Lawsuit Free for 29 Years!
Ergometrics has a remarkable track record of high candidate and public acceptance of our simulation procedures. Ergometrics' simulation video-based tests have been given to millions of applicants, often in highly litigious settings and have never been legally challenged in over 29 years of Ergometrics' existence. The face validity of Ergometrics' simulation methodology helps to minimize challenges. Because our tests are completely oriented toward the job, content validity can be directly observed by applicants, test reviewers and legal professionals.
While a zero lawsuits record is a great accomplishment, it is critical to highlight that our testing systems and validation research have passed review by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Following is a brief explanation of the review of FireTEAM Testing System by the Department of Justice:
In March of 2007 the DOJ accepted the results of the FireTEAM Video Test administration to 10,000 firefighter applicants in the State of New Jersey. This concluded a three year project in which Ergometrics was contracted to implement and validate the FireTEAM Video Test on a statewide basis. All parts of the project were under direct review and scrutiny of the DOJ and other third party psychologists. During this process the FireTEAM Video Test was validated with 300 incumbent firefighters and administered to over 10,000 firefighter applicants. The final approval, without objection, to utilize the results by the DOJ marked a significant achievement for Ergometrics, the FireTEAM Video Test and the fire departments using the FireTEAM Testing System.
The State of New Jersey Personnel Department (NJDOP) is responsible for the selection process for all fire departments in the state. Currently, there are 12 fire departments under a consent decree in which all selection practices need DOJ approval. In 2004, the NJDOP sought to improve the statewide firefighter testing process. Specifically, the State was interested in finding a job-simulation instrument designed to measure abilities and skills relating to teamwork.
FireTEAM was selected to replace their old exam in order to better measure the teamwork component. The FireTEAM Video Test is designed to measure human relations skills including teamwork, customer service and working with supervisors. Candidates view job-related scenarios. Dimensional scores are provided to highlight candidate strengths and weaknesses. FireTEAM Testing System is used by over 250 individual departments and 2 statewide testing processes and has been given to over 60,000 applicants. Another milestone for FireTEAM occurred in 2005 when the City of Long Beach, CA won the 2005 IPMAAC Innovation in Assessment Award using the Ergometrics FireTEAM Testing System.
In 1996 for the City of Seattle, the EEOC reviewed the FrontLine Video Testing System for Law Enforcement validity documentation and recommended its use for entry level police hiring.