IS managers who want to assess their employees' work abilities are turning to skills-assessment technology. The results of such tests can indicate whether an applicant has the technical skills and experience to perform a particular job.
Some tests can also help determine the next step in an employee's training.
Bookman Testing Services Inc., ESS Corp., and Wave Technologies International Inc. have developed sophisticated testing tools that evaluate a person's book knowledge, practical experience, and personal strengths and weaknesses. The tests vary in their approaches as well as their purposes. Wave Technologies sells a product called Skills Assessment, which yields a four-dimensional evaluation of skills. In addition to technical knowledge, Skills Assessment looks at a person's optimal learning style, motivation, and competence to learn. The ultimate result of this test is a prescription for self-learning or a road map of the training necessary to attain particular knowledge or skills.