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What are psychometric tests?
Occupational psychometric tests are designed to assess aspects of mental ability and personality that are relevant to work
and organisations. There are 3 main types of tests:
1. Mental ability tests – investigate an individual’s ability to solve problems and their potential to learn
2. Personality assessments – show the ways in which an individual will typically behave
3. Interest inventories – show how people are motivated in terms of career direction |
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What can I use them for?
Tests can be used with all levels of staff, for a number of purposes including:
• Selection and promotion: mental ability and personality traits are some of the most reliable and valid predictors of work
performance available
• Development: indications of mental strengths and knowledge of habitual behaviours are important considerations for effective improvement planning.
• Career counselling: mental capabilities and natural motivators provide clear indications for possible occupational paths. |
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What are the main benefits from using psychometric tests?
Typical business benefits include:
• Better selection decisions  higher performing employees; lower turnover and related costs
• Objective data fairer decision-making which is legally defensible
• Best practice professional public image for the organisation |
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Is training needed?
To use tests properly requires competencies to chose, administer and interpret tests and to feedback test results. Reputable
test-providers will not allow tests to be used unless a person is suitably qualified. It is strongly recommended that people
responsible for using psychometric tests have received the necessary professional training. |
