Jf. Mcdermott et al., PILOT-STUDY OF EXPLICIT GRADING CRITERIA IN THE AMERICAN-BOARD-OF-PSYCHIATRY-AND-NEUROLOGY PART II EXAMINATION, The American journal of psychiatry, 153(8), 1996, pp. 1097-1099
Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify specific competen
cies that differentiated passing from failing performance on the Ameri
can Board of Psychiatry and Neurology Part II oral board certification
examination. Method: A total of 363 candidates were rated in 18 areas
of competence defined by behavioral criteria. Data were analyzed to d
etermine which areas best discriminated between passing and failing ca
ndidates. Results: In both parts of the examination, the ability to de
velop a comprehensive treatment plan was most influential. After that,
specific interview and observational skills discriminated best. Faili
ng candidates had most difficulty detecting and following informationa
l and affective cues in their interview of a patient and presenting a
biopsychosocial formulation and comprehensive treatment plan. Conclusi
ons: Specific candidate competencies related to passing and failing pe
rformance can be identified and assessed by a rating scale of observab
le behaviors on the board certification examination in psychiatry.