the examination process - computer-based testingwebbertraining.com/files/library/docs/219.pdfthe...

The Examination Process - Computer-Based TestingCertification Board in Infection Control www.cbic.org

A Webber Training Teleclass

Hosted by Paul Webber [email protected]

www.webbertraining.com

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The Examination ProcessComputer Based Testing

Sheila MacDonald RN BN CICMargaret Gallagher, BS, MS, RN, CICSharon Krystofiak MS, MT(ASCP) CIC

Certification Board in Infection Controlwww.CBIC.org

Hosted by Paul [email protected]


Objectives

! Review the process of taking the computerbased exam

! Provide points on application specific tointernational candidates

" Advise examinees about the structure ofexam questions and answer options

We know what you’d really like us totell you…however The computer based exam

" First exam is always the higher securitycomputer based exam

" The recertification exam (SARE) is paperbased at this time

" Technology to mark a paper based exam isbecoming extinct

" SARE will be computerized in future

So….you have decided

" that you want towrite the exam….oryou are at leastthinking about it

First of all……

The CBIC Handbook

# A goldmine ofinformation

# Download it fromwebsitewww.cbic.org

# A hard copy can berequested

# Read it carefully





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Application ProcessHard copy method

" Fill in application" Will receive notification

of your eligibility to test" Make appointment

within 90 days at testcentre once you receiveyour eligibility to writefrom CBIC.

" You can choose thetime of year to take thetest www.goAMP.com

For U.S. Applicants, there is an onlineprocess option too.

Scheduling Summary

" Application process remains similar" Scheduling Options: phone or web" Schedule 3 days in advance of test date

(select your test center, date and time)" Rescheduling possible:

" 3 days in advance" One opportunity

" ADA accommodations available





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How many testing sites?

" 140 AssessmentCentres in US andCanada

" Exam available in30 countriesincluding US

International Candidates

" Manual application

" Cannot book anexam date on line

" There is a $35.00fee

" Will receive mark inapproximately 3weeks

Taking the test

" Arrive in plenty of time

" Late comers will be turned away if more than15 minutes past the time of the appointment

" No paper is allowed. Scrap paper will beprovided and must be returned at the end ofthe exam

" Non-programmable calculator is allowed

" You will be given some practice time with themouse and computer

Taking the test

" Must have your letter with you and photo ID

" So what does the exam look like?

Practice Exam – mirror image – gives you practice with the format Available for purchase from CBIC

The questions will be different!

Taking the test

" 3 hours to write thecomputerized exam

" US candidates willreceive a “pass” or “fail”notice when the exam isfinished.

" International candidatesThe mark will arrive inthe mail 2-3 weeksfollowing the exam.

CIC

" Why should I consider taking the CIC exam??

There are a number of reasons….





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CIC

" Recognition and marketability

" Professional development

" Personal satisfaction

" Regulation – it may be required to keep yourposition

" It provides an objective measure ofcompetence to employers and the public

Licensure versus competency

" Licensure assures minimal competency to practice ina field,

" Certification indicates mastery of a defined body ofknowledge

Competency

" CBIC does not believe that continuingeducation credits measure competency

" Ongoing process that requires repeatmeasurement

Competency

" Incorporates performance of several relatedtasks and/or requires the use of a variety ofknowledge domains/cognitive levels

How do we measurecompetency?

" Through a comprehensive examination thatmeasures the skills and abilities expected ofan ICP that could be working in a variety ofsettings.

Validity of the CertificationExaminations

" Developed under the guidance of AppliedMeasurement Professionals (AMP), - anindependent testing agency.

" AMP oversees scoring of the exam.

" Each test item undergoes both expertand statistical scrutiny before use.

" Passing scores are calculated tocompensate for item difficulty &differences between exams

" Acknowledged by the Joint Commissionas an element of an effective infectioncontrol program.





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Competency

" There is no way to guarantee competencein any field.

" We can only measure factors that mayindicate competence

However…

" We would like all competent candidatesto be able to successfully pass theexams- there is no intention to createtrick questions.

" There is a practice requirement.

" There is a training requirement.

" Earning the CIC credential sayssomething about the practitioner.

Certification &

Recertification

$ If you achieved yourCIC in 1985…..

$ Is it sustainable overthe course of yourcareer?

$ Does it ensurecompetence to dealwith today’s ICPrequirements?

Certification & Recertification

$ CBIC believes that:

Continuing education does NOT

demonstrate competence

Demonstrating competence is an

ongoing process requiring repeat

measurement

Driving Forces

" Public awareness of healthcare associatedinfections

" Informed consumers and public expectationof healthcare

" The public expects health care providers tobe competent

" Emphasis on patient and occupational safety





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What is important to test?

" Knowledge alone does not necessarily implycompetent practice, or successfulperformance on the job

What are we testing?

" Memorization?

Regurgitation?

" Minimizes how

knowledge isused in the jobenvironment

" Evaluates

declarativeknowledge:

the trivial the superfluous

the irrelevant

Cognitive Levels

" Declarative/Recall - retention ofknowledge assess static concepts answer will not change ability to use knowledge on the job is not assessed

Recall

" Ex. What is the capital of Massachusetts?

Ex. What are the steps in outbreak management?

The answers will not change – you eitherknow it or you don’t

Cognitive Levels

" Procedural/Application – dynamic or variable

" Evaluates the ability to describe theperformance of given activities under certainconditions

Ex. Determine the appropriate next step,given a task scenario

Application/Procedural

Example:

" A patient is admitted with a post-operativewound infection. MRSA is cultured from thewound. What type of precautions arerequired for this patient?





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Analysis/Performance

" Ramps it up a notch

" Analysis questions best for measuringcompetence - measures factors that indicatecompetence

" Ex. Evaluate the ability to actually performgiven activities under certain conditions

Analysis

" An ICP is conducting a“best practice” qualityimprovement project ina LTC unit and isreviewing theoccurrence ofconjunctivitis over a 4year period.

Analysis

" What is the best interpretation of this data?

%& Analysis of absolute numbers of infections is misleading.

'& There is a problem as the number of cases increased in two out of four years.

(& Literature indicates that there is no issue with this number of cases.

)& Eye infections are uncommon in the elderly.

Ok..on to the test questions

" What makes agood question?

Good question construction

" A well constructed question:Follows the normal rules of grammarClearly states the questionAvoids negative wordingUses clear and simple languageEliminates irrelevant clues

Good question construction

" Are the stem and options grammaticallycorrect?

" Are they clearly written?

" Is the stem too long?

" Can it be shortened without altering theactual question?





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Consider this question…..

" A patient has been admitted to one of theGeneral Medicine nursing units in yourhospital. The person is homeless, a knowndrug abuser, and has been admitted forinvestigation of a chronic cough and weightloss. A PPD has been ordered.

cont’d

" The test is administered in the followingmanner:

a) Subcutaneousb) Intramuscularc) Intradermald) Orally

What is wrong with theprevious question?

" Do you need all theinformation in thestem to answer thequestion?

" What is the questionthat is being asked?

Revised version

" The appropriate administration route ofa TST (tuberculin skin test) is:

a) Subcutaneousb) Intrathecalc) Intramusculard) Intradermal

To Contact CBIC

" Website: www.CBIC.org

" Please be advised that CBIC does not produce orendorse educational offerings such as study courses,study guides or "flashcards.“

" We take no credit or responsibility for the contentsthereof .

In summary

! We’ve reviewed the process of taking thecomputer based exam

! Provided points on application specific tointernational candidates

" Advised examinees about the structure ofexam questions and answer options

" Any questions???





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