A research agenda for licensing and certification testing validation studies

The set of articles appearing in this issue of Evaluation & the Health Professions provides an in-depth examination of the validation process for licensing and certification test score decisions. The winter 1990 issue of Educational Measurement: Issues and Practice also contains an excellent set of articles about licensing and certification tests. These special editions are much needed because these kinds of testing programs are increasing in numbers and aim to ensure public safety, promote growth of professions, and positively affect the careers of persons dedicated to serving in these professions. This article will comment on issues raised by the authors of these articles. But before doing this, a context is described that affects these issues.