On Wed, 25 Oct 1995, Al Slagle wrote:
> I've been waiting for weeks for someone to discuss what this proposed exam might
> consist of.
> Has a preliminary list of questions been compiled?
> Has any questions been formed for designers to look over?
> Are we to offer possible questions that might be used on any future exam?
> What is IPC's role in this possible exam?
> Have any companies shown interest in your IPC exam idea?
> Let's get rolling!
> 
Al:

You ask many good questions. I'll try to answer them in the order which 
you asked.

1. A list of items (questions) for the Basic Design Certification Exam has 
been prepared, beta tested, and is now available through Drake Prometric 
(800-895-EXAM). These items were developed over the past two years by 
designers, working in groups across the country. Because security of the 
item bank is crucial--if the items are available, the credibility of the 
exam is negated--the items are not available for review. 

2. As you know, it is senseless to begin a project unless you first 
determine what your ultimate goal is. That in mind, the Design
Certification Task Group established dozens of concrete objectives for 
each level of the certification program. Items are then written to 
fulfill the objectives. Sometimes, a single item will meet multiple 
objectives. In other cases, a single objective may require two or more 
items to establish whether the examinee truly understands the subject matter.

Once again, designers across the country actually write the items. IPC 
works with Drake to determine the validity of the items through grammar 
checks and beta testing. But again, since security of the exam is 
essential, lists of the final items selected are not made available.
On the other hand, the list of objectives is available from IPC and from 
some of the local Designers Council chapters. (In fact, it has been 
published in this forum.)

3. Yes, yes, and yes! In fact, Design Item writing sessions are 
constantly taking place. I will follow this e-mail with another listing 
dates and sites of upcoming item writing sessions.

4. IPC's Board of Directors has allocated funding (up to $100,000) to 
establish a full-fledged design certification program. To date, we are 
"live" with the Basic Design Certification Exam, and have certified a 
number of designers already. IPC oversees the administration of the 
program, organizing the items writing sessions, helping to develop and 
publish study guides, conducting preparatory workshops, and acting as the 
direct liaison to Drake.

5. I hear every day from companies that want to participate in the 
certification process. Memebrs of the Design Certification Task Group 
have made presentations on the benefits of design to a number of 
companies and at several industry conferences.

6. Hear, hear!

Further questions may be directed to this forum or to LIsa Williams, IPC, 
e-mail: [log in to unmask]

Mike Buetow
IPC Technical Staff
2215 Sanders Road
Northbrook, IL 60062-6135
T: 708-509-9700
F: 708-509-9798
[log in to unmask]