* The Language-Free Programmer/Analyst Test (LPAT)
The next time you need to hire a programmer or computer analyst, consider having your human resources folks first determine applicants’ potential by administering a skills test.
The folks at APR Testing Services http://www.aprtestingservices.com offer a test that measure a job applicant’s potential rather than his knowledge of a specific computer language. The Language-Free Programmer/Analyst Test (LPAT) measures basic abilities on the job, going beyond what basic interviews or resumes can tell you. Because it doesn’t focus on proprietary languages, it’s useful for comparing applicants with each other and against a baseline score.
Test content includes reasoning and problem solving, numerical and logical analysis and using and analyzing written documents. Test takers are asked to determine what information is relevant to a particular problem, use diagrams, change ideas into formulas, follow logical rules and analyze problems, learn and use pattern matching rules, understand written assignments and comprehend and use basic business English.
Questions are administered through a paper booklet for security reasons, but candidates answer the test online. APR’s server scores the test and sends the results to a pre-arranged e-mail address.
The LPAT costs $80 for a single-candidate package, which includes a test booklet, instructions and tables for comparing and interpreting scores. A 10-candidate package is available for $425. For more information, go to https://www.aprtestingservices.com/business/lpat/index.htm
