The use of pre-employment testing by employers has become more common in recent times. In most cases, the testing is conducted by outside vendors offering these types of services to multiple groups of employers. While these tests seem to be a good idea to most employers, it is important to make sure they pass muster with the various administrative agencies at the federal and state level.
In a recent example of a test gone wrong, the OFCCP took issue with an employer's written testing program. The test had an adverse impact on minority applicants and failed to meet the EEOC's Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures. In this recent case, the OFCCP reached a $550,000 settlement with the employer. Click here for the OFCCP press release.
While having the OFCCP involved might suggest this is only an issue for written tests and government contractors, don't be misled. This is only an OFCCP issue because the problem was uncovered by an OFCCP audit of the employer. The EEOC's requirements in this area apply to all employers. In addition, the selection guidelines apply to all types of pre-employment testing, ranging from written testing to skills testing to strength-and-agility testing.
If your company conducts these types of tests, it is important to ensure there is not an adverse impact on a specific class of individuals. If there is an adverse impact, the employer can still defend the testing measure if the employer can show the test is an accurate predictor of a candidate's ability to perform a job. This is where Continue Reading...
