How are NICET Standard Model tests developed?
NICET’s general procedure for developing tests follows these steps: • Practice Analysis: A group of typically 8 to 10 volunteer Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) meets several times to define the work that is included in each Level of certification, and the knowledge and skills required to perform it. The primary product is the set of Content Outlines that are made available on the NICET website. • Validation: First a new group of SMEs reviews the practice analysis for general completeness and correctness. Then the practice analysis is converted into a detailed survey which is sent to hundreds of technicians to determine the accuracy of its contents. • Blueprinting/Test Design: A group of 6 to 10 SMEs uses the survey results to determine how many questions and what kind of questions should be asked on the test about each task in the practice analysis. • Question Writing: NICET conducts a series of workshops in which groups of qualified SMEs are brought together, trained in the question-wri
