Item Review

After the examination has been administered, Prometric 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 300 to 600 points. The passing score for the Hand Therapy Certification Examination is 450 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 an indication of your performance in each subject area. These descriptors are designed to help you identify those areas in which you may need further study before retaking the examination. The specific number of items answered correctly in each subject area will not be reported. The three descriptors are as follows:

        Level 1: Few or None of the items were answered correctly

        Level 2: Many of the items were answered correctly

        Level 3: Most or all of the items were answered correctly

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%

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%.

Verification of Scores

If you receive a failing score on the 2008 test, you may request that Prometric verify your examination results by hand. Prometric will visually inspect the answers recorded by the computer and verify them against the answer key. There is a charge of $50 for this service.

Written requests for score verification should be submitted, with a check payable to Prometric, to:

Prometric

ATTN: HTCC Customer Service

2000 Lenox Drive

Lawrenceveille, NJ 08648

Requests must be postmarked by

• February 1, 2009 for the 2008 exam
• August 2, 2009 for the May 2009 exam
• February 1, 2010 for the November2009 exam.

They should include the following information:

• Candidate name & ID number
• Date of Exam
• Signature