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Application of Readability Indices to Multiple-Choice Items on Certification/Licensure Examinations

One source of test invalidity in the area of licensure and certification testing is the reading level of the test. The purposes of this paper are to: (a) propose a model for evaluating the readability level of certification/licensure examinations; (b) evaluate selected readability indices in terms of their appropriateness for use in estimating the readability level of specific certification/licensure examinations; and (c) present an example of the application of this model to the readability analysis of a state licensure examination in cosmetology. Readability level is an important dimension of the validity of licensure and certification examinations. One potential basis for candidate appeal is the appropriateness of the readability level of the examination with respect to the tasks and functions of the profession.