US Department of Energy Central Training Academy performance testing fundamentals

This paper reports that performance testing is required for training and inspection, and for validation of results of the vulnerability assessment which is a section of the US DOE Master Safeguards and Security Agreement (NSSA). It is essential, regardless of the reason for performing the test, that the collection of data be well planned to eliminate the bias of the data collector. Essential Elements of Analysis (EEA) is a proven technique that provides a systematic procedure for breaking down test objectives to obtain the optimum detailed measurement criteria. Developing clear, concise objectives removes most of the bias of the data collectors' observations. The EEA technique breaks down critical issues to a point at which test measurements and data can be quantified. Performance tests of procedures can be quantified using this technique, with a completed job task analysis serving as the basis for the EEA