Rater Training for an Assessment Centre in Air Traffic Controller Selection: Development and Evaluation

Assessment centers have proven to be a successful approach for the appraisal of interpersonal competencies in air traffic controllers (ATCs). To ensure standardization and quality of ratings, assessors who participate in the selection process must be adequately trained. This paper describes the development and evaluation of computer-based training tools for assessors in an assessment center. The paper specifically highlights the approach of the German Aerospace Centre for the examination of interpersonal skills in ATC selection for Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH, the company responsible for German air traffic control. The main empirical findings on construct and criterion validity of the assessment center are summarized. The development of a computer-based rater training tool as well as evaluation data of the training concept are illustrated. The results of the evaluation show that quality of assessment, as examined by three different measures, increases and social validity (i.e., acceptance of target group) is achieved using the computer-based training tools.