NABCEP test disclosure [RE-wrenches]

[Kirk Herander, VSE]

What is the purpose of dislosure? To correct/prevent bias or to better
prepare future takers to pass it? The test is not biased. Doesn't it cheapen
the results of those who passed this first round if disclosure makes the
test "easier" to pass? IMO, disclosure already exists in the form of the
study guide. If you understood the study guide material and do not get
nervous taking tests you have an excellent chance of passing. As I recall
some of the test questions were more or less verbatum from the study guide.
It is ill-advised to push for disclosure. BTW, I wonder what % of us who
passed took a prep workshop vs. % of us who didn't take a workshop. It's the
installer's job to take advantage of all prep materials and resources, of
which there are several. Disclosure does not need to be added to that list.

Kirk
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bob-O Schultze, Electron Connection" <econnect at snowcrest.net>
To: <RE-wrenches at topica.com>
Sent: Sunday, November 30, 2003 6:36 PM
Subject: Re: NABCEP test disclosure [RE-wrenches]


Jeff,
Wow. I sincerely hope that "this kind of logic
and legality" doesn't apply to NABCEP. It's a
voluntary trade certification, not a publicly
funded, open admissions policy, kind of thing. I
doubt that disclosure is required. It isn't of
IBEW testing, for example.
I agree with you in one aspect that errors and
bias cannot stand. Toward that end, NABCEP has an
independent testing firm review the test in a
psychometric manner. (Whatever that means!) What
it DOES is catch bad questions. In your round of
testing, for example, it was discovered that two
questions were missed by an overwhelming large
percentage of the test takers. Further, those two
questions were missed overwhelming by the persons
scoring highest on the test overall. Obviously
they were bad questions, one way or the other. So
we threw them out. I don't even know which ones
they were. As a test taker myself, I was not
allow any access of any kind to the test , but I
bet I missed them too!
In terms of making a NABCEP certification a real
deal as far as the test is concerned, we're on
it. Our test and procedures meet the ISO
Whatever-it-is standard for certifications. I
think I speak for the rest of the directors when
I say that we really appreciate comments like
this. They keep us engaged and the Wrenches
informed.
I think Pogo said it best. "We have met the enemy
and he is us." Welcome aboard.
Best, Bob-O

>Why does the College Board release the SAT tests after they are given? I
>believe it's the result of a long law suit, which indicated that since the
>SAT could have such a large influence on a person's future, they had a
right
>to see the test at some point, to make sure there were not errors, bias, or
>other problems in the test.
>
>In fact, after this disclosure started, the SAT has been changed, because
>they have found errors and bias. (Real factual errors, which marked people
>wrong for answerers they got right. Also found that some answers actually
>had more than one truly correct answer.)
>
>It's my understanding that most educators believe the SAT to be a better
>test because of disclosure.
>
>Whether this kind of logic and legality applies to NABCEP probably has to
do
>with NABCEP certification's standing in the professional world. If it
>becomes what most of us want, then the tests will need to have some process
>of disclosure. If it remains an obscure standard with little or no
financial
>benefit, then it does not matter.
>
>It's my sincere hope that NABCEP does become a strong standard (as
discussed
>in many other recent posts). It's also my strong desire that the tests have
>a method of disclosure as NABCEP moves forward. This is not sour grapes, I
>passed handily. It has everything to do with making NABCEP a clear,
>transparent, leading certification means.
>
>
>Jeffery D. Wolfe, P.E.
>NABCEP Certified Solar PV InstallerT

--
Bob-O Schultze, Electron Connection
PO Box 203, Hornbrook, CA 96044
800.945.7587 or 530.475.3402
fax 530-475-3401
www.electronconnection.com

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