British Psychological Society

Assistant Test User: Forensic – Guidance for Assessors Form– July 2016

FORENSIC CONTEXT TEST USER STANDARDS

GUIDANCE FOR ASSESSORS FOR THE QUALIFICATION –

ASSISTANT TEST USER: FORENSIC

Introduction

This document contains the modulesets for the British Psychological Society’s (BPS) Assistant Test User: Forensic qualification in psychological testing. It should be used in conjunction with the Assessors’ Handbook by Chartered Psychologists applying to the BPS to become a Verified Assessor for the Assistant Test User: Forensic qualification in psychological testing. Separate forms are available for each of the qualifications offered by the BPS, and can be downloaded from the Psychological Testing Centre’s website at

How to use this form

Assessors should this useform to help them develop their assessment materials and as part of their submission of materials for verification purposes. They should also complete their details in the spaces below:

Assessor’s details

Name:Company / organisation:

For each module in the Assistant Test User: Forensic qualification in psychological testing, a description is given which provides an overview of the module contents and the most appropriate strategies for assessment. This is followed by descriptions of the competencies that test users must demonstrate in order to be affirmed as competent on the module. Alongside each competency there is detailed guidance for Assessors, which has had extensive input from the Forensic Testing Working Group, Psychological Testing Centre and Committee on Test Standards. As such, it draws on over 20 years experience of assessing test users for the BPS’s qualificationswhilst also benefitting from an extensive update and review to reflect recent developments and current practice in psychometric testing.

Alongside the guidance for assessors is a column headed ‘Reference’. For each of the competencies, Assessors must provide a reference to where in their assessment materials each specific competency is assessed. When requested by your Verifiers, this completed form should be sent to them along with your assessment materials and model answers. Further details of the verification process are given in the Assessors’ Handbook.

Details of the modules in the Assistant Test User: Forensic qualification in psychological testing

The table below outlines the module sets and individual modules in which test users must demonstrate competence for the award of the Assistant Test User: Forensic qualification in psychological testing.

The columns in the table below are as follows:

Ref#: Unique module number
Title: Module name
Category: Psychological knowledge; Psychometrics; or Practitioner skill
Specificity: Whether the module is context-related and therefore would need to be evidenced separately for multiple domains or instruments.
Generic: The module is only required once for a qualification, regardless of domain
Domain Specific: The module would have to be re-assessed for different domain-related qualifications (e.g. Forensic / Educational / Occupational)
Instrument specific: The module would have to be re-assessed for different instruments or instrument categories within domains.

Assistant Test User: Forensic Test Administration

Prior registration requirements: None

Overview of role: Assistant Test Users:

Are able to administer and score specific tests under the supervision of a person qualified at Test User level or above.
Have awareness of broader issues related to testing and test use, of limitations and value of using tests, and know when to seek more expert help.
Are not able to make choices about which tests should be used or provide interpretations of test scores beyond those provided in standard reports.

An Assistant Test User will be an individual who uses specific tests in well-defined and constrained contexts, such as testing groups of individuals to understand their strengths and specific learning needs. Choice of tests and details of how they are to be used and applied is outside the Assistant Test User’s responsibility.

Approximate European Qualification Framework (EQF) Level: 4

Ref# / Title / Category / Specificity
Module Set: 4C
107 / Introduction to Testing: Forensic / Psychological Knowledge / Domain specific
108 / Administering tests to one or more candidates, part 1: Forensic / Practitioner Skill / Domain specific
109 / Administering tests to one or more candidates, part 2:Forensic / Practitioner Skill / Domain specific
110 / Maintaining security and confidentiality of the test materials and the test data / Practitioner Skill / Domain specific

The following tables show the modules and associated competencies for the Assistant Test User: Forensic qualification in psychological testing. As part of their submission to the BPS for verification, Assessors should complete the ‘Assessor’s reference’ column, identifying where in their assessment materials each competency is assessed.

The following information is shown in each table:

Column 1 is competency reference
Column 2 contains the specific competencies
Column 3 contains the guidance for Assessors
Column 4 provides space for Assessors to enter a reference to where the competency is covered in their assessment materials
Column 5 provides space for Verifiers to add their comments

NOTE: The ordering of the modules has no particular significance. It is not related to either importance or the order in which assessment might be carried out.

Assistant Test User: Forensic – Guidance for Assessors Form– July 2016

Ref / Module 4.107. Introduction to testing: Forensic / Guidance: Forensic / Reference
Overview of assessment requirements: Assessors should have evidence that Assistant Test Users understand the differences between the main types of tests (ability, typical functioning, identifications of impairments/risk factors, actuarial, structured professional judgement, clinical) and related assessments/tools used in forensic assessment/contexts. Assistant Test Users should also be able to describe key concepts such as risk factors, protective factors, aptitude, ability, personality; outline core forensic theories/models such as , and demonstrate (giving specific examples) that testing is a subset of the overall assessment process, that testing/or some types of tests might not always be appropriate, and plays an important role in intervention/risk management planning. Assistant Test Users should appreciate the impact of technology on modes of test administration and be able to describe the benefits and issues associated with each of these. They should be able to outline the role of the Assistant Test User and Test User and understand the limits of the Assistant Test Users competences and the requirements to practice within competences/skills and that further training will be required to use many specific tools/tests.
Methods of Assessment (Assessors please indicate your method of assessment and where this is evidenced in your portfolio, e.g. Report 1, p.34, para 3 -6 / Verifier’s Notes
(Assessors, please leave this blank)
107.1 / Distinguish between tests of ability, aptitude and attainment. / Describe in general terms the distinction between tests which describe what someone is currently capable of doing, those that are intended to predict what someone will be able to learn or do in the future and those which measure their current level of knowledge understanding or skill. Assistant Test Users should provide examples of the appropriate use of each type of test. / Click here to enter text. / Click here to enter text.
107.2 / Distinguish between different types of risk assessment measures/tools and describe other tests frequency used in forensic contexts. / Describe in general terms the distinction between different risk assessment approaches (e.g. actuarial, clinical, SPJ) and other tests frequently used in forensic contexts (e.g. the PCL-R). Assistant Test Users should provide examples of the appropriate use of each type of test. / Click here to enter text. / Click here to enter text.
107.3 / Distinguish between different types of questions/factors included in tests. / Describe in general terms different types of questions/factors used in tests, such as risk and protective factors, static, historic and dynamic factors. Assistant Test Users should be able to identify which types of questions/factors are assessed in a range of test examples. / Click here to enter text. / Click here to enter text.
107.4 / Distinguish between open, controlled, supervised and managed modes of test administration. / Explain the four modes of testing as defined by the International Test Commission (ITC) guidelines on Computer based testing (CBT) and the Internet: open mode is free access (e.g. on the web); controlled mode requires the test taker to be identified (e.g. via unique login and password; often referred to as remote administration); supervised mode requires the presence of a test administrator; managed mode involves the use of a secure test centre with appropriately trained staff. / Click here to enter text. / Click here to enter text.
107.5 / Demonstrate an understanding of the purpose of testing within the overall context of assessment. / Demonstrate an understanding of how assessment is undertaken in broad terms, that it involves a process and is not simply ’client centred’. Also show understanding that psychometric testing is only a possible part of this process and show appreciation for its usefulness and limitations. Demonstrate an understanding of how test results can be used to inform future intervention, determine type and level of intervention and assess intervention outcome. / Click here to enter text. / Click here to enter text.
107.6 / Demonstrate an understanding of key theories relevant to testing in forensic contexts. / Demonstrate an understanding of key theories relevant to testing in forensic contexts such as concurrent widely accepted theories. / Click here to enter text. / Click here to enter text.
Ref / Module 4.108. Administering tests to one or more test takers, part 1 / Guidance: Forensic / Reference
Overview of assessment requirements: This module should be assessed through the practical administration of tests in a realistic context. Assessors should establish realistic situations so that Assistant Test Users can demonstrate their abilities to prepare the test taker, organise the test setting and materials, and check and take account of any special considerations that might affect the test taker’s performance. Assistant Test Users should be able to describe the appropriate processes and any specific issues related to online/computer based testing and assessments conducted using file/collateral information. They should also demonstrate the practical skills of test scoring, converting raw scores into standardised scores and making appropriate checks to ensure the accuracy of these.
The Assistant Test User can: / Methods of Assessment (Assessors please indicate your method of assessment and where this is evidenced in your portfolio, e.g. Report 1, p.34, para 3 -6 / Verifier’s Notes
(Assessors, please leave this blank)
108.1 / Ensure adequate preparation by studying the relevant sections of the test user manual and other relevant documents and becoming familiar with all relevant materials and procedures inadvance of the session/assessment. / The requirement here is for Assistant Test Users to show in discussion, writing and practice that they have read and understood the administration requirements and instructions of specific tests. / Click here to enter text. / Click here to enter text.
108.2 / Ensure that all test takers receive appropriate briefing and preparation materials a suitable time prior to the testing session. / Demonstrate by example appropriate briefing and preparation information for relevant tests and contexts. Assistant Test Users should demonstrate awareness of the need to provide sufficient information for test takers with specific disabilities and/or needs and decide whether they may need accommodations. / Click here to enter text. / Click here to enter text.
When administering supervised or managed mode assessments: / Supervised and managed modes and those where a test administrator is present during the test session. Essentially they require the Assistant Test User to ensure that all the practical administrative requirements of the test are followed to ensure that the results when obtained are both reliable and valid. / Click here to enter text. / Click here to enter text.
108.3 / Ensure that the location is suitable for the duration and type of assessment, equipment required, numbers of test takers and safety of all present. / Demonstrate the ability to arrange seating and desk space appropriately for the test whether for individuals or groups. Inform the test takers of the time and place well in advance and ensure they are adequately prepared, where relevant, for what they will be required to do and why. Ensure that those doing the test are not unduly disturbed or distracted and that the ambient qualities of the room are appropriate and suitable. Demonstrate an awareness of health and safety issues including where the test taking should be located, how the environment arranged etc. to ensure the safety of all test takers, Assistant Test User(s) and other people present. / Click here to enter text. / Click here to enter text.
108.4 / Ensure all necessary materials are available in sufficient quantities and that materials are in good condition and equipment in working order. / Ensure, where re-usable materials are being used, that they are carefully checked for marks or notes that may have been made by previous candidates. Ensure that any equipment (e.g. computers) is operating correctly and sufficient test materials are available for use by the test taker(s). Where appropriate, test takers should be given the opportunity to familiarise themselves with response mechanisms or other special test equipment. / Click here to enter text. / Click here to enter text.
108.5 / Ensure that any necessary test accommodations for disabled test takers are available, well understood and appropriately provided. / Implement requirements and adjustments as arranged by the holder of a Test User level qualification or other suitably responsible and qualified Test User supervising the session. / Click here to enter text. / Click here to enter text.
108.6 / Brief test takers on the purpose of the test session and key rules and put them at their ease while maintaining an appropriate atmosphere. / Apply appropriate rules that might include some or all of following: not talking to or colluding with others during the session; not having any recording devices; including mobile phones, which should be turned off and left with the test administrator; heeding any advice provided by the test manual on the content and wording of the briefing. / Click here to enter text. / Click here to enter text.
108.7 / Follow standard test procedures and instructions as specified in the tests’ user manuals. / Assistant Test Users to demonstrate their skills in following all test instructions/requirements for all types of testing sessions including tests completed at a distance from the Test Users, of using file/collateral information. Where appropriate, Assistant Test Users should: provide test takers with sufficient time to work through example test items; make careful checks to ensure proper use of the answer sheets and response procedures; explain any time limits and ensure that during the test silence is maintained to avoid distraction; make clear that once the test or timed subtest has begun no further questions can be answered; adhere strictly to test-specific instructions concerning pacing and timing; deal appropriately with any questions that arise without compromising the purpose of the test. / Click here to enter text. / Click here to enter text.
108.8 / Monitor behaviour before and during the test to identify any issues or problems that may arise. / Assistant Test Users should demonstrate skills in appropriately monitoring test takers before and during the session to check they have appropriate presentation/capacity for the test. They should ensure that appropriate invigilation of the test session is maintained to identify test takers who are confused, not following test instructions, etc., and avoid issues such as cheating and recording information about the test. Assistant Test Users should observe and record any notable issues to help interpret data when it comes to report writing or feedback. They should be able to outline when it is appropriate to make arrangements for a re-schedule testing session and how this would be arranged/managed. / Click here to enter text. / Click here to enter text.
108.9 / Ensure that all necessary information has been logged and recorded including details of any provisions that were made for any special needs. / Ensure that the test takers’ personal details have been recorded, together with relevant details of what assessment instruments were used, what accommodations were made for any special needs and whether accommodations met their needs. Record any other relevant information, such as any particular problems that arose during the session that might have affected a candidate’s performance. / Click here to enter text. / Click here to enter text.
Ref / Module 4.109. Administering tests to one or more test takers, part 2: Forensic / Guidance: Forensic / Reference
Overview of assessment requirements: Evidence for this module should be collected by allowing Assistant Test Users to demonstrate skills through the practical administration of tests in realistic contexts. Assessors should establish realistic situations enabling Assistant Test Users to demonstrate abilities to build rapport with test takers and administer tests according to the instructions in the manuals whether this is by using computers, paper formats, in face-to-face testing sessions, or testing completed at a distance or conducting assessments from file/collateral information.