Abstract

Job search and job placement are complex processes. Both employers and potential workers face many uncertainties. Workers, for example, face a complex information problem, such as the exact physical, mental and knowledge-related job requirements or the working culture in the respective company. But employers also face information problems, especially regarding specific qualifications and the social fit of the candidates. Formal educational qualifications and certificates can reduce the risk here. They reduce this information gap as they formally certify the existence of required qualifications and competencies. Against this background, it becomes clear what a challenge employers face when trying to find the most suitable employees, especially when lacking appropriate certificates. This also applies to the job placement activities of the Federal Employment Agency. One way to solve this information problem is to use competency assessment procedures. On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS), the project "standardized skill testing in job placement offices" is examining the implementation, use and relevance of competence tests in job seeking processes.