Description

Call for Practice Analysis Panel Members: Subject Matter Experts

Summary

NPLEX conducts periodic Practice Analysis Studies to update content and ensure the licensure examination remains a meaningful evaluation of current entry-to-practice standards.

The procedures used in the practice analysis study are designed to comply with the legal and technical requirements for professional certification and licensure examinations.  As part of that process, NPLEX is seeking Subject Matter Experts (SME) to participate in the panel discussions required for a successful Practice Analysis.

 We are seeking SME participants for all of the NPLEX examinations:

•      Biomedical Sciences
•      Core Clinical Sciences
•      Acupuncture
•      Minor Surgery
•      Parenteral Medicine
•      Pharmacology

Participants will be expected to attend both virtual and in-person meetings, and a commitment to attending all activities is required.

A proposed schedule is as follows:

•      Virtual Meeting, Test Definition: Saturday, September 26.
•      In-Person Meeting, Practice Analysis: October 9-13 in Phoenix, Arizona.
•      Independent review, Practice Analysis Survey Pilot Testing: October/November.
•      Virtual Meeting, Survey Revisions Discussion Meeting: one Saturday in November.
•      Live Survey: November/December.
•      Virtual Meeting, Survey Results and Test Blueprint Discussion Meeting: one Saturday in December/January

Test Definition: In preparation for the upcoming Practice Analysis Study, the Test Definition meeting is held to discuss high-level changes to the licensure program (e.g., purpose or scope of the examination, target audience, intended interpretation of test scores, eligibility requirements, and minimal level of competence required to pass the exam). Having these discussions before the practice analysis onsite meeting helps ensure a shared and clear understanding of the scope and level of the credential so that the onsite meeting time can be used most effectively.

Practice Analysis Study: It provides the foundation and defensibility for a credential program. The onsite meeting is the first step. The purpose of the meeting is to create the content for a practice analysis survey that will be distributed to members of the credential target audience or others who are thoroughly familiar with the licensed job role. 

During the onsite meeting, participants will receive an orientation on the program and training on the practice analysis process. The bulk of meeting time will be spent identifying the tasks and supporting knowledge and skills that may be required for a licensed individual to perform in a safe and effective manner. Background information questions for the survey will also be developed; these questions will help us determine if a representative sample of the target audience has responded to the survey and assist in accurately interpreting and analyzing the data.  

The practice analysis survey will be pilot-tested with the practice analysis SMEs and a few others before it is administered to the larger audience. After the practice analysis survey data have been collected and analyzed, a practice analysis data review web conference is held to review the results of the practice analysis survey and gather SME input on whether knowledge and skills with ratings near the retention criteria should be retained for measurement on the examination. During this meeting, SME input will also be gathered on draft test blueprints generated based on survey data. Test blueprints identify the domains and topic areas that will be measured on the examinations and the number of test questions that should be measured each exam domain, etc.

 Compensation:

This is a volunteer position.  NPLEX will cover transportation, hotel accommodations and breakfast/lunch for the in-person meeting.

 Benefits of participation:

This is an unparalleled opportunity to significantly contribute to the naturopathic profession. Every licensing jurisdiction has a mandate to ensure that all practicing naturopathic medical doctors meet minimum safety and competency requirements, and ensuring that the NPLEX examination remains current with modern practice is an essential component of maintaining licensure eligibility.

How to apply:

Please submit your CV to Volunteer@theNPLEX.org, with the subject heading: Practice Analysis

About NPLEX

NPLEX improves public safety and increases healthcare options through quality assessment of naturopathic medical doctors.

We provide high-quality, valid, reliable, and fair assessments for the naturopathic medical profession. Through this work we optimize public access to safe, competent, effective naturopathic doctors.

 We are a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all of our employees and prospective employees experience fairness, dignity, and respect.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

•           ND degree from a CNME accredited program OR
•           A doctorate-level degree in a field consistent with subject matter on the NPLEX examination.

Experience:

•           Currently practicing naturopathic medicine or teaching in CNME accredited institution
•           For PhD or affiliated professional degrees: currently active in their respective fields, with experience in the naturopathic community

License, Certificate, Registration Requirements:

•           ND and/or special Qualifications including specialized knowledge, abilities, education or experience.

Preferred SME Panel member make-up:

•           A range of SME years of experience
•           A broad distribution of school affiliations (graduated from, or working at)
•           A broad geographic distribution of practice experience