W. Va. Code R. § 126-146-7

Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024

Section 126-146-7 - Competency Testing

7.1. Competency tests are used to determine the qualifications of new applicants seeking initial employment in a classification as either a regular or substitute employee or an existing employee applying for employment in another classification (W. Va. Code § 18A-4-8e). These tests shall not be used to evaluate currently classified employees.

7.2. The county must use the state-approved competency test in its entirety with no additions to the test. Counties are not permitted to require additional testing for classifications or use county-developed tests. Counties may consider job-related factors in addition to the statutory qualification, if necessary, for the successful performance of the posted vacancy.

7.3. Competency tests are based on classifications and include a combination of written and performance tests. The written test provides the county with the applicant's knowledge of the classification's job duties and responsibilities. The performance test demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform tasks related to the classification.

7.4. Competency tests align with the classification definition in W. Va. Code § 18A-4-8 and section 5.

7.4.a. For multiclassified positions, the applicant must be able to pass all relevant competency tests.

7.4.b. CTE students who complete a program of study that aligns to a service personnel classification may take the competency test. The CTE administrator should schedule testing with the county.

7.5. A valid license/certificate from a reputable agency or institution is also acceptable for certain classifications as found in the WVDE's Service Personnel Manual located on the WVDE's website. Applicants holding a valid license/certification in certain classifications are not required to take a competency test.

7.6. Competency Testing Process.

7.6.a. All counties and multi-county CTE centers shall designate a person to fill this role. The test administrator, designee, test reader, and/or the performance test evaluator shall sign a test security agreement as indicated by the WVDE before testing materials are released or testing can occur.

7.6.a.1. The county test administrator cannot administer the performance test for bus operator classification. For information on bus operator competency testing and/or professional learning, see W. Va. 126CSR92, Policy 4336, West Virginia School Bus Transportation Regulations, Procedures, and Specifications for The Design and Equipment of School Buses.

7.6.b. Competency tests shall be administered to all applicants who are interested in the posted vacancy. Testing shall occur in a uniform manner under uniform testing conditions. Counties shall notify all applicants of the date, time, and location of the competency test. If the applicant is a county employee whose schedule conflicts with the date and time of the test, then the applicant is excused from work without loss of pay to test (W. Va. Code § 18A-4-8e). A county may allow an alternative testing date which must be open to all applicants.

7.6.c. Applicants must provide documentation to prove their identity and that they meet W. Va. Code § 18A-2-5 by either holding a high school diploma or equivalent or are enrolled in a state-approved high school equivalency program by the date of employment. Employment is contingent upon the applicant's continued enrollment or successful completion of said program.

7.6.d. The written competency test will be administered using an online testing platform.

7.6.e. If requested, an applicant may take the written test orally. The testing platform will read the written competency test to the applicant. Applicants will use the testing platform to record their responses.

7.6.f. If applicants have any disabilities that prevent them from taking the test in its original format and setting, then reasonable accommodations should be made as long as the integrity of the test is maintained. Refer to the WVDE's Service Personnel Manual located on the WVDE's website for guidance on reasonable accommodations.

7.6.g. The test administrator shall maintain a record of what test was administered; who administered the test; the location, date, and time of the test; and the name, address, and phone number of each tested applicant.

7.6.h. The written competency tests will be scored by the testing platform.

7.6.i. If the test administrator is not qualified to evaluate the performance competency test, then the test administrator will appoint an evaluator. The performance test evaluator must be a qualified county employee who has signed a test security agreement. The performance test evaluator or test administrator shall enter the performance test results into the testing platform.

7.6.j. Applicants will receive their scores from each written and/or performance test completed.

7.6.j.1. Achieving a passing score shall conclusively demonstrate the qualifications of an applicant for a classification title. Once an applicant has passed the competency test for a classification title, that applicant maintains the classification title.

7.6.j.1.A. Applicants will receive a certificate verifying that they completed and passed the classification competency test. If the applicant is hired, then a copy of the certificate should be maintained in the employee's personnel file.

7.6.j.2. If an applicant does not achieve a passing score, then the applicant shall be given every opportunity to pass the competency test when applying for each posted vacancy within the classification. If the applicant previously passed the written and/or portions of the performance test, then the applicant is only required to take the portion of the test not passed.

7.6.j.2.A. No specific test questions may be shared, but applicants may be told that they did not pass the written test. If there is a performance test, then the applicant may be told what section of the performance test was not passed.

7.6.k. In the event an applicant has already completed/passed a competency test, the applicant must provide a copy of the certificate and the county shall verify the certificate.

W. Va. Code R. § 126-146-7