Pre-Employment
Communication Skills Tests

Why Communication Skills are Important in the Workplace

Communication skills are essential for jobs that involve regular interactions with customers, coworkers, or the general public. These skills fall under a wide net depending on the requirements of the job. Some positions may require face-to-face communication, others may require phone conversation skills, others require written communication, and many others include a combination of the three. Being able to communicate successfully means being able to effectively express meaning without creating confusion. Miscommunication in the workplace can have serious consequences, potentially damaging a company's reputation.

Employers can use the Criteria Basic Skills Test (CBST) to evaluate communication abilities in job candidates. The CBST is a 20 minute test that determines job readiness and trainability by measuring basic verbal, communication, and math skills. It contains questions that test vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension, all foundational elements of skillful communication. The CBST is particularly useful for evaluating candidates who are applying for entry level positions.

Another test, the Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT), can be used to evaluate communication skills for candidates applying to mid- or higher level positions that usually require a college degree. The CCAT is a general aptitude test that measures verbal, math, and spatial ability through a variety of questions that test vocabulary, reading comprehension, reasoning, and critical thinking.

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