About Psychometric Testing

What is Psychometric Testing?

Psychometric testing describes a broad range of exercises. They have been tested for reliability and validity so that the results they produce are a fair and accurate reflection of a person’s ability or personality trait.

How are Psychometric Tests Useful?

They help individuals and employers to gauge aptitudes and personality which aid decision making in a variety of settings. For example: college and /or career choices; job skills and abilities; a persons strengths and weaknesses. They are also often used in a clinical (health) setting.

Are there Different Types of Tests?

Yes – The two main types of tests are personality and ability. There are also a number of assessments that look at a person’s interests.

Ability tests are divided into numerical reasoning; verbal reasoning; diagrammatical reasoning and spatial awareness. Most often they are linked to a specific role you are looking to fulfil. These tests are usually timed and your score is linked to the number of correct answers. Some of these tests employ negative marking. Even though your score is linked to the number of correct answers it is important to remember that they are a test of logical reasoning or thinking. They are not general knowledge or intelligence test unless they specifically state so.

Numerical reasoning mostly looks at arithmetic problems; number series, graphs and charts. Verbal reasoning usually assesses verbal classification and word meaning. These tests are most useful if considering a career in business or management.

Spatial awareness is the ability to interpret and make drawings, form mental images and visualise movement or change in those images.

Diagrammatical reasoning is most often used for assessing computing and IT ability.

Personality tests look at a person’s qualities and characteristics. There are no right or wrong answers. The answers you give reflect you. Therefore what is important is that you answer the questions honestly and truthfully. Depending upon where you are at in life, for example your age, your personality is likely to change every couple of years.

This type of test can usually be completed in two ways. They can either be completed by answering a series of questions using a pen and paper or by completing a computerised questionnaire. A report is then drawn up and usually discussed with the test taker.

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