Promotional Testing
Written Tests
Our firm has developed written tests for hundreds of positions; from A (airline pilot) to Z (zoo keeper). Many of the written test batteries we have developed have become industry standards.
Having conducted written tests for tens of thousands of candidates, we are quite familiar with the advantages and limitations of this form of testing. At the BOOTH RESEARCH GROUP we have developed protocols and procedures which maximize the advantages of this form of testing and minimize the disadvantages.
As with all of our testing instruments, we custom design each one to reflect the individual needs and concerns of our clients. Even though many books (e.g., supervisory texts, IFSTA manuals, etc.) will be similar across clients, we will gladly include material which is unique to an organization such as internal policies and procedural manuals.
Written tests have a tendency to demonstrate adverse impact against protected classes. We have developed procedures to minimize this effect, and our results have been remarkable with respect to this concern. From initial candidate orientations in which we provide advice on proven study techniques to the development of ethnic and gender neutral test items, our promotional written tests have been largely free of bias.
The source material for written tests can also be a concern. There are often contradictions across sources and sometimes even within a single source. We carefully review each source and item to avoid such contradictions. We also ensure that the questions we develop are from areas within a text that are relevant to the position and the jurisdiction we are working with. And finally, each test item has the source for that item clearly identified.
Our quality control procedures ensure that our clients do not find misspelled words, confusing grammatical presentations, double negatives, poor printing, missing pages, or other problems in our written tests. In addition, our tests are easily administered with our professional test administration guide and instructions. We can, of course, administer the test if our client prefers.
Like all of our testing processes, our written promotional tests are custom designed to reflect the needs, concerns, and mission of our clients’ organizations.
Practical Examinations
The Booth Research Group has custom designed practical examinations for a variety of positions such as Nurse, Paramedic, Driver-Operator-Engineer, Fire/Arson Investigator, and others.
While practical examinations have many similarities to assessment centers, they also have certain aspects which make them both unique and challenging to develop and administer.
As with all tests, careful attention has to be paid to validity and reliability. In addition, factors such as consistency and realism play an enormous role in the proper administration of practical examinations.
Practical examinations are often subject to critical evaluation by candidates and frequently challenged in court or through internal appeals processes. As a matter of fact, many of our current clients originally contacted us because of previous problems they had experienced with practical examinations or other testing processes that either they had administered or had been administered by another consultant.
As with all promotional tests, but particularly practical examinations, candidates who experience the examination must have confidence that the test is relevant to their job, fairly and reliably administered, and accurately scored. At the BOOTH RESEARCH GROUP, we strive to achieve this in all of our tests, and the proof is in the results. After developing and administering practical examinations for over 20 years, and very often in hostile, mistrusting, and litigious environments, we are proud to say that none of our practical examinations has ever been challenged.
Whether you have a unique position which calls for a practical examination, or a position which more commonly uses this type of methodology, the BOOTH RESEARCH GROUP can address the need with a valid, reliable, relevant, challenging, and defensible process.
