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NABP Convenes Committee to Ensure Validity of MPJE Standards
Originally published in the October 2010 NABP Newsletter
Based on Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination® (MPJE®) validation study survey results garnered earlier this year, the application of pharmacy law appears to be shifting within the practice of pharmacy. Boards of pharmacy are placing more emphasis on the importance of pharmacy jurisprudence as it applies to the practice of pharmacy and less on regulatory structure. It is imperative that the MPJE and all pharmacy-related examinations continue to evolve and remain consistent with the scope of pharmacy practice as it undergoes these changes.
As a result of this shift and subsequent revisions to the MPJE competency statements set to take effect in January 2011, NABP recently held a standard setting meeting to evaluate the current passing score for the MPJE. Standard setting is a critical component of test development, particularly in high-stake, criterion-reference tests such as the MPJE.
With representation from all NABP member districts, the standard setting committee consisted of both board of pharmacy members and MPJE Review Committee members. In addition, many of the panelists had participated in either an MPJE item-writing workshop or MPJE state-specific pool review workshop prior to serving on the standard setting committee.
NABP carefully selected each panelist to ensure that a demographically diverse group of individuals with expertise in pharmacy law served on the committee. It was critical to have representation from all of the NABP member districts during this meeting as the approved passing score will ultimately be applied to all current and future jurisdictions participating in the MPJE program.
The Standard Setting Process
After undergoing extensive training, the standard setting committee was asked to rate MPJE items by focusing on what they felt a sufficiently knowledgeable pharmacist should know in terms of the application of pharmacy law in practice. They did so utilizing a standard setting analysis model and adhering strictly to testing industry standards.
Upon completion and thorough review, the standard setting committee established what they believed to be an appropriate passing score, which they then recommended to the MPJE Review Committee and NABP Advisory Committee on Examinations.
The recommended passing score will be presented to the Executive Committee and, after careful analysis of the outcomes and impact data, the Executive Committee will make a final policy decision on whether to approve the passing score. If approved, the passing score will go into effect concurrently with the MPJE revised competency statements and blueprint in January 2011.
