Most Frequently Asked Questions

How long has eSkill been in business?

eSkill was founded in 2000, and began developing its test content and next generation test design software with the support of the University of Massachusetts. Our most popular commercial product, Express Test, was launched in 2003. Since then, eSkill’s online skills assessment solution has been used by thousands of HR departments, staffing firms, consulting groups, and other organizations in many countries.

What is the uptime for eSkill’s services? Are scheduled maintenance events announced?

eSkill’s services are operational 24/7 with over 99.9% uptime. Software updates are scheduled every three weeks, and before each update, an alert message is displayed on all interfaces, including the test candidates’ screens, where candidates are informed when they can resume the test.

Is eSkill a CD-based service?

eSkill is a Web-based or Cloud-based service and does not provide CDs for testing.

Where are you located? Do you have an office or representative in my city or country?

eSkill is located in the Boston, Massachusetts area. Since we are web-based, we can service any company, anywhere in the world.

How is eSkill compliant with EEOC?

eSkill upholds the guidelines stated by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), as well as the regulations comprised in the ADA and ADEA acts, and other anti-discrimination guidelines. For more details on this topic please click here.

How is eSkill compliant with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act?

While the eSkill application is screenreader-accessible so that people with disabilities can access most of our questions, it is not fully compatible with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Questions with images or simulations cannot be fully accessed by people who are blind or visually impaired at this time.

Is the eSkill application SCORM compliant?

At this time, the eSkill application does not offer content that is Sharable Courseware Object Reference Model (SCORM) compliant, but we hope to in the future.

Can you send me a demo?

eSkill has a 5-minute Flash demo you can watch online. See flash demo.

You can also request a live demo with one of our team members. E-mail us at info@eskill.com, or call us at 1-866-537-5455 or 1-978-649-8010 if you’re outside of the U.S.

Can you send me a list of your customers, or other references?

You can view our customer testimonials here.

If you need further information, please contact us at info@eskill.com. We can provide references upon request.

Is eSkill appropriate for e-learning as well as for employment pre-screening?

Yes, our test score reports include skills-gap analyses, with educational explanations for the questions. Employees can easily be given access to their test results, with score reports and explanations, for training purposes.

What are the minimum system requirements needed to run the eSkill software?

To access the eSkill application, all you need is a computer with an Internet connection.

• PC-based test takers: Windows® XP SP3, 2003 Server, 2008 Server, Vista, 7 SP1, 8.1, 10 or Linux.

• Macintosh®-based test takers: Mac OS® X 10.3.9 (Panther®) or newer.

The eSkill web application is compatible with Internet Explorer 9 (or later), Edge 20 (or later), Firefox 3.6 (or later) as well as Chrome 5 (or later) on PC, and with Safari 8 (or later) on Mac.

To download one of these eSkill-compatible browsers at no charge, go to the following links:

• Internet Explorer Download Page: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/downloads/ie/getitnow.mspx/

• Edge Download Page: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=48126

• Firefox Download Page: http://www.mozilla.com/

• Safari Download Page: http://www.apple.com/safari/download/

• Chrome Download Page: https://www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/browser/

Any Hardware system that can run IE9 effectively should be adequate, with Pentium III, 700 MHz, and 512MB RAM as a suggested minimum. Using eSkill requires a minimum 56 kbps Internet connection.

You need to have JavaScript installed and running on your web browser in order to take any eSkill assessment.

For the questions that include audio files, you need to have Adobe Flash Player 10 or later installed, or use a compatible browser that offers support for HTML5.

Examples of browsers that support HTML5 are the following: Internet Explorer 9 (or later), Edge 20 (or later), Firefox 26 (or later), as well as Chrome 5 (or later) on a PC, and with Safari 8 (or later) on on Mac.

If you need to install Adobe Flash Player, access the following link, download the application, and then follow the wizard.

If you are having trouble with your Adobe Flash Player, check the following links for a solution.

• Windows: http://helpx.adobe.com/flash-player/kb/installation-problems-flash-player-windows.html

• Mac: http://helpx.adobe.com/flash-player/kb/installation-problems-flash-player-mac.html

Can I take a test from a mobile device?

Tablets and mobile devices with a 320px minimum screen resolution are compatible with eSkill tests, with some important exceptions.

When using a mobile device, you should keep in mind the following:

• Simulation questions cannot be taken on a mobile device, since they recreate the working environment of computer programs.

• Typing questions should be taken with a traditional keyboard, to accurately measure your typing speed.

• Audio questions may not play properly on your mobile device.

Can candidates log in to a test with a social media account like LinkedIn?

If a candidate has a LinkedIn account, he or she can sign in via LinkedIn by clicking the Sign in with LinkedIn button on the Test Taker Login page.

Signing in via LinkedIn allows for the login fields to be completed automatically with the first name, last name, and e-mail address from the LinkedIn account.

Where do you get your questions for the subjects you have available?

eSkill has a network of Subject Matter Experts that are contracted to develop, maintain, and review test question content.

Are your tests validated?

eSkill’s test content and process has been reviewed and validated by independent, well-recognized industrial psychologists specializing in assessment validation. A copy of their report is available upon request.

For practical and legal purposes, any pre-employment test is best used as one of multiple points of consideration for employment, rather than as the sole determinant.

Do you have simulation testing?

Yes, eSkill does offer simulation testing, and we are continuing to expand our interactive testing tools. In contrast to most competitive simulations, eSkill simulations allow for multiple correct answers, rather than scoring test takers as incorrect when they provide alternative solutions.

eSkill’s simulation testing ensures that your candidates are confronted with practical situations, and their skill levels are evaluated according to their real-time efficiency. Simulated environments evaluate candidates’ knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and speed of response in just one assessment.

You can administer simulations that test both computer-related skills (i.e. MS Office® application simulators), and the communication or listening skills usually required for positions such as call center representatives.

How many skills assessments does eSkill have in its test library?

eSkill’s subject library covers popular IT, Call Center, Accounting, MS Office® software products, and more – over 450 professional subjects with thousands of selectable subtopics. From our extensive library, customers can create an unlimited number of assessment tests customized according to their organizational needs. You can view our modular subject library here . We are constantly expanding our list with new subjects covering innovative technologies or topics requested by our customers, and your suggestions are most welcome.

What is the difference between tests and subjects?

eSkill subjects include a large number of questions, which customers can choose from to create customized multi-subject tests for their job applicants. Additionally, eSkill provides a number of ready-made tests, including job-based tests that are suitable for testing candidates at all levels. They cover the skills needed for a wide range of job positions such as Office Manager, Customer Service Representative, Medical Records Clerk, Bookkeeper, Java Developer, and others.

Can I customize the tests, or are they just off-the-shelf selections?

eSkill allows you to completely customize tests to fit your business needs using our entire library of subjects, topics, and questions. You are also able to create your own subjects and or questions using the eSkill Editor to cover areas in your specific industry.

Do you have tests in languages other than English?

We provide a series of language proficiency tests for French, Japanese, Portuguese, German, Italian, and Spanish. Please see our list of language tests for more details.

Do you offer training materials or practice tests for test takers?

eSkill is a test solution provider for companies and employers. We do not offer training material or practice tests for the professional development needs of individuals at this time.

What are your pricing options?

eSkill offers subscription-based and test credit pack pricing plans, each flexible enough to suit a variety of testing requirements and use volumes. Our customers can benefit from large testing volumes, rollover credits, multi-user and multi-location discounts. You can choose one of our pricing options shown here , or contact us for more details.

What method of payment should I use to sign-up?

You can sign up online with Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or PayPal. eSkill is a secure Verisign partner. We do not retain your credit card information, and we do not automatically renew your subscription when it expires.

How does the subscription vs. test credits work? What is the difference between them?

• A subscription gives you the ability to test an unlimited number of candidates with any number of different assessments over a specific time period for a flat rate. Subscriptions are available for a minimum of one year.

• Test credits are units that are used whenever a candidate takes a test. No matter how long a test is, or how many subjects are combined into a single test, the cost is always 1 credit per score. Test credits are good for two years after purchase, after which they expire. However, any additional test credit purchases at a later date cause all earlier test credits to be rolled over for another two years.

Whether you purchase a subscription or test credit pack, you get access to all of our standard tests. When you purchase a Basic or higher plan, you can also customize your tests to varying degrees, depending on the purchased plan. The Test Credit option is only available with the Basic level plan. See more about our plans here .

How are the credits spent? Is it for each test or for each test taker?

The credits are spent for each test taker. That is, each candidate that takes a test will consume one credit from your account. Keep in mind that each test (or credit used) can be designed to assess multiple subjects and skills.

Does a 25 Test Credit Pack mean I am only able to access 25 tests?

No, each test credit pack gives you access to all of our tests, but you can only test the number of candidates covered by each pack. For example, a 25 Test Credit Pack will enable you to test 25 candidates.

What happens with the unused credits when they expire?

All unused credits can be rolled over into the next two years if you purchase any of our credit test packs on or before your expiration date. Otherwise, unused credits will be lost.

Can I use eSkill across all of my locations? And if so, how many licenses do I need?

You can use eSkill across all of your offices; the number of licenses may vary, depending how many test centers and/or administrators you wish to have.