Changes in PEP Test Scores for Students Who Have Tested More Than Once.

The frequency of multiple testing on the Proficiency Examination Program (PEP) multiple-choice tests, the characteristics of examinees who retest, and the effects of retesting on test scores were examined. Tests in the PEP program cover a broad range of academic disciplines and generally include material covered in one or two semesters of an undergraduate program. Institutions use the test scores for credit or placement purposes. Examinees who took three PEP tests in nursing subjects more than once during the period October 1983 to October 1987 were included in the study. Tests were taken by 19,470 students; 2,058 retook the tests. Only examinees who failed on the first testing retested. Average increases between scores on the first and second testing were between 3.9 and 4.4 scale score points; however, some examinees had poorer scores on second testing. Results indicate that only those whose score was close to passing initially had a reasonable chance of passing the retest. Eight tables present study data. (Author/SLD)