3. Establishing the Recommended Passing Score
The Recommended Passing Score was determined using a
criterion-referenced methodology referred to as a modified
Angoff approach to standard setting. This methodology
permits candidates to compete against the standard, rather
than each other. There is no pre-determined failure rate, as
there is when using a norm-referenced methodology.
Using the modified Angoff approach, items were evaluated
based on difficulty for the just good enough practitioner,
as well as importance for safe and effective practice.
Difficulty/importance ratings were then averaged across all
items to set the passing score. The Recommended Passing
Score, thus, represents the minimum level of knowledge that
must be demonstrated by the psychologist. An examinees
score on the examination is simply the number of items
answered correctly represented as a percentage. All items
receive identical weight. Passing the examination requires
a score at or above the Recommended Passing Score. The
recommended passing score is a score that the APA College
of Professional Psychology recommends for use by state and
provincial psychology licensing authorities in awarding
prescriptive authority. In order to ensure exam security,
there is no provision for failing or passing candidates to
review their examination. However, comments about the
examination may be addressed directly to the APA College
of Professional Psychology.
