DEFPS003
Conduct a psychometric testing activity

This unit covers the competency required to conduct a psychometric testing activity. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication. In a Defence context, this means that there is no civilian need to hold this unit in order to meet licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements.

Application

This unit was written for military personnel who are required to plan, prepare, administer and supervise psychometric tests and complete post-test administration.

The persons performing these tasks will be employed within a specialised employment field relating to the practice of Defence psychology. The person will perform these tasks without supervision.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Plan and prepare for psychological testing

1. Purpose for testing is identified from booking request.

1.2 Relevant documents are accessed and prepared for reference during testing procedures.

1.3 Previous psychological testing is reviewed to confirm the test criteria to be applied.

1.4 Appropriate psychometric tests are identified in accordance with relevant instructions.

1.5 Test venue is identified and prepared in accordance with relevant instructions.

1.6 Testing material and equipment are identified, accessed and prepared for use.

1.7 Electronic psychology records and testing systems are prepared in accordance with relevant instructions.

2. Perform testing procedures

2.1 Psychological tests are administered in accordance with relevant instructions.

2.2 Interruptions during testing are dealt with effectively and efficiently.

2.3 Equipment faults are dealt with effectively and efficiently.

2.4 Psychological tests are marked without error and in accordance with relevant instructions.

2.5 Normative data is applied to testing scores.

2.6 Test results and normative data are recorded on relevant psychology documents.

2.7 Information on test results, criterion requirements and the behaviour of subjects is conveyed to referring authority.

2.8 Feedback is provided to supervisor about potential inefficiencies and weaknesses in testing procedures.

3. Carry out psychological administrative procedures

3.1 Individual psychology documents are compiled, stored and transmitted in accordance with relevant instructions.

3.2 Assessment outcomes are reported to referring authority, as appropriate.

3.3 Used test material is disposed of in accordance with relevant instructions.

3.4 The test venue is refurbished ready for continued use.

3.5 Test equipment problems are reported to prevent re-occurrence.

3.6 The need for a resupply of test material is identified and actioned in accordance with relevant instructions.

Required Skills

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills

Communicate detailed technical procedures and testing procedures to individuals or groups

Literacy skills to clearly articulate administrative procedures

Numeracy skills to accurately analyse and validate psychometric test results

Organisational skills to manage own tasks within timeframes

Problem-solving skills to apply a broad range of problem-solving strategies to achieve work outcomes

Self-management skills to consistently evaluate and monitor own performance

Facilitation skills to coordinate testing groups efficiently and effectively

Use information technology including common software packages such as word processing, spreadsheets and databases, e-mail, and customised electronic psychological testing and record keeping system

Keyboard skills

Interpersonal skills to establish rapport with personnel being tested

Deal effectively with interruptions and equipment faults

Required Knowledge

Defence psychology technical manuals, policy, processes and procedures

Psychometric testing documentation and records maintenance procedures

Psychometric testing rationale, including standardisation, and concepts of validity and reliability

Psychometric testing marking and recording procedures

Optimal testing conditions (size, obstructions, ventilation, lighting, temperature, non-smoking)

Test room preparation and procedures

Test administration (attitude of examiner, motivation of test group, introductory talk)

Rest and recuperation breaks

Statistical concepts, including standard scores and variance

Ethical considerations in psychological testing

WHS requirements that apply in the workplace

Legislative requirements relating to privacy, collection, storage, disposal and release of psychological information

Evidence Required

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

Administer tests in accordance with relevant instructions

Score tests without error

Complete test documentation accurately and in accordance with relevant instructions

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated on at least three occasions. This must include administering a minimum of three psychological tests in accordance with standardised instructions.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace environment.

Specific resources for assessment

Access to:

An actual or simulated testing venue

Organisational policy and procedure relevant to a ADF psychometric testing

Test material and equipment

Access to relevant psychological documents

Access to computer, internet and software

Stationery and test equipment

Role players (examinees)


Range Statement

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Documents may include:

administrative applications

personal history profile

personal psychology documents

psychology assessment records

psychology document folders

psychology referrals

psychology reports

psychology reports used in recruiting

psychology test records

Psychometric test may include:

aptitude tests

personality tests

Relevant instructions may include:

defence instructions

electronic psychology records and information system manual

individual test manuals

procedural directives

psychological services manual

Interruptions may include:

equipment faults

examinee illness

fire alarm

other audible noise external to the test room

removal of examinees

Equipment faults may include:

computer hardware failure

software malfunction

stopwatch failure

Referring authority may include:

career management agency

commanding officer or officer commanding

medical officer


Sectors

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.