Does the Timing Matter to Pass a Professional Certifying Examination?

• In Event: Achieving Certification: Factors That Impact Success and Potential Outcomes

Abstract

The study is to investigate the performance difference among candidates who took a general certifying examination at different time after their training. For the purpose of the study, candidates are classified into three groups:
• Group 1: Candidates who took the first available certifying examination right after training.
• Group 2: Candidates who took the certifying examination one year after their training.
• Group 3: Candidates who took the certifying examination more than one year after their training.

The result shows that significant group difference in mean score and passing rate even after controlling the pre-examination knowledge. The longer candidates waited to take the certification examination after resident training, the less likely they can pass the examination.

Authors

• Ying Du, American Board of Pediatrics

• Linda A. Althouse, American Board of Pediatrics