Would your assessment survive scrutiny?

1. Have you written down what each score is meant to measure?
2. Have you checked that the questions in each scale hang together?
3. Have you checked that the way you score it (one total, or separate scales) matches how the answers actually group?
4. Have you tested whether scores relate to real outcomes, such as performance or later results?
5. Have you checked whether any questions work differently for different groups, such as by age, sex or ethnicity?
6. Is every cut-off or score band based on evidence rather than convention?
7. Is the technical evidence written up somewhere a client, auditor or reviewer could read it?

Count your Yes answers:

0 to 2

Your scores may be hard to defend if anyone asks for the evidence.

3 to 5

Some of the evidence exists. The gaps are the questions a client, regulator or reviewer is most likely to ask.

6 to 7

You're in a strong position. An independent review would confirm it and give you a report to show others.

This is a quick guide, not a review.