Program Design: Too Customized or Too Broad – That is the Question

I.C.E. Exchange Program Description: With standardized one-size-fits-all assessments for initial certifications and licenses, the exam content that all examinees encounter measures core knowledge based on a single exam blueprint. While multiple forms may be used and examinees may see different items, fairness is typically maintained through equating, content similarity, and having a similar testing experience. However, most industries do not have one-size-fits-all professionals; individuals have different opportunities available to them as they prepare to enter their career or specialize throughout their career.

In this session, attendees will consider situations in which a one-size-fits-all approach to both the content and assessment method aligns well for some programs, while also considering situations in which the content is squeezing into an assessment method mold that does not fit quite right.

This discussion will be led by industry leaders who have purposely aligned their program to include only standardized written and oral assessments and those that are considering redesigning their program to allow for more customized pathways and assessment methods.

Some questions attendees will discuss include:
•Where, when, how, and to what extent do different assessment methods and content customization make sense for both initial certification/licensure and credential maintenance?
•How does a program address score comparability and the meaning of the certificate/license when customized content or different assessment methods are used to earn/maintain the same credential?
•Do the benefits of customizing assessment methods outweigh the potential issues for your industry/program?
•Is customization of the assessment method more appropriate for initial certification/licensure or maintenance of certification/licensure? What about customizing content?

This interactive roundtable discussion aims to explore these and other similar questions. This session invites testing professionals to engage in thought-provoking dialogue about the balancing act of assessing necessary core knowledge through different assessment methods and customized content for both initial certification and maintenance of certification.

Thank you Excelsoft for Sponsoring our Test Development and Administration Track.