KS Help Notes_Admin 03_User FAQ

CANDIDATE INTRODUCTION AND FAQs

WHAT IS KNOWLEDGESMART?

KnowledgeSmart is a web-based skills assessment tool, which enables architectural and engineering practices to measure the software skills of their teams. Since 2003, by carrying out in excess of 25,000 individual assessments globally, a helpful independent benchmark has been established for basic proficiency, across a range of subjects.

The KnowledgeSmart tools help to identify skills associated with design and engineering software applications, such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Plant 3D, Revit, Inventor, MicroStation, 3ds Max, ArchiCAD, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, SketchUp and Rhino. The process aims to assess current performance in order to identify areas where individuals can benefit from additional training.

WHAT IS THE POINT OF KNOWLEDGESMART AND WHY SHOULD I DO IT?

This process is not about a big-brother style test to check up on unsuspecting users. Nor is it a matter of pointing out who is the more knowledgeable software user. Rather, the point of the exercise is to highlight how much each individual currently knows – in order to identify those areas where focused training can improve basic knowledge.

Everyone uses software in a different way. Some people use these tools full time in their role; others may only use the tools from time to time. The objective is not to teach a veteran user how to perform basic tasks. But the fact remains, a more detailed knowledge of basic commands and operations can alleviate apprehension in using technical software applications and assist in speeding up routine tasks.

IS IT THE SAME ASSESSMENT FOR EVERYONE?

There are a number of assessment modules to choose from, created by a team of expert authors.  Firms can also create their own material in-house. For Revit skills, as an example, there is a choice of material, ranging from introductory level, all the way up to more advanced concepts.

Summary reports take into consideration whether an individual is a full time user, or someone who only uses the software occasionally as part of a wider role. Follow-up comparisons and training recommendations should be reflected accordingly.

WHAT KIND OF TOPICS DOES EACH ASSESSMENT COVER?

KnowledgeSmart assessments typically break down complex technical software applications into a series of stages or modules.

For example, the fundamentals assessments (for AutoCAD & MicroStation) cover a range of basic commands, including; basic object/element creation, layers/levels, blocks/cells, annotation, referencing & printing, UCS/ACS and preferences.

Assessments typically comprise 20-30 questions and present scores as a percentage, based on the accuracy of the answers presented.  There are 2 question types and 9 question styles.  Question types are either task-based (i.e. you need to perform a task using the software in order to work out the answer) or knowledge-based (i.e. you are being evaluated on your understanding of certain software functions, without having to actually use the tools).  Question styles include; Free text, Multiple choice, Pick list, Order list, True or false, Complete the blank, Matrix, Matching list and Essay.

WHAT IF I DO NOT SCORE VERY WELL?

This exercise is not about who is the best. You will identify areas where you can improve your own performance with the help of more targeted training workshops.

Following the assessment everyone receives an overall result and summary report with feedback on dropped marks, training recommendations and coaching notes.

WHEN AND WHERE WILL THE ASSESSMENT TAKE PLACE?

Your administrator will have details of your assessment program. If you are unavailable to make the date or time arranged please contact your administrator to reschedule.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

There is no limit to how long the exercise will take. The average time is approximately an hour, but this is not a strict rule.

Try to work at your usual speed. Don’t rush, as many simple mistakes are made by people not reading the instructions carefully. Conversely, don’t take too long to complete each task, as your score plus time taken will be looked at in the overall results analysis.

WHEN DO I GET MY RESULT?

You will receive your score straight away when you finish the assessment. You may also be emailed with a link to your assessment report, including feedback on any marks which have been dropped.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The amount of time you take will not affect the accuracy of your score.

Before you start, you may be presented with a zip folder containing files which you’ll need to refer to during your test. Save the zip folder locally on your machine and extract the sample data sets from the zip.  And remember where you save it – as you will need to navigate back to this folder during your assessment.

Please read the written instructions carefully for each question. This is also an assessment of your ability to follow instructions. Often, marks are dropped through candidates simply not doing what they have been asked to do.

During your assessment session, you can answer the questions in any order, using the KnowledgeSmart question navigator.  You can also edit your answers during the session and review your work once more at the end, before you select Finish.

The time taken to complete an assessment varies depending on the individual, but an average is about an hour.  You don’t have to complete the assessment in one sitting; you can log out and return later if you prefer.  When you resume, your previous answers will have been saved.

Here’s a short movie which will tell you more: KS user movie.

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