In 3 steps to a good (digital) practice test

In addition to the well-known knowledge test, recognizing and valuing skills is important for several professions. (Digital) practical tests are increasingly being used for this purpose. But how do you ensure that what needs to be tested is actually tested, and how do you design such a practice test? In just 3 steps we will help you on your way to a good (digital) practice test.

1. Core of the profession

Choose a skill that is at the core of the profession and make a practical case about it. For example, for a secretary, the skill of “planning” is essential. However, this same skill may be less relevant to another professional.

2. Requirements proper functioning

Name some criteria to be tested in the case that differentiate between poorly and well-functioning practitioners. What are successful people in your organization very good at? What leads to success in the field? Consider, for example, acting carefully for the accountant or acting customer-focused for the call center employee.

3. Behavior Description

Once you have described these criteria, describe corresponding behaviors at three levels: unsatisfactory, satisfactory and good. What does a candidate do minimally well to score satisfactorily on that criterion and what does he do if he does not reach that level or does very well?

Some practical tips for the description:

• Tip #1: Don’t describe the criteria too extensively, limit yourself to the core. The more manageable the better the quality of the assessments and comparability between assessors.
• Tip 2: Do not assign too many points per section or criterion; this may cause (large) differences between reviewers. With the possibility of assigning 20 points, how likely is it that you actually assign the same number of points? In any case, this probability is much higher with a score of, say, 0 (for unsatisfactory), 1 (for satisfactory) or 2 (for good).
• Tip #3: When reviewing, don’t be too careful. Point out to reviewers that giving a pass instead of a good in terms of points is the same as a fail instead of a pass. Between the two is a difference of one point. Choosing the golden mean you want to avoid as much as possible.