Exploring NOCTI Assessments FAQ

Can I review an assessment?
Individual secondary or post secondary institutions are not allowed to review actual assessments.  Assessment Blueprints are available and may be shared with instructors and test participants for review.  Reviews are permitted at the state level.

What are Assessment Blueprints and where can I find them?
Assessment Blueprints contain core competency lists, percentage breakdowns, sample questions, sample jobs and time requirements.  Blueprints are available at www.nocti.org in the Blueprints tab at the bottom of the homepage and may be downloaded and/or printed.

Is there certification associated with NOCTI assessments?
NOCTI is a regular provider of the assessments on which many certifying bodies depend for measures of applicants' standards-based knowledge and skills.  NOCTI's certificate partners include: American Culinary Federation, A*S*K Institute, MasterCam, PA Builders Association, PrintEd and MSSC.  Please check the NOCTI website under Certificate Programs.  NOCTI’s standard occupational specific assessments do not include a certification.  They are intended to be utilized as end of program assessments.

How can my students study for the test?  What resources are available?
In addition to the Assessment Blueprints (see question above), NOCTI Study Guides are a classroom tool that can help students prepare to take a NOCTI Job Ready assessment. Each study guide includes an overview of the assessment, information on both written and performance components, study checklists, sample test questions, as well as other helpful information.  Each Study Guide package includes student booklets, a teacher companion guide, and online user codes for sample test questions.  A Study Guide order form is available at http://www.nocti.org/studyguide.cfm on the NOCTI website.

Are practice tests available?
Practice questions are available in the NOCTI Study Guides and in the Assessment Blueprints that are available for each standardized test.

Do we have to give both the written and performance component?
You are not required to administer both the written and performance tests.  However, NOCTI firmly believes that both a written assessment of cognitive skills and a hands-on skill demonstration assessment of technical psychomotor/manipulative skills can best achieve a complete measure of occupational competency.  Check with your state to obtain state testing recommendations.

What is the passing score?
NOCTI does not set the pass or fail level for any of its occupational competency assessments.
Passing scores on NOCTI assessments are determined by the school, district, or state department of education depending on the system involved.  NOCTI can assist customers in setting cut scores through a one-day Cut Score Workshop. 

What are the benefits of pre-testing?
Pre-assessments are designed to assist in the process of identifying strengths and gap areas for participants. A Pre/Post-Assessment Comparison report is provided as part of the standard score report package after the post-assessment is completed. This powerful tool can be used to identify and address the factors that impact student learning and performance as well as to provide meaningful information for curriculum development and program improvement.

What is the reading level for the assessment?
Each NOCTI written (cognitive) assessment will parallel (not exceed) the reading level required in the industry.  During test development, reading materials that are required in the occupation are subjected to readability analysis and the written assessment will then be constructed to parallel this reading level.  NOCTI does offer clients the option to purchase an Integrated Academic Report for each of the Job Ready Assessment titles.

Are NOCTI assessments aligned to national and industry standards?
Yes, all NOCTI assessments are based on available national/industry standards and utilize industry experts in every step of the test development and standard setting process.

What curriculum is available for NOCTI assessments? 
NOCTI standardized assessments are created to measure the critical core competencies of the occupation being assessed. NOCTI standardized tests are based on national and/or industry-based standards, not any specific curriculum.  To ensure alignment to core standards, NOCTI does work closely with various professional organizations and certification groups (i.e. MAVCC, EAI, MarkEd, ACF and MSSC) who produce curriculum.  Contact NOCTI for information on specific curriculum resources.

How do I match my curriculum to NOCTI assessments?
NOCTI’s Assessment Blueprints provide the specific core competencies and tasks that represent an occupational standard.  Curriculum that leads to proficiency in these occupational competency areas will help prepare students for success.  The Blueprints also provide the percentage of questions covering each competency area, sample questions and jobs, and administration information.  Instructors are encouraged to crosswalk their current curriculum with the assessment blueprints.

How does NOCTI ensure that the assessments are valid and reliable?

• To be valid, an assessment needs to assure that test content is measuring what is intended to be measured.  NOCTI assessments are developed through the identification of critical competencies from occupational and workplace standards. Academic standards, which are embedded in all occupations as being critical to the understanding and the performance within each occupation, are also identified. A team of experts in the field, from business, industry, and education, verifies these standards.
• For an assessment to be reliable, it must be consistent and dependable over time. NOCTI assures this process by piloting all of its assessments with schools and institutions from all over the nation.  In addition, the assessments are tested for such items as readability, fairness, and objectivity.

How often are NOCTI assessments updated?
Advancements in technology, coupled with changes in occupational practices, result in the need to regularly review and update NOCTI assessments. NOCTI is currently working on a two-year revision cycle.

Who does NOCTI include on its assessment development/revision teams?  How can I get on a committee?
A test development committee is comprised of occupational experts (minimum 3 years experience) in the particular field.  The committees are composed of five to eight members from industry, post-secondary education, and secondary education.  When selecting committee members, we attempt to choose experts representing at least three different states.  If you are interested in being considered as a SME (Subject Matter Expert) on an assessment development committee, please email Bonnie Newland at bonnie.newland@nocti.org for details.