Oral Test Administration

DOE-HDBK-1205-97

The number of persons present during an examination should be limited to ensure test

integrity and to minimize distractions to the trainees. If a task is performed as part of the

examination, a qualified person should be present. Other trainees should not be allowed to

witness an oral examination. Oral examinations are not to be used as training vehicles for

future trainees. Other instructors may be present either to witness the oral exam as part of

their training, or to audit the performance of the instructor administering the test. Others

may be allowed to observe oral examinations if (a) the instructor approves the request to

observe the test, and (b) the trainee does not object to the observer's presence.

An instructor should brief the trainee prior to beginning the oral examination. Appendix B

contains a sample checklist that can be used to assist the instructor when conducting this

briefing.

While administering the oral examination, the instructor should allow and encourage the

trainee to draw diagrams, flow paths, or other visual representations as appropriate. This

allows the trainee to better express himself or herself when providing answers or

explanations to the instructor. These drawings should be kept with the test documentation.

Trainees should be encouraged to use facility forms, schedules, procedures, etc., to answer

the questions. The supporting material should be retained by the instructor to provide

additional documentation to support a pass or fail determination. The instructor should take

sufficient notes during the test to facilitate the thorough documentation of trainee strengths

and weaknesses. The instructor should be able to cross reference every comment to a

specific subject area question.

The instructor should review and become familiar with the examination material. Prior to the

administration of the oral examination the instructor should review any scenario questions

with other instructors and discuss the required procedures and special circumstances, etc.,

related to the scenarios.

The instructor should minimize conversation during the examination. Limit discussions with

the trainee during the test to maintain some degree of formality and to avoid distracting the

trainee.