Certification organizations put incredible effort into developing legally defensible certification examinations, eligibility standards, candidate materials, certificates and wallet cards. But then what? Ensuring continuing competence and ongoing learning is equally important.  For many organizations, continuing education hours adequately fill this need. Other organizations require (or at least offer) the option of retesting for certification renewal, typically using a current version of the actual certification examination. Another option exists - a Situational Judgment Exercise (SJE) to assess candidates on the important issues with a realistic interactive scenario, which more closely relates to their real world situations.

One of AMP's longtime business partners, the National Board for Certification of Hospice and Palliative Nurses (NBCHPN^®), offers an SJE as a part of the renewal for their Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (ACHPN^®) credential. This SJE makes use of the simulation examination format that is used for credentialing for several of AMP's client programs.  The SJE was piloted in 2010 and became a requirement for recertification in 2011. Candidates can access the exercise online, adding convenience to the recertification process. While this approach may not be the best solution for all certification programs, in the right situation it provides an added layer to credential renewal, which is such a critical piece of ongoing public protection.

A simulation examination can be developed with more rigor and levels of defensibility than other examinations with a process that relies on an empirical job analysis study, detailed test specifications, item-writer training, examination development, standard setting, defined test administration policies and clear scoring guidelines. While the SJE for ACHPN® followed these steps, NBCHPN® believes the real value of the SJE is as a learning experience. It provides an in-depth assessment of the approach taken by the ACHPN® to use critical reasoning and clinical application of content beyond the initial certification exam.

While many of the development steps are the same, the written simulation format of the SJE is very different from standard multiple-choice. An opening scenario sets the scene for the practitioner. 

This is followed by the first Information Gathering (IG) section, where practitioners can choose which questions they need to ask the patient, which test results they should review or other areas they should pursue to obtain the information relevant to the situation. In this section, the candidate will be allowed to make multiple selections...Read Full Article.

We continue with our third segment in a series of articles exploring the challenges that associations face and must consider for the future of their organization. "Change" is a scary word to most associations as there is a constant struggle to remain true to traditions and goals of the organization, yet meet the demands of an ever changing society. In their book "Race for Relevance: 5 Radical Changes for Associations", Harrison Coerver and Mary Byers, CAE, identify five changes associations must make to ensure survival. The changes challenge the way we operate, plan, and view our associations. Embracing them will take courage, but ignoring them could be catastrophic.

Radical Change #3: Define the Member Market

Many associations were established to meet the common interests and needs of a general field or industry. Over time, the workforce in those industries has diversified and specialized segments have emerged. Many of AMP Management Services' client associations and certification boards are in niche markets, evident through the development of specialty certifications and initiatives to meet the ever expanding yet diverse membership needs. Facing the momentous task and resource drain required to meet many divergent member needs, Coerver and Byers suggest there are only three possible options... Read Full Article.

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On the Hill

 

There is never a lack of activity on Capitol Hill - it often seems that scandals and  controversies steal the day. While it may appear that more and more people are willing to accept the "run away from the fire" mentality from Congress, there are still many people on the Hill that are willing to take on the tough issues, rushing into the fire and not away from it.

How can your organization cut through the chaos and advance its issues? The key is to find a way to get lawmakers to think bigger about your issue - not simply focusing on the benefits to your organization or your members. Consider using these steps when meeting with legislators:

1. Tell them the reason you are working on the issue. Explain how your organization became interested in it and what involvement you have had so far.
2. Explain why you believe what you are seeking to do is the best way to solve the issue.
3. Tell them why some might oppose it and why. Do not be afraid to talk about the opposition. If you can convince them your way is better, it will not matter what the opposition says.
4. Understand the voters in the legislators' districts. Show how it will benefit their voters as well as the national implications.
5. Finally, tell them how it will personally benefit them as politicians. Will it give them a chance to get in front of the public or the leadership in the House or Senate?

Always remember that you are the expert in your field. No one will know more than you about how important the issue is and what the bigger picture means. You need to help them understand the implications. Don't go into the meeting assuming they know anything about your issue...but make sure when you leave, they do. Everyone talks about the importance of communication but we also need to focus on the importance of comprehension. If your communication can break through the barrier of comprehension, you will be well on your way to advancing your organizational goals on Capitol Hill.

Wade Delk is AMP's Director of Governmental Affairs. He is a registered lobbyist and monitors and analyzes issues impacting the certification and licensure industries.

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