Examining Standard Practice: How Published Reports on Test Characteristics Align With Professional Guidelines

• In Event: Issues Related to Certification and Licensure Testing

Abstract

The Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing (American Educational Research Association [AERA], American Psychological Association [APA], & National Council on Measurement in Education [NCME], 2014) outline the expectations for reporting. It is essential to consider whether assessment organizations are meeting the standards of transparency that are necessitated by the professional community. We reviewed websites from seven licensure examinations and found that none reported all information required. When information was reported, it often was dispersed across many websites or documents. Organizations should consider what the most effective way is to communicate the depth and breadth of information demanded, and the Standards can help by more clearly defining what information should be available to the variety of stakeholders touched by high-stakes examinations.

Authors

• Jerusha J. Henderek, National Board of Medical Examiners

• Jonathan D. Rubright, National Board of Medical Examiners