Hand Therapy Certification Examination Update and COVID-19
The Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC) is continuing to monitor the latest developments associated with the global spread of Coronavirus – COVID-19. We are working diligently to support our candidates for the Hand Therapy Certification Examination (HTCE) during these unprecedented times. Our top priority is the health and well-being of our candidates and current CHTs.
Our testing vendor, PSI Services (PSI) began to officially re-open test centers on May 1st, with most sites opened by May 18th. As of today, nearly 170 owned and operated sites are now operational; however, test centers are only operating at 50% capacity in order to adhere to social distancing guidelines, which means appointment availability may not be immediate for the November exam. PSI is monitoring capacity and working to ensure our candidates have as many appointment options as possible, including plans to open more daily sessions and administer examinations seven days a week.
Extended Testing Window
To anticipate any potential scheduling difficulties for the November 2020 examination, HTCC will extend its testing window by two weeks. The exam will be administered at PSI testing centers by appointment only from
October 26
th
to November 14
th. Available dates will be indicated when scheduling the examination and candidates will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Because the testing window will be extended, score reports may be delayed by 1 week.
Live Remote Proctoring
After a thorough investigation with PSI and our credentialing membership association, The Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE), the HTCC Board of Directors made the decision to offer Live Remote Proctoring (LRP) for the Hand Therapy Certification Examination starting in 2021.
Due to the high demand for remote proctoring by credentialing organizations, our testing company PSI cannot initiate this service for the November 2020 examination.
In 2021, candidates will have the option to either test at home or in a traditional test center environment. Candidates who choose LRP will need to run a system and webcam test to ensure their system will meet remote proctoring requirements. If they meet the requirements, they can move forward with scheduling LRP.
Not only will live remote proctoring offer a testing alternative in the event of test center closures but it will also benefit those who wish to socially distance themselves and therapists who live in remote areas or overseas where access to traditional test centers is limited.
For more information about live remote proctoring, click on the links below.
HTCC will continue to monitor the developing situation regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) and we will continue to work with PSI to explore more exam administration options for our candidates. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the HTCC office.
