Examination Scoring and Minimum Passing Scores

The examination pass-fail decision is based on a candidate’s performance in the entire examination. Unanswered questions are scored as incorrect; therefore, candidates should attempt to answer every question. The minimum passing score reflects an absolute standard that is independent of the performance of any group of candidates. This standard has been established by the Examination Committee and approved by MOH.

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Examination Reports

After the examination is completed, it will be analysed and evaluated to ensure the reliability of individual results. MOH will inform candidates, DIOs, PDs and RAC Chairman of the release of their pass/fail results within three (3) months of the examination administration date.  Please note that prior to determining the result, any comments candidates provided during the examination regarding examination items were reviewed. Necessary actions that may have affected the result were also taken.

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Validity of Scores

MOH will assess the validity of scores reported for the examination through a key validation exercise. Before scores are reported, the Examination Committee and MOH will ensure that examination scores represent a valid measure of a candidate’s knowledge or competence.

Questions about score validity may result from irregular behaviour or other factors. The performances of candidates are monitored and may be analysed to detect aberrancies that raise questions about the validity of scores. In addition, evidence of irregular behaviour and/or inadvertent access to examination content in advance of examination administration may indicate that the scores do not represent a valid measure of a candidate’s knowledge or competence. In these circumstances, the pass/fail results letter may be delayed or any further reporting or verification of such scores may be withheld, pending completion of further review and/or investigation(s). If a candidate’s pass/fail results letter is delayed, he/she and any other party to whom such information would normally be reported will be notified. Candidates will have an opportunity to provide information that they consider relevant.

After review and analysis of all available information, the scores can be classified as valid and be reported, or cancelled. Cancelled scores will not appear on a candidate’s record and will not be reported or verified to any party. If the scores are cancelled, the candidate will be advised of the options for retaking the examination. Anyone who has received a pass/fail results letter that is later cancelled will be notified. If irregular behaviour appears to have contributed to a decision that a candidate’s scores are not valid, action will also be taken as described below.

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Irregular Behaviour on Examinations

The PS Examination (MCQ) will be administered in a secure Test Centre by Test Administrators who are responsible for maintaining the integrity and security of the certification process. Test Administrators are required to report to MOH any irregular or improper behaviour by a candidate.

Examples of irregular or improper behaviour include giving or obtaining information or aid, looking at the examination material of others, removing examination materials from the Test Centre, taking notes, bringing unauthorised items, including watches or electronic devices (e.g. beepers, pagers, cell phones, etc.) into the examination, failing to comply with time limits or instructions, talking, or other disruptive behaviour. Test Administrators may intervene to stop any of the foregoing. In addition, as part of its effort to assure examination integrity, data forensic techniques that use statistical analysis of test-response data to identify patterns of test fraud, including cheating and copyright infringement, will be utilised. All irregularity reports will be investigated by MOH and its appointed examination inquiry committee.

Irregular or improper behaviour in examinations that is observed, made apparent by data forensics, statistical analysis, or uncovered by other means will be considered a subversion of the certification process and will constitute grounds for invalidation of a candidate’s examination. In addition, MOH may, at its discretion, suspend or revoke certification, exclude candidates from future examinations and inform Programme Director(s), licensing bodies, or law enforcement agencies of the MOH's actions. Those who take the examination have a continuing obligation to maintain examination confidentiality.

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Anomalous Performance

Anomalous performance and/or unusual testing history may be indicative of irregular behaviour or other issues that bear on a candidate’s access to the examination. If a candidate’s performance raises concerns about his/her readiness to test or his/her motivation to pass, MOH reserves the right to restrict his/her future access to its examinations and/or to impose conditions upon future access.

If a candidate is unable or unready to take the test on his/her scheduled test date, or if he/she is planning to take the examination to familiarise themselves with the examination format, or for any reason other than to pass, he/she should be aware that such behaviour may result in a restriction on his/her access to the examination in the future.

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