Frequently Asked Questions
What do Ergometrics' Video Simulation Tests Tell Me About an Applicant?
Ergometrics' video simulation tests are designed to assess applicant abilities in important, hard to test areas, such as situational judgment, human relations, teamwork, listening and communications skills, dealing with difficult and stressful situations, multi-tasking, problem solving and safety orientation.
How Do Ergometrics' Video Simulation Tests Work?
Ergometrics' video simulation tests present typical job situations in a video, multiple-choice format. As in real life, after watching each situation, applicants are required to make quick decisions about how to respond. To score well, applicants must assess each scenario and project the likely outcome of given actions.
At What Point in the Hiring Process Should Ergometrics' Video Simulation Tests Be Given?
Ergometrics' Video Tests are designed to be the initial screening tool, identifying high potential applicants as the first step in the hiring process. Validation studies show that candidate experience and education do not effectively predict judgment and human interaction ability. Therefore, screening out applicants prior to testing limits the possibility of finding people with good judgment and outstanding human relations skills.
Why is Video the Medium Used for Most Ergometrics' Simulation Tests?
Video is the most practical and valid medium for job simulation, providing the same controlled information to all candidates in exactly the same way every time. Ergometrics' videos accurately portray human interactions, including situational and emotional triggers that account for the majority of differences in job performance in the areas tested. Ergometrics' video tests consistently and significantly outperform paper and pencil tests in terms of higher validity.
Will Ergometrics' Tests Have Any Adverse Impact on Protected Groups?
Ergometrics' video tests consistently have much lower adverse impact than written tests and are fair and valid for all groups. The questions are direct simulations of job situations with clearly interpretable answers and are not dependent on previous experience or reading ability. All Ergometrics' tests meet or exceed EEOC and ADA requirements.
How Do I Administer Ergometrics' Simulation Tests?
Ergometrics' video tests are easy to administer, as simple as putting a video into a player and giving applicants machine scored answer sheets. Simple instructions are provided for the test administrator and most candidate instructions are included in the video. Any number of applicants can be tested at one time, as long as they can all see and hear the video.
What other Testing is Necessary?
Ergometrics' video tests are intentionally designed to eliminate reading factors when testing for judgment and other specific skills. If reading or academic skills are required, additional tests are recommended as part of the Ergometrics' test battery for that occupation.
How Does Ergometrics' Scoring Service Work?
Ergometrics' provides scoring services for all tests offered, with rapid turnaround. Answer sheets can be sent in physically or scanned into electronic format and emailed to our scoring department. Electronic transfer of answer sheets cuts down on travel time and shipping expenses. A RUSH Service is available for a nominal extra charge. Rush service provides same day or 1 buisness day turnaround of test scores. Scores are sent electronically to pre-approved contacts at each agency. Scoring services include: scoring, transmission of score rosters, consultation regarding scores and passing points, and maintenance of a database with all previous test results. Ergometrics can perform analyses of your database, including comparisons with national norms.
Are Your Tests Validated?
Yes, Ergometrics' tests are validated using both content and criterion validation. All Ergometrics' simulation tests show high correlation between test scores and job performance. All Ergometrics' tests meet or exceed legal and professional standards for validation, including those established by the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance and the American Psychological Association. Ergometrics' tests are developed in conjunction with hundreds of professionals and administrators from each occupational area studied. Video is produced and directed by test development experts from Ergometrics working on site with subject matter experts to ensure that every detail is accurate and realistic.
What is the Cost Benefit of Simulation Testing?
Hiring and training personnel is a major expense in terms of time and money. Poor hiring decisions result in management problems, tainted public relations, potential legal liability and negative impact on the organization. Validation studies on Ergometrics' tests show that improving the match between the applicant and the job dramatically lowers turnover, absenteeism and management problems. Simulation testing enables you to identify those applicants who have the key skills necessary to be successful, early in the screening process, thereby increasing efficiency and decreasing the cost of subsequent testing and hiring procedures.
How Does Ergometrics' Pricing Work?
Scoring costs for each exam can be found in the pricing sections of our catalog. For entry level exams, Ergometrics has two pricing options: with per applicant testing, there is a one-time $150 setup fee and a per applicant testing fee ($125 minimum order). With the annual license option, departments pay a yearly amount based on the size of organization, and then a reduced per applicant fee. In many cases, higher volumes of testing make the annual license option more economical.
