VALPAR INTERNATIONAL
VALPAR International develops specialized test instruments and software that measure work-related skills. These products are used worldwide in education, human resource development, allied health and rehabilitation, and are the industry standard for work skills assessment.
These computerized and hands-on, performance-based assessment products use the criterion referenced framework of the Revised Handbook for Analyzing Jobs (RHAJ) and the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT), both published by the U.S. Department of Labor and used in Canada and other developed countries globally.
In addition, most of these products are analyzed in terms of Methods Time Measurement (MTM) industrial performance standards, so assessment results relate directly to competitive performance in the world of work.
HISTORY
Founded in 1973, Valpar initially provided vocational evaluation services in the western United States. It later expanded products and services to business and industry. Its present scope of business consists of over 8,000 customers in all 50 states, and over 40 developed and developing countries around the globe. In 2007, Valpar stopped manufacturing hand-on products. In 2009, it is expected that a new business partner in the USA will start manufacturing selected work samples that assess a person's vocational skills and abilities.
TESTING PHILOSOPHY
Criterion-Referenced Testing
An alumnus offers to finance a trip to a national track meet for all team members who have the ability to compete at that level. The track coach holds tryouts. He picks everyone whose time in the 100 yard dash falls above the 90th percentile. This is norm-referenced testing. His request for funds is rejected because he does not know whether his runners can compete at the required level. He runs a second try out, having established that 10 seconds in the 100 yard dash is competitive in the event. He now picks those who run the dash in 10 seconds or less. This is criterion-referenced testing. He knows the runners he selected can compete. He gets the funds. Valpar's products rely heavily on criterion-referenced testing, as opposed to norm-referenced testing. Criterion-referenced testing, unlike norm-referenced testing, uses an objective standard or achievement level. An evaluee is required to demonstrate ability at a particular level by performing tasks at that degree of difficulty. Scores on criterion-referenced tests indicate what individuals can do — not how they have scored in relation to the scores of particular groups of persons, as in norm-referenced tests. Norm-referenced tests compare an individual's performance to the performances of a group, called the "norm group." For the results to be meaningful, it is necessary to know the specific composition of the norm group. For example, if an individual scores at the 87th percentile on a math test, what can you say about his or her math abilities? Nothing, until you know something about the norm group. One conclusion will be reached if the norm group is a collection of fourth graders. An entirely different conclusion will be reached if the norm group is a collection of university seniors majoring in physics. Even knowing about the norm group is no guarantee of proper test interpretation. The TABE is a norm-referenced test published by McGraw Hill. It reports test performance in terms of grade levels, and it gives scores as high as grade 12.9. An analysis of the test items reveals that none of the questions are above the eighth grade level (no algebra, no geometry, no trigonometry), so what does a score of 11 mean? McGraw Hill says it means that the individual performed on the test like the average 11th grader, NOT that the person is doing 11th grade math. Many users of the TABE incorrectly make the second interpretation. The TABE relies on the notion that an 11th grader can do more simple problems in 15 minutes than an eighth grader can. Criterion-referenced testing avoids all this confusion. Concrete criteria are established and the individual is challenged to meet them. For example, in a math test, the 11th grade proficiency criteria might be to solve algebra, geometry, or trigonometry problems. The test will give such problems and award a score of "11th grade" only if the test taker succeeds on these particular problems.
MTM-Method-Time-Method
MTM engineering is a well established method of analyzing work tasks to determine how long a well trained industrial worker will require to complete a certain task at a rate that can be sustained for an eight hour work day. It is the most widely used and reliable such system in the world. Most Valpar work samples have been analyzed with the MTM method, so an individual's performance can be compared to a competitive industrial standard. This gives an accurate quantitative judgment of a person's ability to perform a job, and is particularly valuable in an employment screening process or a return-to-work determination. MTM scores also provide a good way to track improvement over time, as might be done during an injured worker's rehabilitation.
Key Factors
Valpar is the only company in its field to feature criterion-referenced assessment systems, which are directly tied to U.S. Department of Labor job standards. Industrial Time Standards developed through MTM studies are the foundation on which our work sample development has been based. Valpar assessment systems provide a double benefit to employers: strengthened equal opportunity compliance and the ability to select the right person for the right job. Historically, assessment products focused on the 20 percent of the population that was physically/mentally impaired or gifted. Valpar is considered the leader in assessment systems for disabled and mainstream populations. To this end, it offers products such as PRO3000, VTES and VCAT, which are used by a multitude of professionals for applicant selection, job placement, exit counseling, functional capacity evaluation; and career planning, exploration, and development.
VALPAR PRODUCTS
Valpar introduced MESA, the industry's first computer-based evaluation system, in 1983. MESA evolved into System 2000, and then into PRO3000 in 2000. The Valpar products appropriate to the needs of individuals who want to do functional and vocational evaulations in developing countries include the following:
AVIATOR is a software system to do a skills and interest assesment in an hour in both English and Espanol.
For more information please click here for AVIATOR
PRO3000 is a series of software modules that integrates aptitude, interest and other skill assessments, job search, basic skills remediation, client management and report writing into a single platform.
For more information please click here for PRO3000.
VTES (Valpar Test of Essential Skills) is a paper/pencil Math and English test that is computer scored.
For more information please click here for VTES.
VCAT (Valpar Career Ability Test) is a computer-based aptitude and interest test.
For more information please click here for VCAT
VCWS (Vaplar Component Work Samples) are supplied by Bases of Virginia.
For more information please click here for VCWS
WIDE RANGE achievement and intelligent tests are paper and pencil based for non readers.
For more information please click here for WIDE RANGE tests.