Different tests require varying amounts of training and experience. There are five broad catagories: A, B, Csp, C and D.

Level A

Indicates tests which may be adequately administered, scored, and interpreted with the aid of a manual and with knowledge and experience of the field in which they are regarded as a useful aid. Completion of an introductory course in test administration
and interpretation is considered a highly desirable prerequisite, e.g.,

• standardised tests of achievement
• standardised group tests of scholastic aptitude which report a single score
• diagnostic tests of achievement.

Level B

Indicates tests available only to those who have successfully completed a basic course in test administration and interpretation. Such a course would normally be a second- or third-year university course, requiring a supervised practical component and instruction in basic statistics essential to test interpretation, e.g.,

• group tests of intelligence which report sub-scores
• multi-aptitude tests
• tests of specific aptitudes.

Level Csp

Some tests from Level C may be available to individuals with basic B level qualifications, provided they have had special training in their use, e.g., speech, hearing, and language development (speech/language therapists); counselling inventories (guidance counsellors); observational schedules and rating scales (teachers of special needs children). Tests of this kind are classified as Csp.

Level C

Indicates tests and measures available to users who have successfully completed advanced courses in the uses of tests and who have had, or are acquiring casework or clinical experience, e.g.,

• individual intelligence tests
• attitude inventories
• personality inventories and scales.

Level D

Indicates clinical and diagnostic measures available only to users who have undertaken special post-graduate training in psychology or educational psychology, or equivalent on-the-job or in-service advanced training and experience, e.g.,

• projective tests of personality.

Professional Obligations of Test Users

NZCER supplies tests only to an appropriately qualified person on the understanding that:

1. The supply of tests, by virtue of special qualifications or casework experience, does not imply that tests requiring other forms of special qualifications or experience will be available.
2. The supply of tests by virtue of the assurance of a recognised psychologist that they will be properly used, does not imply continued supply of these or any other tests at this level. Each new order will be accompanied by a guarantee of supervision, and will be supplied only if the guarantee is accepted by NZCER.
3. Psychologists giving authority and agreeing to supervise the use of tests by acceptable persons will assume responsibility for their use and participate actively in the relevant programme, either by carrying out the work, or by planning, supervising and checking it. Test users are asked to report the unauthorised use of tests and urged to protect the value of tests by keeping all components securely stored so they will not become available to unauthorised persons.
4. Every precaution should be taken to ensure the confidentiality of tests and test scores. Approval to purchase may be withheld or withdrawn if there is any violation of these principles.
5. NZCER’s interpretation of the Privacy Act 1993 is that candidates are entitled to know, if they so request, all scores relating to their personal test performances. Our strong recommendation is that the release of test scores should be accompanied by sufficient interpretive detail to enable the client to understand the scores provided.