Understand what a SCANS assessment is and why organizations must use this tool in their workplaces. Learn more!
The SCANS assessment is an essential tool used in many organizations to evaluate their employees’ skills, knowledge, and abilities. This article will explain what a SCANS assessment is, why it’s essential, and how it’s used.
What are SCANS?
SCANS stands for the Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary.
Skills represent a joint effort between the U.S. Department of Labor and educators to identify essential skills and competencies needed by workers in different career fields. The SCANS assessment tool is a standardized instrument to evaluate an individual’s proficiencies in specific skill areas. It is based on the Workplace Competencies model, which identifies five core competency areas: Resources/Tools, Interpersonal Skills, Information, Systems Thinking, and Technology/Techniques. This assessment provides organizations with valuable data that can help them create more effective training programs and ensure their employees possess the necessary knowledge and skills for efficient job performance.
Why Do Employers Benefit From SCANS Assessments?
Employers can benefit from SCANS assessments as they help to understand the skills and knowledge required by employees to be successful in a particular field or job. In addition, this data can be used to design training courses tailored to the organization’s needs that align with the Workplace Competencies model. With this information, organizations can create more effective development programs focusing on employee strengths and areas for improvement, allowing them to maximize their human capital investment and develop a competent workforce.
What Skills Does a SCANS Assessment Measure?
The SCANS model measures four categories of knowledge and skills that are essential for workplace success, including foundational skills (reading, writing, mathematics, speaking, and listening), thinking skills (problem-solving, decision-making, creative thinking), personal qualities (dependability, self-esteem), and technology awareness. By assessing each of these areas in detail and measuring how an individual tackles tasks associated with them in the workplace, employers can gain insight into the strengths and weaknesses of their workforce and use this information to inform training strategy or help to select a candidate for a job.
What Can Types of Analysis Be Done With SCANS Assessments?
SCANS assessments can be used for various analyses for employers and individuals. For example, employers can use them to help identify suitable candidates for jobs requiring specific skills; they can also track their employees’ training progress to determine which areas they should focus on next. For individuals, SCANS assessments can provide insights into their strengths and weaknesses and potential areas of improvement in terms of the knowledge and skills needed for success in the workplace.
How Can Organizations Use SCANS Assessments to Help Employees Develop the Necessary Skills?
Organizations can use SCANS assessments to help employees develop the necessary skills to succeed. By understanding a person’s strengths and weaknesses, employers can provide targeted training programs based on individual needs. This enables employees to further their development, helping them boost their performance and increase their competitive edge. In addition, with regular assessment and feedback, individuals can make adjustments to continue progressing toward success.