HEADMASTER was officially founded in 1985 by general partners Paul Dorrance and Ben Schmitt with their development of HEADMASTER© administrative software for schools, and GRADEMASTER© software for teachers, to efficiently manage the administration of transcripts, attendance, report cards etc.

HEADMASTER has expanded and grown to include computer hardware sales, network consulting and setup as well as developing testing software for Certified Nurse Aide testing and for Mountain States Line Constructors. Certified Nurse Aide testing began in Montana in 1991-2 using its TESTMASTER© software and CNA tests as the OBRA regulations were finalized and implemented.  It seemed appropriate to the founding partners that their business name change to reflect the diversity of their services and thus became D&S Diversified Technologies dba HEADMASTER.

D&SDT is currently approved for CNA testing in Montana, Utah, Iowa, North and South Dakota, Ohio, Idaho, Delaware and Tennessee.  The company is fully staffed Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 6pm MST to provide live and direct support for all aspects of the testing process.  D&SDT recognizes each state’s responsibility to implement Federal OBRA regulations on the state level.  Therefore, D&SDT provides a Certification Evaluation Program that regularly and continually adapts to individual needs of each state and offers a wide variety of testing options.

D&SDT supports regional or FIXED Schedules that provide pre-scheduled test dates at various approved facilities for Candidates to choose from at their convenience.  D&SDT also supports IN-FACILITY or FLEXIBLE schedule testing for training programs so tests may be requested and administered by an approved proctor immediately after training is completed on an “as needed” basis.  D&SDT believes that by providing a variety of options and increasing the number of Test Sites and Test Administrators, testing opportunities for Candidates also increase, which speeds the Certification process, decreases pressure within Federal time constraints to certify Candidates, and provides flexible work loads for Test Administrators.  More Certified Nurse Aides become available for employment in long-term care communities. 

D&SDT significantly speeds the turnaround time between test administration and reporting results.  Certified D&SDT Test Evaluators correct tests the same day they are received back from test sites.  Test scores are immediately available for release to Candidates, State registries and approved agencies.  D&SDT also provides a paperless option made available with WEBETEST© on-line software. From the Candidate application through test administration and correction, there is no paper used and the turnaround time is amazing! The only paper generated is the CNA certification card or letter issued by state registries that is mailed to successful Candidates, or a failure notification. WEBETEST© runs via the internet so the only requirement is a computer with an internet connection.

Finally, D&SDT recognizes that Nurse Aide Trainers and Test Administrators are the critical link to insuring the quality of nurse aide care made available in long-term care facilities.  HEADMASTER welcomes all suggestions from Trainers, TAs, Candidates and facilities regarding all content of testing materials and the entire test process at all times. Feedback is the backbone to the success of the Test Review process and Test Review Committees have been established to work as teams to meet the individual and unique needs of their states.  If you’d like to become involved or are interested in more information about Test Review Committees, please contact HEADMASTER or your state health department.