Occupational knowledge exams are in multiple-choice format and may be written in either English or French (some exceptions may apply).  Exams may be written online, scheduled at your convenience or in a pencil-and-paper format at a scheduled writing session.  All exams are proctored.  This means that a designated invigilator or supervisor will be present while you write the exam.

 

 

Each exam question will have four choices for you to select from.  Only one of the choices is the correct answer.  Here is an example of an exam question:

 

What is the most effective way to plan a workday?

 

1.      Prioritize duties to meet goals.

2.      Build a schedule around personal strengths.

3.      Determine the schedule of co-workers.

4.      Make customer satisfaction a priority.

 

Criteria based on National Occupational Standards are used to ensure exam questions are valid, reliable, and fair.  

 

 

The occupational knowledge exam is developed by “testing experts” who construct the exam to assess or measure a specific skill, ability or characteristic as defined in the National Occupational Standards.  These standards are based on input and decisions of experts in the field.

 

Next, the exam items are pilot tested by administering them to a large number of individuals represented by the occupation in question and to a similar sample of individuals who are not familiar with the occupation.  Measurement experts analyze the results and work with a panel to make decisions on each exam item, including its level of difficulty. 

 

The exam must:

 

 

In other words, the exam must be reliable, fair, and valid.

 

The final product is a multiple choice exam, usually comprised of 100 questions (though this may vary from one occupation to another). 

 

Industry experts also create the performance evaluation measurements, which may involve incognito observation on-the-job, a case study or a structured interview. 

 

While no assessment procedure is perfect, the exams are highly accurate as they were developed by industry experts and are used within the limits for which they were designed.

 

Yes, exams are periodically updated.  

Well-designed exams that are used for their intended purpose do not ask questions that invade an individual’s privacy, which is the case for exams that are used in the emerit Professional Certification program.  Furthermore, the results of the exam are kept confidential, except from the exam taker (or legal guardians), the experts who are authorized to give and interpret the exam, and the individuals who are involved in the decision-making process for which the exam was administered.

 

 

The testing used in emerit Professional Certification programs is an indication that you have mastered the knowledge requirements as defined in the National Occupational Standards.  Failing the exam simply means you may not have mastered the knowledge.  However, the results of the exam alone are not sufficient indicators to determine whether you are entirely qualified for a job or promotion. 

Even a battery of exams should not be the sole deciding factor in hiring or promoting.  Properly used, exams are only one part of a process that includes other steps; for example, application forms, personal interviews, supervisor ratings, and background checks.  Considered together, the results of these techniques can provide a more comprehensive picture of an individual to help an employer make the right decision for both the employee and the company.

 

 

National Occupational Standards are a core source of information that can help you study and prepare.  Optional study/training materials are also available for many of the emerit Professional Certification programs.  To find out more, please visit www.emerit.ca.

 

To book an exam date, contact us. 

 

Before you write the exam, you will need to present a piece of photo identification.  Pencil-and-paper exams are scheduled for a set time and will start on time.  Individuals who arrive late may be asked to reschedule, so as not to disrupt other candidates.

 

Exam writings are set up in the community that you live or work in.  STEC makes every effort to ensure that it is easy for you to get to an exam writing centre.

Exams can be completed orally.  You must let STEC know that an oral exam is required when you schedule the exam date.  Extra time will be needed for an oral exam; for example, a one and a half hour exam may take three hours orally.

 

No, the performance evaluation can occur before the occupational knowledge exam.  However, you must successfully complete the exam before obtaining Professional Certification.

Exam writings are scheduled approximately every six weeks.  If you cannot make your scheduled exam date, you will need to contact STEC immediately to reschedule.  An administration fee of $50.00 may apply if you do not give STEC enough notice.

 

Contact STEC as soon as possible to reschedule the exam.  An administration fee may apply.

 

You will be given ample time to write the exam.  Most candidates take two to three hours to do so.

 

Your exam scores are mailed out to your home address approximately three weeks after you write.  If you would like to receive your scores prior to this, you may contact us.

 

Each exam has a unique passing score.  This is because exams are built by assembling a random group of questions.  Each question has been reviewed and rated by an expert industry committee.  Since each exam will be made up of a different mix of questions, the passing score will vary.  Typically, the passing score will range from 60% to 75%.

 

 

Exam questions cannot be returned as they may be used again.  However, you will receive a summary of results that will indicate by category where you were unsuccessful.  This will allow you to refer back to matching categories in the standards and training materials, both of which are very detailed.

 

 

You may re-write the exam as often as needed.  However, a re-write fee will apply.  Click here to view the cost of re-writes.

 

 

Yes, you have the right to appeal exam scores.  The appeal must be filed in writing within 30 days of receiving the results. 

 

The next step in the certification process is the performance review.