Psychological Testing

Psychological Testing
Psychological tests are used in all walks of life to assess ability, personality and behaviour. A test can be used as part of the selection process for job interviews, to assess children in schools, assess people with mental health issues or offenders in prisons. The British Psychological Society's Psychological Testing Centre (PTC) is the first point of contact for anyone who uses, takes or develops tests. Tests are also used in the National Health Service.
By definition there are two types of psychological test - tests of ability, aptitude or attainment, which are known as measures of maximum performance and those designed to assess personal qualities, such as personality, beliefs, social competence, values, developmental milestones and interests and to measure motivation or drive. These are known as measures of typical performance.

I would like to take a test ....

You need to consider why you need to be tested and what you would like to get out of being tested. If you would like to practice taking a sample test, please visit 'Companies that offer Practice Tests'.

You may also be interested in A Test Tasker's Guide and The Code of Good Practice in Psychological Testing, as well as some Frequently Asked Questions.

About Educational Testing
Educational testing can be useful in matters concerning children’s learning, well-being and development. It is also relevant to adult learning. Educational testing is often used in determining a child’s special educational needs. This form of testing can be undertaken by the following:

• Some teachers and Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators are trained to assess some learning difficulties - please check with your local school/college or Local Authority;
• Qualified testers who hold the Society’s Test User: Educational, Ability & Attainment qualification (CCET), who have demonstrated their competence in using tests of ability in educational settings;
• Chartered Educational and Child Psychologists with expertise in assessment can undertake a broader range of assessments with children of all ages and adult learners. Please see the Directory of Chartered Psychologists. This has a searchable database and you should be able to find a psychologist in your area. Psychologists charge professional fees comparable with other professionals.

About Health Testing
Testing and assessment in this area is used for a wide range of circumstances. This includes adult, child and family mental health services, services for people with learning disabilities, neurological assessment following illness or injury, physical and sensory impairments, counselling, and services for people with emotional and behavioural difficulties. It can also help promote self-awareness of individuals.

· This form of testing can be undertaken by Chartered Psychologists who are trained in Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Health Psychology or Clinical Neuropsychology. Please see the Directory of Chartered Psychologists. This has a searchable database and you should be able to find a psychologist in your area. Psychologists charge professional fees comparable with other professionals.

A qualification in psychological testing in health and social care settings is currently under development by the Society.

About Occupational Testing
Testing and assessment is used by employers in recruitment, selection, promotion and development of staff, and to facilitate better working practices. Testing in this area can also be used by individuals for career counselling and self-development purposes.

This form of testing can be undertaken by the following:

· Chartered Psychologists specialising in Occupational Psychology can provide testing services. Please see the Directory of Chartered Psychologists. This has a searchable database and you should be able to find a psychologist in your area. Psychologists charge professional fees comparable with other professionals.

· Human Resources Officers (Personnel) who hold the Society’s qualifications in test use and a current entry on the Register of Qualifications in Test Use (RQTU) are employed by many organisations.

· Careers guidance advisers, outplacement counsellors and coaches who also hold the Society’s qualifications in test use and a current entry on the Register of Qualifications in Test Use (RQTU).

Some qualified occupational test users offer independent services and can be found by visiting the subscription-based listings on the Directory of Qualified Testers.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with assessment and testing terminology used in a work and organisational setting, you may want to refer to Getting to grips with terminology