The information provided in this website is one source you may consult in developing effective assessment strategies. We encourage you to consult the resources below for additional information and guidance.

Assessment Decision Guide

The Assessment Decision Guide includes information on personnel assessment, assessment methods, and assessment strategy design.

Leadership Competency Proficiency Levels

The Leadership Competency Proficiency Levels document contains proficiency level illustrations for 28 Leadership Competencies. Proficiency levels indicate different levels of expertise or mastery in a competency. The illustrations provide examples of work behavior at each proficiency level.

Governmentwide competency studies conducted by OPM and available for your use

• Competency Model for Cybersecurity
• Competency Model for Grants Management
• Competency Model for IT Program Management
• Executive Core Qualifications
• Financial Management Competency Study
• Human Resources Management Expert Survey Results
• Law Enforcement, Compliance, Security, and Intelligence Related Occupational Study
• Government Performance and Results Act Modernization Act

Sources of Additional Guidance

• Testing and Assessment: An Employer's Guide to Good Practices - The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) developed this document to assist managers and human resource professionals in making assessment-related decisions.
• Delegated Examining Operations Handbook: A Guide for Federal Agency Examining Offices - OPM's Delegated Examining Operations Handbook is a comprehensive document by which OPM delegates competitive examining authority to agencies under the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 1104, as amended by Public Law 104-52 of 1995. Chapter 2, in particular, provides further guidance on assessment methods.
• Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures (29 CFR Part 1607) - The Guidelines provide a set of principles for determining proper test use and selection procedures, covering topics such as test fairness and adverse impact.
• Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing - The Standards provide information on test development, use, and evaluation in employment and other assessment settings. (Please note: Purchase is required)
• Principles for the Validation and Use of Personnel Selection Procedures - The Principles discuss validation research and personnel selection, specifying principles of good practice in the choice, development, evaluation, and use of personnel selection procedures.

Getting Expert Help

The issues to consider when selecting or developing an assessment strategy or specific assessment tool are complex. Measurement specialists can assist in selecting or developing valid, fair, and effective assessment strategies to meet specific hiring needs. Many vendors offer professionally-developed assessments. Each agency is responsible for ensuring assessments meet applicable regulatory and statutory requirements. Agencies should ensure they develop and maintain the necessary documentation to support their selection processes.

Still have questions?

Visit the Assessment Policy FAQ page to see answers to commonly asked assessment questions or learn how to contact us if you have additional questions.

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