NBME maintains a complete state-of-the-art computing center with extensive capabilities to perform online as well as batch processing.
All members of project teams have ready access to a powerful Local Area Network (LAN), with easy access to all software on both the PC network and the VAX mainframe.
Our staff of computer programmers and systems analysts develop customized programs and applications when needed to meet clients' special requirements for analyses and reports. They have expertise in data base management, communications protocols, and a variety of high level programming languages.
The NBME's computing center is maintained as a secure facility to which only authorized NBME personnel have access. All of the data pertaining to the NBME's operations and examinations, as well as all data regarding client examinations, are backed up frequently and maintained in secure storage to protect against possible loss or destruction.
We also maintain an online security system to assure the client's test items and examination data can be accessed only by authorized staff assigned to the client's program.
All of these security systems and procedures are designed to assure the confidentiality and integrity of the client's test materials and examination data.
In addition to the NBME's integrated Examination Processing System, many other sophisticated resources are available and used selectively in meeting the client's needs.
These include --
Periodically, clients face special problems or identify new needs which require focused investigation or experimentation. In many cases, initial directions or approaches can be taken from findings derived from the NBME's ongoing program of research and development.
After careful review and consultation to define the client's needs and expectations, our research specialists will design a study and will specify a plan and timetable for data collection and analysis. Findings and recommendations are presented to the client for review and discussion.
The NBME maintains an active program of research and development to create new evaluation methods and more appropriate scoring procedures. These efforts are designed to help find effective solutions to the problems of assessing professional competence and educational achievement.
The NBME is presently conducting research and development in the following areas--