What Is A Psychometrician? Psychometrician Job Description And Opportunities

Have you ever wondered how aptitude and personality type tests are made? This type of practice falls under the field of psychometrics, or the study of one’s knowledge, skills, and abilities. Consequently, the people behind this practice are called psychometricians. If you want to learn more, then you’ve come to the right place.

What Is a Psychometrician?

Psychometricians have similarities with most medical or scientific professionals. But they are not doctors. Psychometricians are scientists who deal specifically with measuring a person’s psychological attributes. They do this by researching and developing reliable psychological testing tools. They also study and validate them to help people understand their capabilities for career, education, and other purposes.

In the Philippines, psychometricians usually work in research or assessment centers, often under licensed psychologists. They also work in educational institutions such as universities. Others are likewise found in hospitals, clinics, social service organizations, and other psychological facilities.

What Does A Psychometrician Do In The Philippines?

What psychometricians do on a regular basis depends on the industry they belong to. Nonetheless, psychometricians across all fields share a common set of responsibilities, which consists of the following:

Study data

Like all scientists, psychometricians rely on data and facts to perform their primary duties. To do this, they conduct research studies and gather pertinent information about their subject or subjects.

Manage tests

Using well-researched data, psychometricians design and produce tests and testing systems for various purposes. It’s also their job to administer and manage them to make sure they remain accurate and relevant. As mentioned, the most common tests conducted by psychometricians include aptitude and personality tests.

Evaluate results

A psychometrician’s job doesn’t end with providing psychological tests. They’re also responsible for analyzing relevant results for the benefit of the center or organization they are working for. In addition to data analysis, they must also prepare reports of these results.

How To Become a Psychometrician

Like all of those who work in the medical or science field, becoming a psychometrician requires extensive studying for several years. That way, they can truly master the field and provide quality services to their clients. Often, a psychometrician’s career journey would involve the following:

1. Get a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree

Psychometricians normally start their career by getting a bachelor’s degree in psychology, statistics, education, mathematics, or related fields. If you want to become one, focus on taking either of these programs in a reputable institution specializing in the sciences. More than getting quality training on the foundations of a psychometrician, this will also earn you connections that can help you in future psychometrician jobs.

2. Sign up for internships and on-the-job training

Training to be a psychometrician in the Philippines requires immersing yourself in the field after completing your education. Again, concentrate on getting into research or testing facilities and centers. These will provide you with the most experience in your chosen career. But if your university has open roles for interns and OJTs, you will also want to consider this option. It’s common for these institutions to offer internship opportunities to their graduating or fresh graduates.

3. Look for psychometrician jobs in the Philippines

Although underrated compared to other science-centric fields, psychometrician jobs are not that difficult to find and land locally. That is, as long as you possess the minimum requirements needed for the role. If you specialize in data gathering more, then prioritize jobs in research centers. For those who want to manage tests directly, then assessment companies and universities should be on your radar from the beginning.

What's The Usual Salary For a Psychometrician?

The average psychometrician salary in the Philippines is Php 186,000 per year, based on Payscale. This can go up to Php 257,000 depending on a number of factors. Generally, it includes the base salary, bonus, and sometimes overtime pay.

Furthermore, if you’ve only been working as a psychometrician for less than one year, you can expect an average salary of Php 175,000. Those with 1-4 years of experience can earn as much as Php 194,000. Other factors that can affect your salary in the field include any additional training you have taken to become an effective psychometrician. Not to mention, the industry and location you chose to work in.

Skills You Need To Become a Psychometrician

Besides having multiple degrees, you should have specific skills to qualify as a psychometrician. If you’re serious about becoming one, the following top areas are just some of those that you need to focus on:

Data analysis

In order to produce effective psychological tests, psychometricians must have the ability to analyze complex and large amounts of data. In relation to analyzing, they must be able to focus on details and solve statistical problems, which are key in doing preliminary research and evaluating test findings.

Cognitive assessment

Cognitive assessment is the heart of a psychometrician’s career. This skill requires an entirely different level of psychological expertise. On top of being able to study data, psychometricians must have a deep level of understanding about how each person thinks and views the world around him or her.

Test planning

Also crucial to being a psychometrician is being able to plan, design, and administer tests as accurately and efficiently as possible. In doing so, it’s not enough to just know your data. You must also learn to organize and communicate them to your colleagues, superiors, and stakeholders to maximize the tests’ purpose.

Also read: How to Make Your CV Stand Out and Get Noticed by Employers

Examples Of a Psychometrician Job Description

As mentioned earlier, psychometricians work in several types of environments and for different purposes. Nonetheless, here’s what psychometrician job descriptions usually contain for those with less than one year of experience.

Treatment facility

• Conduct focus group discussions and interviews of patients or residents.
• Work with doctors, specialists, and other workers in developing treatment interventions for the patients or residents.
• Execute and monitor treatment programs alongside staff members.
• Prepare and present relevant reports about the programs to facility heads.
• Perform any other related duties as required.

Local college

• Create and administer psychological examinations for staff applicants and newly hired employees.
• Perform background checks on all staff applicants during the recruitment period.
• Review and validate the application and pre-employment requirements of candidates and new hires.
• Prepare evaluation reports of all tests and checks conducted.
• Perform any other related duties as required.

Government office

• Facilitate psychological examinations and assessments of existing and upcoming employees.
• Assist in the onboarding and induction of new hires or promotions.
• Supervise and verify staff compliance with company policies, including the filing of benefits such as leaves.
• Manage official documents and ensure office conformance in organizing them.
• Perform any other related duties as required.

Apply As a Psychometrician Now

Interested in becoming a psychometrician? #SEEKBetter psychometrician career opportunities on JobStreet. Download the JobStreet app on Google Play or App Store, followed by creating or updating your JobStreet profile. To further help you in your career journey as a psychometrician, visit Career Resources.