What are Proficiency Examinations?

A proficiency examination is a selection instrument given to applicants when they are required to demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualifications of the position. These instruments must be developed as valid assessments through a job analysis method, and are designed to assess whether individuals have the knowledge, skills, and abilities that are prerequisite to the position. Proficiency examinations result in a score which indicates if applicants demonstrate proficiency in the minimum qualifications of the position.

Proficiency Examinations Procedures

Scheduling: If an agency would like to schedule their internal bargaining unit applicants for a proficiency examination, they will need to contact DAS and provide the following information: names of the internal applicants to be scheduled and the classification(s) of the examination(s) for which the agency would like to use. The first page of the application will also need to be sent to the DAS – Employment Services Unit. It is assumed that the agency has screened the applications for minimum qualifications prior to contacting DAS to schedule the proficiency examination, and that agencies are requesting proficiency examinations only for individuals who have demonstrated meeting the minimum qualifications for the position(s). DAS will verify if they have taken the examination within four months. If the internal applicants have not taken the examination(s) within four months, the DAS analyst will proceed with scheduling the appointments at a mutually agreeable time. If the internal applicants have taken their examination within the four-month timeframe, the DAS analyst will provide the agency with the score that is on file for the applicant in accordance with the Scoring Procedures below.

Scoring: Once a proficiency examination has been administered, DAS will make every effort to provide the agencies with results as soon as administratively possible. A test taker will need to receive an adjusted score of 70 or higher in order to pass the proficiency examination. Only a pass/fail score will be provided to agencies for the purposes of proficiency examinations. Actual scores can be provided to agency personnel upon request, however, only for classifications that are pay range 28 and higher. No scores will be provided directly to the test takers by DAS. Both passing and failing scores for proficiency examinations will be valid for a four-month timeframe.

Test Reviews: DAS will not provide test reviews for proficiency examinations.

For further information or to obtain assistance, please call the Performance and Assessment unit at 614-728-8944, or e-mail erica.taylor@das.state.oh.us.