Austin – October 15, 2026 -- Interplay Learning has launched Skill Verification, a simulation-based assessment tool with an initial catalog of 20 assessments that lets employers test whether a worker can perform trades-specific tasks before dispatch, contractor authorization, new-hire placement or promotion.
Simulated assessments replace interviews and multiple-choice tests
Employers in skilled trades and industrial roles have limited ways to verify hands-on ability before putting someone on the job, according to Interplay. Traditional assessments can require expensive equipment, dedicated facilities and significant supervisor time. Interviews and multiple-choice tests do not show whether a worker can execute a task.
Skill Verification uses simulations that mirror real equipment and conditions. Supervisors and safety leaders receive objective, step-level evidence of readiness across electrical safety, industrial controls and other areas.
Launch catalog of 20 assessments spans HVAC, manufacturing and data centers
The catalog covers commercial HVAC, facilities management, manufacturing, data centers and critical infrastructure. Assessments address equipment, tools and job-specific tasks in simulated operating environments. Titles include Using a Digital Multimeter, Tool Selection and Inspection, and Industrial Electrical Lockout/Tagout Safety Procedure.
Educational institutions and workforce development programs can also use the assessments to validate students' hands-on skills before they enter the workforce.
Step-level scoring flags missed steps, sequence and decisions
Each assessment produces an objective score plus step-level detail on missed steps, sequence and decisions. Supervisors get specific areas for remediation rather than a pass/fail result. Interplay says this gives organizations a repeatable way to evaluate skills consistently across sites, shifts and service partners as they scale their workforce.
Southern Home Services sees gap between certification and field performance
Matt Ellenberg, director of training at Southern Home Services, said OSHA, EPA and NATE certifications do not guarantee a technician can perform the job in the real world. He described Skill Verification as a way to prove technicians can perform required skills as the company grows.
Interplay CEO and founder Doug Donovan said skilled trades employers face growing pressure to build and deploy qualified workforces. He said the tool gives operations and safety leaders objective evidence of demonstrated performance to identify skill gaps and make workforce readiness decisions.