NREMT Gives Computer-Based Testing Green Light

     The switch to computer-based testing (CBT) by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) will be effective January 2007.

     While some believe it would be nice to keep testing "just the way it is," the NREMT is convinced the testing procedure has to change because of the changes technology has brought-both good and bad. Paper-and-pencil testing may have been the only alternative for measuring competency in the past, but this form of testing is open to more security breaches and is no longer the most accurate in measuring the entry level competency of an individual, says the Registry. Today, there are more sophisticated ways to cheat at test-taking-particularly with the use of cell phones, tiny cameras, instant messaging and miniscule recorders. CBT, however, provides ways to combat this high-tech cheating.

     The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) has been certifying medical laboratory personnel since 1928. In a paper written by Geraldine Piskorski, MBA, and Kory Ward-Cook, PhD, on their organization's transition to computer-based testing, they state, "It's all about technology!" One reason computer-based testing looked so attractive to the ASCP was the ability to offer testing year-round instead of just two times a year. All ASCP certification examinations are now administered using CBT at test centers across the country.

     The ASCP Board of Registry staff began conducting research in 1984 on computer-adaptive testing (CAT), which is the form of CBT the NREMT will use on most testing. In this type of testing, the first question given is of mid-level difficulty. The level of difficulty of the following question is determined by whether the first question was answered correctly or incorrectly. As a result, a candidate's level of competency can be determined more quickly and typically with fewer questions than with a traditional paper-and-pencil test. Having to answer fewer questions does not mean the candidate is improperly measured. In fact, it actually works in favor of the candidate who will no longer have to waste time and energy answering questions that don't reveal his true level of competency.

     Communication is key to a successful transition. To that end, the NREMT has produced brochures, fact sheets, articles and held meetings with state officials, educators and training coordinators. The website has been updated with pertinent information regarding CBT. The NREMT is conducting a Beta test in 13 states to test the system before the official launch of CBT. A DVD is being produced that will help guide state officials, educators, training coordinators and exam candidates through the steps of the transition for maximum success. "The more people understand about CBT and how to go about the transition, the easier it is. That's our goal," says NREMT Associate Director Gregg Margolis, PhD.

Thom Dick has been involved in EMS for 35 years, 23 of them as a full-time EMT and paramedic in San Diego County. He is currently the quality care coordinator for Platte Valley Ambulance Service, a community-owned, hospital-based 9-1-1 provider in Brighton, CO. Contact him at boxcar414@aol.com.