Ability Tests
PCL Ability Surveys
PCL has published a series of three online tests that assess candidate ability across three key domains; Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability and Practical Reasoning Ability. Developed over a four year programme of industry-based research, the test were originally published in 2006 and have been validated against academic achievement and training success, and monitored for adverse impact over the following years. The tests were designed from the outset for online unproctored administration and address the issue of uncertainty about who actually completed the test (the original 'verify' process now widely adopted). Each candidate report includes a short 'Check Test' pitched at the difficulty level achieved by the online administration. This is used to verify the online performance of those advancing in the selection process to short list or interview. Candidate awareness of this verification process has been shown to reduce the incidence of 'fake' completions and to be effective in identifying 'inflated' test scores.
PFS Ability Tests
PCL is pleased to distribute the Profiling for Success series of ability tests. These tests are available online and paper and pencil. The following tests are available:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Numerical Reasoning
- Abstract Reasoning
Each test is available in four different versions covering different ability ranges, from GCSE level through to postgraduate and professional level. Short locator tests can also be used to identify the appropriate test level for a given candidate.
reports
The analytical reports not only provide the candidate's scores on the attributes being assessed but also, using detailed analyses of response patterns and timings, are able to provide additional insights to the candidate's performance.
administration
All tests are highly time-efficient due to the fact that response times were taken into consideration during test development. Total administration time varies between 15 and 25 minutes, depending on test level.