ABSTRACT
The task statements used as benchmarks were written by various job analysts, all of whom have their own styles when it comes to writing task statements. The entire benchmarking process emphasized consensus, in both ratings made and tasks selected. The use of consensus ensured a common understanding of the FJA scales and task statements developed, and that the benchmarks ultimately selected were thoroughly understood and considered. The consensus process for achieving reliable and consistent ratings was explicit. The consensus process used does not mean that all benchmarks are of equal quality. The use of task statements selected from a variety of jobs, and written in different styles, however, helps illustrate the concept underlying the definition of each scale level. FJA task banks from more than 40 jobs, mostly from the social services area, were reviewed by the trained raters, resulting in the consensus rating of more than 650 task statements.
