SIGNIFICANCE. Since evidence-based practice (EBP) is new, there is an attendant need for valid and reliable methods to measure individual readiness to employ EBP; however, such measurement is still in its infancy.  Instruments developed in the previous paradigm of research utilization are often used inexactly in attempts to measure EBP readiness.  A valid and reliable instrument would have multiple uses in education and practice, establishing learning needs and guiding professional development activities.

 METHODS: Using essential competencies (Stevens, 2005) as a foundation, a paper-based ACE EBP Readiness Inventory (ACE-ERI) was developed and administered to 119 clinicians.  The ACE-ERI was then placed online using SurveyTracker web survey software.  Online data were collected from 280 nursing students.  Design for analysis includes estimating internal consistency (reliability) with Cronbach’s alpha; construct validity will be examined using confirmatory factor analysis compared to the Star Model; classification accuracy will be estimated with discriminant function analysis. 

 FINDINGS:  Participants completed paper-based and online ACE-ERI in less than 20 minutes.  Preliminary analysis shows that clinicians report modest levels of EBP proficiency and students report minimal levels. Data collection from approximately 400 participants (multi-site) will be completed spring 2007 followed by full analysis of the instrument.

 CONCLUSION:  A valid, reliable assessment method is valuable in practice and education.  Because ACE-ERI was developed on EBP platforms:  (ACE Star Model of Knowledge Transformation and national consensus on Essential Competencies for EBP in Nursing), face validity is strong.  The instrument is easily administered using either paper-based or online survey approaches.