Standards organization Health Level Seven International is now offering computer-based testing for its certification exams. HL7 certification provides the health information technology industry with a means to qualify that individuals have achieved a high level of proficiency within the standard tested, HL7 officials say.

The move expands exam delivery from paper and pencil tests at HL7-sponsored events to electronic testing at testing centers throughout the world. HL7 has members in 55 countries. In addition, individuals will have the option to choose online proctored testing, which allows them to use their own computer from anywhere in the world, as long as they have Internet access and an external webcam that meets minimum requirements.

[See also: HL7 standards, IP now at no cost.]

“HL7 certification has long been recognized as an invaluable asset by the health IT industry and is used as a measure of expertise by both employers and job seekers,” HL7 CEO Charles Jaffe, MD, said in a news release. “The introduction of online testing will increase the opportunities for candidates to pursue certification and will mean that they no longer have any of the obstacles associated with the traditional testing method.”  

HL7 tapped Kryterion, a full-service test development and delivery company that provides secure testing solutions, to administer and deliver the exams through Kryterion’s network of more than 400 testing centers worldwide. Kryterion’s technology also ensures that HL7’s online, proctored testing process securely monitors test-takers during check-in and exam delivery.

[See also: HL7 sharpens focus on clinical quality.]

HL7 offers certification exams in the following areas:

• HL7 Version 2.7 Control
• HL7 Version 3 Reference Information Mode   
• Clinical Document Architecture.