This report discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using training and experience (T&E) assessments to gauge an individual’s qualifications for a Federal job and provides recommendations for the most effective use of such assessments. Insights for this report were obtained from research and practice in the field of assessment, and from MSPB survey data. This report synthesizes multiple perspectives on the advantages and challenges of T&E assessments, describes the role they can play in Federal hiring, and assists Federal agencies and hiring managers in using T&E assessments appropriately.
Executive Summary i
Chapter 1 – Background 1
What is Assessment of Training and Experience? 1
Why Study Training and Experience Assessments? 3
In This Report 8
Chapter 2 - How is Training and Experience Assessed? 9
Useful T&E Assessments 12
Assessments that Include T&E Information 17
Problematic T&E Assessments 20
Summary 24
Chapter 3 - What Are the Common Challenges? 27
Focus on the Past 27
Unreliable Self-Assessment 30
Applicant Dishonesty 33
Summary 34
Chapter 4 - How Can We Raise the Bar? 35
Improvement Strategy 1: Make T&E Assessments More Accurate 35
Improvement Strategy 2: Increase Verification of Applicant Responses 42
Improvement Strategy 3: Use Assessments that Focus on Present Proficiency 48
Improvement Strategy 4: Evaluate Developments in T&E Assessment 50
Chapter 5 - Conclusions and Recommendations 53
Conclusions 53
Recommendations 55
APPENDIX A - Understanding Validity 57
APPENDIX B - Validity Coefficients 59
Federal employees, their supervisors, agency management, union personnel, especially Human Capital officers and employees across the U.S. Federal Government may be interested in this report. Additionally, members of Congress, and Federal managers within the Office of Management and Budget, and Office of Personnel Management that is responsible for policy making authority may find this guide helpful as a reference with human resources and civil service matters. Additionally, students pursuing research for courses within these fields, especially public administration, human resources, employment law, organizational development, and industrial-organizational psychology may find this primary source document that deals with civil service issues helpful for assignments.
