| | Programmer Analyst Aptitude Test
 |
Author:
Bruce A. Winrow |
|
Date
introduced: 1997 |
|
Administration
time: 1 hour |
|
Booklet and Internet versions available |
Purpose
This test is for
both entry-level and experienced candidates. To evaluate the person's aptitude
and potential for programming and analyzing business problems. This test assumes
no prior experience or knowledge of data processing.
General
Description
This
one-hour test, from which a one-page report is provided to the client, consists of four
problems that evaluate logical ability, skills in interpretation of complicated
specifications and potential for translating business problems into symbolic logic. The
first three problems evaluate the individual's programming potential. They evaluate such
traits as logical ability, attention to detail, basic mathematical skills, the ability to
follow procedures, reason with symbols, and create a symbolic program. The last problem is
designed to test the person's analytical ability and skill in interpreting business
specifications to solve problems. No personality traits are measured in this version.
Positions for
which the test is appropriate
This test is used
to pre-screen job applicants and in-house personnel for their computer
programming aptitudes and business analysis potentials.
Job criteria
measured
|
Ability to
think logically |
|
Ability to
follow procedural logic |
|
Ability to
accurately solve problems |
|
Ability to
reason with symbols according to stated definitions |
|
Ability to
perform basic arithmetic calculations (add, subtract, multiply, divide) |
|
Ability to
understand complex relationships |
|
Ability to
follow instructions precisely |
|
Ability to
analyze a problem not solvable by trial and error alone |
|
Attention to
detail |
|
Ability to
sustain concentration |
|
Ability to
analyze data contained in charts and tables |
|
Ability to
work under pressure |
|
Ability to
work independently |
|
Ability to
translate detailed specifications into symbolic logic |
|
Ability to
handle new problems |
|
Ability to
learn |
|
Ability to
comprehend written material |
|
Ability to
create procedural logic |
|
Ability to
solve problems utilizing reasoning with symbols |
|
Ability to
persevere |
|
Ability to
interpret business specifications |
Test
administration
The test requires only clerical supervision
to administer. Once begun, it is self-instructive for candidates, requiring
1 hour to
complete.
Sample question
(segment)
Sample: Using our new
"SYMBOLS", the instruction for sending Starfire from Earth (from the
most northern space station) to Jupiter would be:
SF131328E.
* The above sample would only be solvable with the
additional information that is provided in the test.
Sample Candidate
Evaluation Report
Click
here to view a sample detailed evaluation report.
Evaluation
The
overall rating is based on scores according to the following table:
|
Score
|
Overall
Rating
|
Likelihood
for Success
|
|
80-100%
|
Strongly
Recommended
|
We
strongly recommend this individual as having the potential for a
successful career as a programmer analyst.
|
|
65-79%
|
Recommended
|
We
recommend this individual for a career as a programmer analyst provided
further supervised training is supplied.
|
|
58-64%
|
Recommended
for Limited Use
|
We
recommend this individual for a career as a programmer analyst only if
highly motivated, and if an intensive, well supervised training course is
available.
|
|
0-57%
|
Not
Recommended
|
We
DO NOT recommend this individual for a career as a programmer analyst.
|
Validation Information
December,
1997:
Given
the demonstrated relationship between the abilities and skills required to
perform the fourteen key tasks of the Programmer Analyst - Introductory/Trainee
job, and those measured by the PAAT - 1HR, the test represents a content valid
evaluation device for the job.
Languages
published
|
English |
| French |
|
