Scoring

The MCC Evaluating Examination is a four-hour computer-based examination consisting of 175 multiple-choice questions. Of these 175 questions, 150 are scored questions and 25 are non-scored questions.

The 25 non-scored questions are included for quality assurance and/or research purposes, as well as to monitor the performance of the examination in general or specific test questions in particular. While the non-scored questions do not count toward the final mark(s) or pass/fail standing, they are not identified as being non-scored questions; candidates are encouraged to do as well as they can on every question.

Test questions are calibrated on an ability scale resulting in a weight/difficulty being assigned to each question. Correct answers to more difficult questions will have a higher value toward the examination score than correct answers to easier questions. The candidate’s final score and his/her pass/fail decision take into account the question difficulty as well as whether or not the candidate answered the question correctly. The total examination score is not determined by calculating the average of all discipline scores. Points are not deducted for incorrect answers; therefore, it is always advantageous to make a “best guess” even when uncertain of an answer.

MCC examination scores are reported in a standard-score format, which are distributions typically scaled to have a predetermined mean and/or standard deviation. A candidate’s pass or fail standing is based on where his or her standard score falls in relation to the pass/fail mark established for the examination. A candidate’s performance is judged in relation to the pass score for the examination and not judged on how well other individuals have performed on the examination. Candidates can compare their performance on the examination to the performance of other candidates because standard scores also provide information on where a candidate stands in relation to other candidates.

The MCCEE results are reported on a standard score scale that ranges from 50 to 500. The scores for the MCCEE are reported in relation to those of other candidates who have taken the MCCEE. The scores are reported on a scale on which the mean or average score is approximately 271, the standard deviation is 50, and the pass mark is always 250. Due to the nature of the examination and the different weight for each question depending on the question’s level of difficulty, results are not presented as a percentage. For example, a candidate takes the examination and answers 100 questions correctly. That candidate cannot compare his or her performance to someone who took the examination and also answered 100 questions correctly. Both candidates could receive slightly different scores depending on the weights associated with the items on the examination each of them answered correctly.

The table below provides percentile information about where specific examination scores fall in relation to other MCCEE candidates. As shown in the table, a score of 271 falls at the 50^th percentile meaning that half of the people who attempt our examination scored higher and half scored lower. A score of 225 falls at the 17.9^th percentile; meaning that 17.9% of candidates who take the MCCEE score below that mark and 82.1% score above it. A score of 350 falls at the 94.3^th percentile; meaning that 94.3% of candidates who take the MCCEE score below that mark and 5.7% of candidates score above it.

EE Score	Percentile Rank
50	0.0
100	0.0
150	0.8
175	2.7
200	7.8
225	17.9
250	33.7
260	41.3
270	49.2
271	50.0
280	57.1
290	64.8
300	71.9
325	86.0
350	94.3
375	98.1
400	99.5
450	100.0
500	100.0

The figure below shows the relationship of MCC standard scores for the MCCEE with other commonly used scores such as percentiles and Z scores.

(Adapted from F.G. Brown. Principles of Educational and Psychological Testing. Hinsdale, Illinois: The Dryden Press Inc., 1970)

In addition to providing candidates with their total score, the MCC provides supplemental feedback on candidates’ examination performance. Starting with the 2010 examination sessions, the MCC is providing this supplemental feedback through candidates’ MCC-Online accounts. The MCC has prepared a help file to assist candidates in interpreting their MCCEE supplemental feedback report.