Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is FMC?
- Who developed the exam?
- Who should take this Exam?
- What is SCT?
- How do I take the Exam?
- Do you offer paper exams?
- What is the cost?
- How do I locate my score?
- How is the exam scored?
- What if I fail the exam?
- How often may I retake the examination?
- How long is the exam?
- May I start the examination and return to it?
- When will I get my scores?
- Will I receive a certificate?
- Will I receive CME?
- How long does the credential last?
- What is required for re-credentialing?
- May I use books during the examination?
- When is it best to do the examination?
- Is customer service available?
1: What is FMC?
A: The Fetal Monitor Credentialing Exam was developed based on EFM principles defined by national consensus and leading US experts have been involved in its development. The FMC tool measures both knowledge and judgment. Measurement of clinical reasoning is made possible through the use of Script Concordance Testing (SCT), developed more than 10 years ago by Bernard Charlin, MD, PhD from the University of Montreal.
2: Who developed the exam?
A: The Perinatal Quality Foundation grew out of SMFM and is now an independent affiliate of SMFM. The Foundation Board of Directors is composed of some of the most respected clinicians in Maternal Fetal Medicine. The mission of the Perinatal Quality Foundation is to improve the quality of Obstetrical services. The Fetal Monitoring Credentialing task force was charged by the Board of Directors to develop the examination. Nurse, nurse-midwife, and MFM experts were involved in developing the exam questions. The questions have been tested by a large number of expert and beta participants and statistically validated.
3: Who should take this Exam?
A: The credential will be available to physicians, nurse practitioners, midwives, nurses, other perinatal clinicians and institutions who are involved in the management of labor and delivery patients.
4: What is SCT?
A: Script Concordance Test is an innovative approach to clinical reasoning assessment. This method of testing includes questions that offer participants an answer key in the form of a 5-point Likert scale, allowing for more than one answer to be acceptable. SCT provides a direct approach for testing the organization of clinical knowledge and how well it is applied in authentic and ambiguous clinical scenarios.
The exam will test both knowledge and judgment question. Knowledge questions have a specific correct answer or answers and they are generally based upon specific definitions nomenclature or physiologic facts. They can be used to measure any number of specific teaching objectives.
5: How do I take the Exam?
A: The exam is available online at http://fmc.perinatalquality.org. On the upper right side of the screen participants will sign in and follow the instructions to enter the test.
6: Do you offer paper exams?
A: No, FMC does not offer paper exams. The exam is offered only online at http://fmc.perinatalquality.org.
7: What is the cost?
A: The initial cost to take the exam for the first time is a $150.00 per individual. Discounts are available for institutions / hospitals.
8: How do I locate my score?
A: Sign back onto your account and under the summary page there will be a button that will bring you to your results.
9: How is the exam scored?
A: Any unanswered question is considered an incorrect answer. It is to your advantage to provide an answer for each test item before ending the examination.
10: What if I fail the exam?
A: If a person fails, they may retake an exam at no charge during a period that begins 1 week from the exam date and ends 3 months thereafter. If a person fails twice or does not retake the exam during the 3-month period, they may retake the test but will be charged full price.
11: How often may I retake the examination?
A: The Perinatal Quality Foundation does not currently limit the number of times a person may retake the exam in order to pass.
12: How long is the exam?
A: The exam must be completed within 120 minutes and no breaks are built into the web design. Participants may take the exam on their own time (available 24/7). A computer with a stable Internet connection is required. The exam consists of 70-80 questions.
13: May I start the examination and return to it?
A: No, there are no breaks allowed in the exam.
14: When will I get my scores?
A: The results of your examination and an analysis of the knowledge and judgment questions answered will be available in your account within 3 hours of starting the exam.
15: Will I receive a certificate?
A: Yes, a certificate will be issued to you after a passing score is achieved.
16: Will I receive CME?
A: No, this is a credentialing exam only.
17: How long does the credential last?
A: Credentialing will be current for 3 years after the exam is passed. Institutions / Hospital employers may require participants to take the examination more frequently.
18. What is required for re-credentialing?
A: Within a three year period from the time the examination is passed a participant may take a recredentialing examination at half of the original cost. The recredentialing examination will have fewer questions than the full examination. After three years participants will be required to take the full examination.
19: May I use books during the examination?
A: This test is not considered an open book exam.
20: When is it best to do the examination?
A: The best time to do the exam is a quiet uninterrupted time.
21. Is customer service available?
A: Customer Service is available by phone (866) 582-2755 or e-mail (support@perinatalquality.org).
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