Testing Assayer Skills:

 (Click on skill area boxes in the skill module test map to call sample assay quizzes; click here to call a page that links to additional information about the material required for completing each module shown below.)

Well-designed tests are useful for spotting inconsistencies between trainers, locating trainee knowledge gaps, or revealing misunderstandings about required procedures. However, it is important to remember that, by themselves, written tests have limitations. Book knowledge alone, without demonstrated and practical assay skills, doesn't generate quality assay data.

The assayer training program discussed on this web site only uses written exams to reinforce training quality. Exams function primarily as a quality control tool; exams randomly "spot-check" for gaps in assayer training or trainer effectiveness. Skillsheets, not exams are the primary skill certification tool. Training certification is tracked and validated using "skillsheets"; written assayer tests are only provided after trainers and co-workers affirm their belief that practical training is complete.

Unless the training team short-cuts the skillsheet validation process, all candidates approved for testing are expected to pass their exam. Each exams draws on a very large and comprehensive set of possible exam questions. (Assayers are required to routinely expand this database of questions as part of the upgrade process.) Most questions are available for study during the training process, but only a small, randomly extracted subset of 50 questions appear on any individual exam.  Ideally, as trainees study to find the answers to possible questions during training (and search for new, unique questions to add to the database), question review actively encourages trainees to locate and correct shortcomings in their training.

How well do you understand assaying?

Click on any one of the module title boxes in below to find out! The image map shows training relationships; each box is linked to a sample quiz for a specific assayer training module. As you try these quizzes, remember that the purpose of written questions is to spot gaps in your knowledge. There is more to assaying than written tests can measure; assayer knowledge evaluations must also include applied, practical skill reviews. Passing a written quiz is not all there is to being an assayer.
Training starts with an introduction to workplace hazards. Click here for a short demo quiz on introductory safety concepts in laboratory assayingHands-on Training usually starts with basic SAMPLE PREP. Click here for a demo quiz on basic prep!After basic prep, fire assay training (or anyother basic skill) begins Click here to take a demo quiz on this skill area.After prep (and in any order), add basic training in areas like WET ASSAYS. Click here for a demo quiz on selected basic wet chemistry assay skillsAfter prep (and in any order), add basic training in areas like INSTRUMENT ASSAYS. Click here for a demo quiz on selected basic instrument assay skillsMany assayers choose to expand basic skills with advanced training in SAMPLE PREP skills. (click for more)Many assayers choose to expand basic skills with advanced training in FIRE ASSAY skills on thier own initiative. (click for more)Many assayers choose to expand basic skills with advanced training in WET CHEMISTRY skills on thier own initiative. (click for more)Many assayers choose to expand basic skills with advanced training in INSTRUMENTATION skills on thier own initiative. (click for more)Many assayers choose to expand basic skills with advanced training in METALLUGY (extractive) skills on thier own initiative. (click for more)Computers systems control, track, and validate lab policy, lab support functions, and assay data. After basic skills are mastered, technicians often choose to learn these skills. (click for more)

 
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