Exam Scoring
Determination of Passing Score and ReportingThe passing score for the Certification Examination in Nuclear Cardiology was set by an independent national panel of peers representing the disciplines involved in the practice of Nuclear Cardiology, drawn from both private practice and academia.
The passing score is based on an expected level of knowledge; it is not related to the distribution of scores obtained during a particular examination administration. Thus, in any given year, a candidate has the same chance of passing the examination whether the group taking the examination at that time tends to have high scores or low scores. In other words, each candidate is measured against a standard of knowledge, not against the performance of the other individuals taking the examination.
Approximately ten (10) weeks following the administration of the examination, the CBNC will mail each candidate his or her examination results. RESULTS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE AT THE TESTING CENTER NOR GIVEN OVER THE TELEPHONE OR BY FAX.
All candidates will receive: (a) a letter indicating the percentage of correct questions needed to pass the examination and the percentage of questions they answered correctly and (b) a diagnostic report showing their performance on each content area. (c) successful candidates will receive a press release to announce their Diplomate status with CBNC. Physicians certified by CBNC as Diplomates will be listed on the CBNC website approximately 4 weeks after the exam scores have been mailed and will receive a certificate suitable for framing.
Candidates who applied as Testamurs and who passed the CBNC exam, will need to provide CBNC with documentation of having passed the Cardiology, Nuclear Medicine or Radiology board examination before a CBNC certificate can be mailed and name added to the roster of Diplomates. A copy of the letter from the certifying board or a print-out from the certifying board's website documenting board certified status in Cardiology, Nuclear Medicine or Radiology will be accepted as documentation and can be faxed to CBNC at 240-631-8152.
Candidates who fail the exam three or more times
Applicants who have failed the examination three or more times must document the following in addition to any training/experience
requirements in place at the time of application:
- In a Preceptorship with an individual certified by CBNC, ABNM and/or ABR or the osteopathic equivalent and who is an Authorized User
- A minimum of 4 weeks (160 hours) training (need not be consecutive weeks)
- A minimum of 100 nuclear cardiology cases read
- A minimum of 25 hours of nuclear cardiology-specific Category I CME completed within the last 18 months
This training will allow a candidate to sit for three consecutive years.
This documentation must be included with the candidate's application. This policy supercedes all prior relative to candidates who have failed the examination three or more times.
Approved by the CBNC Board of Directors May 16, 2008
Request for Manual Scoring
Candidates who fail the examination may request that their examination be manually rescored to verify reported scores. Requests must be in writing and accompanied by a check or money order in the amount of $45 (U.S. Funds), made payable to the CBNC. The written request must include the candidate's name, date of birth, and signature. Requests for manual scoring can be honored only up to four (4) months after the testing date and should be directed to:
101 Lakeforest Blvd., Suite 401
Gaithersburg, MD 20877 USA
Cancellation of Scores
If, for any reason, you decide that you do not want your score reported, you can send a letter or fax to CBNC requesting cancellation of your scores. Alternatively, you can use a Cancellation of Score form. Your written request must be signed and be received within five (5) days after the date of the examination.
A cancelled score will not be reported to you. No refunds will be given to candidates requesting score cancellations. To retake the examination after a score cancellation, a new application and fee must be submitted and applicants must meet all eligibility requirements in force at the time of application.
Reschedule Policy
Exam appointments can be rescheduled if time slots are available. CBNC shares Prometric test centers with other organizations and seats fill up quickly so if you need to reschedule you are cautioned to do so as early as possible because seats cannot be guaranteed. To reschedule an exam appointment you must have your Prometric confirmation number. If you are testing in the United States, U.S. Territories or Canada, you must do so at least 48 hours prior to your appointment using the Reschedule/Cancel option on the Prometric website at www.prometric.com or the Prometric automated voice response system at 800-371-1989; both are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Prometric will assess a $25 rescheduling fee for appointments rescheduled between 3-30 days of examination. If you are testing outside the United States, U.S. Territories or Canada, you must do so at least 5 days prior to your appointment using the Reschedule/Cancel option on the Prometric website at www.prometric.com or call the Prometric Regional Call Center for your area, which can be found at www.Prometric.com/CBNC/default.htm. Prometric will assess a $25 rescheduling fee for appointments rescheduled between 6-30 days of examination.
Canceling Policy
To cancel your participation in the 2009 examination, you must do so no later than November 19, 2009.
To withdraw from participation in the exam, you must cancel no later than November19, 2009. If you wish to cancel your appointment, you must do so on-line or by contacting the RRC no later than November 19, 2009. You must then notify CBNC in writing and provide your Prometric cancellation number in order to receive a refund ($795 for certification & $495 for recertification)
If you cancel after November 19, 2009, or for any reason, do not appear at the exam site where you have registered to sit for the examination, you will forfeit all fees paid and no refund will be provided.
Appeals
A failing candidate may appeal a decision of the CBNC by following the CBNC Appeals Policy. Contact the CBNC office to obtain a copy.
Exam data are retained by CBNC for six months following an exam. If there are appeals by candidates, those records will be retained until the appeal process is concluded.