Simple English definitions for legal terms
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A content-valid test is an exam given to job applicants that closely matches the skills required for the job. This type of test is important in cases where discrimination is being contested. The test must measure a representative sample of the job's duties, not just a small portion. For example, a typing test for a secretarial position is content-valid, but a grammar test for firefighters is too narrow to be considered content-valid.
A content-valid test is an examination given to job applicants that closely relates to the skills required for the job. This type of test is often used in employment-discrimination cases to prove the validity of an examination.
For example, if a company is hiring a secretary, they may give a typing or computer literacy test to ensure the applicant has the necessary skills for the job. This is an example of a content-valid test because it replicates major portions of the job.
However, a grammar test would not be considered content-valid for a firefighter position because it only measures a small portion of the job's duties. While firefighters may need to write reports, a grammar test is too narrow to be considered content-valid.
Overall, a content-valid test must measure or replicate a representative sample of the job's duties to be considered valid.