Creating valid, reliable assessments of job-specific knowledge and skills is critical for effective practice in workforce development and human resources management. Occupational tests are used for many personnel and education-related functions, including workforce development and career technical education accountability (Perkins IV), personnel selection and placement, training needs assessment or diagnosis, and individual certification and licensure.
A carefully designed systematic approach to test development maximizes return on investment and contributes to candidate satisfaction and motivation. Poorly designed assessments may yield erroneous and damaging results leading to employee or candidate dissatisfaction, ineffective credentialing decisions, and possible exposure to litigation.