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This article is intended as a brief guideline to be used by test purchasers. It is not comprehensive but an overview of some criteria used by EdITS for test purchase. Each publisher has their own guidelines and each publisher should be contacted directly to determine their criteria.
Figure 1. Sample of the Qualification Form.
Figure 2. Review Guideline. Reprinted with permission from Isaac, S. & Michael, W. B. (1995). Handbook in Research
and Evaluation (3rd Edition)
San Diego, CA: EdITS.
Useful web site: http://www.apa.org
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One question often asked is: What are the qualifications required to use the testing instruments published by EdITS? The tests published by EdITS are intended for professional purposes and we make every effort to restrict sales to individuals whose background and education would enable them to use the assessments appropriately. We adhere to the standards set forth in the Standards for Educational and Psych-ological Testing (AERA, APA, NCME, 1999), and the Code of Fair Testing Practices in Education (JCTP, 2004).
EdITS has many types of tests that require varying levels of qualifications to administer. As defined in Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing, the types of tests available from our company are vocational testing, personality testing and family and couples testing. We require that individuals be members of a reputable institution and agree to keep test results confidential and use the testing material as directed in the manuals. Qualified individuals would be those that are licensed within their state, have a PhD, or Masters Degree with some testing classes, members of various associations such as American Psychological Association, American Educational Research Association, and various divisions of the American Counseling Association.
We do sell our tests to graduate students and other individuals without the above listed credentials. If you are employed, you may want to order tests through your organization. Official purchase orders from schools, social agencies and governmental institutions are accepted. Graduate students may purchase tests for use in their course work or research only with the countersignature of their sponsoring professor or other qualified individual. If you are in the personnel department of a business or industrial firm or are on the staff of a consulting firm, you may wish to qualify for purchases as an individual on the basis of your training and experience in the use of tests. A reproduction of the qualification form that is used for our customers can be seen in Figure 1. Professionals purchasing the tests should make sure that individuals under their supervision are adequately trained.
The Code of Fair Testing Practices has a brief yet concise list of some of the most important points to consider as a test user. The following list is a brief introduction of what is listed in the Code but should be of use for those intending to purchase tests from any publisher.
In addition to these criteria it is important that the test user read the manual or other appropriate material available from the publisher. It is important that all copyright laws be followed. A useful guideline for the review and evaluation of a test may be found in Figure 2.
- Select tests that meet the intended purpose and that are appropriate for the intended test takers.
- Administer and score tests correctly & fairly.
- Report and interpret test results accurately and clearly.
If there is a question about the level of qualification required as a test user you should contact the publisher to check on the availability of training or verification of credentials.
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