- Joined
- Jul 12, 2010
- Messages
- 52
- Reaction score
- 0
Has anyone heard anything about how the new exam format went?
New Certification Exam
- Thread starter 9point75
- Start date
- Joined
- Oct 16, 2001
- Messages
- 2,871
- Reaction score
- 1,009
It went fine. Some bugs.
Some people ran out of time on the vignettes section. There were small issues like moving to a new vignette, one might not recognize the questions applied to a new vignette (not great cues). Also the video clip can't be fast-forwarded or rewound, which leads to issues with having to watch it all the way through (some are 5-6 minutes long), then try to answer all the questions. Ended up taking notes on a vignette, trying to minimize re-watching it.
Also had a couple of q's that didn't match the vignette (no info that fit the answers). At first I thought it was me, but I watched one vignette 3 times to confirm, and there really was no cues to fit the answers. Hopefully won't have to retake it.
Some people ran out of time on the vignettes section. There were small issues like moving to a new vignette, one might not recognize the questions applied to a new vignette (not great cues). Also the video clip can't be fast-forwarded or rewound, which leads to issues with having to watch it all the way through (some are 5-6 minutes long), then try to answer all the questions. Ended up taking notes on a vignette, trying to minimize re-watching it.
Also had a couple of q's that didn't match the vignette (no info that fit the answers). At first I thought it was me, but I watched one vignette 3 times to confirm, and there really was no cues to fit the answers. Hopefully won't have to retake it.
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2006
- Messages
- 29
- Reaction score
- 1
For the first part, which was 250 questions, it was pretty similar to PRITE questions. Rather straightforward.
On part II of the exam, I agree with Magi. I felt that there were a few flaws, with the inability to rewind or fast-forward the video rather frustrating. I felt that some of the questions were somewhat subjective- i.e. my threshhold for admitting a patient might be different from what someone else writing the questions might think. I also did notice that some of the answer choices to the questions didn't seem to match with the vignette. finally, i did notice that some questions said to pick ONE answer. well, i noticed that on that type of question, I picked TWO answers and it accepted it! I don't know if they are going to score that question as wrong
On part II of the exam, I agree with Magi. I felt that there were a few flaws, with the inability to rewind or fast-forward the video rather frustrating. I felt that some of the questions were somewhat subjective- i.e. my threshhold for admitting a patient might be different from what someone else writing the questions might think. I also did notice that some of the answer choices to the questions didn't seem to match with the vignette. finally, i did notice that some questions said to pick ONE answer. well, i noticed that on that type of question, I picked TWO answers and it accepted it! I don't know if they are going to score that question as wrong
- Joined
- Oct 28, 2006
- Messages
- 708
- Reaction score
- 99
For the first part, which was 250 questions, it was pretty similar to PRITE questions. Rather straightforward.
On part II of the exam, I agree with Magi. I felt that there were a few flaws, with the inability to rewind or fast-forward the video rather frustrating. I felt that some of the questions were somewhat subjective- i.e. my threshhold for admitting a patient might be different from what someone else writing the questions might think. I also did notice that some of the answer choices to the questions didn't seem to match with the vignette. finally, i did notice that some questions said to pick ONE answer. well, i noticed that on that type of question, I picked TWO answers and it accepted it! I don't know if they are going to score that question as wrong
I thought about picking the wrong number of answers on a question, just to see if this happened. In the end, I just assumed that it would and tried to remain vigilant. Also, the vignettes brought about a mild feeling of wanting to shoot myself, especially given the interviewing styles of some of the psychiatrists.
- Joined
- Oct 16, 2001
- Messages
- 2,871
- Reaction score
- 1,009
Pay attention to those feelings, they tell you something about yourself 😉
Seriously the vignettes were recorded in the 70's or 80's, and the choices to hospitalize people seemed pretty soft - like based on old criteria or that of an outpatient cush PP provider rather than community psychiatry.
- Joined
- Sep 22, 2011
- Messages
- 3
- Reaction score
- 0
I also took the exam in Los Angeles on the 16th. The first part of the exam was pretty straight forward and fair. I took the Kaufman Review Course and I thought it was extremely helpful and a lot of the questions in the review course were almost word for word the same as on the exam.
The second half of the exam, the vignettes, I thought really were very inappropriate. First, the video's were from the early 90's and had obviously been video taped (with VHS tapes) and then converted into digital later on and had lost any type of resolution. It was impossible to see the patient's appearance or faces. But then the questions would ask about the patient's affect or appearance, which was impossible to tell in most of the video's. Some of the questions really did seem random and it felt like the answer could have been any of the 5-6 offered answers. Also, the interviews were really antiquated and didn't seem to be relevant to some of the questions they asked. I also agree that I almost ran out of time because I would have to play the video over again from the beginning to look for an answer I might have missed hearing the first time. I don't know why they (ABPN) couldn't give us video clips that we could fast-forward or rewind, I mean, this is 2011, right? But I think the worst thing about this is that when I was a resident last year, a bunch of us chief residents got together and spoke with ABPN about the price of the exam. Their biggest argument was that it cost a lot of money to create the new exam. Well, obviously they didn't put all their money into creating new video's. I now really wonder where all our money went..
I plan on writing ABPN a letter about how disappointed I was with the new exam and how unfair and inappropriate I feel the video vignette section was. I would urge anyone else who had issues with the exam to also speak out as 1. the vignette format should be changed (or at least updated) and 2. it wouldn't be fair if they failed a bunch of us because we had technical problems/ran out of time due to the video's. (remember, we have to pass all three parts to pass the exam..)
The second half of the exam, the vignettes, I thought really were very inappropriate. First, the video's were from the early 90's and had obviously been video taped (with VHS tapes) and then converted into digital later on and had lost any type of resolution. It was impossible to see the patient's appearance or faces. But then the questions would ask about the patient's affect or appearance, which was impossible to tell in most of the video's. Some of the questions really did seem random and it felt like the answer could have been any of the 5-6 offered answers. Also, the interviews were really antiquated and didn't seem to be relevant to some of the questions they asked. I also agree that I almost ran out of time because I would have to play the video over again from the beginning to look for an answer I might have missed hearing the first time. I don't know why they (ABPN) couldn't give us video clips that we could fast-forward or rewind, I mean, this is 2011, right? But I think the worst thing about this is that when I was a resident last year, a bunch of us chief residents got together and spoke with ABPN about the price of the exam. Their biggest argument was that it cost a lot of money to create the new exam. Well, obviously they didn't put all their money into creating new video's. I now really wonder where all our money went..
I plan on writing ABPN a letter about how disappointed I was with the new exam and how unfair and inappropriate I feel the video vignette section was. I would urge anyone else who had issues with the exam to also speak out as 1. the vignette format should be changed (or at least updated) and 2. it wouldn't be fair if they failed a bunch of us because we had technical problems/ran out of time due to the video's. (remember, we have to pass all three parts to pass the exam..)
- Joined
- Sep 19, 2011
- Messages
- 4
- Reaction score
- 0
Hi WinnieCooper. I had the exact same problems that you described and I am very much disappointed. I also plan to write letter to ABPN regarding this. Unfortunately, I see that only very few of us have come forward about this new exam format in these forums. Nitemag wrote " It went fine. Some bugs". I was expecting more rage.
- Joined
- Sep 19, 2011
- Messages
- 4
- Reaction score
- 0
I think I prepared well for the exam & string believe that I cannot study better that what I did this year. I am considering to file lawsuit if I get a negative result.
- Joined
- Oct 16, 2001
- Messages
- 2,871
- Reaction score
- 1,009
I was annoyed, but studied a decent amount and didn't hit tons of q's in part 1 where I felt bewildered. My presumption is that many of the crap vignette questions will get thrown out. Now I could have bombed it totally, who knows. Plenty to be annoyed at (bad resolution, asking to rate affective range, video player problems, other glitches). The prite had plenty of problems too, but I didn't get mad because I wasn't sure how much the problems resulted in actual bad scores since so many of those q's got thrown out. In short, until I have bad results, there's not a ton to get enraged about.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Sep 19, 2011
- Messages
- 4
- Reaction score
- 0
Originally Posted by goldennugget 
For the first part, which was 250 questions, it was pretty similar to PRITE questions. Rather straightforward.
On part II of the exam, I agree with Magi. I felt that there were a few flaws, with the inability to rewind or fast-forward the video rather frustrating. I felt that some of the questions were somewhat subjective- i.e. my threshhold for admitting a patient might be different from what someone else writing the questions might think. I also did notice that some of the answer choices to the questions didn't seem to match with the vignette. finally, i did notice that some questions said to pick ONE answer. well, i noticed that on that type of question, I picked TWO answers and it accepted it! I don't know if they are going to score that question as wrong
For the first part, which was 250 questions, it was pretty similar to PRITE questions. Rather straightforward.
On part II of the exam, I agree with Magi. I felt that there were a few flaws, with the inability to rewind or fast-forward the video rather frustrating. I felt that some of the questions were somewhat subjective- i.e. my threshhold for admitting a patient might be different from what someone else writing the questions might think. I also did notice that some of the answer choices to the questions didn't seem to match with the vignette. finally, i did notice that some questions said to pick ONE answer. well, i noticed that on that type of question, I picked TWO answers and it accepted it! I don't know if they are going to score that question as wrong
I also took the Kaufman Review Course and I found the first part was straight forward with no curve balls thrown. Not many questions I didn't know. We even practiced video questions which seemed reasonable...
The second part was a different story. The videos were antiquated from the 70s and 80s, the interview style barely helps with answering each question, the admit criteria they asked is different region to region but penalized you if you didn't agree with their criteria, and I can go on and on... on top of that, the video resolution was so poor you had to guess what their affect, how they were dressed etc. The videos, like everyone says, has a play and stop button, and if you missed something, you had to replay the whole thing again! The screen size is a 2x2 box in my screen and my 20/20 vision, I still had to squint... Where is our $3000 dollars that each of us paid to give us digital quality videos, and a rewind button! I'd rather do separate parts for the boards after completing the second part of the day! Now we have to wait 8 weeks for a pass or fail.
I'm disappointed in the boards, and I would like to see if any of the practicing prior-boarded attending can take and pass that exam and see if that was fair.
Anyhow, psychiatry wants to be regarded as part of the evidence-based medicine model but after that exam, I am seriously doubting that in the way we test our graduated residents/attendings of their knowledge... ie. subjective testing instead of objective standards that can be 100% agreed whereever you trained from Cali to NYC... that's my 2 cents.
The second part was a different story. The videos were antiquated from the 70s and 80s, the interview style barely helps with answering each question, the admit criteria they asked is different region to region but penalized you if you didn't agree with their criteria, and I can go on and on... on top of that, the video resolution was so poor you had to guess what their affect, how they were dressed etc. The videos, like everyone says, has a play and stop button, and if you missed something, you had to replay the whole thing again! The screen size is a 2x2 box in my screen and my 20/20 vision, I still had to squint... Where is our $3000 dollars that each of us paid to give us digital quality videos, and a rewind button! I'd rather do separate parts for the boards after completing the second part of the day! Now we have to wait 8 weeks for a pass or fail.
I'm disappointed in the boards, and I would like to see if any of the practicing prior-boarded attending can take and pass that exam and see if that was fair.
Anyhow, psychiatry wants to be regarded as part of the evidence-based medicine model but after that exam, I am seriously doubting that in the way we test our graduated residents/attendings of their knowledge... ie. subjective testing instead of objective standards that can be 100% agreed whereever you trained from Cali to NYC... that's my 2 cents.
- Joined
- Oct 11, 2011
- Messages
- 5
- Reaction score
- 0
I agree...Part I was straightforward and fair. Part 2 was horrible for me! I found myself rushing thru the videos and was unable to even hear the last two videos. I think the ABPN website is extremely misleading..it IS possible to forward and rewind the sample video they provided on their website prior to the exam..and the real exam did NOT ALLOW THIS!!!! THIS IS LEGALLY WRONG AND NEEDS TO BE BROUGHT UP. Personally, I lost time trying the hear the first video twice, not realizing this factor. I agree that more people should bring this up and complain to ABPN. Perhaps the second part should be eliminated or they should pass everyone due to all these errors.
- Joined
- Oct 14, 2011
- Messages
- 1
- Reaction score
- 0
I agree with much of all that was written above regarding problems with Part C of the new certification exam. I'm wondering how many people actually did write to the board about these issues? I did write to the ABPN about my concerns with the video/vignette portion and I would suggest that others do the same as soon as possible because they are still in the process of grading the exam.
The address for ABPN is:
2150 E. Lake Cook Road, Suite 900, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
Their email is: [email protected]
Their phone number is: 847.229.6500
Good luck to everyone!
The address for ABPN is:
2150 E. Lake Cook Road, Suite 900, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
Their email is: [email protected]
Their phone number is: 847.229.6500
Good luck to everyone!
- Joined
- Oct 16, 2001
- Messages
- 2,871
- Reaction score
- 1,009
I sent an email. Though while doing it I'm aware that I could be putting myself at risk just for writing it. Waiting until after the score is returned (and possibly failed) would definitely make it seem spiteful, though. I figured writing early may at least get the issues taken into consideration, regardless of the risks.
- Joined
- Sep 22, 2011
- Messages
- 3
- Reaction score
- 0
So I did write ABPN a letter about 3 weeks ago and I got a reply dated, September 30, stating:
"Thank you for your input regarding the Psychiatry Certification Examination. We will direct your inquiry to the appropriate committee for review.
sincerely,
Mary Foertsch, PhD
Director, Test Development"
So at least they received my letter and someone read it.
I hope everyone who felt the exam was inappropriate and/or unfair will write a letter or e-mail ABPN. They need to hear what we have to say. If enough of us contact them regarding this matter, they won't have a choice but to take the complaints seriously.
- Joined
- Sep 22, 2011
- Messages
- 3
- Reaction score
- 0
Hi ComputerGuy,
You make a really good point that I didn't even think about!
I also was really behind on time because I was taking too long studying the videos. I was on track to not finish on time so I started having to only watch half/three-quarters of the videos and try to answer the questions as best I could.
I really hope you took the time/take the time to write to them about your concern.
- Joined
- Sep 14, 2011
- Messages
- 27
- Reaction score
- 2
Forgive my naivete but how could writing an email put you at risk? At risk of what?
- Joined
- Oct 11, 2011
- Messages
- 5
- Reaction score
- 0
I have written to ABPN expressing my concerns as well. Hopefully, they take it seriously. I would strongly like to urge others to do the same and also to tell their colleagues from residency/work who took the exam to also write letters as soon as possible as they are probably in the midst of grading this as someone mentioned in a previous post!
I agree with all the posts so far.There were not enough sample video vignettes on the web site. They just give you 1 sample video and suddenly expect you to know how the exam will be conducted and sit for the test.
There were no breaks integrated in the afternoon.They expect you to sit for marathon 4hrs 15 min and take the test without scheduled breaks.
When I called the board they tell you that you could take unscheduled breaks during the afternoon session when the real time is running. How on earth can you take it when you are behind scheduled for each and every case vignette and the time was running was so fast.
The video quality was horrible. The audio quality of the psychiatrist interviewing the patient was horrible.
As someone rightly mentioned it was impossible to comment on the affect/general appearance of the patient.
I think more and more candidates should write to the ABPN telling how unfair this exam was conducted and there were lot of flaws in the way the questions were infact written.I am sure the current faculty will struggle with this test.
I have already written to the board and the email needs to be sent to:
[email protected] ( Jackie Pasternak) who will forward it to the test committee.
I received a letter from board stating that my concerns will be forwarded to the test review committee.
Hopefully ABPN will take our concerns seriously.
There were no breaks integrated in the afternoon.They expect you to sit for marathon 4hrs 15 min and take the test without scheduled breaks.
When I called the board they tell you that you could take unscheduled breaks during the afternoon session when the real time is running. How on earth can you take it when you are behind scheduled for each and every case vignette and the time was running was so fast.
The video quality was horrible. The audio quality of the psychiatrist interviewing the patient was horrible.
As someone rightly mentioned it was impossible to comment on the affect/general appearance of the patient.
I think more and more candidates should write to the ABPN telling how unfair this exam was conducted and there were lot of flaws in the way the questions were infact written.I am sure the current faculty will struggle with this test.
I have already written to the board and the email needs to be sent to:
[email protected] ( Jackie Pasternak) who will forward it to the test committee.
I received a letter from board stating that my concerns will be forwarded to the test review committee.
Hopefully ABPN will take our concerns seriously.
- Joined
- Oct 11, 2011
- Messages
- 5
- Reaction score
- 0
I think it is a big mistake on their part for displaying a video that you can forward and rewind on the website and the test was completely different. The video started again from the beginning on the real exam..I am sure many people lost time due to this. I really think this is a point that should be mentioned to abpn as it is THEIR mistake..so they are forced to take that into consideration.
I have written to them already but want others to also bring this point up (they may take it seriously if many people complain about that)
I have written to them already but want others to also bring this point up (they may take it seriously if many people complain about that)
I agree that I was rushed during the second half of the day. The first part of the day, I had an hour to spare so I was able to use the restroom and get some water.
The second half, I rushed through each question and watched one video twice (never intended to watch it twice b/c all I needed was a 30 sec segment to be re-watched but I watched the entire 5 minutes again) and I had less than 5 minutes to spare (clicked through 30 questions in 10 minutes to do so). There was no way for me to leave... check out wth the front desk THEN check in - NO WAY!
I don't understand the concept of not letting you have the time that I had left over from the first half like the USMLE's...
anyone else had this issue???
How do we get more people to write to them to address this issue and the issue of HORRIBLE resolution... not everyone uses this forum..
I just can't imagine that any of those board members could take that exam without a restroom break??? any body out there with HTN and on HCTZ would be in trouble (j/k)!!! like to see if those sitting on the boards have this issue and take a 4+hr exam...
The second half, I rushed through each question and watched one video twice (never intended to watch it twice b/c all I needed was a 30 sec segment to be re-watched but I watched the entire 5 minutes again) and I had less than 5 minutes to spare (clicked through 30 questions in 10 minutes to do so). There was no way for me to leave... check out wth the front desk THEN check in - NO WAY!
I don't understand the concept of not letting you have the time that I had left over from the first half like the USMLE's...
anyone else had this issue???
How do we get more people to write to them to address this issue and the issue of HORRIBLE resolution... not everyone uses this forum..
I just can't imagine that any of those board members could take that exam without a restroom break??? any body out there with HTN and on HCTZ would be in trouble (j/k)!!! like to see if those sitting on the boards have this issue and take a 4+hr exam...
probably having your name associated with a complaint and having the ABPN single you out...
- Joined
- Sep 14, 2011
- Messages
- 27
- Reaction score
- 2
Single you out for?...
Forgive me, I don't understand the paranoia. What's wrong with having your name associated with a legitimate complaint?
I guess u can call it what u like, even if it's a legit complaint... the majority of the people in general don't like to be a whistle blower... It calls out the test maker and it may cause retribution... That's why during residency, when the PD gets a legitimate complaint, it can often cause a rift or retaliation by the pgm PD to single a resident out, ie that is why it's now done anonymously ... There's cases of people of authority to take these complaints as something personal when it shouldn't... But hope w/ a majority of us complaining of the same issue, this will be a none issue...
- Joined
- Oct 16, 2001
- Messages
- 2,871
- Reaction score
- 1,009
Received letter today - "Thank you for your input regarding the ...examination...We will direct your inquiry to the appropriate committee for review."
- Joined
- Dec 2, 2004
- Messages
- 6,379
- Reaction score
- 4,361
They have Top Men working on it right now. Top. Men.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6-rQ6Jay6w&feature=related
