TDAC and ABPCL Item Writer Interest Form
TDAC and ABPCL Item Writer Interest Form
The American Board of Pathology (ABPath) invites board-certified pathologists in good standing to express interest in two opportunities for contributing to our mission:
🖋️ Test Development & Advisory Committees (TDACs) for Certification Exams or ABPath CertLink
The American Board of Pathology (ABPath) has Test Development and Advisory Committees (TDACs) across the various disciplines of pathology. These committees are composed of ABPath Trustees and other highly-accomplished board-certified pathologists and physicians who are recognized experts in their fields.
The TDACs play a critical role in developing examination content, updating Board-related materials (e.g., Content Specifications), and advising the Board on subject-matter issues. We invite qualified ABPath board-certified pathologists in good standing to express their interest in serving on a committee.
🖋️ ABPath CertLink® (ABPCL) Item Writing Committee –New!
The ABPath CertLink® (ABPCL) Item Writing Committee is composed of individuals who have well-honed diagnostic skills and are staying abreast with the rapid changes that are occurring in their areas of pathology and laboratory medicine. The ABPath CertLink® (ABPCL) Item Writing Committee accepts applications from outstanding early career pathologists, as well as seasoned pathologists. Members of this committee write questions for ABPath CertLink, the online longitudinal assessment for Continuing Certification, which used in the ABPath nationwide Continuing Certification program.
Please review the expectations and complete the form below to be considered for one of the committees. Submissions will be reviewed and kept on file for future openings.
Expectations
Expectations of TDAC Members
Applicants must be ABPath-certified and in good standing. They should be recognized subject matter experts in the appropriate field and have no conflicts of interest with other certifying bodies or contribute to examination preparation courses. Appointments are made annually and prior to the year of service. Members may serve a maximum of six years unless otherwise approved by the TDAC Chair.
The primary role of a TDAC member is to create the highest quality examination questions (items) for ABPath certification exams or ABPath CertLink. This includes writing new questions and participating in the review and refinement of submitted items during committee meetings.
TDAC members are expected to:
- Collaborate collegially during meetings and item review sessions.
- Complete item writing training and submit assignments that follow the TDAC Question Writing Handbook.
- Submit the required number of items for each assignment, in full and by the assigned deadline.
- Participate in ABPath CertLink, the online longitudinal assessment, by attempting to answer all questions each quarter.
Ongoing participation and reappointment are contingent on meeting these responsibilities.
Expectations of ABPath CertLink Item Writing Committee Members
Applicants must be ABPath-certified and in good standing. They should have no conflicts of interest with other certifying bodies or contribute to examination preparation courses.
The primary role of an ABPCL Item Writing member is to create the highest quality questions (items) for ABPath CertLink. Appointments are for a one-year term, re-newable up to a maximum of three (3) years based on performance criteria including but not limited to the timeliness of completing assignments, meeting attendance, quality of work, communication skills, and the ability to exchange collaboratively and collegially when necessary.
ABPCL Item Writing Committee members are expected to:
- Develop quality items that meet ABPath standards and submit assignments on time.
- Complete required training and participate in virtual meetings.
- Stay current with diagnostic criteria, guidelines, and new terminology.
- Participate in ABPath CertLink and the collaborative review processes.
If you would like to be considered for an ABPath TDAC or the ABPCL Item Writing Committee:
- Fill out and submit the form below
- Email your CV using this link to upload the file(s)
*Fields marked with an asterisk are required