Development of a test blueprint for the National Association of Industrial Technology Certification Exam

The primary purpose of this study was to develop a test blueprint that would serve to identify core content, subject areas, and competencies needed to update the NAIT Certification Exam. The original certification program was established by the National Association of Industrial Technology (NAIT) in 1991, and eight areas were identified: (1) Quality Control; (2) Production Planning and Control; (3) Industrial Supervision; (4) Industrial Finance and Accounting; (5) Industrial Safety; (6) Plant Layout and Material Handling; (7) Time And Motion Study; and (8) Industrial Communications. A prototype testing was conducted in an attempt to improve the reliability of the test, and in 1995 the Certification Committee recommended: (1) editing questions for clarification; (2) deleting 80 inappropriate questions; (3) adding approximately 40 new questions; and (4) collapse the exam into four content areas to increase test validity.; The problem addressed in this study is the need to determine if earlier test development reflects current NAIT Certification Exam requirements. The current exam was developed ten years ago, and there has been a clear need to address rapid changes in technology and its uses. A modified Delphi technique was used to identify core content, subject areas, and competencies. Two Delphi Rounds were conducted in which 14 panelists identified 13 core competency areas: (1) Leadership Skills For Supervisors; (2) Teamwork; (3) Fundamentals of Management; (4) Safety Management; (5) Technical Graphics/CADD; (6) Quality; (7) Electronics; (8) Human Resource Management; (9) Technical Writing; (10) Written Communication; (11) Verbal Communication; (12) Computer Integrated Manufacturing and, (13) Manufacturing Automation.; The findings of the study also indicated a greater need for expanding the use of information, particularly in written and verbal communication, especially how to communicate technical information to others. This is in line with the current needs of a growing informational society that is characterized by rapid advances in technologies and the need for higher levels of knowledge required of those who will lead in a complex world. Industrial Technologists are at the forefront of this movement because of their unique blend of expertise in technology and management that is based on theory and application.