Behind the Scenes of SME Selection
You’re going into development of a new credentialing exam, and it’s time to assemble your panel of subject matter experts (SMEs). You’ve invited experienced professionals from across the field, but as the meeting approaches, doubt starts to creep in. Are these the right people for the job? Will various practice areas be fairly represented? And how do you prevent hidden biases from influencing critical decisions?
Selecting the right SMEs is both an art and a science. It’s not enough for panelists to have credentials or years of experience. They need the right mix of expertise, insight, and balance to ensure fair and valid outcomes. Too much overlap, too few voices, and unnoticed conflicts of interest can all undermine the process, sometimes in subtle ways.
That’s exactly what we’ll explore in our upcoming Coffee & Credentials session, SME Selection Secrets. Speakers Jim Henderson, Ian Hembry, David Chen, and Nathan Burns will dive into what distinguishes effective SMEs from general practitioners, how panel composition affects decision quality, and practical strategies for mitigating bias. We’ll also touch on legal and ethical considerations, including conflict-of-interest policies and fair representation to ensure your panels are effective.
This session is designed for anyone involved in managing SME panels, whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your approach. You’ll leave with insights you can put into practice immediately, helping you assemble panels that are balanced, fair, and capable of making confident, defensible decisions.