Opinion ID: 2228560
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The Review Procedure

Text: Petitioner also argues that the Department erred by not allowing her access to the tape of the exam during her administrative appeal. Her argument, again, is without merit. As noted above, a candidate who believes that there has been an error or defect regarding any aspect of the oral examination must notify the Department within five days of the exam. The record establishes that although petitioner understood this aspect of the administrative appeal process she filed no notice. After petitioner was notified that she did not pass the exam, she contacted the Department within 10 business days pursuant to the Department's review procedures, and indicated that she wanted to review her exam. At her administrative review she was given the opportunity to listen to the tape and review the ratings and comments of the examiner, consistent with Department policy. She then completed an appeal form claiming only that she was under pressure and realized that there were certain words that [she] could have said correctly. Petitioner requested a copy of the tape because she questioned whether the examiner was speaking Castillian Spanish as opposed to the colloquial language of Spanish speakers living in the area; however, she never asserted that her performance was impaired by the examiner's use of Castillian Spanish. Indeed, plaintiff only alleged what was never disputedthat the test was administered in Castillian Spanish. Because her complaints regarding the test did not amount to an identifiable error in the administration or grading of the exam, her appeal was properly denied. Although petitioner would have preferred that the examination be given in Latin American Spanish, she did not establish that the Department acted arbitrarily in utilizing an examiner who spoke Castillian Spanish. As long as the test was competitive in a constitutional context and reasonable in testing for the skills identified for the position, we will not second guess the format or the methods of the examination. Accordingly, the order of the Appellate Division should be reversed, with costs, and the petition dismissed. Order reversed, etc.