Find answers to common questions about psychometric assessments and tests:
Why is psychometric testing important?
Can you fail psychometric tests?
What about special needs and psychometric tests?
There are two main types of psychometric tests - personality questionnaires and ability tests.
Personality questionnaires provide a fair method of predicting behaviour in a wide range of settings. They are untimed and there are no right or wrong answers to the questions. The best way to approach them is to answer them as honestly and straightforwardly as you can.
Ability tests such as numerical, verbal and abstract reasoning provide a measure of mental capacity. These are timed tests and you need to work through them as quickly and accurately as possible.
Why is psychometric testing important?
Psychometric testing can help you to identify your preferred working style and ideal work environment.
Can you fail psychometric tests?
Ability tests are termed 'normative', your score is compared to a comparison or 'norm' group and your score reflects how you've done against this group. If you are in the 90th centile your performance is better than 90% of the norm group. There is no such thing as a definite pass mark.
Personality questionnaires have no right or wrong answers so it's not possible to fail one. Your profile may indicate you wouldn't be comfortable with a particular role or organisation culture.
What about special needs and psychometric tests?
Psychometric testing can play an important part in selecting people with special needs as they are less open to bias than other selection methods e.g. interviews. Everyone who takes a psychometric test is given the same questions and takes them under the same conditions. By discussing beforehand what your needs might be, you will make sure that reasonable adjustments can be made to ensure a level playing field. These might include allowing extra time or providing specialised equipment (e.g. loop systems/Braille keyboards).
Try to get a good night's sleep the evening before the test. If you usually wear glasses and/or a hearing aid, take them with you. Arrive in good time at the test location and switch off your mobile phone. Avoid alcohol, and inform the test administrator if you are on medication which makes you feel drowsy. If you have a disability and you require special provision, discuss this with the employer in advance of the test session.
British Psychological Society (BPS): The British Psychological Society is the representative body for psychology and psychologists in the UK www.bps.org.uk
Crystallised ability: ability that is a function of an individual's education
Fluid ability: ability that is independent of education or experience and an indication of potential
Norm group: a reference group for comparing test results e.g. general population, graduate, managers/professionals
Personality assessment: a testable scientific instrument used to explain and predict a person’s behaviour
Psychometrics: a branch of psychology interested in the measurement of psychological characteristics
Reliability: the extent to which a test score can be an accurate reflection of an individual's true score.
Validity: the extent to which a psychometric test measures what it says it is measuring.
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