Q: Should job analysis data be confidential?

A: Hello, Job Analysis Colleagues!

I thought I'd weigh in on this question - which has oft' baffled me, as
well, as I've watched and pondered how this issue is handled.

As Bryan says the job analysis data is not confidential. In fact in
theory, part of the role of the exam bulletin is to share requirements
of the job and the examination process as should be derived from the
tasks and KSAs resulting from the job analysis.

In my dealings with job analysis, I don't have SMEs sign security forms
- now, let me clarify, that when conducting job analysis, my dealings
with the SMEs have not "crossed over" to the examination development
area; thus, the materials the SMEs are working with are not of a
confidential nature. We're developing/refining task and KSA statements,
as well as rating those statements.

As soon as the discussion or interaction crosses over (or might cross
over) to discussion of examination design/development/content, I then
have the SMEs complete security forms and very clearly alert them to the
fact that the process has entered confidential grounds.

Where this issue can sometimes be "gray" is when we deal with small
numbers of SMEs in the job analysis phase who will more than likely
become SMEs in the exam development phase - to us, it's two separate and
distinct tasks/phases; often to the SMEs it seems as if it's one single
task. Thus, the SMEs can sometimes stray beyond the job analysis phase
into inquiries "of what comes next" with the examination development
phase. As a rule of thumb, when in doubt go with a security form.

Okay, that's my jawin' on this topic - I can't wait to read others'
comments!!

Shelley