The System of Test-Based Exams
The system of Test-Based Exams is a complex of measures aimed at standardized diagnostics of a professional competence level. This system is a constituent part of state certification for the students majoring in Medicine and Pharmacy and doctors (dispensing chemists) that undergo their primary specialization training (internship). It is implemented in higher education establishments regardless of their subordination.
The “Krok” Exam
- It is an objective external independent assessment of professional competence.
- It takes place nationwide at the same time in the test-based format.
- It is administered by the Testing Board at the Ministry of Health of Ukraine.
- It is mandatory for all medical students enrolled in higher education establishments subordinate to the Ministry of Health or the Ministry of Education and Science, as well as private medical schools (over 140 schools in total).
- Specialties: Medicine, Stomatology, Pharmacy, Nursing, Laboratory Diagnostics, etc.
- 29 Exams per year.
- Over 55000 examinees per year.
- Attrition rate – approximately 10%.
The objective of the Exam is to determine, whether the graduating student’s (intern’s) professional competence level meets the mandatory minimum level according to the State Standards of Higher Education. Professional competence is assessed as the ability to apply the knowledge and understanding of fundamental biomedical sciences and basic medical subjects that are the most important for providing medical aid to a patient under the guidance of a more experienced doctor. The main attention is focused on health support, disease prevention, and organization of medical care.
Types of Test Exams
The “Krok 1” is a general science exam, which is taken after the students complete the courses in basic fundamental sciences that are covered in the “Krok 1” Test-Based Exam. It is held during the 3rd (physicians, dentists) or the 4th (pharmacists, clinical pharmacists) year of study.
All the students, who failed their “Krok 1” Test-Based Exam, are granted two more attempts to pass this exam within the period before their next end-of-semester exams on the dates approved by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. If a student fails to pass the “Krok 1” Exam during any of the subsequent retakes, he/she is to be suspended from the next end-of-semester exams and expelled from the higher education establishment due to his/her failure to complete the curriculum.
The “Krok 2” is an exam on profession-specific subjects covered in the curriculum for qualification of a Specialist. It is a part of state certification and is held during the last year of study.
All the students, who failed their “Krok 2” Test-Based Exam, can still take part in their state graduation exams. These students do not obtain their Exam Certificates, their state certification is considered to be failed, and they receive no Higher Education Diplomas. They can retake this Exam no sooner than in a year.
The “Krok 3” is an exam based on the vocational program corresponding with the relevant specialty obtained by a physician (dispensing chemist) in the course of his/her internship. It is held during internship.
The interns, who failed their “Krok 3” Test-Based Exam, are not allowed to take part in other stages of their certification. These interns do not obtain their Exam Certificates and are not eligible to obtain their Medical Specialist Certificates. They can retake their failed “Krok 3” Exam within the period of the next three years during any subsequent administration of this exam.
The “Krok M” is an exam on profession-specific subjects covered in the curriculum for qualification of a Junior Specialist. It is a part of state certification and is held during the last year of study.
The students, who failed their “Krok M” Test-Based Exam, can still take part in other stages of their certification. These students do not obtain their Exam Certificates, their state certification is considered to be failed, and they receive no Higher Education Diplomas. They can retake their failed “Krok M” Exam within the period of the next three years, but no sooner than in a year.
The “Krok B” is an exam on profession-specific subjects covered in the curriculum for qualification of a Bachelor. It is a part of state certification and is held during the last year of study.
The students, who failed their “Krok B” Test-Based Exam, can still take part in other stages of their certification. These students do not obtain their Exam Certificates, their state certification is considered to be failed, and they receive no Higher Education Diplomas. They can retake their failed “Krok B” Exam within the period of the next three years, but no sooner than in a year.