This short guide is designed to help you create effective job or role descriptions to guide the exam development process.
Purpose of a Job/Role Description
A job/role description is a detailed outline of the qualifications, skills, and knowledge required for a specific role that the certification exam is designed to assess. It serves as the foundation for creating a fair and relevant certification exam by defining what a "minimally-qualified candidate" (MQC) should know and be able to do. This description helps ensure that the exam targets the right skills and competencies, thus classifying individuals as either qualified or unqualified for a specific role.
What Goes into a Job/Role Description?
A comprehensive job/role description typically includes the following elements:
- Job Title: The specific role the certification is addressing (e.g., Software Developer, Network Administrator).
- Key Responsibilities: A list of essential tasks performed in the role, but this should not be overly detailed.
- Required Knowledge: The core knowledge areas and concepts that a candidate must possess to perform the job effectively (e.g., programming languages, networking protocols).
- Skills and Competencies: Specific abilities or proficiencies required, such as problem-solving, communication, or technical skills.
- Experience Level: The minimum amount of experience needed in the field or with certain tools or technologies.
- Qualifications: Any formal qualifications (e.g., degrees, certifications) that may be required.
Focus on the Minimally-Qualified Candidate (MQC)
When creating a job/role description for a certification exam, it is recommended to focus on the minimally-qualified candidate (MQC) rather than the ideal candidate or an extensive list of job duties. The MQC represents the person who meets the minimum requirements to perform the job competently, not someone who excels or has extensive experience.
To develop the MQC profile, think about:
- What is the minimum set of knowledge and skills required for someone to start performing the job successfully?
- What tasks and responsibilities could they handle independently, without additional training or assistance? With assistance? Does this role supervise other positions?
- What duties, tasks, or knowledge are beyond the scope of this job or role?
- What background is assumed for the typical minimally-qualified candidate? How much experience is assumed? What education or preparation is assumed?
Why Focus on MQC?
Focusing on the MQC ensures the best guidance for your subject matter experts as theur create the JTA task statements, finalize the weights and topics of the blueprint, and write items. By focusing your description around the MQC, you encourage exam relevance by focusing on practical skills and knowledge that are necessary to begin performing the job, rather than excessive duties that only advanced professionals would handle.
Conclusion
Creating a job/role description is a critical step in developing an effective certification exam. By focusing on the MQC and outlining the essential knowledge and skills, you ensure the exam is tailored to evaluate whether a candidate has the minimum qualifications to succeed in a role. Remember to balance the job duties with the core competencies needed to perform the job effectively, which will lead to a certification that is both reliable and practical.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or need additional assistance, please contact us by either emailing support@certiverse.com or by submitting a ticket from this article.