[IPAC-List] Does the day you take an oral exam matter?

[Reed, Elizabeth]

IPAC members and friends:

The City of Columbus utilizes oral exams in all of our promotional testing for both police and fire.  These oral exams usually consist of either two role-play exercises or one role-play exercise and one structured interview.  Depending on the number of candidates, these exams can take up to six full days to administer.  Over the years, candidates have complained about being assigned on either the first day of testing or the last day of testing.  The candidates' perception is that the day of the exam makes a difference in the score that they receive.  Questions for you:

Is this a common perception?  Is anyone aware of studies conducted to analyze this?  What do you believe would be the best approach to study this situation?

Thank you,
Liz Reed

Elizabeth A. Reed
Police and Fire Assessment Supervisor
Columbus Civil Service Commission
750 Piedmont Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43224
Office: (614) 645-6032 Fax: (614) 645-0866
Email: Ereed1 at columbus.gov