An introduction to the proficiency examination.

The public's right to quality health care requires that health practitioners be competent to carry successfully the responsibilities of the positions they seek to fill, and that individuals seeking to practice must be evaluated as possessing the required expertise. The proficiency examination is used to judge the possession of such expertise. This article describes the proficiency examination, its characteristics, the basis upon which it is developed, and how it contributes to the assurance that practitioners are competent. Common misconceptions that practitioners may have about the proficiency examination are also discussed. The proficiency examination is defined as a criterion-referenced appraisal of the individual's possession of the performance knowledge and skill competencies required to execute the role responsibilities of the given practitioner generic position.