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BOC Exam: Legal Name Versus Nickname

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Did You Know?

Candidates who use a nickname or shortened name in BOC Central™ risk not being admitted on exam day.

Throughout life, legal names, nicknames and shortened names all have a place. Although a nickname or shorten named may be preferred, legal names are reserved for more official moments like registration of birth, getting a driver’s license and creating a BOC Central profile.

When creating a BOC Central profile, the candidate’s legal first, last name and suffix must EXACTLY match their valid government-issued photo ID (acceptable IDs include driver’s licenses, passports and state-issued IDs). This is important as the exam admission ticket is generated from the BOC Central profile.

On exam day, candidates must present both their government-issued photo ID and exam admission ticket. Their legal first, last name and suffix as it appears on a valid government-issued photo ID must match the name reflected on the exam admission ticket. If candidates use a nickname or shortened name, the candidate will not be admitted into the exam.

BOC Central/Admission Ticket

ID

Allowed to take Exam

Robert Smith

Robert Smith

YES

Robert Smith Jr

Robert Smith Jr

YES




BOC Central/Admission Ticket

ID

Allowed to take Exam

Bob Smith

Robert Smith

NO

Robert Smith

Robert Smith II

NO

Robert Smith

Robert Smith-Johnson

NO

RJ Smith

Robert James Smith

NO

James Smith

Robert James Smith

NO

Candidates can avoid this common error by using the tips below.

Get it Right the First Time – When creating a BOC Central profile, candidates should match the information in their profile to EXACTLY what is listed on their valid government-issued photo ID.

Name Changes – Candidates who have a change of name (e.g.; marriage, divorce, second last name, suffix) are required to notify the BOC by logging into BOC Central and completing “AT401 - Name Change Request” form.

Before You Register for the Exam – Before you register for the BOC exam, log into BOC Central and compare the name on your profile to what is listed on your government-issued photo ID to make sure they match.

Government Issued Photo

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