About 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, or offenders in prisons. The Psychological Testing Centre (PTC) at the British Psychological Society is the first point of contact for anyone who uses, takes or develops tests. Tests are also used in the National Health Service.

What is psychological testing?
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, values 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 the Directories tab on our home page and select ' Companies that offer Practice Tests'.

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 educational testers who hold the Society’s Level A Statement or Certificate of Competence in Educational Testing - The Society confers a Level A Statement or Certificate of Competence in Educational Testing to those 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 one in your area. Psychologists charge professional fees that are 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. Visit 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 that are comparable with other professionals.

A qualification in psychological testing in health and social care settings is currently under development by the Society and is likely to be launched in 2010.

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:

· Human Resources Officers (Personnel)- many organisations employ qualified test users who hold the Society’s Level A Certificate of Competence in Occupational testing (ability/aptitude testing) or Level B Certificate of Competence in Occupational Testing (personality testing) with an entry on the Register of Competence in Psychological Testing. To find a qualified test users who provides testing and or assessment services visit the Directory of Qualified Testers. Names of other individuals who are qualified test users are held on an in-house database on the PTC’s Register of Competence in Psychological Testing.

· Careers guidance advisers, outplacement counsellors and coaches who may be trained in the use of tests and offer these services. Individuals who hold the Society’s Level A Certificate of Competence in Occupational testing (ability/aptitude testing) or Level B Certificate of Competence in Occupational Testing (personality testing) with an entry on the Register of Competence in Psychological Testing (in-house database). Some qualified test users offer independent services and can be found by visiting the Directory of Qualified Testers.

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

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 our list of useful terms below.

List of Useful Terms.pdf