| Since
the inception of The American Academy of Experts
in Traumatic Stress, our literature has delineated
a primary objective of the Academy, "...to
establish a standard for professionals, across disciplines,
who regularly work with survivors of traumatic events."
Because this is a core objective of our association,
a discussion concerning the mechanism that the Academy
utilizes to award Board Certification and the Diplomate
Credential seems warranted.
During the last year, the Academy's
application and examination process has undergone
a number of changes. And I am pleased to report
that newly introduced Version 6.0 has been well
received by professionals, from diverse fields,
around the world! Our primary goal in developing
6.0 was to increase the validity of our evaluative
tool for determining that an individual has achieved
a standard and is qualified as a credentialed expert
in traumatic stress.
Several members have written to
the Academy's administrative offices suggesting
that independent examinations be given to individuals
in different professions. This would be a formidable
task for an association that is comprised of professionals
from over one hundred different specialties! Notwithstanding,
the Administrative Board has resisted this option,
maintaining the posture that professionals, across
disciplines, must all be held to an established
standard. This is particularly true for caregivers
who promote themselves as experts in traumatic stress.
As indicated in our literature,
membership in the Academy demonstrates a commitment
to the field. It is the first step in a sequential
process aimed at identifying genuine expertise.
All new members, as well as members in good standing
who have not already elected to pursue Board Certification,
will receive a copy of Version 6.0.
The Academy defines an expert as
an individual with extensive knowledge, experience
and education related to the field of traumatic
stress. This definition was adopted in part from
Federal Rule 702, which stipulates that an individual
may qualify as an expert in the eyes of the court
by virtue of his/her knowledge, skill, experience,
training or education. Version 6.0 requires candidates
to write brief essays describing their experience
in working with survivors of traumatic events as
well as their education related to the field. Specific
guidelines are offered to assist candidates in this
endeavor. This information is evaluated in concert
with supporting documentation. Finally, the applicant¹s
performance on a multiple-choice examination enables
the Academy to assess the applicant¹s knowledge
of the literature.
The Academy developed an extensive
question bank which is based directly on the literature
related to the field of traumatic stress. Included
in this cache are numerous questions created by
candidates for Board Certification and the Diplomate
Credential. Additionally, a list of content areas
to be covered on the examination was generated.
Ultimately, each of these areas was represented
and assessed by related questions. Statistical analyses,
including an item analysis, were conducted on all
questions included in previous versions of the examination.
In Version 6.0 considerable effort was given to
developing and utilizing questions that incorporated
practical situations faced by professionals across
disciplines. Finally, members of the Academy's Board
of Scientific & Professional Advisors were directly
involved in the development of 6.0. Members were
asked to provide input, across a number of dimensions.
Additionally, suggestions from previous candidates
for Board Certification were entertained and often
utilized.
During the last year, representatives
from insurance carriers and managed care companies
frequently contacted our administrative offices
to inquire whether a particular doctor was a credentialed
expert with the Academy -- evidence that our voices
are being heard and that The American Academy of
Experts in Traumatic Stress has established a recognized
standard in the field. Ultimately, it is the aim
of the Academy to have all qualified members demonstrate
that they have achieved this standard, and are truly
experts in traumatic stress.
Editor's Note: If you wish to
receive a new copy of the Application and Examination
for Board Certification and the Diplomate Credential
(Version 6.0), please write, telephone or send E-mail
to (info@aaets.org)
the Academy's administrative offices.
©1997 by The
American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress,
Inc. |
