Computer-Based Testing:A New Experience in 4 Easy Steps

With the implementation of computer-based testing in September 1999 for the entry-level registration examinations for dietitians and dietetic technicians, the testing experience for dietetic registration changed dramatically. The following describes the changes in examination administration steps ranging from eligibility to testing.

Step 1: Registration Eligibility
Examination applicants establish eligibility by either:

• following directions and completing the "CDR copy" form from their program director who submits the required information on a specially designed software program to the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR); this process will transition to a process to be completed by the program director on-line in the summer 2002; or
  
  
• foreign reciprocity candidates complete and submit the traditional paper-pencil registration eligibility application with required documentation directly to CDR.

Once registration eligibility is established, applicants are notified by CDR, who simultaneously will notify its testing agency, ACT, Inc. of Iowa City, Iowa, of applicant eligibility.

Step 2: Examination Application and Fee
ACT will send all eligible candidates a 1-page examination application form, Candidate Handbook and instructions for completing the application and submitting the application fee ($200 for dietitians, $120 for dietetic technicians) within three to five business days.

Candidates should receive their exam application packet from ACT within seven to ten days following CDR notification of registration eligibility.

Step 3: Scheduling the Examination
The candidate must complete the application and return it to ACT with the required fee. After ACT processes the application and fee, examination candidates are sent an Authorization to Test letter via first-class mail. The Authorization to Test letter expires 1 year from the date of issue. The packet will include a list of test centers located throughout the U.S., Canada, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico and includes a toll-free telephone number with instructions to contact any 1 of more than 200 ACT for a testing appointment. Test center appointment availability and scheduling policies may vary by test center.

The 3-hour testing appointment includes time to complete a tutorial designed to orient examinees to the computer based testing process, the examination, and a short post-examination survey.

Step 4: The Test Center
Upon arrival at the test center, examinees will be required to check in with the receptionist, provide government issued photo identification (e.g., drivers license, state photo ID, or passport); the name/address on the authorization to test letter must match the photo ID for access to the center for testing. Candidates must also secure personal belongings in the storage area.

Each examinee will be escorted to a computer station in the testing area. Each workstation includes a computer monitor, processing unit, keyboard and a simple calculator. Examinees will not be allowed to bring personal belongings, reference materials, calculator/handheld computer, or scratch paper to the testing area. Once examinees are seated at the terminal, the proctor will provide instructions and issue scratch paper, which will be collected at the end of the examination.

Although the test centers may vary in design and size, this figure illustrates a typical test center and station layout. Many test centers include a testing area to serve examinees who require special testing accommodations in a private room according to the guidelines of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

After completion of the examination and brief exit survey regarding the testing experience, score reports will be displayed on the computer screen and a hard copy will be distributed to all examinees as they leave the test center. Unsuccessful examinees must contact CDR to be reauthorized to test. The retesting appointment must be scheduled a minimum of forty-five days after the last test date.

What's Next?

After successful completion of the examination, examinees are awarded their desired credentials. CDR sends all newly credentialed practitioners an orientation packet describing the requirements for certification maintenance, highlights of new and ongoing CDR initiatives, and an invoice for the annual registration maintenance fee. Once the fee is paid, CDR will send a registration identification card.

CDR values input about its entry-level certification programs. Any comments may be sent to: The Commission on Dietetic Registration, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995; 312/899-0040, ext 5500; fax, 312/899-4772; E-mail: cdr@eatright.org