Scoring and Statistical Services

PES offers a full range of scoring and statistical services to ensure the psychometric integrity of your examination program, including:

Item and Examination Analysis

Using Item Response Theory (IRT) or classical statistics, PES analyzes raw scores from your examination to evaluate and advise on the psychometric quality of examination items and forms.

Examination Equating

Whenever appropriate, PES recommends that a credentialing program’s examination forms be equated. PES statistically equates parallel test forms to a base form, to ensure the comparability of scores from different forms, and the use of a consistent passing score over time. PES regularly uses common item linear, equipercentile, and Rasch equating techniques, as appropriate, and will consult with your organization on the equating method to be used for your examination program.

Differential Item Functioning (DIF) Analysis

PES conducts a differential item functioning (DIF) analysis to determine if examination items are fair and appropriate for assessing knowledge and/or competence across various ethnic or demographic groups, as well as to determine if non-English versions of an examination form are performing comparably to the base English form.

Scoring Services

PES offers comprehensive scoring services in support of both paper-based and computer-based examinations, including, but not limited to, high-volume scanning of answer sheets, verification of CBT scoring, and hand re-scoring.

Individual Results Reporting

PES works closely with your organization to determine the most appropriate content, format, and a report containing a detailed level of results is provided to both successful and unsuccessful candidates. Based on your organization’s needs and priorities, PES offers guidance with regard to domain and/or competency-level feedback, comparative feedback (relative to a cohort), recommendations for further study, and the use of graphic, tabular, or text presentations.

Group-based Results Reporting

PES coordinates closely with your organization to develop tailored group-based reports of candidate performance. In addition to offering guidance on performance reporting across an entire candidate population, PES guides your organization in the exploration of results reporting based on candidates’ organizational affiliation, educational institution/training program, and/or targeted demographic variables.