Development and validation of a challenge course cognitive examination complying with Association of Challenge Course Technology Level I Practioner Certification Standards

Abstract

With Challenge Course programs increasing nationally and internationally the need for accountable, comprehensive certification training is necessary. Currently the ACCT (Association of challenge Course Technology) has established certification training standards that only ACCT accredited venders are sanctioned to provide. This study developed a written testing instrument designed to meet the current standard requirements of ACCT certification training with content approval from a panel of experts in the challenge course training industry. The test was administered to subjects in three groups with distinctly different training experience. One group received instruction from a professional company accredited by ACCT to provide certification training. The second group received instruction from a university-based training curriculum. The third group had received no formal training but was experienced in challenge course participation. Results of the study showed that the professionally trained and university trained groups scored 97% and 87% respectively exceeding the 80% standard requirement for ACCT written test performance. The untrained group scored 57%. Results of the study concluded that a non-vendor specific written testing instrument can be developed in accordance with ACCT requirements categorically meeting all protocol, and that training can be provided by both professional vendors and university-based programs meeting current ACCT standards.