How does the online versus in-person testing format work?

• A. Written may be online; skills must be in-person
• B. All parts online
• C. All parts in-person
• D. Written must be in-person; skills online

Answer: (A)

The key idea is separating knowledge testing from hands-on performance. The written portion checks understanding of procedures, safety, and theory and is commonly delivered online to allow flexible access and convenient proctoring. The skills portion, however, requires showing how tasks are actually done with real-time observation, so an examiner can assess technique, safety, body mechanics, proper use of equipment, and infection control. Because you need direct observation to verify these psychomotor skills, it must be in-person. Remote or online evaluation of the skills isn’t reliable for confirming correct performance. So, the written portion may be online, while the skills portion must be in-person. The other formats don’t align with how knowledge and performance are evaluated.