Post by von on Apr 18, 2005 1:15:21 GMT 7
Effective March 1, 2005
Why are pre-test questions included on the exam and why is the number increasing?
In order to maintain a valid, reliable and defensible exam there must be a strong bank of items to choose from when creating exams. By having candidates pre-test items the FSBPT can be sure that the questions have met vigorous statistical standards before being included on a live examination. Pre-testing items is part of the candidates’ obligation to support the profession of physical therapy.The number of pre-test questions is increasing so that the pool of available items for examinations can be increased. A larger pool of items allows more forms of the exam to be created, which increases exam security by limiting exposure to any one form.
Why is the number of times a candidate can test in any 12-month period decreasing?
Exam security. By decreasing the number of times a candidate can test in any 12-month period the FSBPT can ensure that a candidate does not see any exam item more than 1 time in a given exam cycle.
How will the exam work when it is delivered in sections?
Each exam will be divided into 50-question blocks or sections. On the PT exam there will be 5 sections of 50 questions for a total of 250 questions. On the PTA exam there will be 4 sections of 50 questions for a total of 200 questions. When you complete a section you will be given the opportunity to review your answers and then submit the section. After a section has been submitted you will not be able to go back to that section for further review. After you have completed two sections (100 questions) you will have a scheduled break.
Why has a scheduled break been added?
The break has been added for candidate convenience. Many candidates have requested a break during which the exam time does not continue to elapse. The new scheduled 15-minute break allows candidates to step away from the exam if they so choose. If candidates do not want to take the break or want to take a shorter break they can end the break by following the directions on the computer screen.
Source: Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy
- Increased Number of Items and Administration Time
o PT exam = 250 questions and 5 hours long. There will be 50 pre-test questions and 200 scored questions
o PTA exam = 200 questions and 4 hours long. There will be 50 pre-test questions and 150 scored questions - Decreased Number of Attempts
o Candidates will only be able to take the exam 3 times in any 12 month period. - Sections
o PT exam will have 5 sections
o PTA exam will have 4 sections
o Sections are 50 questions - Scheduled Break
o 15 minutes
o After completing 2 sections (100 questions)
o Break time is in ADDITION to the exam time. This means the break time is in addition to the 5 hours for the PT exam and the 4 hours for the PTA exam.
Why are pre-test questions included on the exam and why is the number increasing?
In order to maintain a valid, reliable and defensible exam there must be a strong bank of items to choose from when creating exams. By having candidates pre-test items the FSBPT can be sure that the questions have met vigorous statistical standards before being included on a live examination. Pre-testing items is part of the candidates’ obligation to support the profession of physical therapy.The number of pre-test questions is increasing so that the pool of available items for examinations can be increased. A larger pool of items allows more forms of the exam to be created, which increases exam security by limiting exposure to any one form.
Why is the number of times a candidate can test in any 12-month period decreasing?
Exam security. By decreasing the number of times a candidate can test in any 12-month period the FSBPT can ensure that a candidate does not see any exam item more than 1 time in a given exam cycle.
How will the exam work when it is delivered in sections?
Each exam will be divided into 50-question blocks or sections. On the PT exam there will be 5 sections of 50 questions for a total of 250 questions. On the PTA exam there will be 4 sections of 50 questions for a total of 200 questions. When you complete a section you will be given the opportunity to review your answers and then submit the section. After a section has been submitted you will not be able to go back to that section for further review. After you have completed two sections (100 questions) you will have a scheduled break.
Why has a scheduled break been added?
The break has been added for candidate convenience. Many candidates have requested a break during which the exam time does not continue to elapse. The new scheduled 15-minute break allows candidates to step away from the exam if they so choose. If candidates do not want to take the break or want to take a shorter break they can end the break by following the directions on the computer screen.
Source: Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy