closed, and fees will be surrendered to the FPGEC if:
FPGEC has information indicating that you submitted fraudulent documents or application information, and you are unable to satisfactorily demonstrate that the documents or application information are not fradulent;
You engaged in misconduct in connection with an exam (as defined in this Bulletin) and are unable to satisfactorily demonstrate that you did not engage in exam misconduct; or
You have failed to pass the FPGEE after 5 attempts.
If your file is closed due to fraud or exam misconduct, FPGEC will notify you and include information about appealing the file closure. You must submit an appeal within 30 days of the date of the file closure.
No. You may take the FPGEE up to 5 times in your lifetime. If you are not able to pass the exam after 5 attempts, your file will be closed. No appeal of the file closure is permitted, and you are prohibited from applying to the FPGEC program again.
If you have taken the FPGEE fewer than a lifetime total of 5 FPGEE attempts, and you wish to pursue FPGEC certification after your application is expired, you may begin the FPGEC certification process as a new applicant. You will need to pay the full fees, submit a new application, and submit the required documentation (as required by the Bulletin that is effective at the time you submit your new application). FPGEC acceptance of previous candidate applications does not guarantee that future candidate applications will be accepted. Subsequent applications must meet all current requirements in the Bulletin that is effective at the time of application submission.
Note that expiration status of an application file may not be appealed. The FPGEC does not grant extensions of expiration dates. Expiration dates are final.
After your FPGEC application is accepted, as reflected in your e-Profile status, you are qualified to take the FPGEE.
May 2025