We at the JVR Africa Group are concerned with providing high quality assessments according to best practice. When completing any test, test takers (in this case, you) have certain rights and responsibilities that you should be aware of before completing the test. These are in line with the international standards that are set in ISO 10667 and those presented by the American Psychological Association (APA). We have summarised these for you below. The International Test Commission (2010) also sets guidelines on good practices to follow whenever a test or assessment is done online, and they have a brochure on what you can expect when using technology-based tests on their website (see reference below).
Your rights (what you should expect)
You have the right to:
Be informed about your rights and responsibilities.
Be treated with courtesy, respect, consistency, and impartiality regardless of any personal characteristic.
Be assessed using tests that meet professional standards that are appropriate for what needs to be measured.
Be informed about the purpose of the assessment, the kind of test(s) that will be used, who will receive the results, and how the results will be used.
Know in advance when the assessment will be done, when the results will be available, and if there are any costs involved.
Have the assessment done by someone who is appropriately trained to do so, and who follows a professional code of ethics (or by a system set up by such individuals).
Know if an assessment is optional and what the consequences are of not taking or completing the assessment.
Know in advance whether you will receive feedback on your results.
Know that your results will be kept confidential and only shared with others where it is appropriate to do so, or where you have provided written permission.
Lodge any concerns about the process or results and expect information on how these will be addressed.
Your responsibilities (what is expected of you)
Understand your rights and responsibilities as a test taker.
Treat others with courtesy and respect during the testing process.
Ask questions prior to testing if you are uncertain about why the test is being given, how it will be given, what you will be asked to do, and what will be done with the results.
Read or listen to descriptive information in advance of testing and listen carefully to all test instructions. You should inform an examiner in advance of testing if you wish to receive a testing accommodation or if you have a physical condition or illness that may interfere with your performance on the test. If you have difficulty comprehending the language of the test, it is your responsibility to inform an examiner.
Know when and where the test will be given, pay for the test if required, appear on time with any required materials, and be ready to be tested.
Follow the test instructions you are given and represent yourself honestly during the testing.
Understand and accept the consequences of not taking the test, should you choose not to take the test.
Inform the person responsible for the assessment process if you believe that testing conditions affected your results, or if you had technical issues during the assessment.
Ask about the confidentiality of your test results, if this aspect concerns you.
Present concerns about the testing process or results in a timely, respectful way, if you have any.
In addition to the above responsibilities, we also expect you to comply with the law, so you should not cheat on the test, or have anyone else complete it for you, because that is fraud.
You also know that you are not allowed to make any copies of any test materials (whether it is by print, screenshots, photographs, or any other way) as they are protected by copyright and other laws.
If you have any questions or concerns about these rights and responsibilities, please contact the person who is managing your assessment process. You are also welcome to contact Client Services (clientservices@jvrafrica.co.za or call 011 781 3705) if you are not sure who that is.
References:
American Psychological Association. (2020). Rights and responsibilities of test takers: Guidelines and expectations. https://www.apa.org/science/programs/testing/rights
International Organisation for Standards (ISO). (2011). Assessment service delivery – Procedures and methods to assess people in work and organizational settings [ISO 10667].
International Test Commission (2010). A Test-Taker's Guide to Technology-Based Testing. [http://www.intestcom.org]
