Frequently Asked Questions About Licensing Exams

Excerpted from the "The Answer Key," CLEAR Exam Review, Summer 1990 through Winter 1997
Authors:  Norman R. Hertz and Eric Werner
Selected by Chuck Friedman

Examination Development
Changes/updates to the occupational/job analysis (issues: W90,W94,W96)
Characteristics of a performance assessment W96
Standards for Educational & Psychological Testing S90,W96
Content validation of examinations S95, S96
Developing an occupational/job analysis W94
Job analysis and test blueprints/ factor analysis W95
Linking occupational analysis to test items S96

Examination Administration
Open/closed book exams W93
Limiting test references W97
Accommodating candidates with disabilities W94
Additional test time accommodations W94
Multi-language exams S92,W93
Using an interpreter S95
Information for candidates W93
Oral examinations S92
Readability index S92

Examination Scoring
Setting a passing score/ Angoff ratings W90,S90,S93, W95
Scoring non-multiple choice items S91,W95
Criteria for a passing score S95, W96
Equating test/ use of scaled scores S90, S96
Appealing exam outcomes W97
Scoring/Rescoring W90
Candidate cheating S91
Reporting test scores W92
Passing rates W92
Guidelines for readministration W92

Item Development
Constructed-response test items S93
Developing and pretesting items S90, S95
Item analysis theory S95
Writing pretest items/ writer workshops S96

Other Issues
Computer-based testing W94
Certifying boards and test development W95
Educators and test development W95
Small group testing W97
Role of state boards to accept passing scores
S95
Adopting exams from national organization W97
Licensure and academic exams S96
Hiring a test service W92

© 2002 Council on Licensure, Enforcement and Regulation