The value and purpose of an assessment center

If you’ve ever had to go somewhere to participate in an assessment centre, you may understandably think the term “assessment centre” refers to a physical location. Actually, it doesn’t. An assessment centre is a collection of tests and exercises (typically including personality, aptitude, work sample, and possibly a competency based interview) designed and used together to gain insight into your abilities or development potential.

Increasingly used to assess people either as part of the recruitment process or for internal development and promotion, assessment centres are designed to simulate different aspects of the work environment to observe how closely your behaviours match those required for the role.

The assessment centres conducted through HRMC are virtual and internet based. Depending on the level of work you are being assessed for, the assessment centre can last between 2 and 7 hours.