Innovation Through Collaboration

When you're building a certification exam, getting input from the right subject matter experts (SMEs) is non-negotiable. But let’s be real: herding busy professionals into meetings and review sessions is not only exhausting, it’s wildly inefficient. That’s where collaborative exam writing platforms like Certiverse make all the difference.

As a client services director working with certification bodies, I’ve seen how asynchronous tools can completely reshape the item authoring process. Certiverse’s SME tools allow experts to log in when it works for them, contribute their knowledge, and review items on their own schedule. This flexibility makes the process more inclusive, especially for SMEs in different time zones or balancing consulting gigs, teaching, or clinical work.

One of my favorite success stories involves a fintech credentialing client who pulled together a global group of SMEs to work on two new certification exams simultaneously. Using Certiverse’s platform, they authored and reviewed hundreds of items and released both tests in unprecedented time frames. Everyone had visibility into the exam blueprint, feedback was built into the workflow, and version control kept things clean. Collaboration didn’t depend on a Zoom meeting. It was an inherent part of the process.

So how do you keep SMEs engaged? A little structure and a lot of appreciation go a long way. Start by setting clear expectations. Break item authoring into achievable milestones, and use progress tracking to keep momentum. Recognition also matters. Certiverse highlights top contributors on our built-in leaderboard, but you can also feature them in newsletters or social channels, and offer digital badges recognizing their value. I've even seen some clients invite high-performing SMEs to present at industry events, which builds community and reinforces the value of their contribution.

Collaborative exam writing doesn't have to be a chaotic, manual process. With the right tools and a thoughtful approach to engaging SMEs in certification, it becomes faster, fairer, and a lot more rewarding for everyone involved. And honestly? That’s a win for both your credential and the professionals who make it possible.

Have you tried switching to asynchronous item development yet? You might be surprised by how much easier it can be.