Practice in computer-based testing improves scores on the National Certification Examination for Nurse Anesthetists

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Nursing Anesthesia
• Educational Technology

Background:

• Computer-based tests (CBTs) are increasingly used in professional certification.
• The impact of CBT practice on performance in high-stakes nursing exams is not fully understood.
• Student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs) face rigorous National Certification Examination (NCE) requirements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if CBT practice influences SRNAs' NCE scores.
• To compare NCE performance between SRNAs with extensive CBT practice and those with primarily paper-based testing experience.
• To identify if GPA moderates the effect of CBT practice on NCE scores.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study comparing two matched groups of SRNAs (n=73 each).
• Groups matched on age, GPA, and gender.
• Analysis of covariance used to adjust for GPA and compare NCE scores.

Main Results:

• SRNAs with greater CBT practice achieved higher mean NCE scores (2.68) compared to those with less practice (2.36), controlling for GPA.
• The positive effect of CBT practice was significant for students with a GPA of 3.50 or less (effect size 1.1).
• Higher GPA was generally associated with higher NCE scores.

Conclusions:

• Controlling for GPA, increased CBT practice is associated with higher NCE scores among SRNAs.
• CBT practice appears particularly beneficial for SRNAs with lower to moderate academic performance (GPA ≤ 3.50).
• These findings support the integration of CBTs in anesthesia education to potentially improve certification outcomes.