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For certification examinations, the time allotted for computer based tests varies due to the number of items and item complexity. Although the time to take the exam varies among candidates, there is no identifiable pattern of candidates' who pass and those that fail in relation to the amount of time used.
Phil Higgins
Coordinator, Computer Based Testing |
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Time Usage and Candidate Outcomes on Multiple Choice Examinations |
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With the use of computer based testing, it is possible to keep a very accurate record of the amount of time used by candidates and their pass or fail outcomes. These are certification examinations designed to measure candidate ability in a specific area of practice using specific content guidelines. The table shows that passing or failing the examination does not depend on the amount of time a candidate uses to complete the examination. Some candidates complete the test rapidly and pass, while others fail. Some candidates review until time runs out and still fail. These certification examinations are not meant to be speeded tests. The actual amount of time it takes for a candidate to complete the test depends on his/her ability and work patterns. |
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Multiple Choice |
Total testing time - hours |
Number of Items (time per item) |
Min time used |
Max time used |
Mean time used |
Percent
Pass |
Percent Fail |
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Exam 1 |
4 |
200
(1.2 per) |
2 hrs.
19 min. |
4 hrs. |
3 hrs.
49 min. |
82% |
18% |
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Exam 2 |
6 |
300
(1.2 per) |
2 hrs.
3 min. |
6 hrs. |
4 hrs.
32 min. |
72% |
28% |
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Exam 3 |
7 |
287
(1.5 per) |
2 hrs.
39 min. |
7 hrs. |
5 hrs.
27 min. |
74% |
26% |
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Exam 4 |
3 |
150
(1.2 per) |
55 min. |
3 hrs. |
2 hrs
24 min. |
73% |
27% |
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Exam 5 |
3 |
150
(1.2 per) |
1 hr.
28 min. |
3hrs. |
2 hrs.
48 min. |
79% |
21% | |
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Time Allocation for Oral Examinations |
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Monitoring time usage for oral examinations is more difficult. Time usage depends upon the examiner's ability to allocate time so that all of the pertinent cases and clinical tasks are covered. These oral examinations are for certification. Standardized cases provide the content for the examination, and within each case are clinical tasks on which the candidate is rated. The number and type of tasks graded within each case depends on the field of practice. The table shows how several oral examinations allocate time for each case, and the total oral examination. There is substantial variance among exams; however, examiners are trained to cover the pertinent tasks within the time allotted, so that there is complete data for all candidates. The depth of the examiner discussion with the candidate undoubtedly relates to the time allotted.
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Oral Exam |
Total Exam Time |
Time per case |
Number of cases per candidate |
Number of tasks tested in each case |
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Exam A |
3 hours |
30 minutes |
6 |
7 |
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Exam B |
2 hours |
20 minutes |
6 |
2 |
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Exam C |
1.5 hours |
30 minutes |
3 |
5 |
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Exam D |
2 hours |
12 minutes |
9 |
5 |
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Exam E |
1.3 hours |
7 minutes |
12 |
4 |
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