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The BOC has prepared two sample hybrid problems to familiarize candidates with the look and feel of the hybrid interface and its navigation tools. These items are NOT intended to be a study aid.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN…

The BOC recommends using Microsoft Internet Explorer^®6 to view these problems. If you are using a browser other than Microsoft Internet Explorer^®6, you may need to load additional plugins.

On March 27, 2007, the BOC updated the sample hybrid problems, enhancing several features:

• On the item titled “Facial Laceration,” titles will appear with the cursor after the update. Currently, the titles for each item in the tool bar do not appear directly under the item, they appear at the left edge of the tool bar.
• The option of “erasing” work done with the mouse (i.e., wound cleaning and wound closure) will be active.
• Candidates will be able to “uncheck” an item in the N-wise multiple choice items.
• Candidates will be required to confirm each step in a demonstration question (e.g., animated simulation) before proceeding.
• Candidates may take the sample problems as many times as they need to become familiar with the interface

Sample Hybrid Problems

The objective of the workshop:

1. Describe the purpose of the exam.
2. Identify the features common to each BOC exam.
3. Describe the various types of items used in the single-exam CBE format.
4. Determine an appropriate use of these types of items.
5. Identify educational strategies for exam preparation.

Presentation of this web cast is made possible through the generous support of the Herbert H. And Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions of Central Michigan University.

Click here to view the webcast.

For a detailed explanation about hybrid items, their development and how candidates will work through the items please visit the web cast presentation recently made at the Educators Conference. Thank you.

Candidates who have registered and paid for an upcoming exam window are sent an email from ACT Testing Center (ACT) approximately three weeks before the start of the exam window. Additional emails are also sent to confirm exam scheduling. After the last large email distribution, we noticed some users with Hotmail accounts had their scheduling and/or confirmation email(s) swept into SPAM folders. Although we have not received comparable reports from users of other email providers, the possibility of inappropriate interception exists in the future.

Previously, ACT emails were sent from the email address scheduling@act.org. To ensure that exam candidates receive critical exam information, ACT has changed the 'from' address to act-centers@act.org. This new address should bypass SPAM filters. However, in order to receive future email correspondence, it is the candidate's responsibility to add the act-centers@act.org address to your acceptable or known sender list.

Each email provider uses different procedures to add an email address to its safe sender list. Please check your service provider's documentation to guarantee that you receive these critical emails.

Our content experts have developed sample questions to help you become familiar with the new CBE format and delivery. Below are three links. Two links for two separate written simulation questions and one link for the 25 sample written questions.

Important: After opening one of the Written Simulation exam screens, be certain to click on the HELP/TUTORIAL button. Reviewing the tutorial will familiarize you with the screen layout, question format and response options. You will not receive scores for the sample questions. The sample questions are a tool to familiarize you with how these items will work and appear on the CBE. This is not a study guide.

Important- Note pages six and seven of Written Simulation tutorial. Once a candidate makes a selection and receives feedback they cannot "uncheck" the selection. This selection will be scored.

Sample Written (25 questions) - review help button

Sample Written Simulation One — review tutorial

Sample Written Simulation Two — review tutorial

If you have any questions please contact the BOC at RegX@bocatc.org or (877) 262-3926.

The BOC presented on Friday, June 16, 2006 at the NATA National Meeting. The title of the presentation was “Computer Based Examination BOC Update”. The presentation was recorded and has been posted on the BOC website at this link. We encourage you to view this presentation at your earliest convenience.

***IMPORTANT*** - Wednesday, July 5, 2006 at 4:30 PM CT, the BOC suspended exam registration for the November 19, 2006 exam and beyond. This is necessary to allow everyone involved in the transition adequate time to modify and test our registration system. Our plan is to open registration no later than Monday, September 18, 2006 at 9 am CT. Candidates who have already registered for the exam will keep their confirmed seat(s). There will be an internet based presentation in September 2006, which will explain and demonstrate in greater detail: the registration process, testing windows and administration for the Computer Based Exam.

Beginning with the November 19, 2006 exam, candidates taking the Written and Written Simulation section(s) of the exam will do so during the two week window of November 6-17th at ACT Centers across the country. ACT has over 200 Centers across the US and Canada. Candidates needing to take the Practical exam will do so on Sunday, November 19, 2006 at BOC exam sites.

Some of the important points that are included in the online presentation are as follows:
1. Candidates taking the Written or Written Simulation sections of the examination will go to ACT Centers starting with the November administration. The Practical will be administered at BOC exam sites.
2. These candidates will take the Written and Written Simulation exams during the two weeks prior to the November 19 administration of the practical exam.
3. January 2007 exam - Written and Written Simulation exams will be administered via computer at ACT testing centers. The Practical will be administered at BOC exam sites
4. The last time the BOC exam will be administered in “sections” will be April 2007. Written, Written Simulation and Hybrid exams will be administered via computer at ACT testing centers. The Practical will be administered at BOC exam sites.
5. June 2007 will be the first completely computerized exam. The exam will be administered at ACT testing centers during two week testing windows.
6. Any candidates who need to retake ANY section of the BOC exam after the April 2007 exam date will retake a SINGLE exam via computer based delivery at an ACT testing center. They will take the “integrated” four hour exam. The exam will no longer be administered in “sections”.
7. Candidates will be able to take the exam once during each two week testing window.

Again, there will be an internet based presentation in September 2006, which will explain and demonstrate in greater detail: the registration process, testing windows and administration for the Computer Based Exam.
The BOC will notify all candidates via email and postings on our web site no less than 72 hours before the registration re-opens.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during the transition. Please contact the BOC office with any questions you have regarding this process at regx@bocatc.org or 877-262-3926.