Written Assessments, also known as Accomplishment Record, is a multi-hurdle assessment that meets the Requirements Outlined in E.O. 13932. Below you will find an outline of the assessment requirements.
Overview of Written Assessment
- A Written Assessment belongs to a class of assessments referred to as “Accomplishment Records”.
- The Written Assessment is a procedure used to collect information about applicants' training, education, experience, and past achievements related to critical job competencies.
- Applicants who meet the pre-determined cut-off score based on the traditional occupational questionnaire and eligibility requirements are asked to submit information on personal accomplishments to best illustrate their proficiency on critical job competencies.
- The Written Assessment is based on the behavioral consistency principle, that past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior.
- Written Assessment responses are evaluated by the HR Specialist using competency-based benchmarks created for the vacant position.
- The competency-based benchmarks provide specific behavioral examples for each proficiency level. Scoring is based on the degree to which the written responses reflect the benchmark levels of proficiency.
- This assessment must be:
- Supported by the Job Analysis
- Linked to one more critical job competencies
- Included in the vacancy announcement
- Based on standard reviewing and scoring procedures
- Recommended for use with smaller applicant pools.
- Once rating criteria is established, can be easily administered and reused without time impact to the Hiring Manager.
- Available for series not covered under USA Hire or as an alternative to USA Hire.
- May impact T2H depending on size of applicant pool.
- Can be used for all types of positions (entry level to technical).
- 75% of score is based on Written Assessment/25% Self Report Questionnaire.
A Program Analyst position identifies Analytical Reasoning as a critical competency.
- Analytical Reasoning is defined as…
Describe one specific instance from your training and/or experience in which you demonstrated experience in Analytical Reasoning. In your response, please follow these important guidelines as you write your accomplishment:
- Describe the situation -- i.e., the challenge faced, the problem to be solved...
- Describe the specific actions you took…
- State the outcome, results, or long-term impact of your accomplishment…
Provide the name and a telephone number or email address or other method of contacting someone who can verify this information.
Provide dates from the resume that this experience/training was obtained.
Reference
- Consult with HR Specialist to determine assessment strategy for their recruitment.
- Determine which competencies should be assessed using the accomplishment record process. Recommend no more than two competencies be assessed.
- Provide input and specific examples for the competency-based benchmarks (scoring criteria) on the Matrix
- This is used to assess and score the Written Assessments.
- This is required to be submitted as part of the complete recruitment package.
- Advise hiring managers on the appropriate use of assessments.
- Review and advise hiring managers or SMEs in the development of competency-based benchmarks (scoring criteria).
- Ensure a complete Matrix prior to complete package.
- Assess and score the Written Assessment Responses.
- Once the JOA closes, applicants who meet the pre-determined cut-off score on the traditional assessment questionnaire, will be asked to provide Written Responses.
- Applicants will be provided with a due date to submit responses (typically 48 hours).
- HR Specialist will review and assess against the rating criteria identified in the Matrix.
- Individual scores will not be shared with HM to ensure the validity of the assessment.
- Written responses maybe shared with HM as part of the application package.
- HR Specialist issues certificates to hiring manger.