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ACT Launches Workplace Observation Assessment

New WorkKeys® Test Measures the Most Overlooked of Critical Job Skills

February 23, 2010

IOWA CITY, Iowa–Observation skills are the most used, and the most overlooked, of all critical job skills. Many real-world job skills are learned through on-the-job training. Employees must observe, follow, understand and evaluate processes, demonstrations and other on-the-job procedures. Even small improvements in observation skills may result in higher returns on training dollars invested by America's employers.

Measuring and improving these skills is the focus of the new Workplace Observation assessment released today by ACT, the nation's leading source of workplace skills assessments. Workplace Observation, the latest addition to the WorkKeys suite of workplace skills tests, measures the skills used to visually observe a workplace event, notice details and remember instructions about the procedures, processes and demonstrations depicted. Examinees view a series of work-related activities, presented in online video segments, animations and still presentations. They are asked to pay careful attention to steps that are followed, then respond to questions based on the activities viewed.

Workplace Observation is a timed online assessment taken in a proctored environment. Examinees are allowed 55 minutes to view the 14 workplace scenarios and complete 35 questions. The test is scored immediately and results are made available online to the administrator minutes after examinees submit their onscreen responses. Workplace Observation will be offered at participating workforce offices, community colleges and other licensed ACT testing centers nationwide.

"Employers from coast to coast have asked us for this enhanced assessment," said Martin Scaglione, president and chief operating officer of ACT's Workforce Development Division. "Workplace Observation goes beyond simple mechanics and requires the use of critical thinking, reasoning and problem-solving skills. Many employers use this assessment in the hiring process to find the right people for jobs requiring observation skills. They also use it to determine the best use of training dollars for their current workforce."

Employers may benefit in several ways by using this assessment to evaluate applicants and workers. They can:

Each examinee's score is reported as one of five skill levels. To attain a Level 1 score, the lowest score, individuals must observe, recall and follow a straightforward demonstration, process or procedure. Level 2 adds an interpretation element. Level 3 requires examinees to filter multiple distractions in order to remember details and synthesize the observed process. Level 4 includes an analysis element that requires skills related to making inferences, anticipating outcomes and extrapolating information. And Level 5, the most complex level, requires examinees to evaluate alternatives and make judgments about what has been presented.

The new instrument will eventually replace the existing WorkKeys Observation assessment. Unlike its predecessor, the new assessment does not require a separate video component because scenarios are integrated into the online, self-paced presentation. This new version also measures a broader range of skills.

A wide variety of industries are represented in the new assessment scenarios. Processes and procedures used in healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, construction and transportation are included. The assessment can be useful in these industries and many others to evaluate applicants or workers for any job that requires paying attention to specific tasks.