Simulations or work sample tests are exercises that reflect actual job responsibilities and tasks. Applicants are placed in a simulated job situation and are required to handle tasks, activities or problems that resemble those found on the job. The purpose of a simulation or work sample test is to allow the applicant to demonstrate their job-related competencies in as realistic a situation as possible. 

The most common types of simulations include role-plays, in-basket tests, case or project files, oral presentations, written performance tests and assessment centres.  Other simulation test formats include construction, graphic representations and identification tests.

Simulations can duplicate the real-life event but eliminate the risks of danger or damage such as substituting safe substances or chemicals to test the correct handling of dangerous materials; or using driving or flight simulators. Tests are conducted under controlled conditions for the purposes of consistency and fairness and can be developed using a number of different formats. Examples include:

• Secretarial applicants are asked to produce the minutes of a meeting (viewed in real-time on a videotape), or proof-read, edit and produce correspondence from dicta-phone or hand-written draft (written performance tests or individual test items in an in-basket test);

• Administrative officer applicants are asked to solve a variety of day-to-day business problems or tasks e.g. generating original correspondence, responding to phone messages or e-mails, etc. (in-basket).

• Financial auditors are asked to review a set of records, interpret related legislation or regulations, identify issues and make recommendations (case or project files);

• Help desk analyst applicants are asked to trouble shoot a faulty personal computer either in person or over the phone with a client (role-plays);

• Training officer applicants are asked to develop a lesson plan (written performance test) as a first step towards a live demonstration (oral presentations);

• Technical officer applicants are asked to analyze a blueprint or diagram and describe the principles, rules or concepts used (graphic representations);

• Applicants are asked to make a diagram or pattern, or assemble a product from a given set of specifications (construction);

• Safety officer applicants are asked to view a series of workplace photographs and identify hazards (identification test); or

• Applicants for a management position are asked to perform a typical day's work (assessment centres).