MAC Check (Replaces CPCA)
MAC Check is a self-paced, dynamic online platform that uses a longitudinal assessment approach and replaces the Continued Professional Certification Assessment (CPCA). Compared to traditional point-in-time evaluations, longitudinal assessment—or LA—tracks a CRNA’s progress and performance over an extended period to provide a more comprehensive view of their growth and development.
MAC Check Overview
How It Works
MAC Check includes:
Immediate, Ongoing Feedback. CRNAs complete 25 multi-choice and multi-select questions in the first quarter and up to 30 questions in every subsequent quarter. Immediate feedback is provided after each question, including supporting rationale for correct answers. CRNAs also receive information on improvement areas to consider as part of continuing education and professional development activities.
CRNAs who answer questions incorrectly will receive the same questions in subsequent quarters to determine if they have reviewed concepts and mastered the material. These re-administered questions will comprise up to five incorrectly answered questions in each quarter subsequent to the first quarter, for a total of between 25 and 30 questions.
Dynamic and Convenient Platform. Because MAC Check is available on mobile devices or personal computers, CRNAs can leave the assessment and come back at any time within a quarter and resume where they left off—as long as the assessment is completed within the designated three-month period.
Flexible, Self-Paced Structure. CRNAs have three amnesty quarters, called "time off," throughout the four-year certification cycle, meaning they complete the quarterly assessment 13 times in four years. However, one of the time off quarters is fixed during the final three months before the certification renewal date, while the other two time off quarters are flexible at the CRNAs' discretion.
Performance Standard. After completing four MAC Check quarters, CRNAs will be provided preliminary feedback regarding where they stand in relation to the performance standard, and a final measurement will be communicated after the completion of the 13th quarterly knowledge check during the four-year period.
If a CRNA does not meet the performance standard in any core MAC Check domain, they must earn additional MAC Ed (Class A) credits prior to their next certification renewal. Inability to meet the performance standard will not result in loss of certification.
MAC Check is not pass/fail, and inability to meet the performance standard will not result in a loss of certification. However, completion of MAC Check is required as a part of your continued certification process.
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NBCRNA Research Demonstrates Benefits of Longitudinal Assessment for Lifelong Learning, Preference Among CRNAs
NBCRNA’s research study, “Transforming Assessments of Clinician Knowledge: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Traditional Standardized and Longitudinal Assessment Modalities,” showcases the benefits of longitudinal assessment (LA) for the continued certification of CRNAs.
LA is a continuous assessment format that allows healthcare professionals to demonstrate their knowledge and skills over time. Unlike traditional point-in-time assessments, LA fosters lifelong learning by offering continuous evaluation and providing immediate feedback to each response. It was developed to align with adult learning principles, which show that factors including a convenient learning platform and learning through a repetitive experience promote learning. This type of assessment also provides flexibility for busy healthcare professionals, as they can engage with the material at their own pace and time.
The study, a controlled trial involving 1,000 CRNAs randomized into two conditions (the traditional CPCA and LA), found that on average, CRNAs preferred LA over a traditional assessment, and more CRNAs agreed that LA promoted lifelong learning. It also found LA to be more flexible and accommodating, and they agreed that the platform was easy to use and navigate.
Significantly, the study also demonstrated that LA is more conducive to lifelong learning. In the LA format, CRNAs received immediate and specific feedback to questions answered incorrectly. At first, the mean score of the traditional assessment group exceeded that of the LA group. However, after scoring the LA group’s most recent responses, which repeats questions previously answered incorrectly, the LA group’s scores were higher. This change over the course of the study shows the value of feedback and ongoing learning.