Assessments

Because we need to ensure that employees understand how to use the new financial system and are familiar with the new policies and procedures before they gain access to PeopleSoft Financials, all EFS training classes will include an online assessment. Training and assessments are critical to ensure that employees are prepared to use the new system to its full potential. Tests are designed in a user-friendly, open-book format. Tests will include "teachable moments," which will allow the test-taker to rethink a question that has been answered incorrectly and try the answer again. Passing the assessment with a score of 80 percent or better will be required in order to gain access to the new system. During the rollout period, test-takers will be allowed up to three opportunities to pass the test. After a first failure, there will be no repercussions and the employee can retake the test. After a second failure, we suggest the employee and his or her supervisor work on a preparation strategy for passing the third time. After a third failure, we suggest that the employee’s supervisor find a way to restructure that employee’s work. It will be the supervisor’s role to determine an ultimate course of action. For classes requiring use of the system, the test will be broken into three parts. If the class does not require use of the system, the test will be in two parts. The parts are: Basic knowledge-based questions. These questions will assess the content of the class and will include such question formats as multiple choice, matching, fill in the blank, etc. The second part of the test will be a case study. This will test the participant’s ability to use the information from the class in a common work-related scenario. These questions will also include question formats such as multiple choice, matching, fill in the blank, etc. The third part of the test will be a simulation exercise of course and system content.

Got Training Questions? Assessment Instructions Classes by Function Class Descriptions Class Times Class Launch Dates Class Schedules FAQs Guide to Surviving and Thriving During Training How to Navigate PDFs Registration Info System Requirements Training Overview Training Policies Training Labs Training Locations Contact Training Services Phone: 612-626-1373 Web: Training Services E-mail: trngsvcs@umn.edu

Test Preparation Tutorial Now Available

Most people feel a bit uncomfortable or nervous when taking a test or an assessment. Training Services has created a 20- to 30-minute Test Preparation online tutorial to help participants understand feelings of nervousness as well as to provide test takers with ways to relax while taking tests. It also includes tips for preparation. Click here to review the Test Prep tutorial. No registration is required.

Here are two examples of test questions we are using in the Basic Accounting class:

When does the University’s fiscal year end?
A. June 30
B. July 15
C. September 1
D. December 31

Assessment-Taking Tips

Some of the assessment-taking tips that have been shared by financial staff who have already taken the Basic Accounting and Chart of Accounts assessments include:

• Relax
  
  
• Take the assessment soon after completing the class, while the information is still fresh in your mind
  
  
• Spend time reviewing class materials before sitting down at the computer to take the assessment
  
  
• Utilize the information given in class
  
  
• Slow down and read the questions carefully
  
  
• Use the assessment as a learning tool
  
  
• Take advantage of the open-book policy, and make sure you have resource materials on-hand before beginning the assessment
  
  
• Take the tutorial in a quiet place where you won’t be frequently interrupted

Courageous Conversations Presentation

If you find you are struggling with the assessments, you may want to have a conversation with your supervisor and develop a strategy for succeeding with them. Suggestions for how to approach your supervisor on this topic are provided in the linked Courageous Conversations presentation (UMConnect).

Frequently Asked Questions

Click here to review frequently asked questions about training and competencies.

Online Training and Assessments Hardware/Software/Browser Requirements

In order to participate in online training and assessments, it is critical that users

• have the most recent version of Flash Player installed
  
  
• disable popup blockers
  
  
• have Java installed

If these requirements are not followed, scoring on assessments will tally incorrectly. Click here to review the complete list of hardware/software/browser requirements for online training and assessments.