Candidate Assessment Retakes: Quick Guide for Leaders

Allowing candidates to retake recruitment assessments can improve fairness but may also compromise test integrity. The impact depends on the type of assessment and how retakes are managed.

1. Personality, Behavioral & Attitude Tests

• Designed to capture authentic, instinctive responses.
• Retakes risk coached or manipulated answers.
• Best practice: One attempt only to preserve validity.
  
  

2. Ability, Skill & Knowledge Tests

• Measure technical skills or problem‑solving ability.
• Retakes may be fairer here, but consider:
• Cause of low score (nerves vs. skills gap)
• Impact on hiring timelines/resources
• Consistency with job expectations
  
  

3. Risks

1. Manipulated responses (especially in personality tests)
2. False positives from test familiarity
3. Lowered hiring standards if overused
   
   

4. Benefits

1. Genuine improvement after feedback
2. Reduced anxiety for candidates
3. Correction of one‑off errors or disruptions

5. Key Questions Before Allowing Retakes

• What is the test measuring?
• Could authenticity be compromised?
• Will retakes improve hiring quality or introduce errors?
• Do results highlight training needs?
  
  

6. Best‑Practice Recommendations

1. Set clear rules – Define when retakes are allowed (e.g., skills tests only, with valid reason).
2. Use multiple methods – Pair assessments with interviews and scorecards.
3. Be transparent – Communicate policy upfront.
4. Review regularly – Monitor impact and adjust.
   
   

7. Sample Retake Policy

• Only skill‑based tests eligible, with approval.
• Written explanation required.
• One retake per skill area.
• Monitor for misuse.
• Review proctoring reports to check for cheating.
  
  

Bottom line: Retakes can be a useful fairness tool when applied selectively and transparently, especially for ability and skills‑based tests, while personality assessments should generally remain single‑attempt to protect authenticity.

Steve Evans  |  Steve founded Accountests alongside a career using his expertise in candidate testing and assessment to support employers to attract, recruit, and develop talent. 

Accountests  |  Accountests deliver the world’s only online suite of annually updated and country-specific technical skills, ability and personality tests designed by and for accountants and bookkeepers.