About the Flemish Community Commission
The Flemish Community Commission (FCC) constitutes the Dutch-speaking government in the Brussels Capital Region and plays a crucial role in supporting the Dutch-speaking network in Brussels through various organizations and initiatives. With about 1,200 employees, the FCC strives to create an inclusive community by offering a wide range of services.
Recognize acquired competencies in an innovative format
Challenge
The FCC is a government organization whose HR policy is also guided by ‘diploma thinking’: a specific job requires a corresponding diploma. Still, the FCC wanted to ‘plant a flag’ and appeal to talent on a more structural basis in order to valorize ‘Competencies Acquired Outside Diploma’ (CVBD). In short, giving candidates who have the necessary competencies but lack the specific diploma the opportunity to show their potential. Mapwave was commissioned to develop ‘boarding tests’ that test this potential, taking into account the following factors:
- Tailored to the FCC context
- Scientifically based
- Reflect a realistic view of the organization
Our approach
During the development of these tests, we worked closely with mandate holders, employees and managers from all levels within SCC. Through workshops and sessions, we collected critical incidents that later served as the basis for the development of situational judgment tests (SJT) and analysis and writing exercises. This methodology ensured that the tests closely reflected the daily reality of the FCC and its various tasks while contributing to a fair testing process with equal opportunities for all.
Results
Mapwave developed multiple entry-level tests for different levels (A, B and C), all aimed at measuring relevant competencies in a context specific to SCC.
- Situational Assessment Tests (SJT):
Developed to assess candidates’ competencies in realistic scenarios, with different formats depending on the level: for level A and B we developed text-based SJTs, for level C video-based SJTs. - Analysis and writing exercise:
Candidates analyze fictional sources of information to formulate a strategy or action plan, which tests their analytical and problem-solving skills. - Accuracy Test:
Measures candidates’ accuracy under time pressure in visual, verbal and numerical tasks.
These tests were hosted on the ‘app.mapwave’ digital platform that the FCC can manage themselves, giving them complete control over the selection process. The customized reporting allows both the FCC and the candidates involved to view the test results in a clear manner.
Why Mapwave?
Mapwave has deep expertise in translating competency dictionaries into tests that perfectly match organizational culture. That expertise is combined with offering innovative formats such as, in this case, video-based SJTs. This approach not only ensures scientifically based and clear tests, but also improves the employer image through an attractive, realistic representation of the organization. Choosing Mapwave means choosing a partner that harmoniously integrates traditional and modern selection methods for an effective and inclusive selection process.