Psychometrist Job Description
Psychometrists support psychologists in conducting tests and evaluating aptitude or behavior in patients. This job involves performing clerical duties, forwarding observations on to colleagues, and building rapport with patients to encourage better test results. Psychometrists work in a variety of different settings that can vary based on their personal or professional interests, such as medical or clinical settings, mental health clinics, and private practices. Many psychometrists also work in business environments, such as human resource departments. This job is well suited to people who are analytical, have good interpersonal and relationship-building skills, are empathetic, and have basic computer knowledge.
Psychometrist Duties and Responsibilities
The organization a psychometrist works for will determine the exact duties they perform and the responsibilities they take on. Based on job listings we analyzed, a psychometrist’s duties typically involve:
Administer Tests
Psychometrists use their knowledge of psychology to administer and score tests that evaluate the cognitive, academic, behavioral, and emotional status of the individual being tested.
Conduct Interviews
Psychometrists conduct interviews and ask their patients questions, observing their behavior as well as noting their responses. They use their knowledge to pick up on any subtle cues that indicate patient behavior that might be missed in everyday interactions.
Build Rapport with Patients
To encourage better results, psychometrists aim to build relationships with patients or clients to motivate them to participate in tests. The clients a psychometrist may work with include mental health patients, test subjects for sample groups, and rehabilitation patients.
Carry Out Clerical Duties
Psychometrists perform clerical duties such as billing patients, typing reports or letters, and updating records. If they work in medical or clinical settings, this may also mean ensuring that documentation and medical records are updated accurately.
Write Reports
Psychometrists write up their observations, test results, and any additional information they’ve noted about the patient. They compile this information into a report that psychologists can then use in their diagnosis of the individual.
Psychometrist Skills and Qualifications
Psychometrists are skilled at explaining technical information to people with no knowledge of the subject, are good team collaborators, and have excellent statistical and analytical skills. Typically, employers require a bachelor’s degree in psychology and some previous experience, as well as the following abilities:
- Analytical thinking – psychometrists need excellent observation and analytical skills to draw conclusions based on data and test scores
- Communication skills – psychometrists need great communication skills to explain procedures, work well with other professionals, and be a good team player
- Attention to detail – psychometrists should have an eye for detail to pick up on behavioral cues that might otherwise be missed
- Interpersonal skills – this job requires building rapport with patients and helping them understand procedures, so psychometrists need good interpersonal skills
- Record keeping – psychometrists score tests and record responses and behaviors, so they need good record-keeping skills to do this accurately
Psychometrist Education and Training
The minimum requirement to become a psychometrist is a bachelor’s degree in psychology, although some employers may prefer candidates who have a master’s degree or higher, such as a PhD in psychology or statistics, along with some experience relevant to this position. Psychometrists may also choose to obtain certification from the Board of Certified Psychometrists to gain a competitive edge in the job market, although certification is not a formal requirement to gain a job in this field. Staying up to date with the latest medical developments and technology is important and may require additional training as candidates progress through their careers.
Psychometrist Salary and Outlook
The median annual salary for psychometrists is nearly $42,000, according to PayScale. Psychometrists in the 10th percentile earn around $31,000 annually, while the highest paid earn close to $60,000 a year. The higher end of this pay scale includes bonuses of up to $4,000. Just under half of companies provide dental coverage, but over 60 percent of employers provide medical coverage as part of their benefit packages. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that this sector will grow 14 percent through 2026.
Helpful Resources
We’ve collected some of the best resources to help you learn more about becoming a psychometrist:
Psychometric Tests – this comprehensive guide covers various psychometric tests, from numerical and nonverbal reasoning tests to concentration and mechanical comprehension tests
Practice Psychometric Tests – this book is packed with useful information to help readers understand psychometric testing. It covers 52 practice tests with over 300 questions covering verbal, numerical, abstract, and spatial reasoning
International Association of Psychometrists – this LinkeIn group is affiliated with the National Association of Psychometrists and aims to promote the field and share knowledge. It’s useful for those new to the profession looking to learn from experienced professionals, develop contacts for job opportunities, and expand their understanding of techniques and skills
National Association of Psychometrists – the official site for NAP is a great resource to learn more about certifications, events related to this field, and publications worth reading for a better understanding of the job
Psychometrist Resume Help
Explore these related job titles from our database of hundreds of thousands of expert-approved resume samples: