Outcomes assessment: choosing a psychometrically sound nursing achievement test

Summative assessment of nursing education is a common pre-graduation activity. The author describes how nursing faculty members can ensure that they have chosen a psychometrically sound nursing achievement test. First, the criteria by which standardized examinations should be evaluated are explored. Then, two common achievement tests, the Mosby Assess Test and the National League for Nursing Diagnostic Readiness Test for RN Licensure, are analyzed for their strengths and limitations.