Certification - Examination Dates
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THE EXAM
Please note these important changes in format from previous exams
1. Beginning with the 2009 examination, the 2008 Test Template (based on the 2008 Role Delineation Document) will be used as the guideline to formulate the certification examination.
2. Practical images are no longer projected onto a screen at the front of the examination room for candidates. All images are now reproduced and included in each candidate's exam booklet. This will now allow candidates to answer questions at their own rate and return to specific questions as needed. This will also alleviate concerns regarding optimal seating to view images.
3. Beginning in 2010, there will be one single examination rather than two separate examinations (written and practical). A proportion (approximately 25-40%) of the questions on the examination will involve images (such as photos, charts or tables) which will be printed in the examination booklet. All questions will be multiple-choice format. Candidates will be required to pass this combined examination, even if they have previously passed only one of them in 2009 or 2008.
See the How to Apply page for complete instructions.
Questions on the Written and Practical exam are balanced to the ACLAM Test Template which is based on the 2008 Role Delineation Document. The written exam will consist of approximately 240 multiple choice questions and the practical exam will consist of approximately 135 multiple choice questions
Roughly 66% of the questions on the exam are derived from the ACLAM test data base. This allows for 33% of the questions as new. Often these new questions are drawn from current literature and recent publications. Additionally, new questions may also be added from standard laboratory animal resources (i.e. textbooks and regulations).
Prior to 2005, exams were considerably longer with a higher percentage of new questions. The current exam format of fewer questions and therefore fewer new questions may have given the impression that current literature was not important or necessary to review. This is not true. Questions are still generated from current literature but we attempt to focus all questions to the important topics of laboratory animal medicine as highlighted in the ACLAM Role Delineation Document.
The cut off date for new information for the current years exam is that the information must have been published prior to December 31 of the previous year.
The Examination Committee revises the examinations each year. Completed written and practical sections are evaluated separately. A candidate must pass both sections to be considered for membership by the Board of Directors of the College.
As in previous years, if a candidate fails either part of the examination, he/she is permitted to repeat that part two more times within 26 months of the examination for which he/she is qualified. This procedure will continue in 2009 for candidates who passed only one exam section in either 2007 or 2008.
If the candidate is unable to pass both parts of the examination in the three attempts permitted during this time, and desires to retake the examinations, he/she may be required to show evidence of additional training and/or experience before being permitted to re-apply for examination.
However, as noted above, this procedure will change in 2010 when a single examination will be administered. For this reason, a candidate who passes only one of the sections (written or practical) in 2008 or 2009 must pass the single combined examination in 2010 to become a diplomate in 2010.
Additional details on credentials requirements, the examination procedure, and applications for the examination may be obtained from the Executive Director.
ACLAM Executive Director
Dr. Melvin W. Balk
96 Chester Street
Chester, NH 03036
Phone: (603) 887-2467
E-Mail: mwbaclam@gsinet.net
2010 CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION INFORMATION
The 2010 examination will be held on Sunday, July 25 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Bethesda, MD. There are now two application dates available. Early applications are due Aug. 15, 2009 and the final date for applications is Dec. 15, 2009.
Additional details on credentials requirements, the examination procedure, and applications for the examination may be obtained from the Executive Director.
ACLAM Executive Director
Dr. Melvin W. Balk
96 Chester Street
Chester, NH 03036
Phone: (603) 887-2467
FAX: 603-887-0096
E-Mail: mwbaclam@gsinet.net
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