The Indian BPO industry has welcomed Nasscom's plan for a standardized test for job seekers.

Nasscom announced that it would conduct a pre-qualifying test for all job seekers in call centers and other BPO service openings to help companies hire people with a minimum set of relevant skills. They created a model test based on the BPO Skills Assessment Test (BEST) of Indian states, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala.

Jyothi Menon, human resources head at Lason India, said that Nasscom's test would add worker credibility, and reduce time and cost in the hiring process. She said, "Such a testing methodology is necessary. I believe that the time has come for software and ITeS professionals to be branded. It adds credibility to their authenticity and level of competence."

Lonnie Sapp, chief operating officer of OfficeTiger, a graphics and illustrations outsourcing firm, said, "Significant time and effort goes into selecting the right candidate. Therefore, a pre-qualifying test would reduce recruitment time and cost."