AI-powered voice assessments are being used to improve the selection process for contact center agents, providing more consistent and objective evaluations than traditional interviews. These assessments analyze various aspects of speech, such as clarity, tone control, pacing, comprehension, and scenario handling. Many systems align their scoring with internationally recognized frameworks like the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which helps ensure consistency across different markets.
According to Liveops, these tools offer practical benefits such as faster hiring decisions, improved early-tenure agent quality, and a fairer process that values accent diversity while maintaining compliance standards. "Voice is still where loyalty is won, or lost, in seconds. Yet most selection methods for voice roles rely on inconsistent interviews and gut feel," the company stated. "AI-powered voice assessments change that. By analyzing clarity, tone control, pacing, comprehension, and real-world scenario handling, often aligned to CEFR standards, these tools turn subjective impressions into consistent, job-relevant evidence."
The technology measures more than just clear speech; it evaluates pronunciation accuracy, intelligibility, conversational pacing and rhythm, tone modulation, turn-taking skills in dialogue scenarios, understanding of information provided during calls, and the ability to handle real-world customer service situations. Liveops reports using CEFR-aligned scoring and simulations that reflect actual call center tasks rather than just general language proficiency.
A reliable AI voice assessment system includes automatic speech recognition for accurate transcription and speaker separation; models capable of assessing cadence and warmth without penalizing accent diversity; engines that present prompts reflecting brand needs; controls to monitor fairness across accents and demographics; and human review processes for complex cases.
Liveops integrates automated scoring with expert human review to ensure fairness and alignment with client brands when evaluating large pools of candidates. The company notes that organizations adopting these solutions typically reduce screening times from weeks to days while processing more candidates simultaneously.
Standardized AI-driven evaluations also help reduce bias by limiting variability between reviewers and documenting consistent criteria. Key safeguards include training data inclusive of diverse accents and backgrounds as well as monitoring for disparate impact.
For effective implementation in contact centers' talent workflows, AI assessments can be integrated with applicant tracking systems so results are routed efficiently to reviewers or certification programs. This integration helps shorten onboarding timeframes and provides predictable pipelines for staffing needs.
Liveops emphasizes transparency by informing candidates about what is measured during assessments and how their audio data will be handled. The company maintains strict privacy standards in line with client requirements.
Looking ahead, Liveops expects assessment technology will expand beyond one-time tests toward continuous evaluation using signals from multiple communication channels—including text—and provide richer support for multilingual environments.
"Liveops does more than score voices; we identify brand-right professionals, certify them for real scenarios, and deliver consistent results at scale," said John Wheeler of Liveops. "Our CEFR-aligned voice assessments...turn subjective impressions into objective signals that predict agent performance in client programs."
The company states its approach connects assessment outcomes directly to learning initiatives and ongoing quality management programs.