Productivity Headquarters Develops Standard Methodology for Qualification Exam Management

Advancing Qualification Management Based on 'K-STEP'

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Cheolhyun] The Korea Productivity Center (KPC, Chairman Noh Gyuseong) announced on the 25th that it has developed 'K-STEP,' a standard operating methodology for qualification exams, to enhance the stability of qualification exam operations and to advance qualification management.

Since starting the operation of qualification exams in 1998, the Productivity Center has been the leading domestic qualification exam organization overseeing a total of eight nationally certified private qualifications, including Information Technology Qualification (ITQ), Graphic Technology Qualification (GTQ), ERP Information Manager, and Service Management Qualification (SMAT). It has continuously made efforts to advance qualification exams and stabilize operational management.

To advance qualification exams, last year the center developed a smart qualification exam implementation platform based on over 10 million cumulative application data, nationwide test sites, and proctor deployment data. It provides platform-based exam implementation services to government agencies and companies, and in line with this, developed the standard operating methodology for qualification exams.

The standard operating methodology for qualification exam operations, 'K-STEP,' modularizes the qualification exam operation process and contains the process for each module stage. The methodology is presented according to the progress from application submission to question creation and the exam site, and also includes risk management measures that may occur at each stage. K-STEP modularizes all processes of qualification exams step-by-step, allowing it to be applied individually to the entire process or specific modules as needed by users. Administrators can manage and control all processes through a digital environment, and it also includes management measures for unexpected risks such as the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), enabling stable responses.

Kim Hyungbeom, Head of the Convergence Service BU at the Korea Productivity Center, said, "The Korea Productivity Center’s smart qualification exam implementation platform is a systematic platform reflecting extensive experience and know-how, including various types and formats of qualification exams and large-scale exam administration with 400,000 to 500,000 annual test takers, and is recognized for its credibility in the market." He added, "We expect that qualification exam operation management based on K-STEP will further enhance the professionalism and efficiency of qualification exam operations."