Exam Development

A national analysis of the practice of Nuclear Cardiology was conducted in 1995 in order to define the responsibilities, tasks and knowledge necessary for physicians to practice in the field of Nuclear Cardiology. Other Practice Analyses were conducted in 2001 and 2006 to ensure that the content of the CBNC examination continues to reflect accurately current practice in Nuclear Cardiology. The data for the studies were collected from a cross section of specialists in the field. The analysis of the 2006 data was used to update the examination specifications and determine the content of the current examination.

The certification examination is composed of up to 175 multiple-choice questions. Examinees will have four and one-half (4½) hours to complete the examination.

The recertification examination is composed of up to 100 multiple-choice questions. Examinees will have three (3) hours to complete the examination.

Some questions include interpretation of images. Each question contains four options or choices, only one of which is the correct or best answer.

The examination questions were developed by the CBNC Examination Committee, an expert panel of the CBNC, under the guidance of Knapp & Associates International, Inc. The examination question pool is updated on a regular basis to reflect current knowledge. Individual questions are modified or deleted based on statistical analysis of the examination.

The CBNC retains Knapp & Associates International, Inc. of Princeton, NJ, to provide assistance in the development of the examinations. Knapp & Associates International is a research and development firm that serves certification bodies by planning, developing, and administering assessment procedures and programs designed to measure professional competence.