New for 2023 Examination: Domain 8, Cultural Competency

In recognition of how the archival profession is evolving, the Academy of Certified Archivists added a new domain to the Role Delineation Statement, Domain 8: Cultural Competency. Tomaro Taylor and Helen Wong Smith led a team to develop the tasks and knowledge statements found in the Role Delineation Statement, a suggested reading list, and proposed questions. The Examination Development Committee (EDC) has incorporated the new domain into the 2023 examination.

As this is new this year, many have asked questions regarding the new domain. The ACA held a session about the domain in May (not recorded), and this post is to summarize the session and how the new domain has been integrated into the exam. Please keep in mind that detailed information cannot be shared to maintain the integrity of the examination, but I am glad to answer any additional questions if I can (examdevelopment@certifiedarchivists.org).

For some background, the EDC maintains a bank of questions to draw from to construct the examination. The question bank has been built over many years through item-writing workshops and EDC members’ submitted questions. The bank continually changes as questions are reviewed, revised, and retired, and new questions added. Questions are based on theory and practice, and represent all domains so examination candidates can demonstrate a broad knowledge of the profession. 

Questions (for all domains) come directly from the literature, though it is not a 1:1 correlation. Meaning, there may be one or more questions from a specific article or book, and there may be readings for which there are no questions on the examination for any given year. This is purposeful, as part of the goal of the suggested reading list is an opportunity for examination candidates to broaden their knowledge about all areas of the profession. 

With Domain 8, we are starting with new questions and will continually build up the bank by drawing on literature to monitor current theories and practices. For every exam, a psychometrician does an analysis of how questions score, and that informs future exams. The EDC already has a growing list of literature to review and expects to have citations on the suggested reading list next year, and more new questions. And thank you to examination candidates who have made recommendations!

Here are some of the questions/comments that have arisen:

• How do I best study and prepare for Domain 8?
  • Focusing on the posted suggested readings is the best approach; no questions are used unless the citation is on the list.
• The Examination Study Guide does not include Domain 8.
  • That is correct, and this will be changed for future exams. The EDC will be doing a full review of the study guide and will update it with Domain 8 for future examinations.
• Are there any practice questions for Domain 8?
  • Unfortunately no, there are no practice questions. Typically, the practice questions come from questions that previously appeared on the examination and are now retired. Because this is a new domain, there are no previous questions to use for practice. However, this feedback has been helpful and the EDC will consider drafting practice questions for future examination candidates.

Domain 8: Cultural Competency is the first domain added in recent years. As such, this is new territory for the ACA and we recognize that there is much more work to do. I welcome any feedback and questions as we continue to develop this important domain (examdevelopment@certifiedarchivists.org). 

In the meantime, study well and good luck on the examination!

 

Cheryl Oestreicher

Regent for Examination Development (2022-2024)