IC&RC Examination Scoring

SCALED SCORES

Scaled scores are created when the number of questions answered correctly is mathematically transformed so the passing score equals 500 on a scale starting at 200 and ending at 800.

This transformation is very similar to converting inches to centimeters. For example, a 10-inch ribbon is also 25.4 centimeters long. The length of the ribbon has not been changed, only the units of measurement to describe its length.

For security purposes, IC&RC keeps multiple versions – or forms – of each examination in circulation at all times.  The use of scaled scores allows for a direct comparison of exam scores from one form of the examination to another since each form is scored on the same scale of 200 – 800 with a 500 passing.

Candidates are randomly assigned a form and the use of scaled scores does not influence whether a candidate passes or fails an exam. Passing an IC&RC examination is always incumbent on achieving the minimum passing score as it is determined in the process below.

DETERMINING A PASSING SCORE

Passing scores for IC&RC exams are not based on a percentage of questions answered correctly. Instead, IC&RC uses a Modified Angoff Study to determine a cut score (or “passing score”) for each examination. The Angoff method uses a systematic and documented approach to establish accurate, reliable, and legally defensible pass/fail scores.

Cut scores are calculated from data obtained from a panel of qualified Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) that are working professionals who have demonstrated expertise in their profession.  

The SMEs evaluate and rate the difficulty of each question. These ratings are then combined to determine the final cut score for the exam. The final cut score is subsequently transformed to an equivalent scaled score. All examination questions are weighted equally.

USE OF MULTIPLE EXAM FORMS

For every IC&RC exam, there are multiple forms of the same examination. Each form will use different questions but test the same content, as listed in the Content Domains of the Exam Candidate Guides. Exam forms are updated and replaced on a continuous basis to ensure the security and integrity of the exam.

USE OF PRETEST QUESTIONS

On each IC&RC examination, there are unweighted, or unscored, questions that do not affect a candidate’s final score or pass/fail status. Unweighted questions are also called pretest or field-test questions. Pretest questions are not identified on exams and appear randomly on all exam forms. IC&RC uses pretest questions to gather data on newly written questions, ensuring item quality prior to their placement on an exam as a weighted, or scored, question.

FAILING SCORES

Candidates who do not pass their examination are provided with percentages of correctly answered questions in each content domain to better focus future study efforts. For security reasons, candidates will not be provided with their raw score (total number of questions answered correctly), total percentage of questions answered correctly, or a copy of the exam to review.

It is important to note that because the number of questions contained within each domain of the examination varies, adding or averaging the percentage correct scores in each domain will NOT be an accurate reflection of a candidate’s overall exam score.