5-Point Scale: The Best Way to Measure Employee Skills

TLDR; a 5-point scale is the best way to measure employee skill level because it is

1. Simple, concise and consistent
2. Gamified and achievable
3. Insightful and actionable

When put on the spot, it can be challenging to actually quantify employee skills levels. But there is a simple formula; start by creating a competency framework based on business needs and goals, then use a 5-point scale to conduct self and observed assessments.

Why use a 5-point scale?

Simple, concise and consistent

A 5-point rating scale is simple and easy to use. People intuitively know how to use it.

With a 5-point scale, people tend to rate more consistently; the difference between a 3 and 4 on a 5-point scale is more distinct than a 6 or 7 on a 10-point scale.

You can also add a description to each level to guide learners and managers to pick the appropriate level during their assessment. In a 5-point scale it is much easier to map distinct levels and descriptions to guide the user.  

Consistency when rating is key. It helps employees know where they stand against the benchmarks set by the business and their colleagues, and against their own historic ratings. Allowing employees and their managers to set skills targets in a clear and objective way.

Insights on skills across the business are also more consistent and therefore more accurate - a dream for your L&D Insights reports!

Gamified and achievable

The integral motivation for an individual to learn and develop is to progress. A 5-point rating scale is inherently gamified as the user can simultaneously progress through the levels, whilst feeling that they are achievable. 

Too many levels and the learner gets demotivated as the end feels too far away. Too few and the user doesn't see progress regularly enough. A 5-point rating scale provides the perfect balance.

Insightful and actionable

When reviewing reports on skills ratings, a 5-point scale makes it easier to gather insights and trends.

It is a commonly used scale so both learners and leaders are familiar. And the 5 points make it easy to distinguish between the levels without it becoming overwhelming.

This in turn makes it easier to provide interventions off the back of the insights. If someone has a low rating, you can connect them with content and experts. A high rating, they may want to coach others. 

Consider what works best for your business

Although a 5-point rating scale has a lot of benefits, the best rating scale is the one that works for your business.

On Learn Amp, we allow you to adjust our framework to suit you, including mapping across any existing ratings to the new scale.

Interested in tracking your employee's skills? Request a demo of Learn Amp today.