SSN requirement for CA FCCPT

[aksh24]

I am moving to CA on an H-4 visa and am wondering how to work around the SSN requirement for CA board.

The PTBC form states:
(Must be a U.S. SSN#, AIN issued by FSBPT or ITIN issued by the IRS are not acceptable) * MANDATORY DISCLOSURE OF U.S. SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS Disclosure of your U.S. social security number is mandatory.

However, the SSA website states:
If you do not have permission to work: Lawfully admitted noncitizens can get many benefits and services without a Social Security number. You do not need a number to conduct business with a bank, register for school, apply for educational tests, obtain private health insurance, apply for school lunch programs or apply for subsidized housing.

I am not sure if appearing for NPTE comes under education tests.

Also, can I go ahead with just the 'Credentials Evaluation' without applying to PTBC instead of the complete 'Type 1 Certification'? Is it mandatory to submit the CA state form at the same time as Credential Evaluation? That way, maybe I can switch to a F-1 later and hopefully obtain an SSN. Has someone tried that before?

Thanks in advance for your responses.

Thanks!!

[SHuffAvant]

The CA Board requires a U.S. Social security number, so it is up to the Board if they want to accept the Social Security number after you have taken the NPTE exam or at the time of application. California wants the social security number at the time you submit an application to them. I would check with the board before you proceed, because they might allow you to submit without the SSN just to sit the exam.