Psychometric Analysis of the Perceived Value of Certification Tool©

Abstract

The 18-item Perceived Value of Certification Tool (PVCT) was developed to support a multiphased research initiative related to assessing certification value among perioperative nurses. This article addresses the reliability and validity evaluation of the PVCT in a study of three samples of perioperative nurses: certificants (n = 954), noncertificants (n = 675), and administrators (n = 694). Factor analysis identified two-factor solutions for noncertificants and certificants. A three-factor solution for administrators was not clear; a two-factor solution was more interpretable. Explained variance ranged between 56.1% and 60.8% for the two factors of intrinsic and extrinsic value of certification. Confirmatory factor analysis model fit statistics for the two-factor model showed an acceptable fit of the data to the model. Internal consistency reliability (coefficient alpha) for the total PVCT ranged between .93 and .95 for the three samples. The coefficient alpha's ranged between .94 and .92 for the intrinsic value and from .86 to .84 for the extrinsic value among samples. Responses to the PVCT were also shown to adequately and correctly classify 76.9% of certificants and 48.2% of noncertificants. Overall, the PVCT is a valid and reliable tool to measure perceived value of certification.