A basic distinction between group assessments and individual assessments can be made. A further distinction considers whether the assessment is carried out for the purpose of selection, development or evaluation of the current situation. These different types of assessments are briefly explained below.
Group assessment (assessment center)
An assessment center is an assessment type comprising several participants and several observers, which usually takes place over several days. Depending on the assessment, the participants take part in various group exercises, individual exercises and test procedures. Typical for group assessments is the rotation of observers, so that a candidate can be observed by as many observers as possible.
Individual assessment
The individual assessment is an assessment type comprising one participant and at least two assessors, which usually takes place over half a day to a whole day. The main target group for individual assessments are middle and top management. As with the assessment center, various exercises and test procedures are used to assess previously defined competencies.
Selection assessment
The selection assessment is used for the selection of personnel. Its aim is to identify the individual whose profile best matches the existing or newly created role, from the pool of current applicants.
Development assessment
A development assessment evaluates the potential of an individual. This type of assessment is often used to develop talent and to assess whether an individual has the potential for future management roles. The development assessment forms the basis for the targeted professional development of individuals.
Assessment of the current situation
The assessment of the current situation shows candidates what their professional outlook is, based on a profile of their strengths and weaknesses. This offers them the opportunity to deploy their strengths and to overcome weaknesses. It is also suitable to address measures to promote future personal development with regard to professional reorientation or repositioning.
Remote Assessment
In a full remote setting, all stakeholders involved in the assessment (candidate, assessors, role players) are in different locations and communicate via a video platform. In a hybrid remote setting, the interactions of individual stakeholders can take a variety of forms; for example, only one assessor and the candidate are on site while a second assessor participates remotely, or both assessors are on site and only the role player is connected remotely, etc.
The quality of both, remote and face-to-face assessments is measured against the quality standards of Swiss Assessment. According to Swiss Assessment, the implementation mode (be it remote or face-to-face) is of secondary importance for the quality of the assessment if compared to the compliance with the quality standards, which are binding for certified Swiss Assessment members.