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Systems Programming Aptitude Test
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Author:
Jack M. Wolfe, Ph.D. |
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Date
introduced: 1973 |
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Administration
time: 3 hours |
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Available from Walden in the US and Canada only. For other
countries, call for additional information at 800-361-4908.
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Purpose
To evaluate the aptitudes and potentials of
systems programming candidates of all experience levels, for work in all types of systems
programming tasks.
General
Description
The SPAT is a generalized aptitude test
designed to measure the essential traits of a systems programming position. A systems
programmer or software programmer is usually involved in highly intricate programming
problems relating to the programs that run the computer hardware, operating systems,
peripherals and internal memory functions. The SPAT test consists of five work exercises
which require candidates to demonstrate superior logic, follow highly intricate
instructions, and document clearly and concisely. High ability to generalize from a
specific data set, and the understanding of intricate sets of operations requiring
simultaneous steps are also demanded by the problems. The problems are presented in
increasing order of difficulty.
Positions
for which the test is appropriate
The SPAT test can be used to screen both
inexperienced and experienced applicants. This test also measures the ability to work in
systems programming, identifying promotability and skill levels.
Job
criteria measured
| Superior logical ability |
| Accuracy |
| Ability to reason with symbols according to
stated definitions |
| Understanding and observing highly complex
relationships |
| Deducing generalizations from a series of
specific cases |
| Ability to precisely interpret intricate
specifications and definitions |
| Analyzing a problem not solvable by trial and
error alone |
| Strong attention to detail |
Test
administration
All of the instructions are given in the test
book. While no time limit is given, the test requires approximately three hours to
complete.
Sample
question (segment)
2. (a) Increase by 2 the number
in the instruction Line 3.
(b) MOVE (3,10).
(c) Go to Line 10.
3. Go to Line 12.
4. (a) Increase by 1 the number
in the instruction on Line 10.
(b) Increase by 2 the number on Line 11.
(c) Go to Line 10.
5. (a) If the number on Line 11
is equal to 6, increase by 1 the number in the instruction on Line 10, and then go to Line 1.
(b) If the number on Line 11 is less than 6, change the number in the
instruction on Line 10 to 4, and then go to Line 10.
Sample Candidate Evaluation Report
Click here to view a sample detailed evaluation report.
Scoring
The candidate's score is determined by
categorizing different types of errors and deducting different point values for errors,
varying with the severity. The report consists of a score and a percentile and a detailed
narrative describing the candidate's strengths and weaknesses. Each candidate is also
evaluated in scores ranging from excellent to below average.
Evaluation
The overall rating
is based on scores according to the following table:
| Score |
Percentile |
Evaluation |
| 100% |
97th or higher |
EXCELLENT |
| 95 - 99% |
90 - 96th |
VERY HIGH |
| 92 - 95% |
80 - 89th |
HIGH |
| 90 - 92% |
70 - 79th |
ABOVE AVERAGE |
| 74 - 89% |
30 - 69th |
AVERAGE |
| 67 - 74% |
20 - 29th |
MARGINAL |
| 52 - 66% |
10 - 19th |
BELOW AVERAGE |
| 50 - 52% |
6 - 9th |
LOW |
| 49% or lower |
<1st - 5th |
VERY LOW |
Validation Information
May
1, 1981: This
validation study of the Wolfe Systems Programming Aptitude Test
demonstrates a significant relationship between test scores and
supervisory performance ratings. This report is based on the findings at
18 client companies, and was conducted by Walden Personnel Testing &
Consulting Inc.
Languages
published
| English |
| French |
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