The National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology (NBC) has announced that it will transition its written examinations entirely to computer-based testing with remote proctoring beginning January 1, 2020. This decision comes exactly one year after announcing that it would be offering its paper-based written examinations in this new computer-based testing with remote proctoring format in an effort to increase accessibility to its candidates.
“We have had such a positive response to the new computer-based testing option since its launch back in July 2018,” said NBC Chair Morris Fucarino, CDT. “Computer-based testing with remote proctoring presents a great opportunity for candidates to complete their CDT or RG written examinations online at a location, date, and time of their choosing.”
NBC is continuing its partnership with Assessment Systems Corporation to offer the CDT and RG written examinations online using a third-party remote proctor. It will also continue to offer its current paper-based format at volunteer locations until the end of 2019 as long as there are at least five candidates at that location. “With paper-based testing, candidates had to rely on volunteer host sites to be able to schedule a written examination, and that significantly limited people’s opportunity to test,” said NBC Vice Chair, Dennis Urban, CDT. “With computer-based testing, someone can test 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”
There will be certain rules with computer-based testing to ensure the integrity of the process. For example, test takers will be required to select a 30-day testing window during which time they must schedule and complete their examination. Additionally, test takers will be required to test in a private location and no recording devices or test related materials may be on the desk or within reach of the test taker. Test takers must also have a computer available with a webcam, speakers, microphone, and internet access to be able to communicate with the remote online proctor. Most importantly, test takers will be required to complete a series of security protocols before, during, and after the examination.
“We knew when we launched computer-based testing that it was with the intent that we would consider phasing out traditional paper-based testing at some point in time,” said NBC Secretary/Fiscal Officer Mark Stueck, CDT. “Since the computer-based option offers a greater accessibility without compromising the security and integrity of the examinations, it was a unanimous decision to move in that direction. We are excited to continue to evolve as an organization and remove some of the barriers to becoming a CDT, while still upholding the Certified Dental Technician credential.”
The National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology was formed in 1955 as an independent certification organization dedicated to improving the quality of dental laboratory technology through voluntary testing and certification of dental laboratories and technicians. This is the only voluntary certification program for dental laboratory technicians recognized by the American Dental Association.
For additional information on becoming a CDT and the new computer-based testing option for the written examinations, please visit https://nbccert.org/certificants/certified-dental-technician/cdt-application.cfm or contact NBC by email at certification@nbccert.org or by phone at 800-684-5310.
