aPHR Associate Professional in Human Resources MCQ 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The process of identifying knowledge, skills, and competencies required for employees to meet future organizational needs is called:
- Performance appraisal
- Gap analysis
- Needs assessment (Correct answer)
- Succession planning
Correct answer: Needs assessment
A training needs assessment identifies the gap between current employee capabilities and those required to achieve future organizational goals, informing learning and development priorities.
Question 2: Under COBRA, qualified beneficiaries losing group health coverage due to a qualifying event must be offered continuation coverage for how long after a termination of employment?
- 12 months
- 18 months (Correct answer)
- 24 months
- 36 months
Correct answer: 18 months
COBRA provides qualified beneficiaries up to 18 months of continuation coverage following job loss or reduction in hours, with certain qualifying events extending coverage to 36 months.
Question 3: A 360-degree feedback system differs from traditional performance reviews primarily because it:
- Uses only supervisor ratings
- Collects input from peers, subordinates, and self in addition to supervisors (Correct answer)
- Focuses solely on financial performance metrics
- Replaces annual reviews with monthly check-ins
Correct answer: Collects input from peers, subordinates, and self in addition to supervisors
360-degree feedback gathers performance input from multiple sources — supervisors, peers, direct reports, and the employee — providing a holistic view of performance and behavior.
Question 4: Which act requires federal contractors and subcontractors to take affirmative action to employ qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin?
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
- Executive Order 11246 (Correct answer)
- Age Discrimination in Employment Act
- Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Correct answer: Executive Order 11246
Executive Order 11246 mandates federal contractors take affirmative action in employment practices and prohibits employment discrimination based on protected characteristics.
Question 5: An employer policy requiring employees to submit to drug testing after a workplace accident is an example of:
- Random drug testing
- Reasonable suspicion testing
- Post-accident drug testing (Correct answer)
- Blanket testing policy
Correct answer: Post-accident drug testing
Post-accident drug testing policies require employees involved in workplace accidents to be tested for substances to determine if impairment was a contributing factor.
Question 6: The primary purpose of an employee assistance program (EAP) is to:
- Provide supplemental health insurance coverage
- Offer confidential counseling and referral services for personal or work issues (Correct answer)
- Administer FMLA leave requests
- Conduct workplace investigations
Correct answer: Offer confidential counseling and referral services for personal or work issues
EAPs provide employees with free, confidential short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services for personal, family, financial, or work-related issues affecting job performance.
Question 7: Which type of job analysis method involves HR professionals directly watching employees perform their tasks to gather information about job duties?
- Interview method
- Questionnaire method
- Observation method (Correct answer)
- Diary/log method
Correct answer: Observation method
The observation method involves HR or analysts watching employees perform their work in real time, making it particularly effective for jobs with observable physical tasks.
The process of identifying knowledge, skills, and competencies required for employees to meet future organizational needs is called: