We recently held our final Board meeting of 2010 and while I’ll save an “end of year highlights” for another blog entry, I was struck by the breadth and depth of the projects completed in 2010 – the launch of the CPSGT exam and on demand testing for both exams, a redesigned website, and the development of a recertification platform – just to name a few. And as our all volunteer Board of Directors looked ahead with enthusiasm to what we want to accomplish in 2011, I thought of the question we see from time to time in emails and on message boards: “Where does the money go from the BRPT exams and, now recertification fees?” So I thought I’d take a moment here to answer that question.
As most of you know, the BRPT is a not-for-profit credentialing body and the RPSGT exam is accredited through the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the accreditation arm of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE). Revenues generated through exam fees are invested in the continuing development and effective administration of the exams (including item development, standard setting, exam form review) according to best practices in credentialing. The BRPT exam and recertification fees are competitively priced in the allied heath field.
Our Board members and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) volunteer thousands of hours of time each year to the continued refinement of our credentialing programs and to better serving our credential holders. But we do require some financial support to fund services to meet credential holder and test taker needs and support the growing interest in this field.
This year, we developed a new website adding new features in the RPSGT message board and the comprehensive online management tool to facilitate the tracking of CECs and the recertification process. With on demand testing, test takers can now schedule an exam on a date of their choosing with immediate results delivery upon completing the exam. We routinely update our candidate handbooks and information series pieces to ensure accuracy, providing the most up to date information. BRPT officers and board members support state and regional sleep society meetings by providing speakers and participating as an exhibitor to interact with techs and provide exam information.
I don’t mind being asked the question of how the fees are spent – it’s a reasonable query. I’m energized by the passion and dedication I continue to see in our rapidly growing profession and I’m proud of our offerings and the support we provide current and potential sleep technologists to help them achieve their goals and excel in this exciting field.
Janice East, RPSGT, R. EEG T.
BRPT President
