What you do well, or what you potentially can do well, may be assessed using tests of abilities or aptitude. Knowing your relative strengths and skills can indicate career paths in which you are likely to succeed. Examples of these sort of assessments are the General Reasoning Test (GRT2) and Technical Test Battery (TTB).
The GRT2 is an ability test that has been designed to assess across the broadest range of ability. It is a comprehensive, detailed and accurate measure of mental ability. It consists of three sections, bound in one booklet or administered via a computer. These sections measure Verbal, Numerical and Abstract Reasoning. The test requires only a basic level of education and consequently can be used to assess, for example, all levels of staff in an organisation. The test is particularly useful for identifying individuals who are likely to benefit from further training and development, and those who demonstrate potential. In addition, it is useful for assessing whether applicants have the minimum ability level needed for a particular job.
Measures basic vocabulary, verbal fluency and the ability to reason using words. This test is appropriate for all clerical and administrative jobs, as well as junior sales positions and any jobs that require a basic level of verbal ability.
Numerical ReasoningMeasures the ability to use numbers efficiently in a logical and efficient way. It will be useful for assessing potential and existing staff in any job which requires a fair level of numerical ability (e. g. , accounts clerks and technical roles).
Abstract ReasoningMeasures the ability to understand abstract logical problems and use new information outside the range of previous experience. This is the purest form of mental ability and is least affected by previous education and achievement. It is therefore ideally suited to assess individuals of various educational backgrounds and cultural groups.
Link to sample GRT2 report (for counsellors)
Link to sample GRT2 reoport (for students)
The Technical Test Battery (TTB2) consists of three measures which can be administered on-screen or in pencil-and-paper form, on their own or as part of a battery. The TTB2 measures the core skills that are required from staff selected and assessed for engineering apprenticeships, craft apprenticeships or technical training. More than a measure of knowledge or attainment, the TTB2 will help identify those people who are likely to be able to grasp technical concepts and put them to practical use.What the Technical Test Battery Measures
Measures the ability to understand mechanical concepts and physical principles in operation. This test involves selecting the diagram that correctly exemplifies the underlying principle. The items have been selected from a wide range of areas (including optics, electrics, fluids and mechanics) so users can be confident that they are measuring a broad ranging aptitude, including mechanical comprehension.
Spatial ReasoningMeasures spatial ability both from the perspective of visually constructing a three dimensional object and visually relating an object to its pre-constructed patterned form. Consisting of a number of diagrams which assess the ability to visualise shapes and objects in three dimensions, the test involves choosing the correct shape that could be constructed from the given pattern or vice-versa.
Visual AcuitySpecifically designed for on-screen assessment, the Visual Acuity Test measures the ability (and disposition) to work with highly detailed technical material such as wiring or circuit diagrams. The test involves following a single pathway through a complex maze and assesses visual and attentional capacity, which is relatively independent of general ability. The Visual Acuity Test has been developed specifically to assess technical and craft apprentices in roles which involve checking, repairing and replacing electrical/electronic circuitry and components.
Link to sample TTB2 report (for counsellors)> Link to sample TTB2 report (for students)