Legal

The US Economic Opportunity Commission (EEOC) reports that charges of job discrimination based on the use of criminal background checks, credit reports, and other screening tools in hiring increased by more than four times between fiscal years 2003 and 2006. To help businesses understand and comply with the laws related to background checks and other tests, the EEOC has issued a new fact sheet on Employment Tests and Selection Procedures.

Here’s a list of the kinds of tests covered by the fact sheet.

Cognitive tests assess reasoning, memory, perceptual speed and accuracy, and skills in arithmetic and reading comprehension, as well as knowledge of a particular function or job;
Physical ability tests measure the physical ability to perform a particular task or the strength of specific muscle groups, as well as strength and stamina in general;
Sample job tasks (e.g., performance tests, simulations, work samples, and realistic job previews) assess performance and aptitude on particular tasks;
Medical inquiries and physical examinations, including psychological tests, assess physical or mental health;
Personality tests and integrity tests assess the degree to which a person has certain traits or dispositions (e.g., dependability, cooperativeness, safety) or aim to predict the likelihood that a person will engage in certain conduct […]