What is B-PAD for Corrections?
B-PAD is a video test: a structured, valid and fair method for observing and assessing interpersonal skills and judgment under standardized testing conditions. B-PAD is not a test of knowledge; rather it is a test of the candidate's competence in dealing with different types of people in different situations.
Who uses B-PAD?
Agencies practicing community-oriented public safety who demand that their candidates have strong people skills. Over 200 agencies in the U.S. and Canada now use B-PAD as part of their applicant screening protocols. Our ongoing research continues to demonstrate B-PAD's high validity, high reliability, and absence of adverse impact on women and minorities.
When should we use B-PAD?
B-PAD is most often administered after written tests and before oral boards and background investigations. Faster and more reliable than oral interviews, B-PAD can save thousands of dollars by screening out a large percentage of candidates who would otherwise fail background investigations, psychological exams, and probation.
What's included?
It depends on whether you rent or purchase B-PAD. The rental option lets the agency administer the test once, and forward candidates' test tapes to B-PAD for scoring. Cost is a low one-time setup and per-candidate fee, making the B-PAD rental option especially suited for small- to medium-sized agencies. See our Rental Info for details.
The purchase option includes four alternate test versions, each consisting of eight video scenarios, and can be used as often as you wish for no additional fees. Purchase also includes a day of on-site rater training and manuals for assessors and test administrators. Training covers the use of the validated B-PAD scoring criteria and concludes with a rater proficiency exam. Test administration procedures and consultation on cut scores are also included.
Prices vary according to agency size; see our Prices for details.
Can we get samples?
You can get demo videos and sample test materials by contacting B-PAD at 1-800-424-BPAD. You can also go to our Preview page to see descriptions and stills from some of our video scenarios right now. (To get samples, you'll be asked to sign and fax back our Security Agreement.) |
