Examinations are constructed using an examination blueprint — a widely accepted tool used within professions to design examinations. The blueprint, also referred to as the test specifications, identifies the content areas covered on the examination. For each content area, the blueprint outlines the weighting of the area, the topics, levels of competence, and learning objectives and competencies examined. The blueprint also provides information on the proportion of each question type presented in the examination (for example, multiple-choice, short-answer). Students should use the examination blueprint to prepare for the examination. The blueprint may not include all topics listed in the course materials; however, students are responsible for acquiring a broad-based knowledge of all topics, including those not listed in the blueprint, since their understanding of these topics will be tested in assignment and self-test questions. The topics not listed in the blueprint will also provide a greater depth of understanding of the course. |