title: Criterion-referenced competency assessment and the national certification examination in nurse-midwifery.
abstract: The paper presents an overview of the recent change from norm-referenced to criterion-referenced score interpretation for the ACNM certification examination for entry level practice in nurse-midwifery. The advantages of criterion-referenced interpretation are presented. A successful adaptation of the Nedelsky method for the calculation of the minimum pass index, based on the identification of acceptable error, is discussed. Implications for the nurse-midwifery profession and for the national certification examination in nurse-midwifery are considered.
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Fullerton
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Greener
authors.forename: L J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Gross
mesh_terms: D002568:Certification / Q000639:trends*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004521:Educational Measurement; D006801:Humans; D009721:Nurse Midwives / Q000592:standards*; D012016:Reference Values