Credibility & Standards

Purpose of Standards

The APMLE is committed to fairness, accuracy, and transparency in every step of the examination process.

High standards are the foundation of any licensure exam. For the APMLE, this means ensuring the exam not only measures professional competency but also protects public trust in podiatric medicine. By holding exams to rigorous standards, candidates can be confident they are being evaluated fairly, and licensing boards can be assured that passing scores reflect readiness for safe, independent practice.

Exam Development & Validation

Every APMLE exam is built through a rigorous, evidence-based process under the direction of experienced Psychometricians.

Subject Matter Experts from across podiatric medicine write and review items, which are then evaluated by the Exam Advisory Committee (EAC) to confirm relevance and accuracy. All content is validated against professional competencies to ensure it reflects real-world practice. This process guarantees that the exam measures the skills and knowledge truly required of today’s podiatric physicians.

Nicole M. Risk, Ph.D., Psychometrician

Dr. Nicole Risk is a seasoned psychometrician and research professional with more than 15 years of experience in educational measurement, credentialing, and workforce assessment. Dr. Risk earned her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago, with a focus on Measurement, Evaluation, Statistics, and Assessment (MESA). Her expertise encompasses test design, psychometric analysis, and the evaluation of large-scale assessment programs. She possesses extensive knowledge of both classical and modern measurement models, including Rasch, item response theory, and computer-adaptive testing.

Oversight & Governance

The NBPME oversees the development and administration of the APMLE with input from governing boards, committees, and professional organizations.

To maintain transparency and public trust, exam results and processes undergo independent audits and external reviews. This oversight ensures the exam remains accountable to both the profession and the public it serves.

Our Commitment to Candidates

The NBPME is committed to delivering the APMLE as a valid, reliable, and fair exam experience.

The APMLE exam is carefully designed to reflect the standards of podiatric medicine and to give candidates a fair opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. Through clear communication, secure delivery, and transparent processes, the NBPME ensures that the APMLE serves both the profession and the public with integrity.

Security & Fairness

Maintaining the security and fairness of the APMLE is essential. Candidate identity is verified at every exam session, and all tests are delivered through secure, monitored systems. Fraud prevention protocols protect exam integrity, while equity and accessibility policies—including ADA accommodations—ensure every qualified candidate can demonstrate their knowledge under fair conditions.

Psychometric Standards

The APMLE is grounded in psychometric best practices to ensure fairness, consistency, and reliability. Each exam undergoes rigorous statistical analysis, including benchmarking and standard-setting procedures, to validate performance. Continuous monitoring ensures that test items function as intended and that results provide a dependable measure of candidate competence.

Accountability & Reporting

The NBPME demonstrates its commitment to transparency through evidence-based and industry-standard practices, which support and ensure exam validity and fairness. Performance benchmarks and past performance data are also published, giving candidates and the profession a clear view of exam outcomes. In cases of irregular behavior or appeals, formal processes are in place to ensure fair and consistent resolution.