MCCKAP Examination Frequently Asked Questions

Is the exam still offered in the traditional booklet and Scantron answer sheet format?

No. The MCCKAP exam is offered exclusively online. Offering an online exam allows SCCM to provide participants with immediate feedback on their level of critical care knowledge. Preliminary results, as well as preliminary results by knowledge area, will be provided to the examinee upon completion of the exam. Immediate feedback helps participants identify content areas of strength and weakness, with enough time to focus on areas of weakness as they prepare to take the subspecialty board examination.

How do immediate results differ from traditional results I received in the past?

Immediate results include a preliminary comprehensive score, as well as preliminary scores by knowledge area, or category. Results are considered preliminary until the key is validated by the MCCKAP Committee, which will occur within days after exam week ends. Validation is an important step to ensure that items with questionable performance statistics are reviewed before final scores are calculated. Generally, few items are affected by the key validation so your preliminary results will likely be the same or closely approximate your final results. Final results will be provided electronically to program directors, approximately 3 to 4 weeks after exam week.

How will I receive immediate results?

Results will be displayed on screen after completion of the exam. These results may be printed upon viewing, sent to an e-mail address, or both.

Do I need special hardware or software to take the exam?

The exam will be offered via a link on the SCCM Web site. Your program director will provide you with this link. You will need to use a computer that has a reliable, high-speed Internet connection. System requirements are detailed here.

When and where will the link to the exam be provided?

The link and instructions for administering the test will be sent via e-mail to your Program Director one week prior to exam week.

Can I take the exam at home now that it is offered online?

SCCM encourages all exams to be taken in a proctored environment in order to provide a setting that will best prepare participants for the subspecialty board exam.

Will I be required to log in when I click on the link to the exam?

Yes. Your proctor will provide you with your User ID and Password. Note that the timer for the exam starts as soon as you log in.

Because the exam is online, do I have to take it all in one sitting or can I return to it later?

As in the past, the MCCKAP exam is meant to provide examinees with a practice exam-taking experience. Therefore, it must be taken in one sitting and is a timed examination. The exam consists of two parts. 4 hours total are allotted to complete the exam. You are allowed one, un-timed break during the exam.

Will I lose my answers if I lose my Internet connection?

No. Answers are automatically saved once you hit submit. The only answer you may lose is that of the question you were working on. If you lose your Internet connection, log back into the exam and continue working.

Will there be technical assistance available during exam week?

Yes. Technical assistance will be available during SCCM business hours during exam week. The phone number and email address of technical support personnel will accompany confirmed registrations.

If I decide to change an answer to a previous question, or if I skip a question, may I go back to change or complete the answer?

Yes. You will be able to review and change the answer to previously answered questions or complete skipped questions. The program will display question numbers that have not been answered and you can click on the number to complete the skipped question. Also, you will be able to type in specific question numbers if you wish to go back and review/change your answer.

When can I take a break?

You have the opportunity to take one break during the 4-hour exam. The program will display a prompt “I would like to take a break” on screen. Once you click the prompt, your break will begin. After you resume taking the exam, the prompt will no longer be on screen. Please note that you are not required to take a break.

What are the start and end dates and times to take the exam?

The online exam will be enabled March 1, 2012, and will be disabled at the end of the business day on March 11, 2012. If your group cannot take the exam during this period, contact SCCM Customer Service at +1 847 827-6888 before March 1 to discuss your needs.

What are the costs and registration deadlines for this year’s exam?

Early Registration (register by December 1, 2011) $250
Advance Registration (register by February 1, 2012) $300
Rush (register after February 1, 2012) $350