Computer Based Testing
Background
Beginning with the 2006 examinations in nuclear cardiology, CBNC’s testing format shifted from paper and pencil to computer-based. CBNC has signed a contract with Baltimore-based Prometric, the leading provider of comprehensive, technology-based testing and assessment services and the host for examinations from the National Board of Medical Examiners, National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners, the American Board of Pediatrics and an extensive number of other Boards.
Computer-based testing offers a number of advantages over paper and pencil format (CBT). With CBT, the nuclear cardiology exam can be offered at testing centers around the globe, instead of one, and more recently two, centralized exam venues. This is good news for candidates who will be able to test much closer to home and thereby eliminate most of the travel costs now associated with the exam.
Additionally, when making full use of CBT technologies, such exams can offer greater interpretive skill assessment and a more true-to-practice question set. Transitioning to CBT entails a variety of complexities, however. CBNC anticipates utilization of all the tools available from the format to be realized in phases over the next several years.
The 2009 examination will be offered November 30 - December 5, 2009 in Prometric testing centers around the world. The 2009 Candidate Bulletin is available now online or you may request that a hardcopy be sent to you in the mail.
Process
Application is made directly to the CBNC office. Once eligibility has been established, candidates will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) letter. The letter includes instructions on how to schedule an examination time within the 6 day window.
Locating a Test Center
You can see what sites are available to sit for the CBNC exam by following the steps below:
- Go to: www.prometric.com
- Go to the orange area called For Test Takers.
- Click on the option for Academic, Professional, Licensure & Certification and a list of exam options will appear.
- Scroll down the list and select Certification Board of Nuclear Cardiology from the drop down list by double clicking.
- On the next page, click the "Start" button.
- Select your country and state (if necessary) from the drop down menus and click the "Next" button.
- Select "Locate a Test Site" from the options.
- Select either "Nuclear Cardiology Certification Exam" or "Nuclear Cardiology Recertification Exam" and then click the "Next" button.
This will bring up the testing sites in your state or country. You will not be able to schedule an exam, however, until you have made application with CBNC and received an Authorization to Test letter.
Be aware that CBNC shares these testing centers with other testing boards, so not all sites will have availability during CBNC’s testing window. The earlier the application is made, the sooner the candidate may register for a test time and location, and the more likely to get a site and time of choice. Applications must be complete in order to receive an Authorization to Test letter with scheduling instructions.
Tutorial on Computer Based Testing
The CBNC has developed a Tutorial on the new computer based testing format, to prepare candidates for the 2009 exams. The demonstration guides candidates on how to navigate through the electronic exam and provides three sample questions to display the functions available to examinees. Candidates are strongly encouraged to make use of the Tutorial in advance of the examination so as to arrive prepared on the format operations of the tests. Note: the tutorial is not intended to prepare candidates on nuclear cardiology examination content. The Tutorial is available free for download.