Scoring the Exam

Item Review

After the examination has been administered, Applied Measurement Professionals (AMP) executes a detailed statistical analysis of the performance of each item (question). The data from the analysis, along with candidate comments, are reviewed item-by-item by HTCC to determine if any question might be flawed (e.g. no clear correct answer, more than one correct answer). Flawed items, if any, are adjusted by accepting 2, 3, or all 4 of the choices as correct responses. HTCC engages in this process to ensure that no candidate is penalized by the presence of a flawed item.

Scoring

HTCC strives to bring the latest industry standards to our testing program. Multiple test forms are used for each administration of the test. Every examination form uses a unique combination of questions from the question bank, so that no two test forms are identical. Although each test form is designed to fairly assess the knowledge and skills that are required for the proficient practice of hand therapy, the overall level of difficulty may fluctuate slightly among test forms as the difficulty of the questions on the test may fluctuate. To compensate for these potential minor fluctuations, a process known as “equating” is used to statistically analyze and adjust the passing score for each test form.

Equating ensures that candidates of comparable knowledge and skill will receive comparable scores on the examination regardless of which version of the test they take. Thus, no candidate will be penalized for taking a version of the examination that turns out to be more difficult than another version of the examination, and no candidate will be given an advantage by taking a version of the exam that is less difficult. The end result is that all candidates have an equal and fair opportunity to receive a score on the examination that accurately reflects their knowledge and understanding of hand therapy.

In addition to equating, other statistical procedures transform raw scores to "scaled scores." Comparison of test scores from one test form to another would be difficult if raw scores were used, since the raw passing score on each form varies. Thus, in order to compare test scores, a uniform frame of reference is used. Scaled scores ensure that scoring on different forms of the examination have the same meaning so that candidates are not unfairly rewarded or penalized based on test form differences. Transforming raw scores to scaled scores is similar to transforming a temperature from Fahrenheit to Centigrade.

PLEASE NOTE THAT A SCALED SCORE IS NEITHER THE NUMBER OF QUESTIONS YOU ANSWERED CORRECTLY NOR THE PERCENTAGE OF QUESTIONS YOU ANSWERED CORRECTLY. Your results will be reported as a scaled score, on a scale ranging from 0-99 points. The passing score for the Hand Therapy Certification Examination is 75 points.

Score Reports

Test results will be sent to you approximately 6 to 8 weeks after the examination. If you achieve the minimum passing score, you will receive a letter informing you that you have passed the examination. The test has been designed to identify those who meet the standard of competence set by HTCC. Those who pass have met this standard.

If you do not pass, you will receive a score report that includes your scaled score and the percentage of questions that you answered correctly in each of the five subject areas.

Passing Rates for the CHT Exam

HTCC has released the passing rate (the percentage of people who passed the examination in a given year) for the CHT examination since 2002. Passing rates are as follows:

2002 - 53%
2003 - 57%
2004 - 51%
Nov 2005 - 55%
Jan 2006 retest - 38%
2006 - 53%
2007 - 57%
2008 - 54%
May 2009 - 52%
Nov 2009 - 61%
May 2010 - 56%
Nov 2010 - 57%
May 2011 - 54%
Nov 2011 - 52%
May 2012 - 56%
Nov 2012 - 58%

HTCC has also determined that the ultimate passing rate (the percentage of people who pass the examination after taking it more than once) is 65 - 70%.

Verification of Scores

In computer based testing, it is extremely unlikely that a failing result would be reversed through score verification since the quality assurance processes for scoring each examination are substantial. However, if a candidate receives a non-pass score and believes that an error may have occurred in the scoring of the examination, the candidate may request that her or his exam be rescored. There is a charge of $50 for this service. You will receive written notification from AMP after the review has been completed.

Written requests for score verification should be submitted, with a check or money order for $50 payable to HTCC, to:

Hand Therapy Certification Commission

1337 Howe Ave, Suite 230

Sacramento, CA 95825-3397

Requests must be postmarked by

August 1st after the May exam
February 1st after the November exam

They should include the following information:

Candidate name & ID number
Date of Exam
Signature