Skills Check and Rubric Builder

Build observation checklists and rating rubrics that score skills fairly and the same way every time, and that tell you exactly when someone is ready to be signed off.

Who it is for

• Trainers and shift leads who sign people off on tasks.

• Managers and supervisors who want sign-offs to mean the same thing no matter who observed.

• Instructional designers building practical assessments for on-the-job training.

• Owners of small businesses who train new hires themselves.

The problem it solves

When each trainer has a different idea of "good enough," people are signed off at different points, feedback is vague, and nobody can show later what was checked. This guide shows you how to write items anyone could observe, mark the critical ones, choose simple rating levels, set a clear pass rule and check that two observers agree. It fits the Teach a Task sign-off: every item correct alone on two attempts, plus three short confirmations.

What is inside

Skills Check and Rubric Builder (PDF, 28 pages)

• Copyright and License, contents and how to use (2 pages)

• What skills checks and rubrics are, and choosing a checklist, a rubric or both (2 pages)

• How a skills check fits Teach a Task sign-off (1 page)

• Seven steps to a fair skills check (1 page)

• The standard, observable items and writing strong items (2 pages)

• Critical items and rating levels (1 page)

• Writing rubric level descriptions (1 page)

• Setting the pass rule (1 page)

• Testing and calibrating with two observers (1 page)

• Running a check, and checks for hands-on, conversation, phone, written and remote skills (2 pages)

• Variations for six workplaces, common mistakes and questions (2 pages)

• Your first 30 days and the final check (1 page)

• Templates: skills check planner, observation checklist, rating rubric, check record and sign-off, calibration sheet (5 pages)

• Filled-in examples: a warehouse picking checklist with three attempts and calibration, and a clinic phone booking rubric with sign-off (5 pages)

Excel scoring sheet: check setup with critical items; checklist scoring for three attempts with automatic results and a sign-off readiness flag; a rubric scorer; a calibration sheet that flags differences; a sign-off log with check-back dates. Includes both examples.

Word templates (11 pages): all five templates with prompts, and both filled-in examples.

How to use it

1. Read pages 4 to 7, then choose the task that causes the most problems.

2. Write the standard and six to twelve items, and mark the critical ones.

3. Set the pass rule and calibrate with a second observer.

4. Share the check with the learner when training starts.

5. Score attempts in the Excel sheet or on paper, and record each sign-off.

Formats and file types

• PDF (US Letter, print or screen), 28 pages

• Excel workbook (.xlsx) with drop-down ratings and automatic results; works in Excel and most spreadsheet apps

• Word document (.docx), 11 pages

• Licensed for use within your organization

• If you use skills checks in decisions about pay, promotion, discipline or employment, check the rules for your location and your company policy. This is not legal advice.

Frequently asked questions