Understanding psychometric testing

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The tests will ensure that applicants end up in a position, company or environment conducive to their personality or abilities, which in turn will minimise stress and feelings of incompetence. They are often the foundation upon which many careers are built.

Identifying one's talents and strengths, knowing one's weaknesses and learning how to turn weaknesses into strengths is a strong tool to anyone who wish to embark on a journey to find out what career path to pursue. psychometric tests are also a great individual barometer for future development and further studies.

Preparing for tests

Primarily, one should know why one is taking the test. Answers during the psychometric test will be influenced by one's lifestyle, age, experience and mental state at that particular moment of life. Many of these tests have a manipulation functionality that will indicate if one was trying to manipulate the test and if one was being honest, so the only preparation one can make for this test is to answer every question calmly and truthfully.

Marina Coetzee, a senior psychologist at Assessment Centre Technologies and an expert at psychometric tests unpacks the process.

Depending on the purpose and battery of assessments, the cost of the test can be from R1 000 to R10 000. There is a range of tests and methods to assess different aspects of an individual's function, for example personality, emotional intelligence and ability. The entry-level tests are more suitable for students, whilst the more costly tests are focussed on leadership development in corporate organisations.

Practitioners must be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and assessment tools should also be registered products. All assessments must be registered with the HPCSA to ensure they are valid and reliable assessment tools. There is a list available with registered instruments on the website. Furthermore, applicants should consider the practitioner's experience in the field (ask for references if one is unsure).

The best time for a student to conduct such tests before he/she wants to enrol for a study course is in Grade 11, though the individual might still be developing and maturing. We strongly advise that age appropriate assessments are conducted and that an experienced and competent career counsellor provides guidance throughout the process.

"We support any opportunity of growth and self-knowledge that students undergo before embarking on a final decision on study fields and study courses," comments Lillian Bususu, National Graduate Development Manager at Rosebank College's National Office. The college encourage students to do thorough research on courses and match this with their interests, strengths and opportunities that the world of work has to offer ensuring that students make the best possible future choices.