Tweney, Joann Lyn - Psychometrist

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[edit] Psychometrist (Joann Tweney)

[edit] General Overview

A psychometrist specializes in administrating psychological testing in areas such as personality, aptitude, interest and intelligence. A psychometrist can also measure brain function as it pertains to certain diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's[1]. Tests are divided into two main categories: aptitude and ability tests and personality and interest tests. These tests serve a wide range of purposes including: determining career goals; management styles; personality types; employment suitability; areas of cognitive functioning or development, and more[2]. Examples of who might request psychometric testing include: psychologists or school psychologists; employers seeking to assess a potential employee's suitability or aptitude; research firms who wish to test new products. Examples of individual tests include: personality profiles, motivation questionnaires, reasoning tests. All tests must meet three important criteria: standardization; reliability and validity[3], thus eliminating a subjective or biased perspective on behalf of the psychometrist. Tests are typically administered in an office, depending on who has requested the test. A potential employer may test in an office or meeting room whereas a school psychometrist may test in a quiet area where there will be no interruption. Psychometrists work under the supervision of a psychologist [1]and must be certified, depending on the type of test being administered (specifics listed under educational requirements).

[edit] Job duties and responsibilities

Psychometrists administer testing for both youths and adults in a variety of settings, depending on who is requesting the test and who is taking the test. Psychometrics covers a broad range of testing but all testing requires the psychometrist to oversee the testing procedure, observe the participant and note behavior (which may be evaluated by the psychologist). After the testing is completed, the psychometrist will score the results. Lastly the psychometrist will interpret the results and convey the results to the appropriate person (depending on who requested the testing)[4]

[edit] Typical workday

Psychometrists may secure work in a variety of settings, both through public and private enterprise. Employers may include companies, private practice, research firms, government agencies or school boards[5]. A typical workday for a psychometrist depends largely on where he or she is employed. The workday would normally be structured around the employer’s scheduled hours. A clinical practice may work a longer workday to accommodate late counseling appointments, such as 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m., whereas a company would schedule testing during normal business hours, which generally run from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Psychometrics employed by a school board would have their schedule dictated by the board, in terms of daily hours as well time off, including March break, summers, and all school board observed holidays. Generally, psychometrics are not required to be on call for emergencies. Therefore all testing would be scheduled to take place during business hours. During the workday a psychometrist would administer the test(s), stay with the client while the test(s) is being completed, note behavior, score the test(s) and lastly, convey the results to the appropriate person, not necessarily working with the same person throughout the day.

[edit] Educational requirements and other qualifications

Psychometrists require a four year undergraduate degree from an accredited university, both in Canada and the United States. Most employers require a masters degree in psychology or a related field, which again, can be obtained through any accredited university in Canada. Tests administered by a psychometrist are classified under three levels, A, B or C. Anyone with an undergraduate degree may administer a Level A test. Further certification is required to administer a Level B test. Certification may be obtained from online courses for Level B Psychometric Assessment, through Life Strategies, in cooperation with Yorkville University. To receive Level B certification, two courses are required: Fundamentals of Psychometric Assessment ($650) and Psychometric Assessment: Section, Administration and Interpretation of “B” Level tools ($1250) [6]. Anyone who purchases and administers a Level B test must abide by certain principles pertaining to the correct use, knowledge of assessments and how to apply them[7] To be able to administer a Level C test, a doctorate degree in a specified area of psychology is required, such as clinical or school psychology [8]. In Canada, psychometrists may choose to join the Ontario Association of Consultants, Counsellors, Psychometrists and Psychotherapists (OACCPP). Membership dues vary depending on the type of membership, which range from student to affiliate. For more information, and a full description of membership types and associated fees visit http://www.oaccpp.ca/membership/types-of-membership/ There is currently no governing body for psycholometrists and as such requirements are standard across Canada. Lastly, there are no requirements to upgrade training on a regular basis, although reissuing of specific tests may have specific requirements as yet undetermined.

[edit] Related skills, interests, and abilities

One of the most fundamental skills a psychometrist can possess is critical thinking[9]. Due to the nature of the testing, which includes administering the test, scoring, understanding and communicating results, a psychometrist must have the ability to navigate the process, at each individual step. Moreover, if any one step becomes compromised, or disrupted, it is the psychometrist’s role to facilitate an acceptable solution, whether that entails relocation, retesting or a number of alternative solutions. Strong communication skills are also essential in order to communicate vital information[10]. Working with a variety of individuals, whether they are students, or adults applying for a job, a psychometrist deals with the general public. As the person administering the test, the psychometrist has to explain all the necessary information to the person taking the test, therefore clear communication is essential in order for the client to be able to perform to the best of their ability. Furthermore, the psychometrist must be able to listen to the client in order to address any concerns, questions or thoughts the client may have, both prior to and after completing the test[11] . Lastly, as the communicator of the results to the psychologist, a psychometrist must be able to be clear in discussing not only client behavior but also results. The ability to pay attention to details, while not a skill per se, is cruitial as it pertains to overseeing all aspects of the testing procedure. Details that can effect testing outcome must be attuned to whether it involves environmental details such as providing tools for the taking the test, room temperature or time. A client's must also be observed, whether it is observing behaviour, responding to needs or understanding questions asked by the client. Attention to detail can be conducive to providing the best possible results of a client, or contribute to a less than optimum result.

[edit] Relevance of Psychology undergraduate degree

Becoming a psychometrist requires an undergraduate psychology degree, and due to the nature of the field, certain courses will aid in the understanding and implementation of the psychometric testing. Familiarity with research design will allow one to understand how the test is comprised, the relevance of the questions, and the significance of the design. A critical thinking course will underscore the importance of reliability and validity, two main components of any psychometrics test. Furthermore, an understanding of statistics is beneficial. An understanding of statistics will help the psychomerist understand the results of an individual, compared to an average or percentile, either of which may be national, industry related or based on demographics or ethnicity. An undergraduate degree is required to pursue further certification for Level B testing. Lastly, an undergraduate degree is required to pursue a masters degree, followed by a a doctorate degree, in order to perform Level C testing[12].

[edit] Salary Potential

According to payscale.com the typical range of pay for a psychometrist in Canada is between $19.42 and $43.64 an hour, with the average wage at $30.57 per hour. Experience in the profession increases rate of pay. In February 2015, a posting for a psychometrist with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAH Website) in Toronto offered $31.28 to $42.16 per hour. These wages were comparable to a posting in Alberta[13]. Wages may depend on whether the position is with a private company verses a government position, although there are no statistics available to confirm the difference in pay. Additionally, even within government agencies, there can be variances: school board budgets are funded provincially and controlled at the municipal level, therefore some positions with a more influential board, such as Toronto, will undoubtedly pay more than a smaller or rural board, such as the District School Board of Niagara. Consequently hourly rates may range between school boards, depending on the province and city. To view a list of current positions and rate of pay, available across the country, visit Indeed http://ca.indeed.com/Psychometrist-jobs]

[edit] Job Outlook

According to Service Canada[14] the outlook for psychometrists is not determined. As of March 2015, a job search for psychometrist in Canada shows 17 positions currently available, in cities across across Ontario from Hamilton, Toronto, and Whitby, as well as positions available in Moncton, New Brunswick and Edmonton Alberta. Postings include both the private and public sector[15].

[edit] To know more

There are a number of places online to research more information, however be sure to distinguish between Canada and the United States. Some of the available links for Canada are already included in this Wiki but additional information is available on both Linked In and Facebook.

Linked In [1]

Facebook [2]

Tests may be ordered from Mind Tools [3]

To view the anticipated payscale visit [4]

Indeed Jobs [5]

Additional Courses offered through Life Strategies, in cooperation with Yorkville University [6]

Practice Aptitude Tests Online offers a number of practice tests, free of charge [7]

[edit] Notes and References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Inside Jobs(n.d.) Psychometrist. Retrieved from http://www.insidejobs.com/careers/psychometrist
  2. Psychometrics Success. (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://www.psychometric-success.com/faq/faq-what-are-psychometric-tests.htm
  3. Mind Tools. (n.d.). Retrieved from:http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newCDV_21.htm
  4. The National Association of Psychometrists, (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://napnet.org/about/what-is-a-psychometrist
  5. Global Post (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/psychometrist-job-description-28624.html
  6. Life Strategies Website http://www.lifestrategies.ca/store/products.php?cat=13,
  7. Psychometrics Success. (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://www.psychometric-success.com/faq/faq-what-are-psychometric-tests.htm
  8. University of British Columbia (n.d.). PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL RESEARCH AND TRAINING CENTRE (PRTC) Faculty of Education, University of British Columbia, Qualifications for the Ethical Use of Tests. Retrieved from: http://prtc.educ.ubc.ca/files/2011/12/Qualifications-for-the-Ethical-Use-of-Tests.pdf
  9. My Majors, Psychometrist Career. (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://www.mymajors.com/career/psychometrist/skills
  10. My Majors, Psychometrist Career. (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://www.mymajors.com/career/psychometrist/skills
  11. My Majors, Psychometrist Career. (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://www.mymajors.com/career/psychometrist/skills
  12. University of British Columbia (n.d.). PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL RESEARCH AND TRAINING CENTRE (PRTC) Faculty of Education, University of British Columbia, Qualifications for the Ethical Use of Tests. Retrieved from: http://prtc.educ.ubc.ca/files/2011/12/Qualifications-for-the-Ethical-Use-of-Tests.pdf
  13. Albert Health care (n.d.) Retrieved from: https://albertahealthservices.ats.hrsmart.com/cgi-bin/a/highlightjob.cgi?jobid=335941
  14. (http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/qc/job_futures/statistics/4169.shtml)
  15. Indeed (n.d.) Retrieved from: http://ca.indeed.com/Psychometrist-jobs
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