Tool to analyse abilities

Recruitment consultancy Drake has developed a computer-based skills assessment programme Kryterion, which has been designed to determine a person's current skill level in the most popular word processing, spreadsheet and database programs.

It can also be used to help employers analyse training needs.

Packages tested include Microsoft Excel, Lotus 1-2-3, Microsoft Word, Displaywrite, WordPerfect, Multimate, DBase and other Windows applications.

And Adex (Advanced Dimensional Evaluation), a Kryterion module provides a tool to help test a candidate's word fluency, arithmetic reasoning and even filing and logic. In addition it helps to evaluate attitude towards work, social adaptability and track record.

On average it takes about 10 minutes for each exercise.

Kryterion provides and a precise indication of a computer operator's abilities thus helping to match criteria required in individual work assignments with operator skills. An operator's level of knowledge can be assessed at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.

A program simulation leads a user through a realistic exercise in the chosen software allowing the operator to demonstrate the level of familiarity with the package by using the correct keystrokes to complete each one.

A combination of keystrokes are needed to answer a question. This allows less than a one per cent chance of guessing the correct answer. Each simulation section is followed by a series of multiple choice questions, which will help to test an operator's ability to recall when working outside the package's normal working environment. This determines an operator's ability to support other users.