Many performance management systems can be plagued with rating errors. In fact, rating errors are usually the reason why so many performance management systems are usually criticized. Accordingly, the goal of rater error training (RET) is to make raters aware of what rating errors they are likely to make and to help them develop strategies to minimize those errors.

In other words, the goal of RET is to increase rating accuracy by making raters aware of the unintentional errors they are likely to make. RET programs generally include definitions of the most typical errors and a description of possible causes for those errors. Such programs also allow trainees to view examples of common errors and to review suggestions on how to avoid making errors.

RET does not guarantee increased accuracy. Because many of the errors are unintentional, simple awareness of the errors does not mean that errors will not be made. Nevertheless, it is useful to expose raters to the range of possible errors. RET exposes raters to the different errors and their causes; however, being aware of unintentional errors does not mean that raters will no longer make these errors. Awareness is certainly a good first step, but we need to go further if we want to minimize unintentional errors.