Assessment Methods:
Written Tests - Overview 

Written tests refer to a general group of assessment tools in which applicants read questions and respond in writing, or by making choices on-line or on pre-determined forms. The most common formats are multiple-choice, short answer or essay questions. Where appropriate, questions may include symbols, diagrams, graphs or tables. Other test formats include true / false, checklist / matching and written performance. 

Knowledge is most typically assessed in a written test format. Written tests may also be used to assess skills such as analysis, problem solving, and written communication. Written tests may be efficient where they can be administered to larger numbers of applicants early on in the staffing process. Certain test formats require less time for applicants to complete and panel members to score. Some of these test formats may also be delivered on-line and scored automatically. 

Examples of written tests include:

• Applicants for a mental health worker position are asked to review a series of brief client histories and respond in essay format identifying the presenting mental health problem(s) and listing the range of treatment options available using their diagnostic ability and knowledge of mental illness.

• Applicants for an entry level financial officer position are asked to complete a written test to assess their knowledge of financial principles, concepts and theories that includes both multiple-choice and true / false questions.

• Applicants for a secretarial position are asked to complete several written tests including short answer sentence completion questions to assess their written communication skills and knowledge of business English and a checklist / matching test to assess their knowledge of spelling.

• Applicants for a communications officer position are asked to produce a briefing note for the minister on a current topic or take an existing document and re-write with a specific audience and purpose in mind (written performance test).