What is the format of the exam?
. There are two parts to the test: Part I consists of multiple choice questions. Part II consists of three vignettes or scenarios; you are asked to answer two of the three. You will have three hours to complete the examination (i.e., 1 ? hours to complete Part I and 1½ hours to complete Part II). The material covered requires knowledge about pregnancy, early development and clinical practice experiences. Both parts draw on cumulative learning experiences in college or university settings and specialized in-service trainings, as well as self-study (e.g. books and journal articles about infancy, early parenthood and infant mental health). Your supervised work experiences with infants, toddlers and families, and experiences within reflective supervision or consultation groups related to your work with infants and families will also contribute to learning that is reflected in the examination questions.
During the exam, when you are asked questions you are given four possible answers. Usually two of the answers are obviously wrong leaving two answers. At this point you should know what the correct answer is. Each question will allow you to mark it if you are uncertain about the answer so you can go back and review it at a later stage. You questions will not be marked until after you have hit the submit button. When this is done you will be asked to do a survey, afterwards you will get your score.
The examination, which lasts three hours, consists of 60 multiple choice questions, testing the full range of the syllabus of the IoD development programmes and some fundamental cognitive skills. Several questions will relate to a chosen case study. A successful candidate must obtain both an overall pass mark and also reach a satisfactory level in each of the main subject areas. Those who don’t reach the required percentage will be allowed to retake the examination. Areas of shortcoming in the exam will be indicated.
