Many of you are sitting for the CAP and OM exams this week around the country (and actually around the world). How did it go? What did you do to prepare? What would you do differently if you had to do it all over again? 

 

Marie

This was my second attempt and I am afraid will be my last. I scored 486 the first time and I feel worse about this test. I unfortunately have to rely on study material from our local library which is very limited. This test was very different than the one given last fall.

I wouldn't assume that you didn't pass. Just wait til the final results are announced and see how you did. You may surprise yourself!

When should we receive the results and know whether we passed or not? How is the pass/fail scores determined?

From the CAP Exam Handbook:

After the Exam

Approximately 30 days after the exam, candidates will be emailed a performance report. The performance report will provide the individual’s total exam score and will indicate if the individual has passed or failed the exam. The performance report will also include individual scores by content areas. This may help to determine an individual’s weaker areas should they retake a similar exam in the future.

Scoring of the Exam

The pass/fail cut-score is determined using a criterion-referenced method. The criterion-referenced standard (cut-score) is shown as a scaled score of 500. An exam score of 500 or higher indicates the candidate has passed the exam. An exam score of less than 500 indicates the candidate has failed the exam. The same level of knowledge and skill is required to meet the pass point of 500 regardless of the examination taken by the candidate.

What is the criterion-referenced method?

Criterion-referenced tests, a type of test introduced by Glaser (1962) and Popham and Husek (1969), are also known as domain referenced tests, competency tests, basic skills tests, mastery tests, performance tests or assessments, authentic assessments, objective-referenced tests, standards-based tests, credentialing exams, etc. These tests determine a candidate's level of performance in relation to a well-defined domain of content.

Norm-referenced tests determine a candidate's level of the construct measured by a test in relation to a well-defined reference group of candidates, referred to as the norm group. Criterion-referenced tests permit a candidate's score to be interpreted in relation to a domain of content, and norm-referenced tests permit a candidate's score to be interpreted in relation to a group of examinees. The first interpretation is content-centered, and the second interpretation is examinee-centered.

On a criterion-referenced test, every candidate would pass if they meet the expected standard; alternatively, every candidate could fail if the standard is not met. On criterion-referenced tests it is possible for every person to pass the exam. Criterion-referenced tests have been compared to driver’s license exams which require would-be drivers to achieve a minimum competencies to earn a license.

IAAP continually updates its exams to keep pace with the changing environment of the administrative profession. Since criterion-referenced scoring is designed to measure a candidate’s performance against a fixed set of predetermined criteria, this method is commonly used for certification exams that produce new editions of a test and the scores from these editions have the same meaning over time.

The level of exam difficulty may change from time to time. A test equating process assures that candidates must meet the same criterion-standard regardless of when they take the examination, or the group of candidates with whom they take the examination.

I'm thrilled to announce that I passed BOTH the CAP and OM Exams! A special thanks to Ms. Marie Hermann for all of her guidance and support. I signed up to take both of her Study Groups in preparation for the exams and I really feel it made a huge impact for me. Congratulations to  everyone that passed the Exams.  I also want to send words of encouragement to those who did not pass, Do Not Be Discouraged. You are a Super Star and Awesome. Your score does not define you as a person. You can pass these Exams. You Can Do This! Sincerely, Michelle  Davis, CAP-OM

Woo hoo Michelle!!! I'm so proud of you!!!

I'm so glad you found my study groups helpful, although it was all YOU sitting in that exam room taking that test!

Marie

Congratulations, Michelle! I too, passed the CAP exam and was in Marie's study group. I can honestly say that I have no idea where I would have begun to study for this exam if I was not in her group! Being in the group kept me focused, on target and accountable. I also had a friend in the study group and we would chat via email and text messages about the material from the "class". In fact, we sat for the exam on the same day and we both passed!

Just a side note -- I met my new friend, Trisha Heil, at a boot camp a month before the study group began so we were in this journey together!
Kathy Whelan, Perry Hall, MD

Woo hoo Kathy! Love seeing so many students adding those initials after their name (ahem... looking at your signature which needs updating ;) ).

It definitely helps that you had a study buddy to share the journey with too. Every little bit helps!

Marie

Congratulations to all who passed. I failed by 2 points and I am very discouraged about taking it again. I really cannot afford to retake test, buy new study materials, or pay for tutoring.