The Tests

Genus level specimen based TCEs are offered separately for both Eastern and Western genera, in which "eastern" genera will be those occurring east of the Rocky Mountains and "western" genera will be those occurring in and west of the Rocky Mountains. It should be noted that geographic and phylogenetic coverage of this examination may be modified as testing protocols are improved. Candidates should be prepared to identify genera from throughout the examination region.  Five different Taxonomic Groups for each region may be attempted in the Genus Level TCE.  These may be attempted singly in independent examinations or may be undertaken in succession at the same examination centre, as time and scheduling permit. The five Taxonomic Groups (east and west) are as follows:

Group 1. Genera of Crustacea and arthropods other than EPT and Chironomidae (immatures and adults as appropriate).

Group 2.  Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera (EPT) genera (nymphs and larvae only).

Group 3.  Chironomidae genera (larvae only).

Group 4.  Oligochaeta genera.

Group 5.  Mollusca genera (field identifications are not included).

Lists of taxa that may occur in the tests can be seen from this link

Test specimens will not include any rare or endangered genera.

 

Test Conditions

The Genus Level TCE will be available at several designated testing centers. The candidate registration will close at least one month before the scheduled examination date. A Genus Level TCE may also be administered in connection with a course or workshop, on request to the Taxonomic Program Coordinator (TCP). Each Genus Level TCE Center will be staffed by an Examination Supervisor who is a NABS member. The TCE Center will provide (a) dissecting microscopes with magnification of at least 40X and fiber-optic incident and transmitted light and (b) compound microscopes with magnification of at least 400X (1000X preferred). Each type of microscope will be in sufficient number to accommodate the registered candidates. Candidates may bring their own microscopes. Candidates must provide their own literature, forceps, and other examination tools. The TCE Center will provide examination dishes, alcohol, and other necessary supplies. The Genus Level TCE will be "open book." Responses will be handwritten on a TCE answer sheet.

A maximum of 3 hours will be allowed for examination of each Taxonomic Group. When more than one taxonomic group is being attempted in a single examination, each Taxonomic Group will be examined in succession with up to 3 hours allotted for each Taxonomic Group.

The specimen based Genus Level Examination will be administered with actual specimens that are mature and relatively intact. Chironomidae larvae and Oligochaeta will be slide-mounted and all others will be alcohol-preserved, with slide-mounted parts as needed. For insects, only benthic larvae or adults (not eggs or pupae) will be included. For Annelida, only sexually mature specimens will be included; for Mollusca, only mature specimens will be included. For each taxonomic group, specimens of 20 genera will be provided. These will be selected at random from a list of genera for which specimens are available. The distribution of genera in the pool will be weighted by frequency, representative of the overall frequency that each genus occurs in the region. It is possible that a genus will be repeated in the 20 specimens, depending on the random selection.

All attempts will be made to provide good quality specimens that are identifiable.  However, the Taxonomic Certification Program (TCP) acknowledges that, on occasion, the condition of a particular specimen may compromise a candidate’s ability to accurately identify it.   Therefore, if a candidate feels a specimen cannot be identified he may ask the examination supervisor to view the specimen and if in the opinion of the supervisor the specimen is compromised a replacement specimen will be provided. 

 

To Pass

A score of 95% is considered passing for certification for a particular region and taxonomic group. If more than one taxonomic group is attempted, each part will be scored independently, such that it may be possible for a candidate to be certified for one or more taxonomic groups, but not for others.  A summary of test performance statistics by group and region are available at this link.

On completion of the examination, the test answer sheets are returned to the program coordinator for review.   

Candidates will be contacted by mail with their results.  In cases where candidates get two specimens incorrect (90%) they will be informed by email and the TCP will have both specimens re-examined to ensure that the specimens are correct.  Furthermore, to ensure fairness and that the test is a true reflection of a candidate’s taxonomic ability, we will allow all candidates scoring 90% to take a re-test.  This re-test will take place at a subsequent scheduled certification event.  The re-test will require a $100.00 deposit.  If the candidate is successful and passes the re-test, the deposit will be refunded.  If the candidate fails, the deposit will be forfeited.

In cases where more than two specimens have been incorrectly identified re-examination will not occur. However, the specimens will be retained for at least 30 days, after which the specimens may be discarded.  Once all re-examination has been concluded candidates will be notified by letter of their results.

We would also ask that candidates complete a questionnaire regarding the test, this is available at this link or from the link at the top of this page.  This will assist the programme in maintaining and improving the quality of the TCP.

 

Appeals

Appeals must be submitted to the TCP Coordinator within 30 days of the Examination. The TCP Coordinator will refer any appeals to the Taxonomic Certification Committee (TCC), which will render a final decision within 60 days of the Examination. An appeal must be accompanied by a US $50.00 deposit, which is refundable if the appeal is upheld.

 

Registering for a Test

To register for a specimen based Genus Level test go to the upcoming tests page and then complete the online form.  Alternatively contact the test contact person.  For a list of upcoming test locations and dates click here.

 

Certified Taxonomists

A list of certified taxonomists is available on the web site for each of the taxonomic groups.  Succesful candidates not wishing to be listed should note that when registering for certification.  For those candidates who have been certified and are not listed, please contact the Coordinator to be added to the web page