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Ability Tests

Personnel Test Battery (PTB)

Overview:

The Personnel Test Battery (PTB) is designed for the selection of clerical and administrative staff of all types. Most suitable for people with basic to good GCSE/Grade 12/Std 10. Parallel forms of the most widely used tests are available to allow use on different occasions and to prevent overuse of a particular test.

Suitable for:

Clerical staff, staff administrators, secretaries and word processor operators.

 




 

VP1.2a - Verbal Usage

Measure the vocabulary, spelling and the grammatical skills essential in the drafting and processing of basic work correspondence. The time taken to complete the test is 10 minutes.

NP2.2a - Numerical Computation

Measure basic numerical skills. The emphasis is on straightforward calculation and the understanding of arithmetical operations. The time taken to complete the test is 7 minutes.

CP3.2a - Clerical Checking

Designed to assess speed and accuracy in checking detailed information. The content of CP3.2a is based on the details of office equipment. The time taken to complete the test is 7 minutes.

CP4.2a - Classification

Appropriate for jobs involving filing and information handling. Candidates are asked to classify information according to a given rule system and to record their actions in a coded form. CP4.2a is based on records of correspondence sent to a local authority. The time taken to complete the test is 7 minutes.

VP5.2a - Verbal Comprehension

Measure the ability to interpret and understand written information. Requires a higher level of verbal skills than VP1.2a. The time taken to complete the test is 18 minutes.

NP6.2a - Numerical Reasoning

Assess basic reasoning skill with numbers.  Questions may involve decimals, fractions and graphs. Candidates need to use a calculator for NP6.2a. These tests are more demanding than NP2.2a. The time taken to complete the test is 15 minutes.

CP7.1a - Basic Checking

Measure speed and accuracy of checking at a basic level. Principally for use with clerical staff whose job includes routine checking. The time taken to complete the test is 10 minutes.

CP8.1a - Audio Checking

Is relevant to clerical jobs involving absorption of oral information, such as telesales and airline or hotel booking staff. A string of characters is presented from an audio CD with the candidate selecting the answer that corresponds to the spoken sequence. The time taken to complete the test is 10 minutes.

CP9.1a - Text Checking

Assess the speed and accuracy in proof-reading. The test requires detailed proof-reading from one set of text to another, with candidates required to specify the exact nature of errors identified. The time taken to complete the test is 10 minutes.

NP10.1a - Numerical Estimation

Ability to estimate answers to numerical calculations involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and percentages under tight time constraints. Calculators are not allowed. The time taken to complete the test is 10 minutes.

CP11.1a - Computer Checking

Ability to check input documentation against a computer printout or screenshot. The infomation has been reordered and added to other information in making the transfer to computer. The time taken to complete the test is 12 minutes.

Benefits

  • Reduce risk
    - Test for relevant skills early in the recruitment process reducing the risk of selecting poor performers.
  • Save time
    - Invest time and resources only on the best candidates in the remainder of the recruitment process.
  • Reduce cost
    - Reduce cost per hire by testing out unsuitable candidates.
  • Increase speed to hire
    - Identify and progress key talent  more quickly and make faster hiring decisions.
  • Fairness and consistency
    - Objectivity and consistency enables the testing process to be fair and equitable for all applicants.
  • Psychometrically sound and efficient
    - Exceeds test reliability standards, timing is efficient and standardised.

Language / norm availability

The Personnel Test Battery is available in a variety of languages and with an extensive range of norms.

For the latest availability information, please make a product enquiry with your local SHL office.