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FAQ's (either click on the relevantquestion or scroll down to view each one)
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Do I have to be trained to purchase tests from Tests Direct?
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At Tests Direct we do not require test users to be trained in order to purchase our materials. This is because the nature of the service
removes two of the key "risks" associated with test usage, namely administration and interpretation. The computer based nature of our assessments
means that administration occurs in a standardized environment at the computer screen. After completing the assessments detailed reports are generated
for the administrator, removing any possibility of misinterpretation of the results.
We believe that professionals in Human Resources, Organisation Development and Training and Development are more than capable of using tests
appropriately when they are offered adequate support and safeguards to use our assessment materials. Those individuals who have been trained
will be able to review the psychometric qualities of our materials by reading the detailed technical manuals in order to satisfy themselves of
the quality of these test materials.
Another key element of this debate is to consider the North American experience and approach to the use of tests. In the UK testing has historically
followed a "trait" based approach, which has focussed on the measurement of underlying psychological traits such as personality and ability. In
North America this approach has largely been abandoned. Rather an alternative "function" based approach to assessment has been utilised. Test
publishers and users in the US, have for some time, been concerned to produce materials which are closer to the actual job function than traits
tend to be. So the emphasis has been more on identifying the relevant personal qualities - the attitudes, knowledge and skills which predict
effective performance in the role.
This shift towards a more highly focussed, scenario-based assessment of function rather than traits, reflects concerns about the legal
defensibility of predictions of performance based on personality and intelligence. In bringing the assessment closer to role requirements, legal
defensibility is enhanced. Also the tests themselves are more "palatable" to those that take them and appear to be more relevant to the real
world of work. Many of the Tests Direct assessments are more functional than trait based. A functional approach to testing also, in large part,
negates the argument to have test users be expensively trained in the use of psychometrics.
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How good are Tests Direct's Assessments?
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We believe that it is critical that any assessment materials meet or exceed the minimum technical requirements accepted as current best practice
e.g., by the British Psychological Society/American Psychological Association. All our materials are validated and psychometrically sound. Further
details of the technical and psychometric properties of our materials can be found in the relevant test manuals.
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What are the computer/software requirements required for me to be able to use assessments from Tests Direct?
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To run a test you need Netscape Navigator 3 or Internet Explorer 4, or later versions.
The browser must have cookies enabled for the duration of a session; if you want to store answers between sessions then stored cookies must also be enabled. Furthermore the browser must be enabled to run JavaScript 1.1.
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How long do the tests take to complete?
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The length of time taken to complete any particular test is dependent on a number of factors. The tests are not timed. Some tests are fairly
short (15-20 minutes) but others such as the Critical Reasoning measure, are somewhat longer and may take up to 30 minutes to complete. For more
detail on the precise amount of time each test might take refer to the relevant test manual and administration instructions.
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How soon will I be able to get test reports?
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A written report on test performance is available via email as soon as the test has been completed and results returned to Tests Direct. In most instances this should take no more than a minute or two.
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What do the reports look like?
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The look and feel of any report is obviously dependent on the test being taken. But generally reports are concise and meaningful highlighting results of the test compared to normative (comparison) groups and interpretation of what this means and in many instances suggested further areas of investigation. For sample reports click here
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What do the tests measure?
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A wide range of tests are available through Tests Direct, enabling detailed assessment across a wide spectrum of occupations and job levels. Our tests meet or exceed accepted psychometric criteria, eg. test reliability and validity (e.g. British Psychological Society, American Psychological Association guidelines). The range of tests include aptitude measures, business intelligence, high level critical reasoning, and specialized tests e.g., sales aptitude and customer orientation scales. For more information on our range of tests click here
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How much do the tests cost?
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Tests are available from as little as £2.50 each including reports. For further information on our pricing click here
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How do I order tests from Tests Direct?
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You need to fill out an online account application. To view this and find out more about purchasing tests from Tests Direct click here
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What other services does Tests Direct provide?
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For our larger clients Tests Direct is happy to provide a customised approach to testing. Tests can be adapted, customised and branded for individual client organisations. We can also develop new tests for use in specific assessment or development situations. Additionally, we can also create bespoke assessment and development centres in an interactive web based format. Please feel free to contact us with details of your requirements.
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Are there any career opportunities with Tests Direct?
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At Tests Direct we are always keen to hear from qualified psychologists with experience in psychometric assessment, test development and consultancy. In addition, we also have vacancies from time to time for recent graduates or those seeking work experience as part of a related degree course. If you would like to send us your CV, please click here
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If you have any further comments or questions and would like to contact us then please click here
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