An aptitude test is a type of test that is used to predict a person’s future success. Aptitude tests, rather than testing knowledge, are used to assess innate abilities as well as the ability to learn and acquire new skills. These assessments are used in a variety of settings, including schools and job placement agencies. Aptitude tests, like many other tests designed to produce standardized results, have been criticized in the past for containing biases that make it difficult for people from certain groups to pass the test.
Reading comprehension, critical thinking skills, mathematical abilities, logic, and other topics can all be explored through aptitude tests. To take a generic aptitude test, the test taker does not need to be knowledgeable in a specific field, but he or she does need a basic education so that reading comprehension and math problems are not too difficult. The aptitude test also requires the test taker to pick up new skills as the test progresses, putting their thinking skills to the test.
Some industries have their own aptitude tests that demand at least rudimentary skills. Computer programmers, for example, can take aptitude tests that examine their programming abilities and challenge them to learn and apply new skills throughout the test. Aptitude tests can also be used to determine a person’s suitability for a specific profession. These types of aptitude tests are used employment placement agencies, guidance counselors, and some employers to place people in jobs where they will fit in.
A variety of free aptitude tests are available online, most of which are aimed at people who want to use aptitude testing to explore new career options. These tests are simple to complete and can take anywhere from a few minutes to well over an hour to complete. Some companies may use an online aptitude test as a recruiting tool, providing job listings to those who pass the test or requiring people to take the test as part of an online job application.
Performance on an aptitude test can be influenced a number of factors. Because there are many correct answers and the test is designed to group test-takers into a specific class of people rather than to measure test-takers against each other, these tests do not examine intelligence, and there is often no formal score. If an aptitude test has a hidden bias, such as a test-taker who gets tense while taking tests, the results can be skewed, which is why it’s a good idea to take several of them to get a wide range of results.