Development of competency-based, career-entry examination for clinical laboratory personnel.

The process of developing a competency-based credentialing examination for career-entry practitioners is described, including a review of pertinent literature. A modified Delphi technique was used to achieve consensus among a panel of experts with respect to Career-Entry Statements of Competence. Items were written which were referenced specifically to one or more of the statements. The resulting genralist examination for the technologist and technician personnel levels is the first such examination to be reported in the field of clinical laboratory sciences which utilized a formal process involving such large numbers of practicing professionals.