The ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) uses Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT), which is criterion referenced, for all certification examinations. With CAT, when a person answers a question correctly, the next test question has a slightly higher level of difficulty. The difficulty level of the questions presented to the examinee continues to increase until a question is answered incorrectly. Then a slightly easier question is presented. In this way the test is tailored to the individual’s ability level.
Each question in the test bank is calibrated for level of difficulty and is assigned a content area that matches with the subtest area of the content outline for a particular examination. The weight (value) given to each question is determined by the level of difficulty. Therefore, the examinee must answer enough difficult questions to achieve a score above the pass point.
The examinations (with the exception of PBT and DPT) are scheduled for 2 hours and 30 minutes with 100 questions. The PBT and DPT examinations are scheduled for 2 hours with 80 questions.
Your preliminary test results (pass/fail) will appear on the computer screen. Examination scores will be mailed within ten business days after the examination administration, provided all required documents have been received. Examination results cannot be released by telephone, to anyone.
Your official score report will indicate "PASS" or "FAIL" status and the scaled score on the total examination. All examination scores are reported in scaled score. A scaled score is statistically derived (in part) from the raw score (number of correctly answered questions) and the difficulty level of the questions. Because each examinee has taken a different form of the examination, scaled scores are used so that tests may be compared on the same scale. The minimum passing score is 400. The highest attainable score is 999.
If you were unsuccessful in passing the examination, your scaled scores on each of the subtests will be indicated on this report as well. These subtest scores cannot be calculated to obtain your total score. These scores are provided as a means of demonstrating your areas of strengths and weaknesses in comparison to the minimum pass score.
ASCP exams are delivered in Pearson Professional Centers (Pearson VUE), which
is a network of more than 202 company-owned and -operated test centers located
throughout the US and its territories. Pearson VUE, is offering the
international examinations in all testing centers that offer ASCP exams. Visit the Pearson site
to learn more about the Pearson testing experience.
See also the helpful link below.
If you change your address, notify the ASCP Board of Certification Office using the online feedback form: www.ascp.org/bocfeedback; fax 312.541.4845 or mail to the general correspondence address ASCP Board of Certification 33 W. Monroe St., Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60603. Name and address changes should NOT be made online through the ASCP web site or ASCP Call Center. All changes must be made directly with the Board of Certification. Name changes must be accompanied by a photo copy of your marriage license or court order and faxed to 312.541.4845 or mailed to ASCP Board of Certification, 33 W. Monroe St., Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60603.
Name and/or address changes may not be made at the test center. Name changes or name corrections received in the ASCP Board of Certification office after the day you take the examination will not be reflected on your certificate. A fee will be charged if you request a new certificate.
When you arrive at the examination center, you must present a drivers license with photo and signature or state identification card with photo and signature, a second personal ID containing your signature and your admission letter to the proctor. Your first and last name on the drivers license/state ID and secondary ID must match your first and last names on the admission letter. Your identification must be valid (not expired) or it will not be accepted. View acceptable forms of ID.
If you appear without a driver's license with photo or state ID with photo or the first and last names do not match, you will not be permitted to take the examination and you will be required to reapply with a full fee for another examination period.
You must report to the test center 30 minutes prior to your scheduled time. Upon check-in Pearson VUE will collect your signature, photographic image and palm vein image. This is a standard procedure at all Pearson Professional Centers. Biometric technology ensures that each candidate will only have a single record in the Pearson VUE system and will help safeguard the integrity of the ASCP Board of Certification examinations. You will be given a checklist of rules to read. Another palm vein image will be taken before you are seated in the examination room and if you leave the room at any time during your examination.
Electronic Devices
Only non-programmable calculators may be brought to the test center. Writing material for calculations will be provided for you by the test center. Cell phones will not be permitted in the examination room.
Reference Materials
Do not bring reference books, notes or other study materials to the test location. If the test proctor determines that you have engaged in inappropriate conduct during the examination (such as giving or obtaining unauthorized information or aid; looking at notes/reference books/study guides), your examination session will be terminated and you will be unable to complete your examination. You will need to appeal to the Board of Certification.The Board will review your case and determine the appropriate course of action.
Examination Irregularities
Please view the appeals procedures regarding examination content irregularities and/or examination administration irregularities.
