AFH 1 · Chapter 9 · Section 9.15

Promotion Test Development

Part of Profession of Arms · 2 sections · ~241 words · WAPS PFE study material

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Promotion Test Development

Who Builds the Tests

Producer

AETC, Studies and Analysis Squadron, Airman Advancement Section at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas produces all USAF enlisted promotion tests.

Key Point

Tests are written by Airmen for Airmen.

The Development Process

Teams of SNCOs travel to work in-house with test development specialists.

Process steps:

The most current tests are administered to test development teams (gives writers the test-taker perspective)
Teams carefully check references of each question for currency and accuracy
Only after this do teams begin developing new test questions

Quality Assurance

Test development specialists provide psychometric and developmental expertise to ensure tests are:

Credible
Valid
Fair to all examinees

PFE and SKT Test Construction

Promotion Fitness Examination (PFE)

PFE

Measures military and supervisory knowledge required of Staff Sergeants and Technical Sergeants.

Test development specialists select Chief Master Sergeants based on:

Extensive experience
Major command representation

To develop and validate questions.

Specialty Knowledge Tests (SKT)

SKT

Measures important job knowledge required in a particular specialty.

Test development specialists work closely with USAF career field managers to stay abreast of changes affecting career fields.

SNCOs are selected based on their specialties and job experiences to develop and validate SKT questions.

SKT Resources Used

Career Field Education and Training Plans (CFETP)
Occupational analysis data
Experiences to ensure test content relates to important tasks performed in the specialty

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