Competency-Based Assessment Center Design: A Case Study

Designing a competency-based assessment center can be an exceptional complement to a competency-based training program. Although there is substantial literature to assist with the development of assessment center simulations, literature investigating the process for tailoring a competency-based assessment center to assess learning outcomes is sparse. This study is a case demonstration that details the design process researchers used to design a competency-based assessment center in order to assess learning outcomes. The researchers used the Guidelines and Ethical Considerations for Assessment Center Operations as the conceptual framework for the assessment center design process. The design process consisted of four phases: review, assess, design, and plan. The result is an ideal model for developing an assessment center that links competencies to training evaluation and allows for the assessment of knowledge, skills, and abilities gained through training.