before the test - general information

Suffering from that strange sinking feeling; got to take some tests?

Stay calm, don't panic, it won't be that bad! They don't hurt, they are fair and most are pretty accurate.

However, they are not infallible.  If you enter the test room full of fear then you may not do yourself justice.

The people who create and administer these sorts of assessments want them to be fair and accurate.  They want you to have full opportunity to show your stuff, so they don't put in trick questions and they make sure you know what you have to do.

Example tests

Fear of the unknown can make you anxious prior to a test session.

So you know what to expect in a Morrisby Profile test session, try out some practice questions.

The questions are similar to the types used in many ability tests. Look through them all (there are six sets in total) and make sure you understand them.

You won't get 'better' results in the real test, but it should put your mind at ease.

In the real session, the questions will be in books and you mark your answers on an answer sheet.  There will be an 'administrator' who will tell you what you have to do, how long you've got, etc.

Before the Test

In the lead up to a test session make sure you learn as much as you can about the sort of tests or questionnaires you may be asked to complete. If you are sent a practice test make sure that you complete it; and read any other details very carefully.

If you require special provisions, for instance, wheelchair access, tell whoever is organising the session as soon as possible. Make sure the administrator knows if you have a specific learning disability. He or she may ask to see your Psychologist's report - if you have one.

You will not be doing yourself any favours if you enter the test session feeling stressed or tired. Be sure you know exactly when and where you need to be on the day. Find out how to get there so you arrive in good time.

In most sessions, everything you will need is provided but if you are asked to bring specified documents, writing equipment or anything else, make sure you have it to hand the night before.

On the Day Check List

• If you wear glasses - reading and/or distance - remember to take them.
• If you use a hearing aid or equipment make sure it is working well and the batteries are OK.
• Turn off your mobile phone. You don't want to be distracted - nor does anybody else.
• Keep as calm as you can. Remember that a certain amount of anxiety is perfectly normal.
• Make sure that you are comfortable. Loosen your collar and tie (if appropriate) and kick off your shoes if you need to.
• Listen carefully to the administrator's instructions. Ask questions if you are not certain what you have to do.
• If you can't see or hear things properly tell the administrator.
• Read the test instructions carefully and do not assume that you know what to do.
• Use the equipment supplied. Scoring machines work on infra-red and answers marked with a black pen, rather than a pencil, may not be counted.
• Put your answers in the right place on the answer sheet! (It's easy to make mistakes in the heat of the moment); If you do get lost and can't sort it out very quickly, tell the administrator so that it can be remedied later.
• Record you answers in the correct way. For example, do not tick boxes if you're expected to strike through them with short pencil lines.
• Read the questions properly before you attempt to answer them.
• Don't agonise over a question you can't do but move on to the next one.
• Don't waste time double-checking questions with easy or obvious answers.  (You can double check at the end - if you finish early.)
• Don't waste time looking for 'trick' questions as there won't be any.
• If you can't work out an answer, make an informed guess.
• Work as quickly as you can, but don't race or you will make avoidable mistakes.
• The more questions you answer correctly the higher your score is likely to be. Don't waste time.
• Keep an eye on the time. If you have time left at the end of a test go back and check your answers.
• Don't allow the same amount of time for each question. In many tests the questions get harder, and so need more time as you go on.
• Don't be put off if the questions seem difficult they may well be just as difficult for everybody else.
• Don't be alarmed if other people appear to be working more quickly. It doesn't mean that they are getting the answers right!