A psychometric test is an internationally accepted method to gauge a person’s capabilities. A student has to take tests that assess his critical thinking ability and problem solving capabilities. This scientific test can help the student to realize which academic field he or she is good at. Sometimes, a student might think he or she is good in physics and wants to take up science for higher studies. The test will prove whether he or she is capable to study the subject or has a natural inclination towards it. The analysis of the test results should be done by a career counseling expert who is trained to use the knowledge of the test. A career counselor will first interview the child and then ask him or her to appear for a psychometric test. They will then combine the results of a psychometric test and the inference drawn after the interview to give a sound career advice. Psychometric tests are beneficial because it helps the person to understand his or her real capabilities or skills which they choose either to overestimate or ignore. This test is an eye opener and career counseling without a thorough psychometric test is incomplete.
Psychologists have used psychometric tests since 1900’s to quantify a person’s intelligence and find out facts about their behavioral traits and preferences. This test is used in schools, by the army and in mental health clinics. It is used by employers for the recruitment process and by market analysts to dig out information about people’s preference for a product and also its packaging and branding. The test can be given to teams in classroom or an individual during counseling session. The test can comprise of multiple choice questions or a standard question and answer format. All psychometric career tests use a scoring system to measure the traits and aptitude of an individual. Different types of measurement theories and statistical analysis models are used for scoring psychometric tests. This makes the tests both valid and reliable. Validity implies consistency in test results and subjects among different populations and over time. Different types of validity are measured like content validity, validity of construction and validity of criteria to name a few. Parents, teachers and students should know the basic principles of psychometric test.
There are two types of psychometric tests-
Other types of psychometric tests includes-
The test takers should answer each question honestly. Don’t over think what a tester might be looking for in your answer as this will tamper with the results of the test. If you are taking the test make sure that you don’t spend too much time on a single question. Don’t worry about the fact that you couldn’t complete the test. However, one should still try to work quickly and accurately, since some aptitude tests measure both speed and accuracy. Prepare for the test like practice basic arithmetic without using a calculator. If it is a subject oriented test try to go prepared like you would do for any other exam. You can search for online psychometric tests and practice and you can also prepare for non-verbal, problem solving and critical thinking tests before hand.
When the student or client sees that the career experts are giving the career advice based on the results of the psychometric test then they will perceive that the session had depth and it was both positive and smooth. This will also help the students to trust on the career counselor’s expertise. Statistical survey reveals that if a career counselor uses a non-delivered test interpretation style then the client finds him or her to be more genuine. The client interprets such career counselors as having their best interests in mind.
Whatever test interpretations style a career counselor employs the moot point remains the same- their session with the client should be full of depth and information. The career counselor should point out his positive qualities and areas where the client needs improvement. The counselor should also tell what those skills he needs to acquire are and how to acquire them so as to reach his or her target. The client should feel self satisfied and confident with the guidance given by the counselor. They should feel that the career counselor will be able to help them to fulfill their career dreams.