National Asthma Educator Certification Board (NAECB) Update
Asthma Educator Sharing Day March 18, 2013
Karen Meyerson, MSN, RN, FNP-C, AE-CNAECB Immediate Past-Chair
Developed by the National Asthma Educator Certification Board of Directors
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Mission Statement
To promote optimal asthma management and quality of life among individuals with asthma, their families and communities, by advancing excellence in asthma education through the Certified Asthma Educator process.
National Asthma Educator Certification Board
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● Conducts assessments to identify strengths, resources, psychological factors, the social & economic impact of asthma, educational needs & barriers to healthcare & self-management.
● Works with individuals, families, health care professionals to develop, implement, monitor & revise customized asthma action plans for self-management.
● Monitors asthma education program outcomes & recommends modifications to improve quality & effectiveness.
● Serves as a community resource by providing asthma information as well as healthcare resources.
The Certified Asthma Educator
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An expert in teaching, educating, counseling who:
● Has a comprehensive, current knowledge of asthma pathophysiology & management including:
o Developmental theorieso Impact of chronic illnesso Cultural dimensionso Principles of teaching-learning
● Is knowledgeable about objective & subjective measures used to diagnose & assess asthma control
● Capably instructs about the optimal use of medications & delivery devices, explaining technical concepts in understandable language
Who Is the Certified Asthma Educator?
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Why is Certification Important?
● Role of the Asthma Educator has increased over time as research has shown the importance of a well-educated, informed patient in the management of this chronic disease.
● Need for standardize process to certify Asthma Educators/Coordinators/Counselors and to evaluate their effectiveness in disease management
● Certification assures that information obtained from a Certified Asthma Educator (AE-C) is based on scientifically sound concepts of disease management
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About the National Asthma Educator Certification Board
(NAECB)
● Voluntary health certifying board established in 2001
● Purpose:
o To prepare examinations to test the qualifications of candidates for certification as asthma educators
o To conduct and evaluate these examinations
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Examination Eligibility RequirementsThe following currently licensed or credentialed healthcare professional may be admitted to the examination:
o Physicians (MD, DO)o Physician Assistants (PA-C)o Nurses (RN, LPN, NP)o Respiratory Therapists (RRT, CRT)o Pulmonary Function Technologists (CPFT, RPFT)o Pharmacists (RPh)o Social Workers (CSW)o Health Educators (CHES)o Physical Therapists (PT)o Occupational Therapists (OT)
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Examination Eligibility Requirements
One of the previous credentials
OR
Individuals providing direct patient asthma education, counseling, coordination services with a
minimum of 1000 hours experience in above services.
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Board of Directors Composition● Nine to 17 voting members● Represent multiple health care professionals in
asthma education, counseling & coordination with at least one from each of these disciplines:o Behavioral scientisto Health educatoro Nurseo Pharmacisto Physiciano Respiratory therapist
● Also, a Public Member & an At-Large Member● Representation by competency & discipline, not by
organization; with majority having AE-C
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National Asthma Educator Certification Board
Executive Committee – 2013
Traci Arney, RN, MN, CFNP, AE-C – ChairCapt. John Manning, RN, MSN, PNP, AE-C –Vice-ChairTimothy Hudd, BS, PharmD, RPh, AE-C –Vice ChairStuart Abramson MD, AE-C –TreasurerSuzanne Bollmeier, PharmD., BCPS, AE-C – SecretaryKaren Meyerson, RN, MSN, FNP-C, AE-C – Immediate Past-Chair
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Board of Directors 2013Stuart Abramson, MD, PhD, AE-C (2008-2013) Treasurer
Traci D. Arney, MN, FNP-C, AE-C, FAANP (2007-2015) ChairJack Barnette, AE-C (2013-2015) Public Member
Joann Blessing-Moore, MD (2012-2014)Suzanne Bollmeier, Pharm.D., BCPS, AE-C (2008-2013) Secretary
Kameka Brown, MBA, PhD, FNP, AE-C (2012-2014)Randall W. Brown, MD, MPH (2013-2015)Clifton Dennis, RRT, AE-C (2011-2013)
Linda B. Ford, MD, FACAAI, FAAAAI, AE-C, Emeritus MemberAntoinette C. Gardner, RN, BSN, MEd, AE-C, Emeritus Member
Timothy R. Hudd BS, Pharm.D., R.Ph., AE-C (2012-2014)Carol Jones, RN, AE-C (2013-2015)
Lisa Magary, DNP, APRN, CPNP, FNP-BC, AE-C, RRT (2011-2013)Capt. John Manning, RN, MSN, PNP, AE-C (2013-2015)
Karen Meyerson, MSN, RN, FNP-C, AE-C (2006-2013) Immediate Past-ChairTim Op’t Holt, EdD, RRT, AE-C, FAARC (2013-2015)
Karen Rance, DNP, RN, CPNP, AE-C (2013-2015)Gina M. Spinuzzi, RRT, AE-C (2013-2015) Vice-Chair
Kristen Szymonik, BS, RRT, AE-C (2012-2014)
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Evolution of the NAECB In 1999, representatives from more
than 50 stakeholders groups met to discuss the need for an asthma educator certification process.
First Board of Directors meeting was held in 2000.
Exam was offered for the first time on September 19, 2002.
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Candidate Handbook
The handbook is available on the website and is comprehensive with sample questions, DCO, and operations of taking the exam.
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Updated Job Analysis conducted in 2009
Surveys were sent to asthma educators across the country in 2009 and a new DCO (Detailed content Outline) was developed to encompass all areas of asthma education.
The job analysis was evaluated by a group of Board members and invited community stakeholders who then redesigned the exam’s Detailed Content Outline (DCO).
The DCO is the matrix which is used in exam development and item selection.
Job Analysis
NAECB Exam Categories
11%IV. Organizational Issues
43%III. Asthma Management
26%II. Patient & Family Assessment
20%I. The Asthma Condition
% of TEST QUESTIONS
MAJOR CATEGORY
Derived from the Asthma Educator Job Tasks Survey
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Challenges Health professionals are well-trained in exam content
areas I, II, & III, such as the asthma condition, patient and family assessment, and asthma management.
Category IV involves program development, implementation and evaluation.
While these topics were identified as AE-C functions from the Job Analysis, they are not standard subjects covered in most allied health or bachelor degree programs, so may require additional study.
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NAECB Exam Categories
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National Asthma EducatorCertification Examination
Detailed Content Outline Summary
I. The Asthma Conditiono Pathophysiology of asthmao Factors contributing to Acute and Chronic
Asthma
II. Patient and Family Assessmento Historyo Physical Examinationo Objective Measureso Educational Needs
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National Asthma EducatorCertification Examination
Detailed Content Outline Summary
III. Asthma Managemento Medications and Delivery Deviceso Behavioral and Environmental Modificationso Developmental Implementation, and Evaluation
of an Asthma Management Plan
IV. Organizational Issueso Program Outcomeso Referral and Professional Networking
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The Examination Items● Cognitive levels of test items:
o Recall - The ability to recall or recognize specific information
o Application - The ability to comprehend, relate or apply knowledge to new or changing situations
o Analysis - The ability to analyze information, determine solutions and/or evaluate the usefulness of a solution
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Review CoursesDo not underestimate the need to properly
prepare for the examination.
As a certifying body, Board members are prohibited from being involved in any kind of course related to the examination, either through promotion, development or execution of the course.
Many review courses are available from other professional organizations
NAECB does NOT review or endorse or promote any of these review courses.
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Review Course ChecklistThings to ask about reviews/study aids:● Is the candidate handbook provided by the NAECB
used as part of the teaching materials or has it been used to develop the course?
● Are there Certified Asthma Educators (AE-C) on the faculty of the course or available for questions?
● Is the organization keeping a record of their pass rate and, if so, what is the pass rate?
● These are not the only criteria that a candidate should consider when choosing a course. They are simply three areas that the NAECB believes should be considered in any decision.
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Review Materials
NAECB board members have not participated in any way in the development of any outside materials marketed for review of this exam.
NAECB does not endorse any outside materials marketed for the review of this exam.
Any claims about success in helping to pass the Asthma Educator Certification Examination by using these materials should be investigated thoroughly by the candidate.
NAECB has a list of resource materials that may be used by candidate as part of an overall plan of preparation for the exam.
None of these materials are meant to be review materials or review courses explicitly meant to be used to prepare solely for the NAECB asthma educator certification examination.
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NAECB’s Self-Assessment Exam (SAE)
The SAE was developed to assist in identifying those areas of strength or weakness for each individual.
The SAE is a practice exam, available to download from the website and is a shorter version of the exam.
Contains 75 questions which are EPR-3 compliant and match the existing DCO.
Cost is $65 for 3-month online access
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NAECB Exam● 175 multiple choice questions
o 150 test itemso 25 pretest itemsNot identifiedPerformance on these items does not affect score
o Includes some “multiple multiples”o 3.5 hours allowed for exam
● Multiple forms
● Sample questions and Review References are in the Candidate Handbook on website: www.naecb.org
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NAECB Exam: Application & Scheduling
● Online or paper● www.naecb.org● Complete & submit application & payment● Must sign Code of Conduct● Make examination appointment, pending
confirmation of having met eligibility requirements
● Request for special accommodations available
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How and Where to Take the Test
● Test is taken online at approximately 170 secured testing sites in H&R Block Centers across the US through Applied Measurement Professionals (AMP)
● The assessment centers are listed at: www.goAMP.com
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NAECB Exam Fees● $295 - New candidate
o If successfulCertification designation of AE-C®
Receipt of NAECB certificate
Certification is valid for 7 years
● $195 - Repeat candidate (fee per exam)
o Must wait 90 days between attempts and no more than 3 attempts allowed in 1year
● $245 – Recertification (up to date of expiration)
o Recertification is by re-examination only
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Linda B. Ford Scholarship
● The scholarship was created to provide assistance for individuals pursuing their national asthma educator certification.
● The award is named after Linda B. Ford, MD, the first chair and a founding member of the NAECB, the first and only U.S. organization to provide a national certification examination for asthma educators.
● The application is available online
● New this year – scholarships will be awarded each month!
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Re-certification● Exam can be taken no sooner than 365 days
before the certification expires.
● $50.00 discounted fee when re-certifying prior to expiration date.
● Testing must be completed by expiration date.
● Letters sent out 15 months prior to expiration. Keep contact information up to date.
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Re-certification
The NAECB is currently examining options for re-certification other than examination alone (such
as through continuing education (CEUs).
This will be discussed at the next board meeting in Phoenix, AZ, in April 2013.
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If You Do Not Pass The Examination
There is a waiting period of ninety (90) days between examination attempts with a maximum of three (3) attempts in a one (1) year period. In the case of extenuating circumstances, candidates may petition the NAECB.
If the time has exceeded one year since the date of your application to NAECB, you will need to apply to the NAECB again for permission to take the NAECB examination with all the associated fees.
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After You Pass the Exam
Consider running for the board of directors o Some new board members are elected every year.
Vote if certified; Certified Asthma Educators (AE-C’s) elect new board members
Consider volunteering to work on one of the committees of the board.
Let others know you are certified and encourage others to take the exam.
Let NAECB know how your AE-C has helped you. Get highlighted in the e-newsletter available at www.naecb.org.
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Exam Statistics
Overall, 6,281 people have taken the NAECB exam through 5-31-2012 including first time examinees, those retaking, and those recertifying.
The pass rate for those taking the exam for the first time is 68.3% and pass rate overall including all takers is 66.4%.
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NAECB – Asthma Educator ExamPass-Fail Rate for 1st Time Examinees through 5-21-12
Discipline Pass Fail TotalPhysicians 45 11 56
Physician Assistants 60 8 68
Nurses 1316 431 1747
RT/C-PFT 1555 861 2416
Pharmacists 218 63 281
Social Workers 8 3 11
Health Educators 13 31 44
1000 Hours Experience 270 206 476
Total 3485 5099
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NAECB – Asthma Educator ExamPass Rate Percentages through 5-21-12
N = 6281
Discipline Initial Testers All Testers
Physicians 80.40% 79.40%
Physician Assistants 88.20% 84.40%
Nurses 75.30% 75%
RT/C-PFT 64.40% 62.30%
Pharmacists 77.60% 75.50%
Social Workers 72.70% 56.30%
Health Educators 29.50% 25.80%
1000 Hours Experience 56.70% 53.50%
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Demographic QuestionsA series of seven optional demographic questions are asked of each candidate following the exam:
● Nature of practice setting
● Hours in asthma education per week
● Experience in years
● Type of primary practice setting
● Location of primary practice setting
● Highest education level achieved
● How did you hear about certification?
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Form 8 Data8/3/2009 to 8/30/2010
Candidate Group
N Passing Failing % Passing
Total Candidates
414 298 115 71.98
First-Time 179 200 79 71.68
Repeat 81 45 36 55.56
Recertification 54 53 1 98.15
Practice Setting: First-Time Takers Only
Practice Setting Total # Pass # % Pass
University 22 16 72.7
Hospital 142 99 69.7
Multispecialty Clinic 43 29 67.4
Physician Office 62 49 79.0
Data 08/03/2009 – 8/31/2010
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Number of Hours in Asthma Education: First-Time Takers
Hours/week Total # Pass # % Pass
< 8 85 58 68.2
8-16 47 33 70.2
17-24 35 26 74.3
25-32 29 23 79.3
33-40 71 52 73.2
40 7 4 57.1
Data 08/03/2009 – 8/31/2010
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Experience in Years: First-Time Takers
Years Total # Pass # % Pass
0-1 126 85 67.5
2-3 44 33 75.0
4-5 23 20 87.0
6-10 730 21 70.0
11-15 19 17 89.5
16 or more 30 18 60.0
Data 08/03/2009 – 8/31/2010
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Type of Practice Setting: First-Time
Data 08/03/2009 – 8/31/2010
Setting Total # Pass # % PassIn-Patient 72 47 65.3Out-Patient 36 28 77.8 Both In/Out 36 24 66.7 Physician Office 48 38 79.2 Community Health 16 10 62.5
Academic 13 9 69.2 Private Practice 9 6 66.7 Nursing Home 1 1 100 Home Health 5 3 60.0 Emergency 10 6 60.0 Other 37 28 75.7
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Location of Primary Practice Setting: First-Time Takers
Data 08/03/2009 – 8/31/2010
Location Total # Pass # % Pass
Urban 144 100 69.4
Rural 47 33 70.2
Suburban 80 61 76.3
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Education Level: First-Time Takers
Data 08/03/2009 – 8/31/2010
Highest Education Level
Total # Pass # % Pass
Diploma 18 8 44.4
Associate 95 58 61.1
Baccalaureate 95 76 80.0
Master’s 44 34 77.3
Doctoral or Medical 23 21 91.3
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Where did you hear about certification? First-Time Takers
Data 08/03/2009 – 8/31/2010
Source Total # Pass # % PassProfessional Journal 32 20 62.5Regional Meeting 17 11 64.7 National Meeting 22 15 68.2 NAECB mailing 3 1 33.3 NAECB website 23 16 68.6 Colleague 119 95 79.8 Other 62 40 64.5
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Consistency across content areas supports the reliability of current content
Consistency has remained over all 8 forms which have been retired
Data 08/03/2009 – 8/31/2010
Exam Statistics
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Please visit www.naecb.org
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Promoting Excellence in Asthma Education
For more information, contact:
NAECB877-408-0072
National Asthma Educator Certification Board