Scoring Information
Criterion-Referenced Testing
The
Board of Governors exam is a criterion-referenced examination. Each candidate
is measured against a fixed standard of knowledge rather than against
the performance of other individuals taking the examination. In contrast,
a norm-referenced examination (e.g., SAT, GRE) is based on how individuals
perform relative to the population that took the test. The passing score
for the Board of Governors exam is based on a candidate's ability to demonstrate
an acceptable level of knowledge; it is not related to the distribution
of scores obtained during a particular administration of the exam. Therefore,
a candidate's likelihood of passing the Board of Governors exam is contingent
upon his or her ability to demonstrate competence in the healthcare executive
field, rather than his or her competence relative to other examinees.
Since the intent is to measure competence, not "book learning,"
exam questions assess application of knowledge, not just recall of facts.
How the Pass Point Is Set
A modified
Angoff Method is used to determine the pass point for the Board of Governors
exam. This method requires Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to rate the likelihood
that an exam candidate would correctly answer each test question. Data
from previous administrations of each question, along with discussion
among the SMEs, are used during this process. The ratings for each test
question are averaged across the SMEs and summed to determine the overall
pass point for the exam.
Exam Results
The
results of the Board of Governors exam are given as "pass" or
"fail." It is not ACHE's policy to reveal an examinee's raw
score. In order to provide developmental feedback for the examinee, ACHE
offers information related to his or her performance in each category
on the exam.
Reliability and Validity
Extensive
test statistics are calculated in the process of determining test reliability
and validity, including item analysis for every test item on the Board
of Governors exam. Reliability is determined by calculating the Kuder-Richardson
Formula, the Livingston Index, and the split-half reliability. Reliability
coefficients above 0.80 are considered satisfactory for credentialing
exams. The Board of Governors exam reliability coefficient—as determined
by the K-R 20 and split-half methods—has consistently met or exceeded
the standard over the years.
Consultants
The American College of Healthcare Executives works with the
Human Resources Research Organization to obtain assistance with the development
and validation of the Board of Governors exam. HumRRO has been serving
clients for more than 50 years.
For more information about earning the FACHE credential, visit the credentialing page or call ACHE’s Division of Membership at (312) 424-9400.
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