Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Question: What is the "passing" score on one of your tests?

Answer: Psychometrics does NOT set passing scores. In general we provide what are called normative scores developed specifically for each and every test. These norm tables are frequently updated as new people take the test. Each person who takes one of these tests is compared to every other person who has taken the same test. To use an example, those who've taken the C++ test are compared against all C++ programmers who have taken the test. A person who scores in the 75th percentile (as an example) performed as well as or better than 75% of those who've taken the test. Each client of Psychometrics will decide on their own what percentile is acceptable since the level of proficiency required for any individual job title can vary. We cannot tell our clients what an acceptable score should be for their environment. We can help them select the score by providing population information, but ultimately the decision rests with the organisation using the test.

Question: What are norms?

Answer: Norms are groups or "populations" of people. In our case, groups of examinees that have taken our tests. These norms can vary depending on the type of group that is being sampled.

Question: What is a percentile?

Answer: A percentile is an individual score within a norm. It does not indicate the percentage (number) of items an examinee got correct. Rather, it is a way of ranking a person within a group - in our case, comparing an examinee's performance on a test with others who have taken the same test. For example, an individual who scores at the 70th percentile has achieved a raw score higher than 70 percent of the population on whom the test was normed.

Question: Why aren't these tests On-Line?

Answer: There are a number of issues with on-line testing. If the test is a non-critical test (i.e., a job does not hinge upon achieving a high score), there is little reason not to put the test on-line. However, our tests are frequently used as one criterion of many to select among a larger group of candidates. We strongly believe that each testing session must be fair, equitable, and as easy to take as possible. There is too much variation from computer to computer to ensure that each examinee was given the exact same environment. Furthermore, computers have the habit of crashing, networks go down, and any number of issues can be presented. The only requirement for taking a paper and pencil test is a handful of pencils, the test booklet, and a quiet, well-lit room. Issues of test security also become relevant. Is the person taking the test from his browser at home the same person the organisation wanted to hire? Is it just that one person or does he or she have an entire room of friends standing behind him coaching his every response? Is the person taking the test a "ringer"? Does one person apply to take the test solely to write down each and every test question to give to the next person who really wants the job? For these reasons and many others, every testing session *must* be proctored in a secure testing environment to ensure that each person taking the test is the person who *should* be taking the test. For this reason combined with concerns of equivalent testing environment, on-line testing rapidly becomes less and less appealing. Finally, privacy is always a concern. The results of any personnel tests are and should be kept strictly confidential. This is important to the organisation using the test as well as for the individual taking one.

Question: I'll be taking a test soon. Where can I get a study guide for your tests?

Answer: We are not aware of any study guides for any of our tests. Our tests are not certification tests nor were they designed to function as such. There are employment tests intended to measure either aptitude to learn a programming language or proficiency within one. Generally our tests are not the type that you can study for. So our best advice is to try to relax and take the test with an open mind.

Question: I am an individual about to sit the B-APT (Berger Aptitude for Programming Test). Is it possible to see some sample questions before sitting the test?

Answer: The B-APT is an entry level programming aptitude test, using a tutorial learn-and-apply approach. Therefore, the tutorial at the beginning will prepare you for the questions you have to answer. It therefore requires no previous programming experience. Because of the test's approach, we are unable to provide you with sample questions. A question viewed in isolation, without the benefit of the tutorial section, would be very confusing. The best advice we can give to any candidate due to sit the test is to try and relax when taking the test and make sure to read the tutorial through thoroughly. There is no trick to passing the test; it is simply evaluating your aptitude for learning programming.

We appreciate any feedback so if you have a question that is not answered here please email us with your question on: info@psychometrics-uk.com. We will respond to you and add it to this page as soon as possible.