A competency test is an online tool designed to evaluate a person's skills and competencies. TestGroup's competency test is the top choice for companies and organizations worldwide. You can easily order the test for individual candidates or access it through your own account on the Bridge Assessment Platform. The test assesses 34 key competencies as a standard, with the option to customize and include specific competencies tailored to your needs.
A competency test helps you identify the strengths and development areas of employees and job applicants. TestGroup's competency test measures 34 work-related competencies, such as teamwork, leadership and decision-making. The results help you assess how well someone matches a job and where they can develop further.
Assess 34 competencies for recruitment and employee development
With a a competency test you can map out the competencies of your candidates during selection or recruitment. In addition, these tests are often used when evaluating existing employees. For example for development or coaching. The Bridge Personality competency test is ideally suited for testing competencies and measures 34 Big Five competencies as standard. Of course it is also possible to adjust the competences in this test in a customized report. As a result, this test can be used for every job profile.
How does TestGroup's competency test work?
The Bridge Personality is a professional competency test. This test has been specially developed for use within companies and organizations. You can use it for the recruitment, selection and development of your employees. The competency test measures 34 competencies that you can match with any job profile. These competencies are linked to the Big Five model of personality. More information about these competencies can be found here.
Order a competency test
The competency test can be ordered as a separate test (per item) or via your own account on the TestGroup assessment platform.
You can order a competency test for your candidate (single use).
We will create the competency test for your candidate the same day.
Ask your candidate to complete the test.
If needed, a TestGroup consultant can guide you through the report over the phone.
Planning on using tests and online assessments in high volume? Opt for a more cost-efficient corporate account on the Bridge Assessment Platform.
Competency Test: example report
You can view the sample report of the competency test here, which shows the scores on 34 Big Five competencies. These competencies are suitable for just about any position, making it ideal for use in recruitment, selection, and HR.
Example page from the competency report
Which 34 competencies are measured in the competency test?
Understanding the personal competencies of our employees and applicants is essential for building successful teams, talent management, and leadership. TestGroup's competency test is based on the robust foundations of the Big Five theory and adapted to our unique four categories: Governance, Execution, Attitude, and Mental. These categories are further divided into subcategories that together encompass 34 crucial competencies. Below you will find the complete overview of the competencies. Would you like a handy tool for working with these competencies? Then use the competency cards that come with the competency test.
Contact
1. Networking - The ability to build and maintain relationships
2. Sociable - The skill to interact with others in a friendly and effective manner.
Management
3. Decisive - Being able to make decisions quickly and effectively.
4. Guiding - The ability to lead and provide guidance.
5. Coaching - Being able to guide and develop others.
Influence
6. Convincing - The ability to influence and convince others.
7. Critical - The ability to ask critical questions and evaluate processes.
8. Socially bold - Confidence in social interactions.
Disposition
9. Methodical - The ability to work systematically and organized.
10. Integrity - Acting honestly and ethically.
11. Action focused - Being able to take the initiative and act.
Drive
12. Initiative - Beginning tasks and persevering with them without encouragement.
13. Career focused - Being oriented towards professional development and growth.
14. Enterprising - Being initiative-taking and willing to take business risks.
Implementation
15. Detail focused - Having an eye for detail and accuracy.
16. Results focused - Focus on achieving goals.
17. Aware of rules - Knowledge and compliance with regulations and standards.
Social contact
18. Cooperative - Being able to work well in a team.
19. Helpful - Willingness to support others.
20. Considerate - Attention to the needs of others.
Resilience
21. Avoiding conflict - The ability to prevent or manage conflicts.
22. Self-confident - Confidence in one's abilities.
23. Stress resistant - Being able to work effectively under pressure.
Flexibility
24. Openness to feedback - Being open to and learning from feedback.
25. Positive attitude - An optimistic outlook.
26. Change oriented - Adaptability and willingness to change.
Perception
27. Creative - The ability to come up with and develop original ideas.
28. Abstract - Being comfortable with abstract concepts.
29. Strategic - Long-term planning and vision development.
Opinion
30. Insight - Understanding complex ideas and theories.
31. Practical - Applying knowledge to practical situations.
32. Inquiring - A strong desire to learn and acquire knowledge.
Evaluation
33. Analytical - Being able to analyze information in detail.
34. Rational - Being able to think logically and factually.
Custom competencies
Are the competencies you need for your organization not listed? That's not a problem. It is also possible to include custom competencies in the competency test. You can submit up to 8 competencies that you want to include in the test. The experts at TestGroup will then create a custom report for your organization.
Can be used for selection and development of personnel;
Determine whether your candidate has been honest during the completion;
Available in multiple languages;
Online, reliable, and scientifically-based;
Administering Competency Tests: Individual purchase or subscription
At TestGroup, you can easily choose how you want to administer tests: order tests individually (per candidate) or use tests in your own management via an account on the Bridge Assessment Platform.
Testing a candidate now and then? Then opt for individual test purchases. This is a great choice if you need fewer than 10 tests per year.
Looking for an affordable option without high startup costs? Then go for an account with credits.
If you want the lowest price per test and want to test unlimitedly throughout the year, then an account with unlimited usage is perfect for you.
No worries about startup times - your account is up and running within a day.
In your account, you will have access to all our tests and online assessments.
No fuss with mandatory training. Our TestGroup consultants are always ready to give you free advice.
The online assessment platform is easy and quick to use.
You can put your own branding and logo in your account.
Was your candidate honest on the test? Normative-Ipsative Split Technology® guarantees certainty.
The modern (adaptive) competency test from TestGroup uses Normative-Ipsative Split Technology®. With this AI (artificial intelligence)-based technique, this competency assessment ensures that you gain insight into the directive answering behavior of your candidate. Normative-Ipsative splits® are indicators that show at the level of a competency where the candidate had doubts. An indispensable technique during the selection of candidates.
A competency test based on scientific research
All bridge instruments have been developed by TestGroup's Research & Development team in collaboration with both domestic and international universities. TestGroup specializes in predicting work behavior through personality questionnaires and cognitive ability tests. We advise organizations around the globe on the use of online assessments. Additionally, TestGroup regularly publishes scientific articles about online assessments in partnership with universities. On the American Psychological Association (APA) website, you can view one of our studies.
Competency test reports
There are 6 different competency reports available for the competency test (The Bridge Personality), with the purpose of recruitment, coaching, sales and teams. Custom reports are also available for The Bridge Personality. With The Bridge Personality custom report, you can choose the competencies to be included in the report.
Do you want to take control and manage competency tests yourself? By creating your own account on the Bridge Assessment Platform, you gain the freedom to independently conduct tests as needed. Depending on your needs, you can opt for a flexible credit system or for a subscription that offers unlimited access. This way, you'll always have the right tools at your fingertips to fully utilize your team's potential.
Used by 10,000+ organizations worldwide
Frequently asked questions about competency tests
What is a competency test?
A competency test is an online assessment that helps employers identify a candidate's strengths, personality traits and development areas. TestGroup's competency test, The Bridge Personality, measures 34 competencies based on the Big Five personality model. It helps organizations make better-informed decisions about recruitment, employee development and talent management.
What is the best competency test for recruitment?
The best competency test for recruitment is scientifically grounded, reliable and relevant to the job. The Bridge Personality from TestGroup measures 34 competencies, including analytical thinking, cooperation, leadership and attention to detail. Employers can compare the results with their job requirements to assess whether a candidate's personality is a good match for the role.
How do you assess an employee's competencies?
You can assess an employee's competencies using a personality-based competency test, structured interviews and feedback from colleagues. The Bridge Personality measures 34 work-related competencies and identifies strengths and development opportunities. For a broader assessment, employers can combine the results with The Bridge 360, which gathers feedback on workplace behavior.
Which competencies can you measure with a competency test?
The competency test from TestGroup measures 34 competencies, including leadership, cooperation, creativity, analytical thinking, integrity, initiative, stress resistance and results orientation. These competencies are linked to the Big Five personality model. The results help employers understand which personal characteristics may support performance in a particular role.
How does an online competency test work?
The employer invites a candidate to complete an online questionnaire. The Bridge Personality takes approximately 40 to 45 minutes and produces a report showing scores on 34 competencies. Employers can use these results during interviews, recruitment decisions and development discussions. The test can be completed remotely, making it suitable for international recruitment.
Can a competency test predict job performance?
A scientifically grounded competency test can provide useful information about personality traits associated with job performance. For example, conscientiousness is relevant to performance across many occupations. However, no competency test can predict exactly how someone will perform. TestGroup recommends combining The Bridge Personality with interviews, work samples or cognitive ability tests for a more complete assessment.
Is The Bridge Personality competency test scientifically validated?
The Bridge Personality from TestGroup is based on the Big Five model, one of the most extensively researched models in personality psychology. Research has established relationships between Big Five personality traits and workplace behavior. The test measures 34 competency-related characteristics and uses Normative-Ipsative Split Technology to examine response patterns. Its scientific foundation makes it a useful tool for professional assessment, although the predictive value of individual competencies depends on the job and how the results are used.
What is the difference between a competency test and a skills test?
A competency test examines personal characteristics associated with workplace behavior, such as cooperation, initiative and decision-making. A skills test measures whether someone can perform a specific task, such as writing code, preparing a financial analysis or using particular software. The Bridge Personality focuses on personality-related competencies rather than directly testing practical skills.
What is the difference between a competency test and a cognitive ability test?
A competency test measures personality-related characteristics, while a cognitive ability test measures reasoning and problem-solving abilities. TestGroup offers The Bridge Personality for competency assessment and The Bridge Ability Suite for verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning. Combining both assessments gives employers a broader understanding of a candidate's potential.
Can you customize a competency test for a specific job?
Yes. TestGroup can create a customized competency report for The Bridge Personality with up to eight competencies selected for your organization. For example, a sales role may require persuasion and initiative, while a management position may place greater emphasis on leadership and decision-making. This makes the report more relevant to your selection or development process.
How does TestGroup's competency test compare with Saville and Thomas International?
TestGroup, Saville and Thomas International offer professional assessments for recruitment and employee development. Their instruments differ in the personality models, competencies and reporting methods they use. The Bridge Personality measures 34 Big Five competencies and offers customized reports for different job profiles. The most suitable assessment depends on the competencies you want to evaluate and the purpose of the assessment.
Can candidates manipulate their answers on a competency test?
Candidates may try to present themselves more positively when completing a personality questionnaire. The Bridge Personality uses Normative-Ipsative Split Technology to identify differences in response patterns and possible socially desirable answering. These indicators help employers interpret the results more carefully, although they cannot prove whether a candidate has answered honestly.
Can you use a competency test for employee development?
Yes. Competency tests are useful for identifying strengths, discussing development opportunities and preparing personal development plans. The Bridge Personality helps managers and HR professionals understand how employees approach their work and which competencies they may want to develop. The results can also support coaching, leadership development and career planning.
How much does an online competency test cost?
The cost of a competency test depends on how many assessments your organization needs. TestGroup offers The Bridge Personality as a single assessment per candidate, through an account with credits or with an unlimited subscription. Organizations that regularly assess applicants or employees can benefit from a subscription with a lower average cost per assessment.
Can companies administer competency tests themselves?
Yes. With the Bridge Assessment Platform from TestGroup, organizations can independently invite candidates, administer competency tests and download reports. No mandatory certification is required. TestGroup also provides training and support to help HR professionals and recruiters interpret assessment results.
Are competency tests suitable for managers and leadership positions?
Yes. Competency tests can help organizations assess personality-related characteristics relevant to leadership, such as decision-making, coaching, strategic thinking and resilience. The Bridge Personality provides insights into these characteristics and can support management selection and leadership development. The results should be considered alongside leadership experience and demonstrated performance.
Where can I find a sample competency test report?
TestGroup provides a sample report of The Bridge Personality showing the results for 34 Big Five competencies. The report includes scores and explanations that help employers understand a candidate's personality-related strengths and development areas. Organizations can review the sample before ordering a competency test.
Order tests and online assessments
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The report is available instantly, and the assessment remains accessible until it is completed.
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