Competentietests

Competentietests are assessments intended to measure the competencies required to perform a task or a job. A competency refers to the combination of knowledge, skills, and behaviors that enable effective performance in a given context. Competentietests are typically linked to a formal job analysis and a defined set of competencies used by an organization or profession.

Common formats include knowledge tests, skill demonstrations, work samples, simulations, and situational judgment tests. Some examples: coding tasks, medical OSCE-like stations, customer-service simulations, or portfolio-based assessments. Tests are often designed with blueprints and scoring rubrics to ensure consistency and to map items to the competencies they intend to measure.

Applications include personnel selection, promotion decisions, license and credentialing, and development planning. They may be used standalone or as part of a broader assessment center. Validity and reliability are central concerns; developers seek evidence that scores reflect the targeted competencies and not irrelevant factors. Fairness considerations address language, culture, and accessibility.

Criticism includes potential bias, test anxiety, and overemphasis on demonstrable behaviors at the expense of broader capabilities. Proper use requires transparent communication about purpose, method, and consequences, along with ongoing evaluation and calibration of the competency framework and the assessment instruments.