Volunteer Opportunity: PACKRAT® Exam Development Board

4 positions available

Exam Development Board members write and review items for the maintenance and enhancement of PAEA’s suite of exams, PACKRAT®, End of Rotation™, and End of Curriculum™ examinations. Exam Development Board work follows a challenging but rewarding production schedule that involves:

  • Writing 20–30 exam questions each year following specific blueprint guidelines
  • Reviewing colleagues’ questions in small groups
  • Reviewing comments provided by colleagues and editors to revise your work
  • Participating in a large group peer-review meeting to approve content for exams administered to more than 70,000 PA students nationwide each year

Successful applicants will be assigned to the PACKRAT® Exam Development Board.

Application Requirements:

Letters of interest must address three specific areas:

  • Why you are interested in exam development work specifically
  • Experience you have working as part of a team
  • How you would advance diversity and inclusion in this role

Candidates must also submit three sample exam questions. The questions should address the following content and task areas:

  • Cardiology, Scientific Concepts
  • Endocrinology, Clinical Therapeutics
  • Urology/Renal, Diagnostic Studies

Please refer to the PAEA Assessment website for more information related to content and task areas. Questions may be written for any exam that the applicant deems appropriate.

Meeting Commitments

Exam Development Board members are expected to attend the Exam Development Summit in March of each year for a four-day in-person peer-review meeting. The next Summit is scheduled for March 23-26, 2023, in Chicago, Illinois (or virtually if circumstances require). All applicants should hold these dates on their calendar; travel booking information, including the explanation of participant support, will be sent shortly after appointment confirmation.

Terms of Service

EDB members are eligible to serve unlimited three-year terms that begin September 26, 2022, and end following the Exam Development Summit of their final year of service.

Skills and Abilities

Applicants must demonstrate skill in multiple-choice and vignette-style item writing, a commitment to service and collaboration, and the ability to engage in a rigorous item development and review process. Members may not hold item writing or review responsibilities outside the requirements of their faculty role (e.g., NCCPA, NBME, and other test and test-preparation services and publications). Members will be asked to sign an additional volunteer agreement if appointed.

Start Your Application

Apply Now