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Choosing a provider of Internet based assessments can be a confusing and difficult process. These 10 tips provide a brief set of guidelines for asking online test vendors the basic questions needed to ensure you choose the best system for your needs.

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1. Does the system meet legal standards?
   This is the most critical issue with any Assessment. Be sure the system provides for the clear identification of traits/competencies needed for success at a job and can demonstrate evidence that the test or items used to measure each is related to job performance (this is known as assessment validation). The test provider should have detailed technical manuals that support their products. For more information see: "Testing and Assessment - An Employer's Guide to Good Practices" (Available at http://www.uniformguidelines.com/).
   
   The MAPP system relies on the correlation of worker trait (defined by the Department of Labor) code scores of successful employees in the job being measured as the predictor of performance. This is arguably the only valid way a benchmark can legally be constructed. The technical manuals, reliability and validity studies were designed and reviewed by Ph.D. physiologists in this field. These resources are published on our website.
   
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2. Consider the background of test takers.
   Look at the how the test is delivered. Does it require a great deal of technical knowledge; does it require users to have extremely sophisticated equipment? Look at the individual items and think about how they will make the test taker feel, could any of the items be considered inappropriate? Think about how long the test takes to complete. Remember that if it takes over 30 minutes you risk losing applicants. Make sure that the system is easy to use.
   
   MAPP is delivered over the Internet as a very simple, forced-choice preference that can be completed in about 20 minutes. No sophisticated equipment is needed, as it is browser based. All of the choices have been reviewed for adverse impact and it is completely gender, age, and ethnicity blind.
   
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3. Does the test provider use an ASP model?
   These models offer an advantage over systems where applicants are emailed a test and asked to email the test back. These systems are also scalable so that they can handle very large numbers of applicants very easily.
   
   The MAPP assessment system is ASP-based. It has been set up to handle over 10,000 assessments a day and is completely scaleable. The system currently processes 1,500 assessments daily and is running at about 15% of capacity. Over 650,000 assessments have been processed in the last 24 months.
   
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4. How easy is the system for HR personnel to use?
   An overly complex system or one that is not easy to understand will never gain the acceptance needed to provide maximum ROI.
   
   The MAPP Corporate Resource Center provides a complete set of reporting tools that are simple to use and provide relevant reports that help HR personal fit personnel in the right positions for maximum benefit for both the employer and employee.
   
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5. How is the test scored and results delivered?
   Tests that are part of an ASP model will be scored automatically and results delivered in real time. Less sophisticated systems may require time between test administration and scoring. ASP systems offer a distinct advantage because they allow for the real time delivery of other critical information such as an applicant’s rank compared to all other applicants.
   
   Because MAPP is ASP based the response is immediate to both the employee/candidate and the employer. The matching tools provide instant ranking reports for both fitting employees or candidates to jobs and fitting jobs to employees.
   
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6. Does the test provider conduct a technology audit as part of the implementation process?
   It is critical that the technology of the testing system be compatible with that in use at the organization. Make sure that tests can penetrate firewalls within organizations. For geographically distributed organizations, it is critical to do this for every location that will be using the system.
   
   The MAPP system is an ASP model and all data is securely maintained at our server farms. All the tools are browser-based and easily setup for geographically distributed organizations.
   
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7. Can results easily be integrated with other systems such as applicant tracking systems (ATS) and HRIS systems?
   The ability to integrate in this manner will offer an advantage in that it will provide flexibility and make the system more attractive to those who use it.
   
   The MAPP system is set up to track not only profile matching but also correlation of matching to the two most important HR issues of performance and turnover. The model is database driven (ODBC compatible) and these two measurements can be easily imported from other systems.
   
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8. Does the test provider offer full technical support?
   Remember that test takers can log on and take tests at any time of the day or night. Failing to provide test takers with easy access to help can be damaging to the image of the organization asking applicants to take the test.
   
   The MAPP system is so simple and straightforward that very little support is needed. Assessment.com provides automated responses to common questions such as remembering passwords etc. Special attention is paid to the test taker experience such as the ability to resume an interrupted test at anytime in the future without having to start over. A toll free number 888-311-0311 is available for support.
   
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9. What security measures are offered with the test?
   It is important that test providers have some plan to deal with the fact that it is difficult to check identities of persons taking tests remotely. Also all data transmitted over the Internet should be encrypted.
   
   The nature of the test makes the question of the test taker identity a non-issue because the user preferences cannot be manipulated in terms of results. It would never be in the best interest for the test taker to have someone else take the test for him or herself. MAPP has a strong commitment to security and has adopted best practices of privacy and security. This includes SSL 128 bit encryption of sensitive data exchanges.
   
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10. Can the system be customized to meet your needs?
    A major disadvantage of using an ASP model is that they often do not allow a lot of freedom for customization of the system. It is important that any system chosen be able to meet your specific needs. Often test providers also provide consulting services to tailor aspects of the system to meet purchaser’s needs.
    
    The MAPP system provides a large matrix of customization options from report generation to display outputs online. MAPP provides free consulting services or technical support when needed to implement the system.