Assessments for the Salvation Army

Campion, Barrow and Associates offers several options with regards to psychological assessments for the Salvation Army.  For more detailed information, please select from one of the following options: 

• College for Officer Training Entrance Assessments  
  1. Introduction and Overview
  2. Feedback Process
  3. For Current Cadets
• Specialized Psychological Assessments  
  1. Mandatory Evaluations
  2. Missionary Evaluations
  3. Officer Re-acceptance Evaluation

• Information for Divisional Youth and Candidates’ Secretaries   
  1. Release of Information

College for Officer Training

Welcome!  Whether you are applying for Officership, a cadet in training, or a current officer who is involved in the selection process of new Officers, we hope you find this information helpful in understanding Campion, Barrow and Associate’s unique and beneficial relationship with the College for Officer Training. 

Introduction and History

In 1993, the Salvation Army Central Territory began utilizing the expertise of Dr. Michael Campion and his staff of trained Behavioral Specialists to formulate the Candidate Psychological Assessment Program, and in 1997 the Comprehensive Feedback Program.   This method has been demonstrated by research to accurately select and predict individuals for Officership.   In addition, the assessment identifies key strengths and areas of growth within an individual for personal development.  Feedback of results occurs both telephonically and in face-to-face formats.  This information is a key component of goal setting throughout the two years of training at the College.

The Central Territory is the only territory in the Salvation Army that utilizes such a unique and extensive assessment and feedback program for the development of its Cadets.

Purpose of the CFOT Entrance Evaluation

Each individual applying for Officership brings a distinctive set of skills, traits, and qualities.  The purpose of the evaluation is to identify those characteristics which lend themselves well to a ministerial role, and which ones need continued attention before or during acceptance into training.  An individual is examined in two broad categories:  Estimated Scholastic Aptitude Ability and Emotional and Relational Skills.  The academic portion consists of a test of mental alertness, and four aptitude tests that assess reading comprehension, basic arithmetic, ability to communicate in writing, and judgment and reasoning.  Areas examined in the emotional and relational portion include leadership, stress hardiness, social skills, balanced lifestyle, interests, psychosocial functioning, anger management, and attitudes toward authority for example. 

The results are given to the Salvation Army in a narrative report and summarized on a 1 to 5-scale rating in Emotional Health, Scholastic Aptitude, and English Conversational/ Comprehension skills.  These numbers are based upon the accumulative objective and subjective assessment of the candidate, and comparing their results to the normed data sample.  All candidates receive recommendations to enhance their readiness for ministry leadership.  Some require more intensive work such as counseling, ministry experience, and character maturation with support prior to entering CFOT.  This would be indicated with lower scores such as a “2” or “1.” 

The Assessment Process

Once you have taken the assessment, your DYS will contact CBA to schedule a video-interview with a CBA clinician.  At the end of the interview, the CBA clinician will schedule a phone feedback, where you will receive the results and recommendations of the assessment process.  The results and recommendations of the assessment are sent directly to Territorial Headquarters.  From there, your Divisional Youth and Candidate’s Secretary will be given a brief summary of the assessment.  Your DYS will be notified afterwards that the phone feedback has been completed and then they will follow up with you on completing the recommendations if necessary.  Below is a flow chart of the testing process:

1.  Your assessment is scheduled through your Divisional Youth and Candidates Secretary

2. Tests are administered by the Youth & Candidates Secretary (expect around 6 hours of testing).  DYS schedules a video-interview.

3.  Video-Interview is conducted.   Phone feedback is scheduled.

4. CBA scores and provides recommendations to Territorial Candidate’s Secretary.

5.  Territorial Candidate’s Secretary gives a brief summary of results to your Youth & Candidates Secretary and CBA

6.  Phone feedback is completed with you.

7.  Youth and Candidates Secretary is notified by CBA that feedback has been completed and is then instructed to follow up with recommendations if necessary.

The Feedback Process- Why is it necessary?

While the entrance assessment is used as a selection tool, its primary function is for learning.  The assessment seeks to identify strengths which are to be augmented, and weaknesses to be proactively addressed.  CBA does not believe in selecting a perfect candidate.  Every individual has strengths and limitations.  Therefore, it is CBA’s belief that the goal of each person should be continued self-improvement. 

In some cases, remedial education is suggested before attending the College for Officer Training.  This is intended for those whose test scores indicate that a particular academic concerns.  Taking remedial courses in most cases helps increase the potential for academic success. 

Likewise, for some candidates, mentoring from a mature Salvation Army Officer or therapy from a trained Psychotherapist is suggested based upon issues that arise from testing.  If counseling is suggested, it does not indicate that a person is “crazy” or cannot be an officer.  On the contrary, counseling is designed to better facilitate personal growth through focused individual attention.  The goal is to develop mature Cadets and future Officers.

Once at the College for Officer Training, the Cadet will meet a Behavioral Specialist from Campion, Barrow and Associates.  This occurs within the first few weeks of training to again review the test results.  From that interaction, goals will be set for professional, interpersonal, and personal growth.  Near the two year completion of training, the graduating Cadet will once again meet with a Counselor from CBA to review the goals.  New goals will also be set for the first years as a commissioned officer. 

For Current Cadets at the College for Officer Training

If you are currently a Cadet at the College for Officer Training and are experiencing interpersonal, or emotional problems, please call our office for counseling or consultation.  Many times, the intense schedule of training program is overwhelming.  Overload and exhaustion from stress can occur.  CBA has trained counselors to help assist you with the difficulties you are experiencing. 

Please call 1 – (877) 327-9002 to speak with a counselor

Or, you may choose to communicate with us via email.  You may contact one of our counselors at counselor@campionbarrow.com.