NMTCB REPORT - Computerized Testing

Sep 5, 2026

NMTCB report outlines the strategic decision to pursue computerized testing for its nuclear medicine technology certification exam and explains two primary delivery models: CBT and CAT. CBT places the full exam on a computer, allowing skipping and answer changes, with adjustments to testing time. CAT adapts question difficulty to candidate performance, producing different test lengths while improving exam security. The report also covers scheduling, testing site logistics, result turnaround, and possible future exam formats after implementation.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

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NMTCB REPORT

Computerized Testing Strategy

CBT vs CAT

Scheduling, Test Sites, and Results

Future Exam Possibilities

ast fall the NMTCB held a strate-gic planning session where it wasdecided to actively pursue comput-erized testing of the NMTCB examina-tion.In this era of rapidly advancingcomputer technology in the testingarena,the NMTCB realized there weremany advantages to the new certificantsand possible uses to current certificantsas well. | Examination Dates
The Nuclear Medicine
Technology
Certification Board
1994-1995
Application
Exam
Deadline
Year
Date
1994
July 16
September 24
April 15
June 24
1995
July 15
1995
September 23
For more information or to request an
application,contact:
NMTCB
2970 Clairmont Rd,Suite 610
Atlanta,GA 30329-1634
(404)315-1739·FAX:(404)315-6502 | | --- | There are two types of computerizedtesting commonly used on the markettoday.The first type is called comput-er-based testing(CBT)and simplymeans that the entire examination isplaced on the computer.Examinees sitin front of a computer in individual car-rels and answer 225 questions if takingthe NMTCB,which is the current examlength.They have access to a calculatorand paper and pencil just as they wouldfor a written exam.Sometimes imageson the exam might be provided on hardcopy as well. With CBT,examinees have the optionof skipping questions or changinganswers if desired.Because taking a teston the computer requires more manipu-lation and thus more time than a standardexam,more time for the test itself is usu-ally allotted.For example,NMTCBexaminees might be allowed five hoursinstead of four. The second type of computerized test-ing is called computer-adaptive testing(CAT).This test is adapted to eachexaminee's ability to answer the ques-tions.The test is also taken on a com-puter and starts out with a question ofmedium difficulty.If the examineeanswers correctly,the next question willbe a little harder.It is assumed that ifthe examinee answered the questions ofmedium difficulty,he would also haveanswered the easier questions correctly.If the examinee does not answer the firstquestion correctly,an easier item isselected automatically by the computerprogram. The examinees proceed through theexam and depending on their ability to # NMTCB REPORT Martha W.Pickett,CNMTChair form of computerized testing.Test sta-tistics change considerably when utiliz-ing either CBT or CAT,and it is impor-tant that these changes in testingprocedures be worked out in detail withthe testing agency.The NMTCB con-tracts with the American College ofTesting(ACT)for its testing services. With either approach,students stillmust sit for the exam in the manner cur-rently employed.An application is sub-mitted and upon approval,the examineeis provided an admission form and a listof possible test locations.There aremany more test sites when using com-puterized testing since many universi-ties and private businesses now haveextensive computer labs that can be usedfor professional testing services. Instead of being assigned to a specificdate in September,the examinee callsand makes an appointment at the mostconvenient test site on the list and selectsa time and date after a predeterminedstart date,e.g.,after September 1.Usu-ally there is a window during which thetest must be taken,but that window isfairly generous.We might expect theNMTCB exam to be offered anytimefrom September 1 through November answer more difficult items,they maynot have to answer the easier items.Therefore,it is possible for a veryknowledgeable examinee to take a rela-tively short test,perhaps answering only60 or 70 questions.The examinee whohas more difficulty may have to answerall the questions.Regardless of testlength,the examinee who makes a pass-ing score will have to have answeredquestions in all categories and on alltasks identified by the examining board. 30,for example. Upon completion of the test,depend-ing on exactly the kind of testingservices the NMTCB will contract for,

FAQs

What is the difference between CBT and CAT in the NMTCB exam?

CBT presents the entire exam on a computer and allows skipping and changing answers, while CAT adapts each next question’s difficulty to the examinee’s prior responses.

How is test length determined under CAT?

Test length can vary because candidates who answer correctly at medium difficulty may face harder items without needing to answer easier ones, while candidates who miss initial items receive easier questions automatically.

How soon can examinees expect results after computerized testing is implemented?

Results are expected within a very short period, potentially immediately after completion, and no longer require the current four to six week waiting period.

Sep 5, 2026

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