The unique question database, the beating heart of the assessment, has been created by OGICA members together with more than 15 experienced industry operations geoscientists and QC'd by notable industry professionals, each with over 40 years experience.

Key facts about the database:

• Currently there are nearly 1000 questions in the database.
• It is regularly updated with new questions.
• Diagnostics are used on the answers given by candidates to check, anonymously, how the questions are being answered. Any issues with particular questions will be reviewed and changes made if mecessary.

When setting up the database a comprehensive review was made of operations geoscientists' tasks and the skillsets required for each of these tasks identified. These skillsets were then split into subcategories and then into 10 key categories illustrated in the figure below.

These 10 categories cover all the main skillsets for operations geoscientist roles including both technical and personal leadership skills.

Each assessment consists of a randomised selection of ten questions from each of the ten categories. The category questions contain a fixed and consistent number of randomised questions from four levels of difficulty. This ensures all operational geoscientists can take the assessment whatever their skill level and years of experience:

• Level 1 - Entry to 3 years experience
• Level 2 - 3-5 years experience
• Level 3 - 5-15 years experience
• Level 4 - 15+ years experience

There is no pass or fail, the results indicate the candidates’ skills levels achieved and potential skills gaps for further consideration.

Whether the skills gaps are important to the individual or not, it provides a benchmark and an opportunity for focus should they wish to address these.