Psychometric Test Security and Ethics

In this talk, you will learn about the ethical handling and security of psychometric tests, including guidelines on confidentiality, data protection, and legal considerations. The unit explains how test materials should be stored, who can access results, and why maintaining candidate confidentiality is critical. You will also understand discrimination risks in testing and the importance of creating clear organisational policies to ensure fair and secure use of psychometric assessments.

After this talk, you will:

• Understand the importance of handling psychometric test materials securely and keeping them locked away or password protected.

• Know the legal and ethical reasons for not photocopying or sharing test materials without permission.

• Be aware of the need to keep all test results and personal data confidential and secure.

• Recognise who should have access to psychometric test results and the form in which results should be shared.

• Understand that only qualified and trained individuals should administer, score, and interpret psychometric tests.

• Know about applicant tracking systems (ATS) and the risks of giving untrained users access to detailed test data.

• Be able to explain the need to set out a clear organisational policy covering test administration, access rights, data storage, feedback, and data shelf life.

• Understand why it is important to give feedback to candidates, and the best practice for doing so.

• Know the difference between direct and indirect discrimination, and why indirect discrimination is a particular concern in psychometric testing.

• Understand the importance of monitoring tests for adverse impact and what steps to take if unjustified adverse impact is found.

• Realise that the qualification for administering psychometrics is personal, not organisational, and must be maintained by individuals.

• Be reminded of the responsibility to keep all materials and candidate data safe, secure, and confidential at all times.