Rehabilitation professionals have long used work samples in assessing the ability and functionality of clients requesting rehabilitation services. Although there has been remarkable development in the type and scope of work samples, the incorporation of work samples into assessment has lagged behind that of other measurement systems. One logical reason is the prolonged time required to administer work samples. Despite this time commitment, work samples have usefulness and value for rehabilitation counselling and vocational evaluation. The purpose of this brief report is to provide evidence to indicate the usefulness of work-simulated work samples versus ability-predicted work samples. The authors discussed the advantages and disadvantages of both assessment approaches in demonstrating the benefits in vocational assessment for clients and professionals.
