How is the Pediatric MOC Part 3 Proctored Exam scored ?

We just released our blog with suggestions on taking the MOC 3 Pediatric Recertification Exam. Within a day we received a notice from the ABP which was also posted on their website that they are changing the way the exam will be scored and how the results will be provided.

I didn’t mention in the previous blog that I did indeed score high enough to pass my Part 3 MOC (hold the applause please) and boy am I glad since I do not like any change.

(For those of you like this information straight up on the rocks, this is the link to the American Board of Pediatrics announcement: click here)

Here is the TL:DR (too long didn’t read) version:

1) What percentage correct do you now need to pass the exam?

You still need to get around 75% correct to pass the exam, and yes that means you need to get approximately 75% to get a raw score of 180.

2) What was wrong with the old way of scoring…back in the good old days of June 2013, when life was simple and sweet?

Well that is a good question and the answer is back in those days there was essentially only one exam that everyone took. Today in the era of September 2013, there is more than 1 exam and that leads to a greater variation in the amount and type of questions (note: there may be some overlap with what questions are asked on each specific exam). Therefore, there is much more “examic diversity” and all of the exams are not created equally. Some questions are easier than others. Therefore, the percentage correct will not necessarily be the same for each exam. Some, for example, might allow a passing grade for a score below 75%. However the scaled score for that passing grade will be 180.

3) Will I still know how I did in each specialty?

In the past you were told what percentage correct you got broken down by specialty. Now, you are going to be told, your raw score for each of the 17-specialty areas.

**They are going to a standardized score**

Up until now it was pretty straightforward: you got around 75% correct (not 80%) and you passed. There was essentially ONE test given

Bottom line is you need a scaled score of 180 to pass, but the percentage correct you need for that raw score will now vary depending on which version of the exam you are taking.

If you have not taken the exam yet and your certification expires December 31 ^st, 2013 we suggest you sign up now since you can take twice and you want to leave yourself a margin of error.