Washington State Department of Services for the Blind

Introduction to Employment Testing*

For some jobs, you may need to take a test. Usually, the job announcement or ad will say if a test is required. There are several types of selection and job fitness tests:

• Aptitude tests predict your ability to learn and perform job tasks.
• Skills tests measure your knowledge and ability to perform a job (e.g., word processing speed for a clerical job; knowledge of street names and routes for a delivery driver, etc.).
• Literacy tests measure reading and arithmetic levels.
• Personality tests evaluate mental, emotional, and makeup (important for jobs like police officer, nuclear plant operator, etc.).
• Integrity tests evaluate the likelihood of employees stealing.
• Physical ability tests measure strength, flexibility, stamina, and speed for jobs that require physical performance.
• Medical tests determine physical fitness to do a job.
• Drug tests show the presence of illegal drugs that could impair job performance or threaten the safety of others.

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