Definition - What does Selection Testing mean?
Selection testing refers to a predictive assessment of multidimensional factors that cover an applicant or employee’s capacity to demonstrate aptitude, efficiency, and productivity relative to meeting job performance standards. The application of selective testing and procedures falls under an umbrella of subcategories including cognitive testing, physical ability testing, medical inquiries/physical examinations, personality tests, and sample job tests, all crucial elements that help determine job candidacy.
SureHire explains Selection Testing
Although selective testing serves as a traditional marker for highlighting the eligibility of an applicant or employee to perform essential job tasks, employers can face potential blowback from violating an individual's civil rights per anti-discrimination laws. For this reason, a job analysis represents a comprehensive appraisal for interpreting every facet related to a position including all relevant duties and tasks, in turn, translating to an applicant or employee’s competency to fulfill their job role. This approach is beneficial for a work sample test, which closely mimics the job-oriented functions inside a workplace environment that reflects an individual’s proficiency against the set criteria established by companies.
Given the legal implications, employers must amend or update policies stipulating that the job requirements directly correspond to selective testing initiatives without disproportionately marginalizing select groups. Hence, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal mandate that prohibits employers from unilaterally opting for selective testing procedures that target individuals with disabilities whose condition exposes them to perceived biases. From an ergonomics perspective, employers can enlist a medical examination pending knowledge of an applicant or employee’s disability as a means to justify with documentation that reasonable accommodations are necessary, unless it imposes undue hardship to the business.
It is imperative for employers that administrative and managerial staff remain abreast of conducting selective testing parameters within the scope of fair and equal treatment for all individuals to avoid a breach of personal rights.
