Scoring the Examinations

There are two parts involved in scoring the exams, the Post-Test Analysis and Establishing the Passing Score.

Post-Test Analysis

After the administration, the psychometrician (an expert in exam statistics) utilizes statistical analysis to identify any “problem” questions on the exam. Each of these is reviewed by a panel of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for both clarity and content. Based on this review, it may be determined that the correct answer should be changed, or credit may be given for more than one answer, or no change in scoring will be made. This process helps ensure that the results are valid and fair.

Establishing the Passing Score

There is no predetermined passing score. This is different from academic tests, where, for example, a 70% might be needed in order to pass. There is also no “grading on a curve,” for instance, where the top 80% will pass. Instead, the Angoff method, an internationally recognized statistical process, is used to determine the passing score. This method is specifically designed for professional licensing exams where the goal is to determine minimal competence. Minimal competence is the term used for professional licensing exams to gauge the knoweledge, skill, and ability necessary to safely pracice as a licensed/registered naturopathic medical doctor. In this method, a panel of SMEs rates each question on the examination, estimating the probability that a minimally competent candidate would be able to answer the question correctly. These ratings are then used to determine the passing score (“cut score”). Exams that are judged to be more difficult will have lower cut scores than less difficult exams (i.e., for a more dificult exam, the examinee will be required to answer fewer questions correctly in order to pass). Because each exam is unique, the cut score will vary somewhat between administrations.

Reporting the Scores

It takes approximately seven (7) weeks to complete the scoring process. Once the process is complete, your NPLEX results will be distributed to you electronically by Prometric approximately seven (7) weeks after the exam administration. You will be sent an email from Prometric with instructions for securely accessing your NPLEX results using the password provided on your Candidate Pre-Registration Letter.

The Part I – Biomedical Science Examination (BSE) is designed to test your knowledge of biological structure/function and disease/dysfunction.

To pass the examination, you must be able to demonstrate concurrent competence in both general exam areas (GEAs): Structure/Function and Disease/Dysfunction.

You have passed the BSE when you have correctly answered at least the number of questions that NPLEX subject matter experts (licensed/registered NDs) have determined is required to demonstrate competence in each of the two general exam areas. You are required to pass both general exam areas within the same exam administration to pass the examination.

Your unofficial NPLEX results will be distributed to you electronically via Prometric approximately seven (7) weeks after the NPLEX administration. You will be sent an email from Prometric with instructions for securely accessing your results using the password provided on your Candidate Pre-Registration Letter.

If you took a Part II – Clinical Elective Examination, you will be provided with an unofficial score report for any Elective Examination(s) you have completed. However, your Elective Examination result(s) will not be included on an official transcript or reported to a regulatory authority until you pass the Part II – Core Clinical Science Examination.

If you took the Part II – Clinical Science Examinations, NABNE will also send your official Part II results and your official Part I results to the regulatory authoity you have designated on your NPLEX Part II application or transcript request. NPLEX results are not reported by phone, fax, or email.

Because NPLEX uses an extensive post-test analysis process (including statistical analysis of individual items), the exam results sent to you reflect changes made after post-test analysis of items that did not perform as expected. Consequently, NABNE does not change NPLEX results.

If you wish to appeal a policy decision, you must submit your appeal to NABNE in writing or by email, addressed to the Executive Director of NABNE. NABNE will make every effort to respond to you with a decision within ten (10) weeks of receipt of your appeal.

Part I – Biomedical Science Examination

If you do not pass either or both of the two general exam areas (Structure/Function or Disease/Dysfunction), you will be required to retake the entire Part I – Biomedical Science Examination. If you graduated more than five (5) years ago, contact NABNE regarding additional eligibility requirements.

Part II – Core Clinical Science Examination

If you do not pass any of the four general exam areas (Diagnosis, Materia Medica, Other Modalities, and Medical Interventions), you will be required to retake the entire Part II – Core Clinical Science Examination.

If you graduated more than five (5) years ago, contact NABNE regarding additional eligibility requirements.

If you do not pass the NPLEX Part II – Core Clinical Science Examination within ten (10) years of passing the NPLEX Part I – Biomedical Science Examination, you will be required to retake and pass the Part I – Biomedical Science Examination before you will be allowed to take or retake the Part II – Clinical Science Examinations. If this applies to you, please contact NABNE regarding additional eligibility requirements.

Part II – Clinical Elective Examinations

Once you have taken the Part II – Core Clinical Science Examination, you may retake any Part II – Elective Examination (Acupuncture, Elective Pharmacology, Minor Surgery, and/or Parenteral Medicine) during any subsequent NPLEX administration. You will not be required to retake a Part II – Elective Examination you have previously passed, regardless of whether or not you are required to retake the Part II – Core Clinical Science Examination.