Kinds of Psychometric Testing

Psychometric testing is a means of testing cognitive abilities, aptitudes, as well as personality and behaviour traits of an individual. The results are objective and scientific, and based on answers provided by the individual, without any outside influences.

Aptitude or ability tests are focused on ascertaining you level of level of competence on an intellectual basis. Your analytical and logical reasoning abilities are measured. These tests are usually designed and aimed at specific areas which are closely related to the career field you wish to pursue, or the course for which you are applying.

Verbal reasoning is usually tested making use of your reading and analytical skills. A passage is provided for you to read, after which you will need to provide the best answer for each question, from the options provided. These questions are multiple choice in nature. This may lead you to think that they are easy, however, you will be surprised at how correct each answer sounds. Your reasoning and analytical skills are required in order to select the appropriate answer.

Numerical reasoning is put in place to test your ability to understand provided problems, analyze them, and provide the best possible answer from the list provided. The problems may be presented as charts, graphs, or numerical problems which need to be calculated.

These kinds of aptitude tests are usually carried out using paper and pencil, where calculations must be carried out. There are instances where the tests my be computerized. They are always presented under time constraints. Results are standardized in this way. Results are measured against the results of others who have taken the tests under the same conditions. Your results are compatibly measured in order to ascertain your level of ability.

The personality or behavior section of the psychometric test are in place to measure a number of things. The results will enable the evaluator to explore the way in which you do things, your attitude, and your behavior patterns in certain situations. Your ability to cope with stress is tested under certain circumstances. Your values and work ethics are measured, as well as how motivated you are to meet your targets and goals.

These paper and pencil based tests are such that there are no right and wrong answers to the questions.

Questions are usually based on a particular work or career type, and related to the environment in which you may have to work or study . It needs to be ascertained whether you will fit into the existing student group of students or employees, and how well you will cope on a psychological level, with obstacles or tasks the resulting job may require you to work with.

If you are unsure of what career path you should follow, these tests will help you to be guided in the right direction. By realizing your dreams, values, ethics, and interests, your results can be evaluated and you will be offered an insight into which areas you could pursue and the reasoning behind it. If you have your mind set elsewhere, the results can help you to understand which areas you need to work on improving, in order to be successful in the field of your choice.

When it comes to personality tests, it is best to always be completely honest in your answers. Trying to answer what you think they want to hear, will only render results that reveal your little white lies. Obtaining a job through results that are obtained through dishonest answers, may land you on a career path that leaves you far from happy and successful.

The ability and aptitude section of the test is a little easier to navigate and prepare for. There are things you can do to improve your results before actually undertaking the official test. By simply doing tests online as a means of practice, you become accustomed to the type of questions asked, and how to answer them. You, yourself can improve your results through practice, and other small tasks undertaken such as reading, or doing crosswords and number puzzles.

As daunting as psychometric testing can be, it is something you can master by preparing. Eat correctly, get your rest, exercise, master anxiety and stress management techniques, and most of all, be honest.

What you need to understand is that being an all round, candidate is far better than being perhaps intellectually right for the position, but your social and personality skills are lacking. Many positions, or careers, need you to have both qualities, equally. Find the perfect fit for you. The last thing anybody wants is to be stuck in a career that you have no passion for, gives you no happiness, and in which you have no hope of progressing or advancing.

Psychrometric testing often reveals things to those taking the test, that they were not even aware of. Perhaps you have a talent or skill that you have buried deep within, while in pursuit of something you thought was the perfect path for you. If you undergo such psychometric testing, it is best to do so with an open-mind, and be prepared to embrace whatever the results may reveal. Don’t fight what is determine, use it to your advantage, and grow from it. The evaluators are not there to instruct you on what path you should follow, they are there to offer you guidance according to the results presented. They will make suggestions, and give valid reasoning, according to your results, as to why they are making those suggestions.

Take full advantage if the opportunity presents itself. Psychometric testing has the ability to make or break your career, if you use the information provided, wisely. Nobody can tell you that you can’t do something, if you have passion for it. The tests can definitely help you to grow in areas where you show weakness, and assist you in achieving that for which you feel true passion.

You are the master of your own destiny, but nobody said accepting help along the way wasn’t an option.