Logo

Assessment Maturity Model

A descriptive model that provides a way for organizations' executives and managers to monitor, chart and improve their use of assessments.

Phases

PhasesOrganizations move through various phases of assessment maturity depending on their needs. At each phase, factors such as the number of assessments, the stakes of assessments, the quality and effeciences required drive them to the appropriate phase.

For organizations that develop or deliver just a few assessments, it may not be necessary or desirable to progress through all of the phases. For others – those running many assessments and requiring high-stakes testing – the goal should be to have an assessment program that aligns fully with organizational goals and is integral to the success of the organization.

The four phases of the Assessment Maturity can be described as follows:

Ad hoc

In this first phase, the organization relies on whoever has the vision and energy to champion the assessment process. There are few, if any processes in place to ensure a consistent, reliable approach to assessments and reports. More information on AMM phase 1  

Managed

In this phase, an organization develops a playbook that people can follow, so they are less reliant on the knowledge and energy of a project champion. For organizations running few assessments, staying in this phase could be sufficient. However, organizations that utilize many assessments should aim to move into stages three and four in order to achieve their goals. Drivers for this transition include the need for defensible assessments and the planning of additional assessment projects.

Refined

Here, the organization’s strategy requires the support of numerous assessments, many of which are high-stakes. The organization might be driven out of this phase and into the next one by the desire to measure customer satisfaction at certain intervals and/or to be sure the employees are qualified for certain roles. As assessments become enablers for business goals, the organization begins working toward Phase 4.

Aligned

Here, processes yield high quality and are aligned with strategic goals. The organization reaches for this goal in an effort to institute efficient systems that reduce costs. The organization depends on timely and trustable assessment results.