Objective: Our master's program in biostatistics requires a qualifying examination (QE). A curriculum review led us to question whether to replace a closed-book format with an open-book one. Our goal was to improve the QE. Methods: This is a case study and commentary, where we describe the evolution of the QE, both in its goals and its content.…

In this policy forum commentary, we call for improved national and state-level data collection and access relevant to the principal pipeline. We focus specifically on how access to quality data can inform, has informed, and is critical to policy and practice across three segments of the principal pipeline--principal preparation, licensure, and…

This commentary provides an external perspective on NASP's first public report on racial and ethnic differences in Praxis outcomes. These data demonstrate racial disparities in pass rates but do not provide information regarding the causes of these disparities. This report underscores the need for expanded public reporting of Praxis data in order…

We appreciate the opportunity to respond to the Editorial in this issue of the "Journal of College Student Psychotherapy" by editors Philip Rosenbaum and Ryan Weatherford, who express concerns about the new Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology Step 2 (EPPP Step 2). Our discussion describes the constellation of factors that…

Antony John Kunnan is a language assessment specialist. His research interests are fairness of tests and testing practice, assessment literacy, research methods and statistics, ethics and standards, and language assessment policy. His most recent publications include a four-volume edited collection of 140 chapters titled "The Companion to…

Western Governors University was conceptualized in 1995 at a meeting of the Western Governors Association, and founded soon after in an effort to increase degree production in higher education at a lower cost. It has expanded significantly over the past few years, driven both by increased demand for online education and by drastic state budget…

This article presents an interview with Robert Mendenhall, president of Western Governors University, who is the 2012 recipient of the Virginia B. Smith (VBS) Innovative Leadership Award. The annual award recognizes his leadership in redesigning higher education delivery for adult students. In the interview, Robert Mendenhall talks about his work…

"In his commentary to our paper on the use of knowledge, skill, and ability statements in developing credentialing examinations (Wang, Schnipke, & Witt, 2005 )," Dr. LaDuca set forth his concerns while commending our paper for providing helpful insights into the importance of careful delineation of KSAs. We believe that there is little substantive…

Discusses a survey of Midwestern state legislators showing that legislation calling for the licensing of public relations practitioners faces an upward struggle for enactment. Describes a poll of Wisconsin lawmakers indicating that requirements for registration or certification fare best, claiming that licensing is a last resort measure. (JD)

Suggests a process for setting a cutoff score on knowledge tests for promotion, certification, and licensing: a modified Angoff method, in which a competency estimate is determined by subject matter experts, is combined with analysis of potential impact on any groups protected by the Civil Rights Act. (SK)

A proposal to change the Uniform CPA Examination from disclosed to nondisclosed (not publicly available after administration) is undesirable due to issues of question quality, test security, public confidence, impact on instruction, and administrative costs. (SK)

Argues against the licensing of public relations professionals, claiming that more bureaucracy, restraint of trade, and limited practitioner mobility would result. Suggests that the same means of advancing the field as have been successful to date--outstanding performance and continuing education--should be maintained. (JD)

The need for a national professional examination for teachers is affirmed as part of a long-range strategy to turn teaching into a true profession. (Author/MT)

When one considers the importance and social significance of licensing and certification examinations, it is amazing that the enterprise operates with virtually no societal oversight. The "Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing" and the "Code of Fair Testing Practices in Education" of the American Psychological…

The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools was established to identify foreign nurse graduates who would be likely to pass the registered nurse licensing exam and to ensure high quality nursing care for the American public. (JOW)