Volunteer

Volunteer as a Subject Matter Expert  for the Pan-Canadian Examinations Program

Are you passionate about Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture (TCM/A)? Do you want to contribute to the integrity and quality of exams that assess TCM/A professionals across Canada? Join the Pan-Canadian Examinations (PCE) Program as a Subject Matter Expert (SME)!

As an SME, you will play a critical role in developing and maintaining high-quality, fair, and accurate examinations that assess entry-level competencies for Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners, Herbalists, and Acupuncturists.

SME Responsibilities 

  • Item Writing: Creating new exam questions.
  • Item Review: Evaluating draft exam questions to ensure quality and accuracy.
  • Enemy Item Review: Reviewing forms for conflicting or redundant questions.
  • Key Validation: Analyzing question performance following each examination.
  • Translation Review: Ensuring the quality and accuracy of translated questions.
  • Standard Setting: Assessing examination questions to support scoring decisions.
  • Special Examination Projects: Additional projects such as quality assurance review.
For more information about serving as an SME in the PCE Program, please review our PCE Program SME Guide 
Group of TCM professionals in white lab coats demonstrating team work

Benefits of Becoming an SME

As an SME, you will:

  • Gain valuable experience in examination development and psychometrics.
  • Enhance your professional development by contributing to high-stakes licensure examinations.
  • Collaborate and network with your peers in the TCM/A profession.
  • Receive formal recognition for your work, including letters of appreciation, certificates, professional development hours, and recognition in CARB-TCMPA communications.
  • Earn honoraria for your time and contributions.

How to Apply

Becoming an SME for the PCE Program is a valuable opportunity to contribute to the development and assessment of TCM/A professionals across Canada. Please follow the instructions below to ensure your application is complete and meets the program requirements.

  1. Review the Full SME Guide
    Before submitting your application, we encourage you to read the PCE Program SME Guide. The guide provides detailed information about your role, expectations, and the overall exam development process.
  2. Download the Application Form
    Download the SME Application Form. Complete the form, ensuring that you provide all required information.
  3. Prepare Your Resume
    A current resume is required with your application. Please ensure your resume highlights your background and experience in TCM/A.

  4. Select Your Areas of Interest
    On the application form, indicate the specific exams you would like to support (TCM Practitioners, TCM Herbalists, and/or Acupuncturists) and the examination activities that interest you.

  5. Confirm Your Availability
    As an SME, you will participate in meetings and may be responsible for homework assignments related to exam development. In the application form, please select your preferred meeting days and times and confirm your availability for homework tasks.

  6. Conflict of Interest Declaration
    To comply with industry standards and maintain impartiality, CARB-TCMPA does not accept educators currently involved in teaching TCM or acupuncture as SMEs. Be sure to review and declare any potential conflicts of interest on your application.

  7. Submit Your Application
    Once your application form and resume are complete, email both documents to the Examinations Director at admin@carb-tcmpa.org. Please note that all SME applicants must be approved by their provincial regulatory body before participating in exam activities. 
For questions about volunteering, please contact us at admin@carb-tcmpa.org
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