Developing the gastroenterology certification examination.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Professional Certification
• Gastroenterology Nursing

Background:

• Credentialing examinations are crucial for validating professional competence.
• The Certifying Board of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (CBGNA) requires a standardized examination process.
• Public protection is a key responsibility of professional certifying bodies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a typical procedure for developing credentialing examinations.
• To detail the developmental history of the Certification Examination for Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates.
• To highlight the importance of each development phase in ensuring public safety.

Main Methods:

• A four-step approach to examination development is presented.
• Steps include role delineation, item writing, examination construction, and passing score determination.
• The process emphasizes the contribution of each phase to public protection.

Main Results:

• The paper provides a clear, replicable framework for examination development.
• The Certification Examination for Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates serves as a practical example.
• Each stage of development is shown to contribute to the integrity of the certification.

Conclusions:

• The described four-step process is effective for developing robust credentialing examinations.
• Adherence to this structured development process supports the CBGNA's commitment to public protection.
• This methodology ensures that certified gastroenterology nurses and associates meet essential standards of practice.