What is the difference between tests used for selection and tests used for development?
In a development context, tests are used to highlight candidates' strengths and development areas. Maximum performance tests (tests of ability, attainment or aptitude) are more often used in a selection context, while typical performance tests (personality tests) tend to be used equally in selection and development.
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Where can I buy a test?
Most tests are sold directly by specialist test publishers and distributors.
Most tests are restricted for sale to people with appropriate training and qualifications, such as Members of the Register of Qualifications in Test Use (RQTU). Details of many major test publishers can be found on the Test Publishers List.
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If you have any queries, please contact the Customer Service Team.
Taking a test as part of employment
Can an employee be made to take a test by a consultant working for the employee's company? Does the employee have the right to refuse to take a test? What rights does an employer have to discipline an employee who refuses? Is an employee entitled to feedback if the outcome of the test is likely to affect their career/employment?
It would be inappropriate for this website to provide legal advice, therefore for definitive information about employment law, you should consult a legal expert.
In general, what an employer can ask of an employee is determined by the contract of employment, although a contract cannot usually overrule legal rights and requirements under employment law.
You should have received a written copy of your contract and any staff handbook of company policies and procedures.
It would usually be expected that an employee complies with the employer's procedures such as staff appraisal and development. Refusal could therefore invoke the disciplinary procedure.
Resolving concerns
If you have concerns that the testing is being used unfairly - particularly in making important decisions such as redundancy or promotion - you may be able to take a legal challenge through an employment tribunal.
If you have concerns about the way tests are being used in your organisation, you should try to discuss these with your manager, someone from the HR department, or the external consultant.
Whenever you're asked to complete a test or questionnaire, you should receive a clear explanation of what the test is, why it is being used and what will happen with the results.
You can search the Register of Qualifications in Test Use (RQTU) to see whether the person administering the tests has an appropriate qualification.
A Chartered Psychologist could provide advice on whether the particular tests and the way they are being used are appropriate. This site provides reviews of many different tests, although these are written for qualified test users and do require some technical knowledge to fully understand.
It's always good practice in any testing procedure to provide participants with feedback on their results.
Where these are held on file, you can make a subject access request under the Data Protection Act to see the results if your employer refuses to provide feedback on request.
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If you have any queries, please contact the Customer Support Team.
How widely are tests used by employers?
Most large organisations use tests of some description in both recruitment and development.
In particular, if you are a graduate or manager applying for a job you can expect to undergo some form of psychometric assessment over the course of your career.
Many smaller companies will use psychometric tests only for more senior appointments where making the wrong selection decision can have more significant consequences for the organisation.
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If you have any queries please contact the Psychological Testing Centre.