Examination Score Reports and the Scoring Process
INFORMS uses a criterion-referenced methodology for determining the passing score for its examinations.
There is no grading on a “curve,” and candidates are not competing with each other. The specific
methodology used is the modified Angoff technique, which relies on the judgments of SMEs to determine
an acceptable level of knowledge, skill, and ability in analytics.
INFORMS may at times include pretest items in some examination forms. These items are used for
developing future examinations and, accordingly, are not scored and have no impact on a candidate’s
pass/fail status.
Each candidate will receive an examination report in the form of a pass/fail letter including additional
information on certification status. This letter will be sent by postal mail and/or email.
The letters for failing candidates will include additional information on performance by domain. Pass/fail
letters will not include raw scores. Pass/fail letters will be sent to all candidates within 20 business days.
Raw examination scores are confidential. INFORMS will not disclose examination scores to anyone unless
INFORMS is required by court order or subpoena. INFORMS will publish the names of all individuals who
have passed the examination and who maintain current certification status.
Hand Scoring
Candidates who wish to have their examination results hand scored after the initial scoring process may
request this service by contacting INFORMS certification staff and paying a $75 fee. Requests for hand scoring
of answer sheets must be received no later than 30 business days following the release of examination results.
Requests received after 30 business days will not be processed.
Reexamination
Candidates who do not pass their initial examination have the option of retaking this examination up to two
(2) additional times during the first year following the approval of their application. Candidates who take the
examination a second or third time will be expected to pay the reexamination fee cited in the “Fees and
Refunds” section, each time.
Candidates who fail the examination three (3) times will be required to wait one year from the date of their
last attempt to reapply for certification. Reapplying under these circumstances involves a complete new
submission of all application materials. Candidates who fail the examination three times are encouraged
to pursue a program of education/training prior to reapplying for certification.
Security and Confidentiality
All test-related materials including the examination form, test questions, worksheets, and graphics included
in test items are the exclusive intellectual property of S