Burbank Adult School – National Health Certification Testing Center
Submitted By: Yanira Chavez
CAEP Staff/Partner
Website: https://basw.burbankusd.org/
Type of Practice: Learner Transition
Program Area(s): CTE / Workforce Prep / Pre-apprenticeship
Region: Los Angeles Basin
Consortia Involved: Los Angeles Regional Adult Education Consortium
The Program of Practice
Prior to the creation of the on‑site testing program, Burbank Adult School students who completed the Clinical Medical Assistant training and the Medical Terminology/Medical Billing and Coding were required to complete the National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) and the National Health Association (NHA) examinations respectively at external testing centers. Data from instructors and student feedback revealed several persistent barriers:
• High levels of test anxiety when testing in unfamiliar locations
• Transportation challenges, particularly for working adults
• Reduced completion rates due to scheduling conflicts and discomfort with off‑site testing environments
These barriers disproportionately affected adult learners balancing employment, family responsibilities, and education. The purpose of the program was to increase certification success by bringing the testing environment to students, rather than requiring students to navigate external systems that hindered completion.
The Response
Burbank Adult School leveraged its existing testing infrastructure and trained staff to become an approved on‑site for the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) center and the National Health career Association (NHA). Key design features include:
• Testing conducted on campus, in familiar classrooms and labs
• Exams proctored by trained BAS staff known to students
• Scheduling aligned with course completion for immediate testing
• Embedded student support before, during, and after testing
By integrating testing directly into the instructional pathway, BAS created a smooth transition from instruction to certification, ensuring students could demonstrate competencies without unnecessary external obstacles.
The Unique Features of the Program
While certification testing is common in adult education, offering the NCMA and the NHA exams at an adult school campus is a distinguishing practice. The program’s innovation lies in:
• Reducing test anxiety through familiarity with staff, environment, and procedures
• Eliminating logistical barriers such as travel, parking, and external registration
• Providing a continuum from classroom to certification without disruption
This approach represents a student‑centered adaptation that significantly improves completion and can serve as a model for other adult schools offering industry certifications.
The Outcome
The impact of the on‑site testing program has been immediate and measurable:
• Fall and Spring 2025-2026: 17 out of 20 students passed the NHA exam to be certified as Billing and Coding Specialist (85% passing rate)
• Spring 205-2026: 9 out of 12 students passed the NCMA examination (75% passing rate)
• Increased student confidence and persistence
• Faster transition from coursework completion to certification
• Positive student feedback highlighting reduced anxiety and improved focus during testing
These outcomes demonstrate that removing external barriers and creating supportive testing environments leads directly to improved student success and credential attainment.