There is a misperception among some technologists that the development and maintenance of the BRPT exams is handled by Association Management Group (AMG), the management firm retained to provide operational management services to BRPT. That is not correct: the BRPT exam development process is handled by volunteer subject matter experts (our SMEs), each of them experienced, working sleep technologists. These SMEs work in close cooperation with our testing partner, Pearson VUE, and under the direction of the Exam Development Committee (EDC) chair to manage the ongoing activities related to the BRPT exams. Pearson VUE, a recognized global leader in the field of standardized testing, assures the psychometric validity and the reliability of our exams and delivers our exams to technologists through testing centers all over the world. Our EDC chair, with years of experience both as a sleep technologist and as a facility manager, paired with extensive experience in the development of the BRPT exams, assures that our exams are developed and delivered according to best practices in professional credentialing. The staff assigned to BRPT through AMG -- a four-person team including an executive director, credentialing manager, credentialing coordinator, and program coordinator -- are focused on the day-to-day operations of BRPT: application review and processing, management of the RPSGT recertification program, customer service, communications, and program marketing. If BRPT did not use a company such as AMG, more expense would be incurred for office space, equipment, staff, IT support, etc.
The management decisions made by the BRPT Board have been made carefully and are reviewed throughout the year. The savings realized by BRPT through a relationship with a management firm are material compared to operation of BRPT as a stand-alone organization. The American Society of Association Executives, in an annual review of non-profit organizational operations, estimates those savings at 25-30%. Financial stewardship is a key responsibility of the BRPT Board. The Board has, for many years, maintained a level of reserve funding at or above the level recommended for stable operation of a non-profit organization of BRPT's size and scope. Revenues generated by the BRPT credentialing program are directed toward an expansion of the programs and services in place to serve our stakeholders: an on demand testing model, the highest quality exam development and delivery model, the development of an online tool for the management of the RPSGT recertification process, and an effective marketing and communications program on behalf of our credentials. All twelve members of the BRPT Board of Directors are volunteers and are not paid for the work they contribute. New directors are selected from interested volunteers as position terms expire. Directors’ terms are typically four years while officer positions are two.
The relationship of BRPT -- a credentialing body -- to our credential holders is not identical to the relationship of a membership body to its members. We are charged with developing and delivering credentialing exams, and maintaining those exams at a level which will assure that the credentials we offer will retain their value and will support the standing of our field within the broader allied health community. That is a responsibility which the BRPT leadership takes very much to heart.
Janice East, RPSGT, R. EEG T.
BRPT President
