[IPAC-List] Out-of-State Testing

[keith.poole at phoenix.gov]

Susan,
We have a procedure that was in the process of being updated but, similar 
to your situation, it's just not real relevant anymore with our ongoing 
partial hiring freeze in place since 2008.  The last out-of-state trips we 
did (2006-2007 time frame) were specifically for Police Recruit, back when 
it was nearly impossible to hire in our part of the world.  Other than 
that, over the years we've done a handful of single test administrations 
for City employees on military leave (which is specifically allowed in our 
procedure).   I've attached it so at least you can see a rough idea of 
what we used to do. 

On the computerized testing question, we have recently been using existing 
functionality in our HRIS and applicant tracking system (PeopleSoft) to 
start introducing multiple-choice type questions into the online 
application process, basically making it an unproctored 'mini-test', for 
low stakes jobs.  For example, for a Library Page (book shelver), maybe 
10-15 questions where they have to alphabetize a series of titles.  For 
customer service clerk, we provided a series of customer service scenarios 
where they had to pick the best approach to deal with a situation.  Yes we 
realize candidates can cheat but taking a casual look at the range of 
scores, I'm not sure that's happening to any great degree.  I think there 
must be a pretty large group of people in the population who don't really 
know that they don't really know. 

We did some research a couple years ago into different computerized / 
online test services which I've attached.  The only thing we've done since 
then due to affordability is the above mentioned online test.  A couple 
departments that do have some funds have purchased the OPAC and CritiCall 
software for testing of relatively small numbers of candidates and have 
been happy with it.



Keith Poole
Human Resources Supervisor
City of Phoenix HR Department
135 N 2nd Ave
Phoenix, AZ  85003
Phone: (602) 262-7140
Fax: (602) 495-5498
Email:  keith.poole at phoenix.gov



From:   "Maxfield, Susan - Office of Human Resources" 
<Susan.Maxfield at denvergov.org>
To:     "ipac-list at ipacweb.org" <ipac-list at ipacweb.org>, 
Date:   08/16/2013 08:52 AM
Subject:        [IPAC-List] Out-of-State Testing
Sent by:        ipac-list-bounces at ipacweb.org



The City and County of Denver would like to know if anyone has policies in 
place with regard to out-of-state testing.  In particular, for those who 
conduct a high volume of testing (typically entry level classes).    We 
used to provide for hard to recruit positions but have not  done for 
years.  We have been receiving many requests now due to the surge of job 
seekers.   Currently, Denver tests approximately 10,000 job applicants a 
year (less than 10% of our yearly applicant pool). 
 
In addition, we still conduct a majority of our tests in written format 
and are beginning to research options to integrate and computerize all of 
our testing.  We would like to know where other municipalities are with 
respect to pre-employment testing and computerized vs. written book --- or 
other alternatives.
 
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
 


Susan Maxfield | Human Resources Specialist
Office of Human Resources | Talent Acquisition 
City and County of Denver
720.913.5616 Phone | 720.913.5992 Fax
susan.maxfield at denvergov.org 
 
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