HWI understands that that the failure rate has greatly increased under the closed-book policy. And, based on our members’ experience, the open-book test was still challenging. Without specific knowledge, passing the test would have been very challenging even with the training manual available.  

We believe that operators should know where to look in the operations manual for specific information. Given that, the test should reflect an applicant’s thorough familiarity with the operations manual to successfully pass the test. This replicates actual operating procedures at permitted facilities.   

Research supports this. According to a paper by Beth Johanns, Amber Dinkens, and Jill Moore entitled A systematic review comparing open-book and closed-book examinations: Evaluating effects on development of critical thinking skills, open book exams promote critical thinking skills, require higher ordering thinking skills, and similate the working environment. Further, students prefer them because it decreases their anxiety.

The initial coursework from initial and continuing education training classes are very comprehensive. We favor of reinstating the open-book test.