In the first part of this series, we introduced the Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) who are foundational to creating our certification exams. Now, let’s explore the development process and the benefits of contributing.
The exam development lifecycle is a structured process designed to protect the integrity and quality of every exam. It includes stages like job task analysis, exam item writing, beta testing, and psychometric analysis, with SMEs playing a critical role throughout.
For new or evolving roles, SMEs contribute to job task analysis by helping define the knowledge, skills, and tasks required for competent performance. While this process is conducted periodically as roles evolve, it establishes the foundation for everything that follows. This includes the exam blueprint, which serves as the framework for all item development and helps guide candidates as they prepare for the exam.
More frequently, SMEs participate in exam item writing, where they develop and refine questions grounded in real-world scenarios. Each item goes through multiple rounds of review, editing, and approval to ensure accuracy, clarity, and alignment with the exam blueprint before it is approved for use in an exam.
The expertise SMEs bring to the exam development process is crucial in defining the minimum level of knowledge and skill required for identity professionals to earn a SailPoint credential or certification badge; ensuring that exam standards accurately reflect real-world expectations.
For SailPoint certifications in particular, SMEs are deeply involved in the standard-setting process that determines what minimal passing competence looks like; playing a key role in the contrasting groups study (SailPoint beta exams) utilized during the creation of a SailPoint certification exam.
Finally, exam performance is continuously monitored through ongoing psychometric analysis. Exams are not static; SMEs help review performance data and identify items that may be unclear, too difficult, or not performing as expected. Based on this input, items may be revised, replaced, or removed; ensuring SailPoint exams remain relevant, fair, and aligned with industry practice.
We are grateful to the SMEs who contribute their time and expertise throughout this process. Their involvement is essential to maintaining the strength, credibility, and continued evolution of the SailPoint Professional Certification and Credentialing Program, and to advancing standards across the industry.
Are you SailPoint Certified? Prove your real-world administrator expertise in cloud-based identity security with our new SailPoint Certified Identity Security Administrator Certification.
