CVOM Pass/Fail Standard

CVOM Examination Composition, Scoring, and Reporting

The guiding principle in constructing the CVOM examination is job relevance – the content of the test is linked through systematic means to a well-defined representation of the profession. A content validity approach to test construction is used. The first step in the process is the practice analysis, which defines the relevant performance dimensions of the occupation. The VHMA regularly conducts practice analysis studies to identify the specific responsibilities required of veterinary practice management professionals and the skills and knowledge needed to perform these responsibilities.

The test blueprint is developed from the practice analysis and forms the template for the examination. Item writers are selected and trained. Item writers produce items following the guidelines and content assignments specified by training and the test blueprint. The items are then submitted for review. Accepted items are entered into the item database for use. Statistical analyses are conducted on each item and examination to determine the reliability and psychometric properties of the examination. 

Exam Breakdown

The examination is composed of multiple-choice questions about relevant management knowledge in Leadership, Administrative Management/Daily Operations & Organization of the Practice, Human Resources, Staff Management, and Communication, Law and Ethics, Marketing and Finance. The items are traditional 4-option multiple-choice questions or multiple-select (more than one (1) correct answer items). 

The total number of questions on each examination may vary, but the maximum number of points on any examination will be ninety (90). The initial beta test examination may be worth more points and provide more time to complete the examination.

Passing Standard

The Modified Angoff Rating Method is used to develop the pass point for each examination; the most widely accepted scientific method for determining a pass point. Simplified, when a test question is added to the examination database it is reviewed and rated by a Panel of Subject Matter Experts and given an individual difficulty rating.

When test questions are compiled to form the examination (based on the test blueprint, which identifies how many questions for each domain are on the examination), the examination pass point is determined from the individual difficulty ratings for the questions selected for that specific examination.

Depending on the composition of examination items, the pass point may fluctuate up or down a few points with each examination. Using this methodology, there is no curve, and candidates do not compete against each other. There is no limit on the number of candidates who may pass or fail the test.

After the examination, candidates will be immediately notified of their score and status. The results will be displayed indicating pass or fail. A diagnostic report for each of the domain areas will also be provided. The diagnostic report will identify how many points were available per domain and how many points the candidate received per domain. A copy of this detail will also be emailed to the candidate immediately following the examination. We do not share specific test items or tell candidates which questions specifically they scored incorrectly on.

Administration of the Examination

The electronic examination is administered through High-stake Online Secure Testing (HOST) Locations throughout North America.

If at any time your examination is interrupted during the testing process please know that your data is not lost - the test platform redundantly saves your answers and location in the process throughout the testing period. If you are able to re-access the examination while you remain at the test center and no security breach is made, you will be allowed to continue the test form you started. If for any reason you leave the test center, upon your return you will be required to start the examination process over with a new test form. Please be assured that the test center proctors will be available to assist throughout the process.

CVOM Re-examination

Once approved, the candidate's application is active for one (1) year from the date of acceptance. Candidates have one (1) year to earn the CVOM certification before their application expires. Candidates who do not earn certification before their application's expiration must apply again to continue to take the examination.

If a candidate takes the examination but fails to earn a passing score, they can retake it. The candidates may only take the examination once per administration (currently quarterly). There is no limit on the number of times a candidate may take the examination within the one-year window (the active period of their application). A re-examination fee of $395 for VHMA members and $545 for non-members is required each time a candidate retakes the examination.

This policy provides candidates who fail the opportunity to engage in developmental activities to increase their proficiency and demonstrate mastery of the material. The objective of a criterion-referenced examination such as the CVOM is to certify that a person has mastered a specific topic(s), is proficient in a specific area, or has the knowledge and skill to practice safely and effectively. The goal is not to limit the number of proficient professionals but to certify people as proficient. The retake policy provides the opportunity for learning and development between occasions and also recognizes that situational factors may affect test performance on any single occasion, thus providing multiple opportunities to demonstrate mastery.