Examination Items

Diplomates planning to submit items MUST BE TRAINED in item writing. Training is available at the ABVP Practitioner's Symposium (at no cost) or online, once a year, for a fee. The workshop focuses on item style, cognitive levels, situational sets and other item writing basics.

Submission Guidelines

• Send three (3) separate CDs each containing the same items and scanned copies of references.
• Use ABVP pink recertification labels for item writing or labels that are pink in color. 
• Do not include your name on any of the CDs. In lieu of your name, please include your ABVP Identification Number, which can be ascertained by calling the ABVP office.
• Items MUST be in Microsoft Word format. References may be in either PDF or Microsoft Word format. If using Microsoft Word, save your items as a .doc file NOT a .docx file.  

Diplomates should consult the blueprint for their RVS or the General Conditions list (.pdf) for topics on which items should be written. All topics must fall under one of the conditions on the General Conditions List.

No more than 20% of submitted items may be recall questions.  Items must consist of a stem and three (3) options (one (1) correct answer and two (2) distractors).

Item Writing Format (.pdf)

The following specifications must be strictly followed when writing items for recertification.

1. Diplomates may submit no more than one hundred thirty (130) items
2. Items must be formatted using the Item Writing Template found in the Item Writing Guide.
3. The majority of items (at least 80%) must be written on Levels 2 or 3 of Cognitive Complexity Application and Analysis-type items.  A maximum of 20% can be Level 1, Recall.
4. Each item must be numbered and the cognitive level indicated (Recall, Application or Analysis).  Number the stem and letter the distractors.
5. Each item must indicate the condition covered from the General Conditions List, use letters A-Y.
6. Your ID # must appear on the top right hand corner of each page. Email abvp@xmi-amc.com (the ABVP office) if you do not know your ID#.  Do not put your name or other identifiers, except ID#, on the items, the references or the CDs.
7. Each item submitted must be accompanied by a scanned copy of the supporting reference.  Number each reference to coincide with the number of the item.
8. Reference citations must be published within the past five (5) years.
9. Save each item on your CD to a separate numbered file. (example: Item 001)
10. References must be scanned and saved.  No hard copies of references will be accepted.
11. Save each reference on your CD in a separate numbered file. (example: Ref 001)
12. If items are not submitted in the proper format they will be returned without review.
13. Items are graded by two (2) trained members of the Examination Committee in your RVS.  Both graders must accept an item to make it acceptable for recertification credits.
14. After grades are tabulated, the Diplomate will be sent a score sheet indicating which items are accepted and which are not.