Portfolio submission for applicants applying for test user qualifications in forensic
testing contexts
Route 2 applicants only
Assistant Test User: Forensic
NB: Please ensure that all identifying information, such as names and email addresses, is removed from your portfolio submission and
supporting documents before being submitted.
Name:________________________________________________
BPS Membership number: _______________________________
Module Set: 4C
Module
reference
number
Evidence of how you have
applied the standards
described in the previous
column
Module contents
1
Reference (if
applicable) Please indicate
where this is
evidenced in your
portfolio, e.g.
Document 3, p.34,
para 3-6
Module 4.107
Introduction
to testing:
Forensic
Category:
Psychological
Knowledge
This module introduces the different types of test and other
assessments used in forensic contexts, considers the role of
testing in the broader assessment processes and issues in the
administration of tests under different levels of supervision.
An Assistant Test User should 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.
Module
reference
number
An Assistant Test User should:
107.1
Be able to distinguish between tests of ability, aptitude and
Evidence of how you have
applied the standards
2
Reference (if
applicable) Please indicate
where this is
evidenced in your
portfolio, e.g.
Document 3, p.34,
para 3-6
attainment.
107.2
107.3
107.4
Be able to 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 be able to provide examples of the appropriate use of
each type of test.
Be able to distinguish between different types of risk assessment
measures/tools and describe other tests frequency used in
forensic contexts.
Be able to 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 be able to provide
examples of the appropriate use of each type of test.
Be able to distinguish between different types of
questions/factors included in tests.
Be able to 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.
Be able to distinguish between open, controlled, supervised and
managed modes of test administration:
Be able to 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
3
107.5
107.6
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.
Be able to demonstrate an understanding of the purpose of
testing within the overall context of assessment:
Be able to 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.
Be able to demonstrate an understanding of key theories relevant
to testing in forensic contexts:
Be able to demonstrate an understanding of key theories relevant
to testing in forensic contexts such as concurrent widely accepted
theories.
Module
reference
number
Evidence of how you have
applied the standards
described in the previous
column
Module contents
Module 4.108. This module covers practical skills in preparing a face-to-face test
Administering administration session, administering and scoring tests.
tests to one
Assistant Test Users should be able to demonstrate their abilities
or more test
4
Reference (if
applicable) Please indicate
where this is
evidenced in your
portfolio, e.g.
Document 3, p.34,
para 3-6
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
Category:
Practitioner Skill 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.
takers, part 1
Module
An Assistant Test User: Forensic Contexts should:
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 in
advance of the session/assessment.
108.2
Read and understand the administration requirements and
instructions of specific tests.
Ensure that all test takers receive appropriate briefing and
preparation materials a suitable time prior to the testing session.
Provide 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.
5
Evidence of how you have
applied the standards
Reference (if
applicable) Please indicate
where this is
evidenced in your
portfolio, e.g.
Document 3, p.34,
para 3-6
When administering supervised or managed mode assessments:
108.3
108.4
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.
Ensure that the location is suitable for the duration and type of
assessment, equipment required, numbers of test takers and
safety of all present.
Be able 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.
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.
6
108.5
108.6
108.7
108.8
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.
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.
Follow standard test procedures and instructions as specified in
the tests’ user manuals.
Be able to follow 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.
Monitor behaviour before and during the test to identify any
issues or problems that may arise.
7
108.9
Appropriately monitor 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.
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.
Evidence of how you have
applied the standards
described in the previous
column
Module
reference
number
Module contents
Module 4.109.
This practical module covers the skills of developing rapport with
test takers and conducting the test session and scoring in
8
Reference (if
applicable) Please indicate
where this is
evidenced in your
portfolio, e.g.
Document 3, p.34,
para 3-6
Administering
tests to one
or more test
takers, part 2:
Forensic
accordance with test guidelines.
Assistant Test Users should be able 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
Practitioner Skill file/collateral information.
Module
109.1
109.2
In the case of individual testing, the Assistant Test
User should be able to:
Establish a satisfactory rapport with the test taker prior to the
commencement of testing and maintain this throughout the
session.
Establish and maintain a suitable relationship with the test taker
such that the test taker performs to an optimum level of
performance but in so doing the Assistant Test User must ensure
that standard instructions are used and that the test remains valid
and reliable.
Prompt the test taker where appropriate in accordance with the
test instructions and without invalidating the test item.
Ensure that where it is appropriate the test taker’s questions
about the test are answered in such a way as to ensure the test
is not invalidated in any way. Where doubt exists the Assistant
Test User should normally explain that a question cannot be
9
Evidence of how you have
applied the standards
Reference (if
applicable) Please indicate
where this is
evidenced in your
portfolio, e.g.
Document 3, p.34,
para 3-6
answered because to do so would invalidate the test.
109.3
109.4
109.5
Address the test takers concerns and perhaps reluctance
regarding test completion in an appropriate manner, ensuring the
test is not invalidated, and ethical practice is maintained.
Ensure that where it is appropriate the test taker’s questions
about the purpose of the tests, how the results will be used, who
will see the results, and the impact of completion and noncompletion in an honest and appropriately ethical manner,
ensuring that the test is not invalidated.
Use appropriately discreet scoring procedures so that the test
taker does not become unduly conscious of failure.
Be able to score the test accurately whilst ensuring that test
takers are not given inappropriate sight of the scoring and are not
unduly discouraged by any wrong answers.
Follow discontinuation procedures in line with the guidelines in
the test manual while ensuring that the test taker does not
become disheartened through obvious failure.
Be compliant with test instructions regarding discontinuation. If
judgment is such that a test has to be curtailed before
discontinuation point is reached the Assistant Test User must
have and demonstrate a suitable rationale for this and make
appropriate reference and attach suitable caution to results in
feedback.
Module
In the case of testing at a distance, the Assistant
Test User should be able to:
10
Evidence of how you have
applied the standards
Reference (if
applicable) Please indicate
where this is
evidenced in your
portfolio, e.g.
Document 3, p.34,
para 3-6
109.6
109.7
109.8
Ensure that test takers are sent the necessary information and
log in details in good time.
Present test takers with clear explanations about the purpose(s)
of the assessment, how the data will be treated, privacy and
confidentiality, and what provisions are available for letting the
Test User know if internet access is a problem for the candidate.
Ensure that test takers understand what is required of them and
what will be happen after completion of the assessment and that
they have a means of raising queries.
Brief test takers in a way that establishes an appropriate honesty
contract with them and explains that scores obtained in
unsupervised situations may be checked later in the process.
In the case of testing via file and/or collateral information, the
Assistant Test User should ensure the test takers understand the
processes that are being completed, the purposes of the
assessment and that appropriate consent has been given.
Be able to outline the appropriate procedures that should be
followed when assessments are made using file/collateral
information. They should be able to brief the assesses in an
appropriate manner and present clear explanations of the
purpose(s) of the assessment, how the data will be
collected/used, privacy and confidentiality, how the results will be
used and who will see these etc.
Module
reference
number
Evidence of how you have
applied the standards
described in the previous
column
Module contents
11
Reference (if
applicable) Please indicate
where this is
evidenced in your
portfolio, e.g.
Document 3, p.34,
para 3-6
Module 4.110
Maintaining
security and
confidentiality
of the test
materials and
the test data:
Forensic
This module covers the ethical use of tests and test data
including storage, confidentiality and compliance with relevant
legislation.
Assistant Test Users should be able to demonstrate clear
understandings of the ethics of testing, ethical issues/practices
specific to testing in forensic contexts and that they will act in an
ethical manner.
Assistant Test Users should be able to
demonstrate their abilities to provide test takers and other
stakeholders, where appropriate, with clear information of how
Practitioner Skill test results will be used and show how they will make suitable
arrangements for the storage of test materials, data and reports.
Module
An Assistant Test User: Forensic Contexts should:
110.1
Ensure that best practice is followed in giving clear descriptions
to the test taker(s), or relevant others, prior to the assessment
concerning: how the results are to be used; who will be given
access to them; what they will be used for; for how long they will
be retained etc.
Ensure that test takers receive clear and appropriate information
about the use and storage of their test results and access to
them, so that informed consent is obtained, either in writing or by
clicking consent on computer administration. In some cases
12
Evidence of how you have
applied the standards
Reference - Please
indicate where this
is evidenced in
your portfolio, e.g.
Document 3, p.34,
para 3-6
consent may be required from relevant others, such as parents or
guardians.
110.2
110.3
110.4
Ensure that all test data are stored in accordance with current
legislation (and the need to update knowledge in line with
legislative/guidance
updates/developments)
and
local/organisation rules/policies and guidance; store data in a
secure place and that access is not given to unauthorised
personnel.
Ensure understanding of relevant aspects of Privacy, Digital
Rights Management and the Equal Opportunities Commission
(EOC) Legislation in the country of use, rules/guidance/policies
for relevant organisations, and test takers’ rights and need to
update knowledge in line with legislative/guidance changes.
Assistant Test Users must know how and where data is stored, if
in a digital environment. If Assistant Test Users delegate some
part of the process to others, they must be competent to exercise
appropriate responsibilities.
Ensure that all test materials are kept in a secure place that is not
accessible to people other than authorised Assistant/Test Users.
Ensure appropriate measures and processes are in place so that
all paper-based test materials are stored securely and access to
computer-based tests is restricted to authorised Test Users.
Ensure that potential test takers are not provided with prior
access to test materials other than those specifically designed to
help test takers prepare for their assessments.
Ensure that where available, test takers are given access to
appropriate preparation materials but that security policies and
procedures prevent test takers accessing actual test materials
prior to testing.
13
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