A performance assessment (also called a performance-based assessment) is a hands-on evaluation that measures an individual’s core skills within a specific occupational area. The results identify strengths and areas for growth and can be used to highlight individuals who demonstrate the desired skills and reveal the most efficient training path to improve performance.
The right skills assessment can vary based on the industry and the type of work being performed. Using a single assessment type often comes with some limitations. To get a well-rounded view of job candidates and long-term employees, organizations can use multiple assessments, such as a multiple-choice knowledge-based test, and a skills-based performance test. For this article, we are focusing on the hands-on performance assessment.
Features of a High-Quality Performance Assessment
When using performance assessments for decisions like hiring or promotion, assessments must meet specific criteria for reliability and validity. While many types of assessments can be fairly subjective, a high-quality assessment developed following the ISO 17024 standards will provide support for a legally-defensible decision about a job candidate.
High-quality performance assessments fit the following criteria:
- Valid
- Non-discriminatory
- Reliable
At Nocti Business Solutions (NBS), we develop technical competency assessments utilizing a comprehensive process that ensures the most important skills are measured without introducing bias, and provide robust results to support informed decisions.
1. Based on Up-to-Date Industry Standards
First, an NBS psychometrician and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) develop the criteria of skills critical to the success of an individual in a specific position. From this list, the SME team develops the assessment, including a series of jobs for the test candidate to demonstrate their skills.
2. Valid and Reliable
Second, data is gathered through a pilot testing process and analyzed to ensure the assessment is psychometrically sound and without bias. These integral steps of the process ensure the assessment is valid and reliable.
3. Benchmarks for Every Skill Level
Third, utilizing the data analysis the SME team sets cut scores or benchmarks for customized assessments. It is common for organizations to request multiple benchmarks to place technicians in different job classifications. NBS also offers cut score determination for standard, off-the-shelf assessments
4. Robust Scoring
Finally, when an organization chooses to partner with NBS for skills assessments, they are provided with robust score reporting that identifies individuals who have the best technical skills for a role and any skills gaps for which they may need support. Score reports can be used to develop targeted training plans to advance motivated workers into the highest performers.
The Benefits of Partnering with NBS for Performance Assessments
In today’s world, hiring for technical roles requires more than an interview. A high-quality assessment from NBS can provide a comprehensive evaluation of a candidate’s skills and competencies. With our rigorous testing for fairness and validity, these assessment results are unbiased and legally defensible.
While an interview can provide important first impressions of a candidate, NBS assessments provide an in-depth look at a candidate’s ability to perform the day-to-day tasks expected for their role. This is an evaluation of their ability to perform the hands-on work and problem-solving required to succeed in their intended job.
With these results, organizations can be more agile and confident in their decisions, speed up the hiring process by identifying candidates who have the right technical skills, and hit the ground running with targeted training to close any skills gaps for both new hires and existing workers.
Learn More About NBS Performance Assessments
With over 170 skills assessments, NBS is determined to help industries build a skilled workforce. View the NBS extensive index of industry-based skills assessments to explore standard, off-the-shelf assessments. Our index provides blueprints for each assessment, listing the specific competencies and skills covered on the test. If you are unable to find a test that meets the needs of your organization, NBS offers full customization services to develop assessments specific to your organizational goals.
For more information about getting started with NBS skills assessments, please contact us. NBS is committed to helping your company build a better workforce with high-quality performance assessments.
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