Psychometrist

For most people, standardized tests are relics from adolescence, the thought of which reminds them of academic angst brought on by No. 2 pencils, quadratic equations, and obscure SAT vocabulary words. Not all tests are designed to punish you for picking “A” instead of “C,” however. In fact, some tests — called “psychometric” tests — are designed to help you. Not by forcing you to learn about algebra, but rather by helping you learn about your mental and emotional state.

As a Psychometrist, you’re the person who’s in charge of administering and scoring those tests, which are given under the supervision of a Psychologist or Neuropsychologist for the purpose of evaluating patients’ cognitive abilities, behavioral functions, and emotional conditions.

Typically, there’s no “right” or “wrong,” as psychometric tests measure things like personality traits, motor skills, comprehension, memory, language, and emotion as a means of treating and rehabilitating patients who suffer from cognitive conditions, such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease, just to name a few. The goal isn’t measuring intelligence, per se; instead, it’s assessing brain function to help diagnose and treat brain conditions.

A professional “ Proctor ” of the psychological variety, a Psychometrist acts as the Psychologist, which means your duties as a Psychometrist may include administrative tasks like patient scheduling, billing, and recordkeeping. Ultimately, though, your primary responsibilities are selecting, administering, supervising, and scoring psychometric tests; observing test-takers’ behaviors; and consulting with Psychologists and Neuropsychologists on potential treatments based on your observations and test scores.

Psychologists can’t see inside patients’ heads. Thanks to you, however, they can at least steal a glance!