Psychometric Tests

Psychometric Testing (sometimes known as Aptitude or Ability Testing) is used by more and more employers to ensure they have the right candidate for a role.

While not uncommon in interviews, these tests are coming earlier and earlier in the assessment process - meaning that they are ever more crucial to getting the perfect job! (Examples are here)

What are Psychometric Tests?

Psychometric Tests are timed, exam style tests, taken in strict conditions that assess a candidates ability for thinking and reasoning, as well as numeracy and literacy skills.

Each test or set of tests is designed for a particular role, and you will not always be expected to have prior knowledge of the role before hand.

The tests do not just test attainment - what you have learnt already, they are also aimed at testing ability, therefore what you could learn in the future. They also give a scientific look at your personality type (in some cases) and your strengths and weaknesses in particular area.

The main areas tested are:

  • Ability - to learn new things, and to apply what you know already to new situations.
  • Aptitude - such as being able to learn languages, work with spatial situations.
  • Personality - tests things such as your work style, how you deal with others, ability to handle stress.

Sometimes you will also have tests in other areas that an employer sees as being crucial to it’s business or useful to the hiring process. These can include:

  • IQ and Intelligence Tests
  • Integrity and Honesty Tests
  • Motivation and Team Role Tests
  • Leadership Tests

These are less likely to come up in a day to day interview - if you are interviewing for the Armed Forces, or a role where leadership is expected, then different types of tests like these may come up!

Types of Psychometric Tests

There are several types of Psychometric test that may be mixed and matched to suit a typical job role.

These include:

  • Numeracy - Reasoning using numbers, and numeric reasoning such as patterns and sequences.
  • Verbal Reasoning - Reasoning based upon the written or spoken word. You are often given a block of text then asked questions that can be answered by True, False or Cannot Say.
  • Non Verbal Reasoning - Reasoning with shapes, diagrams and other forms of information that are not written and spoken.
  • Other - IQ Tests, Integrity Tests and others all tend to follow the same format as those above.

Examples of Test Types

Numeracy

What is the missing number?
83 - 17 = 56 + ?

Verbal Reasoning

“Many organisations find it beneficial to employ students over the summer. Permanent staff often wish to take their own holidays over this period. Furthermore, it is not uncommon for companies to experience peak workloads in the summer and so require extra staff. Summer employment also attracts students who may return as well qualified recruits to an organisation when they have completed their education. Ensuring that the students learn as much as possible about the organisation encourages interest in working on a permanent basis. Organisations pay students on a fixed rate without the usual entitlement to paid holidays or sick leave.”

Statement 1- It is possible that permanent staff who are on holiday can have their work carried out by students.

Answer - True, False or Cannot Say.

Can I revise for Psychometric Tests?

It isn’t possible to revise for Psychometric Tests in the normal sense, as they don’t test particular knowledge - however they will become easier and less daunting if you practice with some typical examples before hand. See the list of examples below to get a head start on this!

It can’t hurt to practice, even if it just gives you a feel for the process. it means that on the day you’ll have one less thing to worry about. Remember - if you don’t plan, you plan to fail!

Psychometric Tests Tips

  • Accuracy is more important than speed - It is common that there are more questions on the test than can be finished in the time given.
  • Practice - It is also likely that to finish each question you will have to rely on your mental skills - there won’t be enough time to work out each answer on paper. However if you practice you will be able to decide what you need to do on paper and how to go about it.
  • Take a systematic approach to the test, if you have thirty minutes and thirty questions, you should spend roughly one minute per question. If you find yourself stuck on a question for five minutes, leave it and move on. It’s better to get five more done, than that single question right.
  • Find a method that suits you! For example if you have trouble remembering the numbers of letters in the alphabet, e.g. “c is letter number 3″ then just write them in order on the page! Simple things like this can save time, and reduce the pressure on you. It’s not cheating to help yourself like this.
  • If English is not your first language, or you have a learning disability such as Dyslexia then declare it before the test. It will be taken into consideration and is not a barrier to passing the test.
  • Don’t Panic! - Psychometric Tests are not pass and fail in most cases, if they are you will have a limit that you will need get right. These tend to be for specific roles, such as the Police or jobs with critical numeracy requirements.

Special Tests

One special Test is the Modern Language Aptitude (MLAT) test given by the British Army. Its not a Pass/Fail test - it simply shows whether you have a natural ability to pick up a modern language. It consists of questions based on a made up language being played from a Tape/CD.

You can’t practice for it, in my opinion, and to do so would really ruin the results. Do you really want to study a language if you find it that difficult? (If you do, you can download the test, but it’s your own fault now!)


Practice Psychometric Tests

Here’s some examples of tests you can take online, or print out to get a feel for the process. I recommend taking the online examples first, and trying a printed version just to get your working methods right a few days before the actual test!

Personality Tests

Numeracy Tests

Literacy and Reasoning Tests

Mixed

IQ Tests

Other Tests

Other resources

Have a look at our Psychometric Tests category for more tips and ideas here. There is a hugely comprehensive list of different tests at Mark Parkinson’s website.

Most major employers will also give you information on the testing procedure if asked - and should be able to help you in your preparation. It’s always wise to gather as much information as possible, especially if the tests are part of a wider assessment or interview process.

Criticism of Psychometric Testing

A lot of people don’t see the point of Psychometric Testing and feel it doesn’t give the same feel for a persons skills a good interviewer or a portfolio would. However as the tests gain in popularity they are likely to become more common.

Remember - the only way to get better at these kinds of test is to practice. They’re simple to pass, and simple to do well at. Just don’t panic!

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