Scoring
Scoring for all candidates takes place after the test administration window closes. Scores are computed based on the correct responses recorded by candidates. It is to the candidate’s advantage to answer every question on the examination. There is no penalty in the scoring formula for guessing. The individual score report will indicate whether the candidate passed or failed the examination. Scores will range from a minimum of 200 to a maximum of 800. The minimum passing score on BPS examinations is 500. Pass/fail decisions are based on the total score indicated on the score report, not on performance in the domains.
BPS creates new versions, or forms, of all of its tests on a regular basis. In assembling the new forms, BPS and its testing consultants follow best practices in certification testing so that all forms are comparable in content and difficulty. Once the examination forms have been equated, a procedure called scaling is used to convert the actual number of correct answers, or raw scores, to a uniform scale. These converted scores are called scaled scores. Equated, scaled scores ensure that all candidates for a BPS specialty certification demonstrate at least the same level of knowledge in order to pass the examination.
The passing standards, or cut scores, used in BPS examinations were established using criterion-referenced procedures that are widely used in certification. Criterion-referenced passing standards link the score required to pass a test to the minimum level of knowledge required for specialty certification. Each BPS specialty certification program has its own passing standard.
In order to protect the security and integrity of the specialty certification examinations, neither BPS nor its testing agency release examination questions, individual answer strings, or the answer key to any individual or organization. Efforts are made by BPS, its Specialty Councils, and its testing agency to produce completely accurate examinations; however, if a candidate believes there is an error in an examination question, the concern should be noted in the candidate comments of the exam and the candidate should contact BPS immediately after the examination.
Score Reporting
Application to take the certification examination constitutes written authorization for the testing agency to release that candidate’s score to BPS and to the examinee ONLY. Once the scoring is complete, statistical information on candidate performance in the aggregate is provided to Specialty Council members for review and confirmation. No names or identifying codes are available so that complete anonymity is maintained.
Candidates in the windows testing model can expect to receive their score reports within 90 calendar days following the close of the scheduled examination administration window Candidates in the continuous testing model can expect to receive a score report within 60 calendar days of their testing session.
Candidates can access score reports by logging in to their MyBPS accounts.
For reasons of privacy and confidentiality, examination results are released to the candidate only. Examination results will not be given via telephone or fax. Access to a candidate’s score report is limited to those staff at BPS and Prometric who are involved in the processing of these reports. BPS will not release personal information (other than name/address of certified individuals under established policy) without written authorization.
Newly-certified pharmacy specialists will be added to BPS’ official roster of certified pharmacists. This searchable list of BPS-certified specialists is published on the BPS website.
BPS Comparative Review Scoring Request
REQUEST FOR COMPARATIVE REVIEW OF THE BOARD OF PHARMACY SPECIALTIES (BPS) CERTIFICATION/RECERTIFICATION EXAMINATION
A comparative review verifies that the candidate’s answers were scored against the correct examination answer key to confirm the candidate’s examination was scored properly. Please note that the computer-based examination scoring process is accurate, and that the BPS scoring process already includes several quality assurance steps.
A comparative review/hand scoring of a BPS examination may be requested on your MyBPS profile. The request must submitted with a $50 USD fee. Requests must be received within 30 calendar days of the candidate receiving the score report. Please allow 30 calendar days to process requests.
