Aptitude Tests:
Aptitudes are natural talents. We are born with them and they do not disappear. Career wise, they give us an idea about whether we could learn to perform a related task or job duty. Sometimes we may have aptitude referred to as psychological factors that contribute to success in various occupations. Aptitude Tests and their Purpose There are aptitude tests which can give us some ideas about our talents. One of these tests is the Career Ability Placement Survey (CAPS). The purpose of CAPS is to provide you with information about your abilities to help you in career planning. You will complete a series of tests to help you understand your potential as well as current strengths and weaknesses. It then gives you a prediction of success in careers that require particular combinations of talents. If you have a low ability in particular area, it doesn’t mean that you should automatically rule it out but you might have to have specific or concentrated training to improve you current skill level. Other Uses of Aptitude Tests: Some professions and businesses use aptitude tests as screening devices. Not for flies and mosquitos but for YOU! Aptitude tests can have written and practical parts. For example, students trying to get into Dental School must do a carving test. We don’t want someone with shaky hands drilling our teeth, do we? See the sample test below for some typical categories that require written responses. Preparing for Aptitude Tests If you go to one of the larger bookstores, you will find a section on various aptitude tests. Your high school Guidance department may have some samples If you are required to write an aptitude test, get familiar with its types of questions. This is not cheating. Those who do well on these tests will prepare in advance. Caution: Aptitude tests are just one of many criteria we use to determine our career pathway. Don’t get fixated by the results. Sample Aptitude Test Take a look below at some sample ability test questions. It will give you ideas about how
aptitude/ability tests are designed. Click on the correct answer, and it will appear in the answer section. Note to Karen: These are common categories for aptitude tests. This one is adapted from CAPS.
Ability Area
Description
Sample Question
Answer “You are right!” will appear if you click on the correct answer
Mechanical
Measures how well you understand motion, and the results from forces on bodies
Which paramedic is carrying the heavier end of the stretcher? Diagram needed of two individuals carrying a stretches, and the weight closer to the person on the right. Three choices: A. person on the left; B: person on the right; C: no difference
B **this rectangle will be blank until an answer in the column to the left is clicked on
Spatial Relations
Measures how well you think or see in 3-D. Can you mentally picture the side of an object from a different viewpoint If you fold a 2dimensional figure, what 3dimensional shape would result?
C.
a.
b
c.
.Note: there should be no colour on these shapes
Verbal Reasoning
Measures how well you understand and use words. Can you understand the facts and draw conclusions?
From these facts, determine which conclusions are true, false or uncertain Facts: 1. Everyone in Dylan’s class has at least one pet 2. Dylan’s cat is male. 3. There were only five female cats competing for “best cat” at the local fair. 4. Aria and Jessica do not have pets. Conclusions: A. Four of Dylan’s classmates have a male cat. B. Dylan does not have a dog. C. Jessica is not in Dylan’s class D. Dylan’s cat might have won the “best cat” prize.
A - Uncertain B - Uncertain C - True D - False
Numeracy
Measures how well you can add, subtract, multiple and divide different number systems.
Add: 19 + 20 A. 31 B. 29 C. 39 D. 21
C
Language Usage
Measures your knowledge of grammar, spelling, punctuation and capitalization. Can you write a sentence?
Which section of the following sentence has a language error? 1 2 My soccer team / advance to / the playoffs. 3
Part 2
Vocabulary
Measures if you know the meaning of words.
Which definition word has the closest meaning to the “key” word? Athletic: A. powerful B. careful C. tired D. free
Perceptual Speed and Accuracy
Measures how well you can see the similarities and differences between groups of letters, numbers and symbols
Which of these pairs are exactly the same? A. 2#dfn B. 556ju9 C. EeR5.. 2%dfm 556ku9 EdR5..
C
Manual Speed and Dexterity
Measures how fast and accurate you can make movements with your hands
How fast can you put X’s in the boxes below? There must be two diagonals that cross in the centre of the box (dot).
This exercise will be timed
± :
Box on left should have dot.
The results of these tests will give you an indication about whether you will probably have success in the specific career groups requiring certain aptitudes.