The Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing includes the
following standards for those who qualify to administer the following tests:
Standard 6.7
Test documents should specify qualifications that are required to
administer a test and to interpret the test scores accurately.
Comment: Statements of user qualifications need to specify the training,
certification, competencies, or experience needed to have access to a test.
Standard 12.8
Professionals should ensure that persons under their supervision, who
administer and score tests, are adequately trained in the settings in which
the testing occurs and with the populations served.
Standard 13.10
Those responsible for educational testing programs should ensure that the
individuals who administer and score the test(s) are proficient in the
appropriate test administration procedures and scoring procedures and
that they understand the importance of adhering to the directions provided
by the test developer.
Standard 13.12
In educational settings, those who supervise others in test selection,
administration, and interpretation should have received education and
training in testing necessary to ensure familiarity with the evidence for
validity and reliability for test used in the educational setting and to be
prepared to articulate or to ensure that others articulate a logical
explanation of the relationship among the tests used, the purposes they
serve, and the interpretations of the test scores.
Test developers and publishers have created this qualification level system
in order to meet these standards:
Qualification Level: A
No special qualifications are required, although the range of products eligible for
purchase is limited.
Qualification Level: B
A degree from an accredited 4-year college or university in psychology,
counseling, or a closely related field PLUS satisfactory completion of coursework
in test interpretation, psychometrics and measurement theory, educational
statistics, or a closely related area; OR license or certification from an agency
that requires appropriate training and experience in the ethical and competent
use of psychological tests.
Qualification Level: C
All qualifications for Level B PLUS an advanced professional degree that
provides appropriate training in the administration and interpretation of
psychological tests; OR license or certification from an agency that requires
appropriate training and experience in the ethical and competent use of
psychological tests.
Qualification Level: S
A degree, certificate, or license to practice in a healthcare profession or
occupation, including (but not limited to) the following: clinical psychology,
medicine, neurology, neuropsychology, nursing, occupational therapy and other
allied healthcare professions, physician's assistants, psychiatry, school
psychology, social work, speech-language pathology; plus appropriate training
and experience in the ethical administration, scoring, and interpretation of clinical
behavioral assessment instruments.
Certain healthcare providers may be eligible to purchase selected B and C level
instruments within their area of expertise. Specifically, relevant supervised
clinical experience using tests (i.e., internship, residency) in combination with
formal coursework (i.e., tests and measurement, individual assessment, or
equivalent) qualifies a healthcare provider to purchase certain restricted
products.
The following links provide examples of how some publishers handle the
Qualification Level guidelines:
http://www.cpp.com/qual/index.asp
http://www.pearsonassessments.com/forms/levels.htm
http://www3.parinc.com/faqs/default.aspx?Category=Qualification%20Levels&Ca
tegory_id=20
Guidelines for HR people who use tests for employment selection purposes.
http://www.hr-guide.com/data/G365.htm
APA link - Finding info about tests
http://www.apa.org/science/faq-findtests.html