In-Service Exam

FAQs

What is the APCCMPD/ACCP/ATS Inservice Examination?
It is an examination with 125 questions, computer based, constructed to test both pulmonary and critical care knowledge. It has been developed as a “low stakes” examination not to be used for promotion. The exam was developed for programs to get feedback on their curriculum and for fellows to be able to evaluate their knowledge base from year to year.

How was the examination developed?
The examination was developed by a 9 member writing committee (members of the ACCP/ATS and APCCMPD) in conjunction with AMP (Applied Measurement Professionals). A list of the writing committee can be found on the APCCMPD website. The writing committee used the ABIM blueprint and established program curriculum to develop a content outline. The content outline can be found on the APCCMPD website.

When is the exam administered?
The exam will be administered each spring. For 2009, the exam will be administered Monday, April 27 - Friday, May 8, 2009.

How do I register my fellows?
Program directors will be provided with a special link that will take them to a secure online area that will require a unique login and password to access the registration area. The login and passwords will be provided via e-mail from the testing company to program directors prior to the registration period in March. Program directors will be able to register their first year, second year, and third year fellows.

How is the exam administered?
The exam is administered as a three hour computer based-examination via the Internet. Please refer to the “How to administer the examination” document on the APCCMPD website that will provide some preliminary, general information. More specific recommended procedures will be provided prior to the administration window.

Who can take the examination?
The examination was developed for all fellow levels.

What type of feedback will my fellows and my program receive?
Approximately six weeks after the administration window, program directors and individual fellows will receive results of the examination with a breakdown of all content areas. The program directors will also have access to separate group summary reports that will provide a comparison of each fellow’s results to national averages by year, as well as a comparison of all fellows from that program to national averages.

How much does the examination cost?
The examination costs $200/1st and 2nd year fellow, $100/3rd year fellow. Payment can be made by credit card or by net 30-day terms, in which case a numbered invoice will be mailed (email and regular mail) to the program director's office. It will also include the tax id# for your use. Program directors who register their fellows will be able to register to take the examination as well free of charge if they choose; specific instructions on how to get the free examination will be provided via e-mail from the testing agency prior to the registration period in March.

What are the future plans for the examination?
Over the next several years, additional questions will be validated and revised as needed. Examination length may increase in the future as needed. There is also a research protocol that has been IRB approved, which will include comparing the examination to fellow board scores and a program’s curriculum content.