There are two definitions of an Assessment Question:
1. Assessment Question: In our opinion, an Assessment Question is also known as a Federal KSA (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) statement. Even though most vacancy announcements state you do not have to reply to the KSA assessment questions, it is imperative to address the questions in your federal narrative statements if you wish to earn a best qualified rating. Some text blocks instruct applicants to write which position and dates they performed the duty described. Others instruct applicants to write about their relevant experience in the blocks while adhering to a preset character count. A thorough look at the vacancy announcement will determine the how to proceed with KSA writing.
2. Assessment Questionnaire: An Assessment Questionnaire is sometimes attached to a federal vacancy announcement The questions typically ask about your level of skill and experience with a particular task and you must select one option from A to E which indicates that level. You must identify the skill level, amount of experience or level of experience. This Assessment Questionnaire will determine if you are qualified for the position and your resume transferred to the federal agency’s HR department. It’s important to remember that if you indicate that you are an expert at a particular task, you must ensure those details are present on your resume as well
The most common of these are KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Statements). Federal KSA assessment questions must be answered via narrative statement, explaining in detail some specific experience, knowledge, or capability with examples from the candidate’s career. The best way to answer the question in KSA writing is in a Challenge, Context, Action and Result (CCAR) result. The length typically runs from a mini-KSA about 250 characters or up to one full page or a specific character count limit per question and each answer is scored by a reviewer.
Like other vacancy questions, Federal KSA assessments might require at least one or two examples in the Challenge-Context-Action-Result (CCAR) format, and the reviewer will want to see details. For SES announcements, other mandatory statements include Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs), and Technical Qualifications (TQs) [or Professional Technical Qualifications (PTQs) or Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs)]. Additionally, Assessment Questions are sometimes uploaded as a separate document or are entered into an online field during the application process.
If your Assessment Question answer is too long for an online format, either you will receive an error message requiring you to shorten your answer before you can submit, or your answer will be truncated, removing any additional information beyond the required limit.
For a no-obligation, consultation and to receive a quote, contact a Master Federal Career Advisor today. CareerProPlus military and federal resume services can make the transition to the civilian job market as smooth and strategic as possible. Contact our team of military service resume and federal resume writers today!
