Assessment testing is an important sub-discipline of Instructional Design, and a subject of much research in its own right. Large corporate training programs can benefit from the services of professionals who specialize in assessment.

The most frequently used assessment test format is multiple choice. While multiple choice questions have their limitations, they can be quite effective. It is worthwhile to analyze multiple choice questions within tests to determine their effectiveness. To do this, compare bands of students to see how higher and lower performing students fared on each question. For example, if high performing students did relatively poorly on a question, while low performing students scored higher that predicted by their ability, the question is likely flawed and should be considered for deletion or revision.

If testing in your organization has significant implications to the examinees, then it is important the tests be secure. It may not be feasible to allow students to take an exam privately in their office space. A proctored, paper-based test may be the best alternative.

For curriculum where multiple choice and other relatively simple question types are not suitable, other types of tests must be devised. Practical examinations are used to test for skill sets that cannot be adequately covered with multiple choice or short answer questions. This could include, for example, writing computer code, or performing a physical procedure such as repairing a piece of equipment.

In designing a training program for your organization, make sure that the need for testing and certification is allocated sufficient resources. There are many books and other resources on test design that are based on research and experience, so treat testing as a science, not an afterthought.