We suggest that companies document the validity of any assessment and how it applies to their specific job and workplace. A formal local validation study is recommended for an organization that meets any of the following criteria:
The Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures (1978)1, developed by the EEOC, Civil Service Commission, Department of Labor and Department of Justice, were designed to establish a uniform Federal position related to tests and other selection procedures that are being used as a basis for any employment decision.
From the employer's perspective, it is very useful to have a job-related test. When tests are job related, they have more credibility with the persons taking them, giving the test takers more confidence in their results and providing less likelihood of complaint. A validation study is usually the product of research by a testing expert or psychologist. The resulting validation report is the documented evidence by a professional researcher of the validity of the selection procedure. The author of the validation report should attempt to conform with the requirements of the Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures.
1Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Civil Service Commission, Department of Labor, and Department of Justice. (1978, August). Uniform guidelines on employee selection procedures. Federal Register, 43, 38290-38315.