Definition
A structured activity used before hiring to gather evidence about a job-relevant skill or ability.
How should you use this idea?
Choose it by mapping the actual work to the skill being measured. A test result should inform a wider decision, not replace one.
Put it in context
Start with the specific decision you are making, the skill the job requires and the limitations of your evidence. Document your interpretation and give candidates a consistent process.
For legal or regulatory conclusions, obtain qualified advice for your location and circumstances. A glossary definition cannot resolve those questions.
Go deeper
- The practical guide to pre-employment testing
- A practical guide to AI-resistant hiring assessments
- The guide to a candidate-friendly assessment process
Last updated: 2026-10-01