Practice leads to improved performance in psychometric tests

The psychometric test is one of the most popular selection tools used to identify suitable applicants for jobs in the public and private sectors.

Over many years, psychometric tests were considered to be an objective method to measure an individual’s intelligence and the extent to which they fit the job’s requirements. Again and again, it was claimed that there is no use preparing for the psychometric test, as it doesn’t measure acquired knowledge but only intellectual and natural intelligence.

These claims were proven to be wrong. Many researchers found that success in the psychometric test is not only dependent on applicants’ natural intelligence but also on their studies and their past experience in completing psychometric tests.

It has been shown that many components in the psychometric test are based on acquired knowledge and skills therefore, those who received better education are more likely to succeed in the test. Also, those who are fresh out of university are likely to perform better in this test than those who completed their education a couple of years ago. However, all of them are likely to find the psychometric test to be much more difficult than those who had recently experienced solving psychometric tests, as neither university nor schools prepare students for the psychometric test.

During the course of our education, we are asked to take different type of exams that require us to study and practise. The psychometric test is no different from other exams.  Studying concepts in maths, acquiring thinking tools to solve scenario-based questions in a logical manner, learning different logical models and patterns of shapes, and enriching your vocabulary in English will significantly improve your success in the psychometric test.

Another important factor that influences your success is gaining the real experience of completing a psychometric test. During the test preparation, you will learn to plan the time allocated for each test, work efficiently and effectively, quickly read and understand the test instructions and disregard pressure.

An effective psychometric test preparation will improve your skills, and significantly reduce test anxiety and pressure so you can effectively demonstrate your true capabilities!

Psychometric preparation makes the difference

Current literature in psychometrics points to the fact that effective preparation improves test results in tests such as IQ, innovation and psychometric tests. However, these findings have been known for quite a while. A study from the 60s that investigated the impact of intensive training (six hours of training) revealed that such training can improve people’ s IQ (intelligence) by nine points on average. While this is not a huge improvement, it can be all that you need to get in front of other applicants for the same job.

The most detailed research on the effects of test preparation on adults was published in North America in 1979 by the US Federal Trade Commission. The research focused on the SAT exam, which is an intelligence test completed by adults in the US who would like to study in a college. The SAT exam, similar to the psychometric test, has verbal and numerical reasoning components. The research findings proved that an effective preparation improves people’ s scores in the verbal and numerical reasoning tests.

Other research, done by the US Education Testing Services, also found that with the proper preparation people improve their scores on the verbal and numerical reasoning tests by 20 to 35 points on average.

The conclusion is clear – you can prepare for the psychometric test, but you must take the proper training to ensure that you maximise the benefits of such a preparation.

Who can improve their psychometric skills and achievements?

Those who have never completed psychometric testing. If you have never completed psychometric testing before, you will be able to quickly learn what the different tests are, understand the types of questions you will be getting, and learn how to effectively answer them. You will be able to practise real tests that match the requirements of the job you applied for. You will receive a personalised report with a detailed explanation of what employers will learn from your specific test result about your work suitability as well as specific recommendations on areas that you need to improve.

Those who have completed psychometric testing in the past. If you have taken the test before, you have a better understanding of what to expect in the test. If you were successful in landing the job as a result, you should know that in psychometric testing past results do not guarantee future results. You may be applying for a job with different requirements, or you may be competing with more skilful applicants this time. Preparing for the psychometric test requires more than experience in taking the test. You can improve your results by learning and practising the different types of questions. The more you learn and practise, the more you can improve your results.

If you have failed to get the job you applied for or the promotion you wanted because of your results in the psychometric test, you may feel despair. You may even think that you don’ t have a chance.  You should know that many components in psychometric tests are based on acquired knowledge and skills that can be improved. Learning and practising the different types of numerical reasoning questions, learning the mindsets behind the verbal reasoning questions, and recognising the transformation patterns in abstract reasoning questions gives you the edge you need.

Those who feel that they need to improve in a specific area of the test (numerical, verbal or abstract). Most people are good at some things – you may have strong verbal skills, or you are very good in solving maths questions. It is rare to find people who are good at everything they do.  We think that you can improve your results in all areas. However, our psychometric test preparation is designed so you can focus your efforts on the area you wish to improve, practise as many times as you want to, and receive feedback so you know where to focus your preparation.

Those who are afraid of taking exams. Most people experience some level of anxiety when taking exams. This anxiety impairs performance. The psychometric test evokes more anxiety than other tests as you are required to complete unfamiliar tasks under time constraints. To make things worse, the consequences of a failure will have an impact on your career and your quality of life for years to come.

Test preparation reduces anxiety and helps you approach the exam with confidence. IPC’ s preparation will equip you with effective test-taking strategies. Our courses take you step by step through all the necessary knowledge and skills you need to master the test. You will be able to take several practice tests that match the requirements of the job you applied for as many times as you need until you feel confident. At the end of each test, you will receive a personalised report and detailed answer explanations for all test questions. You will be able to learn from your mistakes, understand how to correctly solve questions, and identify the areas in which you need to improve.