The International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC & RC) has begun using pretest items on their exams. On each IC&RC exam, there are 25 'unweighted' items that do not count toward candidates' final scores. Pretest items are not identified on exams and appear randomly on all exam forms. Pretest items provides verification that the items are relevant to competency and contribute toward measuring candidates' proficiency in the material. If an item exhibits acceptable statistical performance, the item can be upgraded to 'weighted' status and be included on future examinations as a scored item. This also allows examinations to stay current with the profession. The examinations need to reflect the current practice and the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of competent practitioners.