Psychometric Testing

Psychometrics (literally 'measurement of the mind') is the field of study concerned with psychological measurement, which includes the measurement of knowledge, abilities, attitudes and personality traits. There are two major branches of psychometrics used to assess job applicants: psychometric tests (measuring specific skills and abilities) and personality questionnaires (measuring personality characteristics).

As psychometric (or ability) tests assess particular skills and abilities, they have specific right and wrong answers and may be prepared for successfully by a certain amount of work, revision and practice. Conversely, personality questionnaires seek to describe your style, interests or motivation and how these characteristics relate to the requirements of the job and the organisation. They have no right or wrong answers and there is very little you can do to prepare for them.

In this section we've put together some useful guidelines to enable you to prepare successfully for ability tests along with some top tips to ensure that you approach personality questionnaires in the right manner and are able to complete both to the best of your ability.