Complete Testing Solutions

AMP provides certification and licensure organizations with a full array of program management, test development and test delivery services.

AMP was created to provide high quality, secure testing services and we remain committed to that mission more than 25 years later. We combine vast industry knowledge, effective technology and high quality customer service to provide unique program management solutions.

We can help with every aspect of your testing program, including feasibility study, job analysis, program design, candidate application, test development, test delivery and scoring and analysis. Psychometric staff are also available for consulting on projects ranging from NCCA accreditation to program review. Test delivery options include standardized paper/pencil administration, secure computer-based testing, mobile proctored delivery and anytime/anywhere web-based availability.

Candidate Services

Candidate Support Center

AMP’s Candidate Support Center is available by toll-free telephone six days a week to assist candidates with questions or scheduling needs. Our call center is located in-house at our corporate headquarters in the Kansas City area, and a team of call center staff are specifically trained on each client program. All staff have access to an intranet application with all detailed program information available at the click of a mouse, to quickly and accurately answer candidate questions. Our location in the Central Time Zone ensures that we provide convenient service to candidates across the US.

Application Processing

Our Examination Services department has more than 40 years experience accurately reviewing and processing examination applications. We can develop and support online or paper-based application processes and verify different types of eligibility. Our experienced staff can manage any application process – from simple to complex.

Electronic Eligibility Database

AMP can also streamline your program’s application process using our Electronic Eligibility Database (EED). The EED allows educators and other authorized individuals to securely transmit graduate data online – decreasing the time needed to determine eligibility. Access to this system allows your organization to monitor the approval process in real time.

Test Delivery

Whether you are searching for a nationwide network of secure testing sites, the convenience of offering an exam in the workplace, or standardized paper-pencil administrations, AMP’s variety of test delivery options can provide your candidates with an easily accessible and quality testing experience.

Computer-Based Testing

AMP’s Assessment Center Network consists of approximately 170 assessment centers across the United States. The Network serves the top 175 metropolitan service areas within a short drive, as well as many rural areas. All Network locations are solely dedicated to testing only AMP candidates and provide a secure, proctored environment.

The Network has been operating flawlessly since January 2000, and we’ve tested more than one million candidates with a high rate of customer satisfaction. Learn more about the AMP Assessment Center Network using the link at the right under the "Learn More" heading.

Mobile CBT

We can create a secure virtual test center in almost any location, such as a conference, business or remote location. AMP’s Mobile CBT units, consisting of lightweight notebook computers, digital cameras, fingerprint capture devices, full size mouse, printer and a secure server, can be shipped safely anywhere in the United States. This testing option is built on the same platform as our Network and provides candidates with a convenient and standardized testing environment while trained AMP proctors follow all standard test administration procedures, from check-in and verification of identity to monitoring candi-dates throughout the examination.

International Testing

AMP has also established a secure web-based network of international sties to supplement our national network. With more than 30 sites across 18 countries, our international network offers the ability to expand your program around the globe.

Web-Based Testing and Self Assessment Examinations

Web-based testing has a variety of applications and allows candidates to test from any computer with an appropriate internet connection. Web-based exams, practice tests, and self-assessments allow the flexibility for candidates to test on their schedule 24\7, at work or at home. Web-based examinations are hosted on AMP's secure servers and can be made available for purchase through AMP's online store.

Self-Assessment Examinations (SAEs) provide candidates with the chance to practice the test in a stress free environment and receive valuable feedback regarding their performance. SAEs also generate an additional revenue source for the organization. Ordering an examination through our store is easy, with online credit card payment and e-mail confirmation provided within minutes. You determine eligibility criteria, restart options and timing to customize a program that meets your individual needs.

Paper and Pencil Testing

AMP also administers secure, proctored paper and pencil examinations to more than 100,000 individuals each year. This testing option is available at more than 100 locations established in universities and colleges nationwide, as well as various international locations. We can also administer exams in Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Educational Support (DANTES) centers for military personnel. Since all of our testing programs and software are integrated, even those organizations that elect to administer their exams in a CBT or web-based modality can still easily organize a paper and pencil test administration at conferences or other special events.

Test Program Development

The key to developing and maintaining a professionally sound and legally defensible examination program lies with the guidance of a knowledgeable psychometrics team. The expertise of AMP’s test development staff is unsurpassed in the testing industry. All of our doctorate level psychometricians have more than 20 years of experience providing guidance in professional testing standards and serving as a direct contact to their clients.

We believe our high psychometric standards are demonstrated by the fact that the examination program of our parent company, the National Board for Respiratory Care, Inc. (NBRC) is the only group that has maintained its National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) accreditation since the inception of the standards in 1977. This commitment to quality paired with our experience in the industry provides AMP clients with confidence that their certification and licensure programs will always meet or exceed professional testing standards and legal guidelines.

Whether your testing program is just starting out or well established, AMP can provide you with the services and guidance appropriate for all stages of test development.

Job Analysis

AMP relies on the collection of validity evidence as the primary method of support for credentialing examinations and this is established through the continuous documentation of procedures. Central to the support of this claim is the accurate linkage of individual items to a test content outline or blueprint based on a job analysis study. Having completed over 250 job analysis studies over the past 25 years, AMP understands the importance of these data for use as a critical element in the legal defensibility of credentialing programs. We can facilitate web-based or paper-pencil surveys, practitioner interviews, job log completion and other means of ensuring a job-related program.

Test Form Development

Our expert psychometricians and test development staff can facilitate the development of new examination forms by training your committee members to write and review items for the test bank. Once the items are developed, AMP uses psychometric guidelines and AMP-owned item banking/test construction software to create test forms that exactly match your content outline and conduct passing point studies to provide documentation of a legally defensible examination standard.

Simulations

AMP is a leader in the development of innovative assessment approaches, including simulation examinations for certification and licensure. These simulations allow individuals to demonstrate their information gathering and decision making skills in a “case study” mode. Each case begins with a scenario that “sets the scene” for the simulation and is followed by a number of sections covering work-related problems associated with reviewing, analyzing and taking action in light of specific information.

AMP provides a wide array of additional psychometric services:

• Feasibility Studies
• Validity Studies
• Program Review/Audit
• Transportability Studies
• Psychometric Consulting
• Performance Appraisal Systems
• NCCA Accreditation Review

AMP Assessment Center Network

Secure • Convenient • Available

The AMP Assessment Center Network provides approximately 170 secure, proctored computer-based testing sites across the United States. All sites are controlled by AMP and test only AMP candidates. This is not a ‘third-party’ or ‘franchised’ network. All computers, servers, printers, furniture, data transfer systems are owned and operated exclusively by AMP. All test center proctors must pass an AMP Proctor Certification Examination which covers all tasks from candidate check-in, creating a secure, standardized testing environment to dealing with irregularities and issuing score reports. See a list of our national AMP Assessment Center Network locations.

With more than 1 Million candidates tested, we have the experience and resources to provide your organization with a secure, convenient, available testing option.

Secure

State-of-the-art technology in the hands of caring, highly trained personnel equals top-of-the-line security. Digital candidate photographs, biometric identification measures and audio/video equipment combine with standardized identification and check-in procedures and diligent proctors to ensure the highest level of security. From the initial transmission of the test forms to the presentation of score reports at the site, AMP has control over every aspect of every test center to ensure standardization and security.

Convenient

Scheduling is available 24/7 through real time web access and our candidate support center is available six days per week. AMP’s 170 Assessment Centers serve 155 unique cities across all 50 states. With this approach to coverage, AMP has a test center within 2 hours of the top 175 metropolitan service areas. We continually expand our network to best meet our candidates’ needs.

Available

Tired of your candidates waiting weeks to test? Offer them a more accessible choice. AMP candidates test when and where they want. Our sites are geographically distributed across the US, and we deliberately maintain approximately 50% excess capacity to ensure convenient testing appointment choices. Testing with AMP means your candidates test faster and enter or return to the workforce sooner.

Our Assessment Center Network Command and Control Center (ACN-CCS) is unmatched in the industry. From our corporate headquarters we monitor and analyze feedback regarding more than 100 conditions at all our national assessment center network locations. The ACN-CCS also monitors candidate call center volumes, online scheduling rates, examinee volume trends, examinee satisfaction levels and test site capacity and utilization. This tool allows us to run our network proactively and ensure the most convenient service to your candidates.

Need to test internationally?

AMP also has an extended web-based network that offers testing in 33 locations in 18 countries. Additional sites can be arranged for special administrations.

AMP was created specifically to serve the certification industry. Our parent company, the National Board for Respiratory Care, Inc., identified the need for a personalized, service oriented testing company more than 25 years ago, and since then AMP has worked with more than 100 organizations to develop, maintain, strengthen or transition their voluntary certification programs. Our dedicated staff brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to each program we serve. Our track record of maintaining long term relationships with clients says it all.

AMP relies on the collection of validity evidence as the primary method of support for certification examinations and this is established through the continuous documentation of procedures used to develop examination forms. Central to the support of this claim is the accurate linkage of individual items to a test content outline or blueprint based on a job analysis study. Our psychometric staff with extensive experience in the science of developing and implementing certification examinations work with committees of industry-specific subject-matter experts to develop professionally sound, legally defensible examinations. All procedures followed by AMP are fully documented and meet industry standards for accreditation, such as the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

We provide voluntary certification support for clients across a wide variety of industries, including allied health, financial, construction/technical and veterinary. By utilizing true subject-matter experts in the job analysis and test development processes, we are able to create professional, job-related examinations for any profession. Through our parent company, we got our start in the allied health field and currently serve more than 55 voluntary healthcare certifying organizations. Our staff is in tune to the unique and rapidly changing hurdles facing healthcare organizations today.

Contact AMP to discuss your program’s needs:

• Program Development
• Job Analysis
• Test Development
• NCCA Accreditation
• Transition to CBT
• Psychometric Consulting

Licensure

AMP has the experience and resources to provide a streamlined solution for any licensure testing program. We offer a wide variety of services that allow organizations to provide a seamless and convenient process to their candidates:

• Develop and distribute candidate handbooks
• Process and track applications
• Facilitate background checks
• Determine eligibility and track continuing education credits
• Capture fingerprints at the test site (for identification verification)
• Develop and administer job-related examinations
• Issue licenses

We currently provide licensure services to approximately 40 organizations in a wide range of industries at the state and federal level, including those listed below.

Real Estate Licensure

AMP provides real estate licensure testing services to 11 state agencies, including Alabama, Illinois, Georgia, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming and Washington. Our national real estate examinations were the first to be accredited by ARELLO and have continually maintained accreditation since 1992. AMP has over 20 years of experience administering examinations to real estate salespersons, brokers, and other related professionals. We are the only company to offer simulation exams for the licensure of real estate brokers. This innovative examination format allows for the higher level assessment of broker information gathering and decision making skills in real life scenarios.

Experience a Sample Simulation Problem

Real Estate Appraiser Licensure

AMP provides real estate appraiser licensure test administration services to 12 states, including Alabama, California, Illinois, Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming. We have been a provider of appraiser licensure examination services since 1994. We are currently an approved provider of the Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB) National Uniform Licensing and Certification Examinations for Certified General, Certified Residential and Licensed Real Property Appraisers.

Experience a Sample Simulation Problem

The sample simulations below are intended to familiarize you with the format of the examination. They will help you learn how to take a simulation examination by making selections and moving through the sections.

PLEASE NOTE: These simulations do not match content distribution or difficulty of an actual simulation examination. The scores you receive on the sample simulations will not predict the score you will obtain on an actual simulation examination for a variety of reasons.

Sample Simulation 1

Agency/Nonagency Relationships

Open House Situation

Sample Simulation 2

Trust Accounts

Early Disbursal of Trust Funds

Sample Simulation 3

Disclosure

Obligation to Disclose

Technology that Works

AMP is dedicated to utilizing the best software, equipment, and security features available - not only for our own business processes, but also for our clients’ specific needs. From comprehensive test development and administration software to complex data tracking systems, we have built our business around equipment and technology that works.

Executive Office Security

Most client support takes place at our secure executive office in the Kansas City area. AMP's Executive Office is protected by a 24-hour security magnetic card entry system and 24x7x360 video surveillance and monitoring. However, we also employ numerous redundant communication network subsystems and co-location data storage requirements that ensure the integrity of all information even in the event of a power failure or natural disaster. This includes dual computing facilities in Kansas and our Technology Division in South Carolina.

From test development to test delivery, AMP safeguards client data throughout all work processes. Computer programs containing sensitive information are protected with strict authentication policies and event logging. Item pools, test files and scoring keys will be maintained on AMP’s proprietary computer banking and analysis programs. Special coding limits access to any client’s item pool or exam forms to only the necessary staff members. Staff computers are also protected by current DOD-approved operating systems in conjunction with local and external firewalls.

Notebook computers used by AMP staff feature biometric identification for access and incorporate tracking software which can identify their locations and enable remote “wiping” of the hard drive. All sensitive data transported mechanically or electronically outside of our internal secure network is encrypted through certified-secure tunnels or using high strength biometric measures. VPN access to AMP’s systems is limited to key staff and authority is certified annually.

AMP Assessment Center Network Technology and Security

AMP Assessment Center Network technology ensures secure examination data transmission. AMP computer-based examinations are delivered to test sites using a state-of-the-art 128-bit encryption technique. Encryption techniques and the fact that data does not permanently reside on computers at the assessment center locations greatly reduces the chance for unauthorized access of information.

To protect the integrity of the programs we serve, technology has become a vital resource in the prevention of cheating and other fraudulent activities. Digital capture of candidate photographs allows for visual confirmation that the correct candidate is sitting for the exam and is also used for verification on score reports. The AMP Biometric Verification System captures and stores a digital image of the candidate’s fingerprint. This image could be used to verify a candidate’s identity if there was ever a question as to who attempted an examination.

Assessment Center Network Command and Control Center

Our Assessment Center Network Command and Control Center (ACN-CCS) is unmatched in the industry. From our corporate headquarters we monitor and analyze feedback regarding more than 100 conditions at all our national assessment center network locations. The ACN-CCS also monitors online scheduling rates, examinee volume trends, examinee satisfaction levels and test site capacity and utilization. This tool allows us to run our network proactively and ensure the most convenient service to clients and their candidates.

Examination Software

LXR•TEST is a key piece of technology that allows AMP to assist clients in all aspects of their examination program. LXR•TEST is used to create examination forms, generate item and examination statistics and update statistics in the item bank. LXR•TEST has been designed to be portable, allowing AMP clients to meet in the location of their choice and able to import and export item records from any computer operating in a Windows environment. As an enhanced security measure at the test site, LXR•TEST will scramble the numbering of items within each form and the options within an individual item which practically eliminates the chance that candidates testing at the same time will have identical exam forms. For more information on LXR•TEST, please visit www.lxrtest.com.