Assessment Centers

The assessment center is an option available for use in the selection process. An assessment center places applicants in simulated (but high-fidelity) situations where participate in structured interviews and exercises allow the applicant(s) to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) and other behavioral characteristics required for the job. The benefit of the assessment center is that a panel of trained assessors is able to observe overt behavioral characteristics, and rate the demonstrated performance of the candidates. This can allow the panel to compare each candidate against a rubric of the specific job requirements desired for the best fit.

Assessment centers use valid and reliable testing methods, but they are labor-intensive, take considerable preparation time, demand extensive time of raters, staff, and candidates and should be conducted only by trained professionals who have expertise in the administration of the assessment center process.