You will hear a lot on the topic of training in the use of objective assessment - what it should contain, who should have access to questionnaires as a result of training and who can give feedback.
Key Point
When building the FindingPotential range we made a key decision – to use “expert” technology in report generation making the results accessible without training.
The Full Story
To put all of this into context we need to look back to 1977 and the formation of Saville & Holdsworth (SHL), without a doubt one of the most influential points in the history of Occupational Testing and its wide spread use. Technology was very different in the late 70's and early 80's meaning the results of an ability test or personality questionnaire were presented in a very raw form. This basic data needed a skilled user to be able to understand and apply the results in the most appropriate way. It was felt that people should be trained in the use of these questionnaires as no additional support was available (apart from expensive experts). Over the last 30 years the technology avaible in every part of life has become more sophisticated and made using sophisticated tools easier. As an example, look at the changes made to cars over the same period - antilock breaking, power steering, improved safety cages and a host of computers make driving safer and easier. Desk top PC's didn't exist let alone iPhones or satellite television. Technology has moved on, so should the assessment industry.
The technology to support the use of ability tests and personality questionnaires has been widely used for many years yet the industry still insists that training is essential. The more cynical might observe that the same people make £ millions every year supporting this position. It is also interesting to note that many test publishers have different training requirements depending on the country that you live in. Do you think that people in another country are somehow more able to grasp the concepts than you? That you need 7 days of expensive training to apply the same principles as others who are not asked to attend any training? Or is it that the test publishers (particularly in the UK) are happy to keep taking your money and not acknowledge that technology makes the application of assessment much more practical without training?
The FindingPotential questionnaires include expert interpretation of candidate responses and supporting material to help ensure that you are using them in the most appropriate way.
Familiarisation Days
We do offer familiarisation training for those organisations who would like the opportunity to practice with the Personality or Engage Questionnaires - these are delivered at your offices, a maximum of 12 people per event and are charged at £1950 per day.
This is a service offer, not a prerequisite for access.
If you have small numbers of people or are an individual user please contact us for dates and locations of open events.
Finding a Training Provider
We do realise that you may want to expand your knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of the principles and science behind the use of psychometrics, a good place to start finding a provider that meets your personal requirements is the British Psychological Society's training providers directory.
Alternatively enter "occupational testing training" into Google for a wide range of providers.
PS - Please be aware that any training provider who is also a test publisher will go to great lengths to tell you why their products are so much better than ours (not that we are cynical about their motivations... but do consider their commercial interests – they want your money!). By the end of the training you should have the skills to make your own independent judgement. We hope you come back and take the time to do this.
