How Questions are Written
|
Our
test question development is a three step process...
A. Find
out the State classification
B. Obtain
the "books" suggested for the specific exam.
C. Write
the question
|
| A) |
First we start with a classification from a specific state. Lets use Maryland as an example.
We research the Maryland statutes to find out the licensing requirements for the State. Then we find out what professional licensing classifications the Statutes list as construction related. In Maryland the construction related classifications for the housing industry include a Home Improvement Contractor, Home Improvement Subcontractor, Home Improvement Salesperson, HVAC, Plumbing Electrical, etc.
If you are requesting exam preparation for a Maryland Home Improvement Contractor, our effort
is then directed to the Exam Services Provider for Maryland. We will obtain information
from the provider that lets us know the exam dates, exam sites, minimum trade experience required
for the license, minimum scores, suggested reference books for the specific exam, and the exam
subjects.
We DO NOT have access to exact exam questions, however once we know the "books" and the "subjects",
we then have a basis from which to write our questions. Much of the information we need to begin
our question writing process is available on the internet. |
| B) |
Second, we obtain the "books" that the state or the exam provider have listed as suggested
study materials. This can be a time consuming as well as a costly process.
Once the books are obtained, we ask the publisher for permission to use their information,
with reference to their work, in our question development so that fair use of copyrighted material
has not been violated.
An example of our question writing would be: "According to Modern Carpentry, batter boards
should be placed within _____ feet of the foundation line." Here we've given recognition to
the "book" from which the question has been taken. |
| C) |
Third, we write the questions. Our questions are designed to convey information that you
will need to know in order to be adequately prepared to successfully take the exam. Once
we have the suggested "books" then we find the "subject" in that particular book. Then we write
the question. |
We
write in three question formats:
|
| 1) |
The first is
true and false. The reason for a true and false question is that it's a simple way
of conveying a statement of fact. Even though you may see a four-choice multiple answer
question testing your knowledge of the correct height of a kitchen counter with the answer choices
of A. 24", B. 30", C. 36", D. 38", the same information can be conveyed in a true/false type question
stating that the correct kitchen counter height is 30". (True or False) |
| 2) |
The second question
format is the dual facts question. This question sets up the need to choose which
of the two facts or statements is/are correct.
Here's an example from the Maryland exam preparation:
At least one month prior to a license expiring, the Commission shall mail to the licensee,
at the last known address a renewal application form and:
| I. |
Notice of date on which license expires |
| II. |
Notice of renewal application fee and, date by which the Commission must receive the
renewal application for the renewal to be issued and mailed prior to the expiration date. |
A. I only
B. II only
C. Both I and II
D. Neither I nor II
|
| 3) |
The third question format is the scenario question.
Here's an example: |
| |
| The Old Cane Building on Main Street has been slated for renovation.
The old blue prints have been hauled out of storage and found to have been drawn to a
scale of 1/16" per 2'-0". One wing of the building measures 1 1/2". This would
mean that the actual length of the wing is:
A. 24 feet
B. 36 feet
C. 48 feet
D. 96 feet
|
|
(Solution: the measured distance on the blueprint is 1.5 inches. This is 24 sixteenths. Since one sixteenth equals 2', 24 sixteenths equal 48'.)
Please note that in our tutorials and EEQ Learner software there will appear solutions and commentaries about the question. |
|
|
We have become proficient over the years of question writing at knowing how to write question to convey information that you will need to pass your exam. We've also become very familiar with the "books" and how to access information. We work hard at finding the books that are references for a particular exam.
We work hard at finding the subject areas on a specific exam. Over the years we have received inquiries as to information that has been troublesome or hard to understand about questions on a particular exam.
As an example if there were a question about unemployment taxes, or, about the size of a roof rafter, we open the books and write several questions about the subject area and include the "new" questions in our database and respond with those new questions to the persons who have taken the time to ask the questions to us.
|
Follow links to state trade pages
Alabama • Alaska • Arizona • Arkansas • California • Colorado • Connecticut • Delaware
District of Columbia • Florida • Georgia • Hawaii • Idaho • Illinois • Indiana • Iowa • Kansas
Kentucky • Louisiana • Maine • Maryland • Massachusetts • Michigan • Minnesota • Mississippi
Missouri • Montana • Nebraska • Nevada • New Hampshire • New Jersey • New Mexico • New York
North Carolina • North Dakota • Ohio • Oklahoma • Oregon • Pennsylvania • Rhode Island
South Carolina • South Dakota • Texas • Utah • Vermont • Virginia • Washington
West Virginia • Wisconsin • Wyoming
|
