1. 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

2. 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. 

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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 %
Immediate and Emergency Care %
Treatment and Rehabilitation %
Organizational and Professional Health and Well-Being 12%
© 2010 Board of Certification Inc.
All Right Reserved

8. 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 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

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

10. Example BOC Questions

11. © 2010 Board of Certification Inc.
All Right Reserved

12. 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;.

14. 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

15. 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

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

17. Example of Results from BOC Practice Exam

18. 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

19. 2 minute Drill BOC Terminology
FWB =
CPM =
QID =
AMA =
BESS =
WGBT =
COPD =
WNL =
HMO =
NOCSAE =
PRN =

20. 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

21. 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!

22. 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!!!!!

23. 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 s from the BOC

24. 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

25. 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

26. 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!!!

27. Study PLAN BOC Self Assessment Exam $30
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

28. 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!!!!!

29. 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

30. 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

31. 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

32. 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 for a message from

33. Important Dates for 2016

34. 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.

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

36. 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.

37. 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

38. 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.

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