Karen Lew Feirman, MEd., ATC, LAT University of West Florida The Art, Science, Knowledge, Luck, and Magic of Preparing for the BOC Exam Karen Lew Feirman, MEd., ATC, LAT University of West Florida

Disclaimer Karen (Lew) Feirman is the co-author of the Athletic Training Exam Review: A Student Guide to Success textbook; however, the information provided within this presentation in no way reflects the thoughts of Slack publishing or co- authors of the Athletic Training Exam Review: A Student Guide to Success used as a BOC examination preparatory tool. 

Breaking down the exam The BOC certification exam consists of a combination of 175 scored and unscored (experimental) items 4 hours to take the exam Can be taken anytime during the semester prior to graduation View it as an overall review of material

Exam Design The exam will contain a combination of 175 scored and un-scored (experimental) items. Multiple Choice Multi-Select MC Focused Testlets Drag and Drop Hot Spot

How are the questions developed? Questions are developed by a committee made up of ATs (Item Writers) Questions are developed to assess knowledge on subject matter that aligns & correlates to the five domains of athletic training in the RD/PA Each question is referenced to 2 separate published sources Each question must adhere to the BOC Style Guide Each question must be classified to RD/PA

Content areas to review Injury/Illness Prevention and Wellness Protection Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis Immediate and Emergency Care Treatment and Rehabilitation Organizational and Professional Health and Well-Being

Exam Question % Injury/Illness Prevention and Wellness Protection 25% Domains for Exam Questions % of Questions on Exam Injury/Illness Prevention and Wellness Protection 25% Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis 22% Immediate and Emergency Care 19% Treatment and Rehabilitation 22% Organizational and Professional Health and Well-Being 12% © 2010 Board of Certification Inc. All Right Reserved

How is the exam scored? The exam is scored by a criterion referenced approach called the Angoff Modified Technique–not based on percentages It relies on the pooled judgments of content experts The criterion used to judge each item is, "What is the probability that a minimally acceptable candidate will answer this item correctly?” cores are reported as scaled scores. Range is 200-800 with 500 set as passing the passing point. Each question is scored individually Multi-Select MC (get partial credit) Drag & Drop (get partial credit) Hot Spots Focus Testlets Multiple Choice

Question Design of the BOC Exam Multiple‐choice Multi‐select Drag‐and‐drop items Testlet format Hot Spot

Example BOC Questions

© 2010 Board of Certification Inc. All Right Reserved

The multiple choice question type will display a question stem and multiple choice options to the testing candidate. The testing candidate will click on the radio button associated with their option selection. To change their answer the candidate will select a different radio button. Multiple choice question types may have zero, one, or many associated attachments. Note that this particular multiple choice is also an anchor;.

Position the cursor and click over the indicated surface landmark. The drag-and-drop question type will be characterized by the presence of an underlying image and a collection of component labels. To answer the question, the testing candidate will drag the labels to the appropriate image location. Each label will correspond to one and only one image location. Additional distractor labels must be presented which correspond to no image location. Drag-and-drop question types may have zero, one, or many associated attachments

Position the cursor and click over the indicated surface landmark. The drag-and-drop question type will be characterized by the presence of an underlying image and a collection of component labels. To answer the question, the testing candidate will drag the labels to the appropriate image location. Each label will correspond to one and only one image location. Additional distractor labels must be presented which correspond to no image location. Drag-and-drop question types may have zero, one, or many associated attachments

A multiple choice item that has more than one possible correct choice

Example of Results from BOC Practice Exam

Study Techniques and Strategies of Test Taking Read the question Guess to your advantage Eliminate the wrong answers immediately Random statements in the questions may give you the answer Avoid careless mistakes and reread the question and answers Do not jump at what you assume is a dead giveaway Test yourself

2 minute Drill BOC Terminology FWB = CPM = QID = AMA = BESS = WGBT = COPD = WNL = HMO = NOCSAE = PRN =

BOC Terminology Quiz Answers FWB = Full Weight Bearing CPM = Continuous Passive Motion QID = Four times a day AMA = American Medical Association BESS = Balance Error Scoring System WGBT = Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature COPD = Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease WNL = Within Normal Limits HMO = Health Maintenance Organization NOCSAE = National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment PRN = As needed

When should I take the exam? Should you take it in April prior to graduation? What about February? Someone told me to take it in the middle of the testing window? Schedule in an area you are comfortable not by date Do not wait until the last testing opportunity!

Helpful Hints READ THE QUESTION! Recall the domain where you might find the question. Do not feel you have to answer the question immediately. You can move backwards and forward through the exam. THINK!!!!!

Things People May Not Tell you Review the Role Delineation/Practice Analysis Have an understanding of all Position Statements Review anatomy and nerve innervations Special population specific questions Do not forget the basics The BOC is not out to make money off of you Last year the first time passing rate was 80.65% You must have the entire registration process complete before you are allowed to register Read all emails from the BOC

NATA Statements Position Statements ◦ Scientifically based (peer reviewed research with a team of authors who are experts) Official Statements ◦ Shorter statements on timely topics Consensus Statements ◦ Produced with two or more outside organizations Support Statements ◦ Statements between the NATA and another organization (s) supporting each other’s stance

Getting Started How to study? Understanding the exam Registering for the BOC exam Staying informed Individualized Study Plan Review the RDS/Practice Analysis Ignoring the misconceptions

Mapping out your Plan Plan wisely Devote time towards studying Utilize practice materials for feedback Textbooks BOC Practice exams BOC Reference List Review materials from classes Ask questions!!!

Study PLAN BOC Self Assessment Exam $30 http://www.bocatc.org/candidates/exam-preparation-tools/self- assessment-exams Review the Role Delineation Study/Practice Analysis Content Outline Be confident in each domain Injury/Illness Prevention and Wellness Protection Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis Immediate and Emergency Care Treatment and Rehabilitation Organizational and Professional Health and Well-being

Individualized Study Plan Break down each section Review each question Set up a specific time daily to study Find the most conducive study place for you Reflect and relate back to the domains when studying Create a positive environment and a can do attitude TAKE YOUR TIME!!!!!

Common Studying Pitfalls Using someone else’s study plan Reviewing material you have mastered Studying in large groups Studying in an area that can be distracting

Content Areas to Review Evidence-Based Practice Prevention and Health Promotion Clinical Examination and Diagnosis Acute Care of Injuries and Illnesses Therapeutic Interventions Psychosocial Strategies and Referral Healthcare Administration Professional Development and Responsibility Clinical Integration Proficiencies

More study tips! Candidate Handbook PRINT < READ < HIGHLIGHT Practice Questions, both on the BOC and NATA website Review the BOC Terminology and Abbreviations Textbook Glossary Use the BOC RD/Practice Analysis

Registering for the BOC Exam Registration 5 Step Process 1. View the BOC Exam Deadlines 2. Log in to BOC Central™ 3. Complete AT103 - Exam Registration 4. Be Certain.™ the BOC receives registration and payment no later than 5:00pm CT (UTC- 6.00) on the exam registration deadline date. 5. Check your email for a message from boccentral@bocatc.org.

Important Dates for 2016

EXAMINATION DAY!!!!! Drive to the testing center the day before for traffic patterns/parking. Arrive Early! Have a good “pre-game meal” including protein. Follow the BOC Candidate Handbook Directions. i.e. valid Government ID Wear comfortable clothes. Bring a light sweater/fleece as the testing center may be chilly.

What happens after passing the BOC exam? 2 -4 weeks after the last exam window, you will receive an email from the BOC Log into BOC Central™ to see updated status   Certification 1. Eligible for Certification OR 2. Certified

What Happens If You Do Not Pass? It is not the end of the world. Review your exam results. Meet with you PD or faculty to discuss results and study strategies. Evaluate study materials and methods of study. Reschedule the exam.

Legal Practice Just because you are BOC certified does NOT mean you are legal to practice BOC website lists all states and the contacts to their regulatory boards and agencies Both the BOC and State regulatory agencies have Standards BOC Standards of Professional Practice

Continuing Education (CE) Categories Category A – Approved Provider Programs Category B – Professional Development Category C – Post-certification College/University Coursework Category D – Individualized Option (Non- approved providers) All ATs must maintain ECC certification throughout the reporting term – no CE credit is awarded EBP Requirements.

Thank you!!! For more information, please contact: Karen M. Lew, MEd., ATC, LAT University of West Florida klew@uwf.edu