Rule 3701-18-27 | Completion of the state-administered competency evaluation program or substantially similar test administered by an educational institution; reporting of results.
For the purpose of this rule, "Educational institution" means an institution authorized to issue diplomas, certificates, or degrees under Title XXXIII of the Revised Code and approved by the department of health to administer a training and competency evaluation under rule 3701-18-22 of the Administrative Code.
(A) To successfully complete the state-administered test, a registrant will do both of the following:
(1) Answer correctly at least seventy per cent of questions on the examination component of the program; and
(2) Satisfactorily perform each of the skills evaluation tasks included in the performance demonstration component of the program.
(B) Except as provided in paragraph (B) of rule 3701-18-23 of the Administrative Code, if a registrant fails to successfully complete one component of the program but successfully completes the other component, the registrant need not retake the component that he or she completed successfully.
(C) An educational institution that wants to provide its students with a substantially similar test to the state competency evaluation program will:
(1) Develop a test consisting of electronic and oral versions of tests and a skills demonstration that will measure the competency of the individual to provide safe, reliable, and competent work activities as a certified nurse aide with a reading comprehension level appropriate for the education and experience provisions of the discipline. A test will include all of the following:
(a) Test scoring and the provision of a score report to candidates of the examination results within five calendar days of the administration of the examination.
(b) Determine, report, and monitor all of the following:
(i) Validity and reliability of all components and forms of the test;
(ii) Statistical parameters used in construction of each element of the test or competency evaluation test and program to ensure psychometric soundness;
(iii) Number of items needed for each component of the test to assure psychometric soundness while minimizing time, resources, and administrative effort;
(iv) Methods for achieving, maintaining, and evaluating the comparability of test forms;
(v) Use, re-use, and non-use of all test items; and
(vi) Specific criterion-referenced passing scores that the educational institution will use for all components and forms of the test, as well as the entire competency evaluation when applicable.
(c) Consist of at least one hundred operational items with a maximum of two hours allocated for completion.
(d) Procedures for testing individuals who are disabled.
(e) Procedures for test administration in languages other than English.
(f) Procedures for testing when oral tests are requested.
(g) Procedures for the re-administration of an examination to a candidate at no additional charge if the candidate's examination failure may be due to problems arising at the examination site, including but not limited to a malfunction of service provider examination equipment, continuous noise disturbance, unprofessional test administration, or any other severe disruption.
(h) A sufficient number of test versions at each examination administration site to deter cheating or other fraudulent activities.
(i) Sufficient and appropriately trained personnel at each examination site to register candidates, administer the examination, and observe both the candidates and the provision of the test to deter:
(i) Cheating;
(ii) The provision of assistance beyond direction for candidates during the skills portion of the test; and
(iii) Other testing irregularities.
(j) Protection of examination integrity and security, including all of the following:
(i) Providing for the secure development, storage, and shipment of component evaluation materials;
(ii) A system to deter fraudulent registration, including mandating proof of successful completion of applicable training;
(iii) Instructing that each candidate provides two forms of signature identification, one of which will contain a photograph;
(iv) Conducting and paying for the investigation of actual or alleged security breaches;
(v) Assuming liability if the agents, employees, or subcontractors of the selected testing service lost or otherwise compromise examination materials;
(vi) Assuring that the rights and obligations of test registrants are clearly specified, observed, and enforced; and
(vii) Procedures for the handling of both latecomers and candidates who need to be excused from the examination room.
(D) Within thirty days after a registrant successfully completes the state-administered competency evaluation program, or a substantially similar test administered by an educational institution, the testing provider or educational institution will, in a manner prescribed by the director, report his or her name and social security number to the nurse aide registry established under section 3721.32 of the Revised Code.
(1) For each such registrant, the testing provider or educational institution also will report to the registry any information concerning the registrant's successful completion of a training and test that was submitted to the director or the director's designee under paragraph (B)(4) of rule 3701-18-06.1 of the Administrative Code.
(2) The testing provider or educational institution will issue a failing score report to each registrant who did not successfully complete the component or components. The report will advise the registrant of the parts of the component that he or she did not pass and that he or she has at least three opportunities to successfully complete both components of the evaluation, so long as they are both completed within the timeframes set forth in paragraph (B) of rule 3701-18-24 of the Administrative Code.
(E) Each educational institution will allow the director or the director's designee to observe the provision of a test that is substantially similar to the competency evaluation program.
Last updated November 5, 2026 at 12:00 AM
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