Adopting exams from national organizations

CLEAR Exam Review (Winter 1997)
Norman Hertz

Question: We are considering adopting an examination developed and administered by an association of state boards in order that licensees in our state may gain reciprocity to practice in other states. Are there problem areas of which we should be made aware?

Answer: Oftentimes the shift in the decision-making process from the board to an association in which the board has significantly less influence requires delegating responsibilities that were previously in the domain of the board. While of itself the shift is not problematic, reduced influence could be troublesome if the association takes a different direction than that desired by the board.

In moving from a board to an association, boards give up direct control over the design of the examination, the material that is actually tested, the frequency of the examination, and the passing score, although boards do maintain some influence depending upon the structure of the associations. Some associations are very sensitive to the concerns of state boards, while others are much more independent. Some associations are governed by an executive director and a few representatives from the states. It has been my experience that when associations are designed in that fashion, state boards find it difficult to have their concerns addressed or acted upon.

Also, the cost of the examination program may become problematic if costs increase faster than boards are able to enact legislation authorizing them. Another problem related to costs is that boards may be held hostage if costs are more than boards are able or willing to pay. Boards have the option to simply not pay if they view costs as exorbitant; however, there may not be another examination available, and boards are required by law to offer an examination. Usually it is not an option for a board to just go back and use a former examination if it becomes dissatisfied, because the examination may not be up-to-date, and contractual arrangements may require that the board continue paying for the association's examination, even though the board may not wish to use it.

However, there are advantages to using association examinations. These include:

• Sufficient resources to offer computer-based testing
  

• Staff with test and measurement experience and training
  

• Ease in offering and obtaining reciprocity across state borders

In order for boards to effectively contract with associations, it is important that the contract provides for remedies if the association fails to fulfill its obligations. In addition to financial penalties, the contract should require associations to continue to provide examination services. The wording of the contract is one of the most critical elements in ensuring a successful association-administered examination program.

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