Certificated Personnel
OP 4111.05(a)
CONDUCTING PRE-EMPLOYMENT TESTS, CERTIFICATED
Note: Testing procedures for classified candidates are outlined in the Merit Rules
The County Superintendent strongly recommends the use of job-related tests or assessments.
These demonstrations of an applicant’s skills and abilities help determine job suitability. Preemployment testing is accomplished by examining candidate skills and/or knowledge
according to a predetermined set of objective guidelines. Test results are assessed in relation
to the requirements and responsibilities of a given position and conclusions are drawn about
the appropriateness of the applicant’s qualifications.
A test’s purpose is explained to test-takers at the outset. The language used to explain or
describe tests should be identical each time the test is administered. Prerecorded or written
instructions help ensure that the same words are used, at the same rate of speech, with a
consistent tone, pitch and volume.
Federal and state law requires that test components be valid for the specific job for which a
candidate has applied. A department director who has questions about this area should
consult the Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources or legal counsel about the legal
ramifications of any pre-employment testing. Examples of assessments that might be
appropriate for specific positions include:
• For an education specialist – conduct a training session or develop a training outline
• For a psychologist – write an IEP
• For a principal – analyze a video-taped lesson or conduct a post-observation conference
• For a teacher – conduct a parent conference or participate in an IEP preparation
Purpose: To conduct a practical, job-related test, assessment and/or demonstration to verify
that a candidate has the abilities, skills and knowledge to meet the job requirements.
Timeline: Pre-employment tests for certificated candidates are conducted during the interim
between application screening and the selection interview.
Procedures:
1.
Department director reviews certificated job description to determine which jobrelated abilities, skills and knowledge might best be assessed through a practical test,
assessment and/or demonstration.
2.
Department director identifies the objective of the assessment or test and the exact
results desired.
OP 4111.05(b)
CONDUCTING PRE-EMPLOYMENT TESTS, CERTIFICATED (continued)
3.
Department director analyzes the assessment procedures needed to achieve the
desired test results and, in this way, determines the type of assessment to be
performed.
4.
Department director formulates the statement of purpose for the assessment and
establishes clear directions, time limits, performance levels, schedules to be followed
or correct responses sought.
5.
Department director determines the most appropriate test setting, including
consideration for a nonthreatening climate, privacy and lack of interruptions,
monitoring requirements and a work-related environment.
6.
Department director prepares script or recorded direction and collects any audiovisual materials, paper, pencil and word processing or computer resources that may
be required for administering the test.
7.
Department director administers test to each applicant ensuring the following
guidelines:
•
Tests is given based on job-related criteria and there is a direct correlation
between test results and job duties
•
If a test is given, it is given to all candidates who have been selected to advance to
oral interview
•
The testing environment is the same each time a test is given including factors
such as lighting, ventilation, seating, space and noise
•
The same tools or materials are distributed in exactly the same order and manner
each time a test is given
8.
Applicants take test.
9.
Department director scores tests and includes results in application file for use by
interviewer.
SONOMA COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION
Policy Reference: SP 4111/4211/4311, Recruitment and Selection
Procedure approved: February 2014
(4110.06)