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All test questions (items) for the CCPDT examination are multiple choice, with four choices, only one of which is correct. Items must be based on the CPDT test content outline which can be found by downloading the Application and Handbook.
Each multiple choice item is composed of a stem, followed by four options; one correct option and three distracters. Example:
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| Stem |
Who invented the light bulb? |
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| Correct option |
1. Thomas Alva Edison |
| Distracter |
2. Benjamin Franklin |
| Distracter |
3. Alexander Graham Bell |
| Distracter |
4. Leonardo da Vinci |
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The stem may also be in the form of an incomplete statement. Example:
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| Stem |
The light bulb was invented by: |
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| Correct option |
1. Thomas Alva Edison |
| Distracter |
2. Benjamin Franklin |
| Distracter |
3. Alexander Graham Bell |
| Distracter |
4. Leonardo da Vinci |
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Characteristics of a good item stem are:
- It presents a problem situation clearly
- It is stated positively rather than negatively
- It avoids the use of the pronouns “it,” “he,” “she,” and “you.”
- It is presented as simply as possible, including only information that is necessary to understand the problem.
- It includes any words that would have to be repeated in each option
- It specifies the authority or standard upon which the correct option is based, if the item calls for a judgment.
- It poses a problem to which the correct answer is not likely to change over time.
- It focuses on important learning objectives and avoids testing trivia.
Characteristics of good options are:
- Correct options are unquestionably correct and distracters are unquestionably wrong.
- All four options are grammatically related to the stem.
- The four options are homogeneous in terms of structure as well as content.
- The correct option is similar in length to the distracters.
- Absolute terms have been avoided (do not contain words like “all,” “none,” “always,” and “never”).
- Options are mutually exclusive.
- Do not use “none of the above” or “all of the above.”
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