optional as in "we'll still offer it but you only take/pay $1K for it if you want to"? that makes absolutely no sense--who would volunteer to do that? besides, they wouldn't be able to fund it if it weren't required.
The only thing I've heard about this is that there is a mandatory 5 year period (mandated by whom I don't know) before this exam can be eliminated. Bummer that means I'm still taking it....