Register of Qualifications in Test Use (RQTU)
Find information about the RQTU, how to join and search the register.
The Register of Qualifications in Test Use (RQTU) is the official record of all test users who have been awarded qualifications in educational, forensic or occupational test use by the British Psychological Society.
Search the RQTU
The RQTU is a searchable listing that appears in the public domain and can be used for checking the credentials of an individual.
Register members agree to abide by the Code of Good Practice in Psychological Testing and to maintain their competence in testing.
Where can I find someone to help me develop a test?
We have a list of chartered psychologists who can help.
Search the BPS Directory of Chartered Psychologists for psychologists offering test development services.
Search for 'test development' in the dropdown menu marked 'type or treatment of service' and a list of psychologists offering this service will display.
Contact us
If you have any queries, please contact [email protected].
Who can I complain to about a training course provider?
Training courses are offered independently, and queries should be raised directly with the course director in the first instance.
Training courses leading to eligibility for the BPS's qualifications in test use and entry on to the RQTU are offered by Chartered Psychologists who have undergone a process of verification.
The aim of the verification process is to ensure that quality standards are maintained in the assessment of candidates.
Verifiers do not address the candidate's training. Instead they focus on the quality of assessment methods used to ensure that the end result is comparable from one Verified Assessor to another, irrespective of the training route the candidate has taken.
Chartered Psychologists have to abide by the BPS Code of Ethics and Conduct.
Contact us
If you wish to make a complaint on the grounds of professional misconduct please consult the BPS complaints procedure on our website.
Where can I find someone to help me develop a test?
You can search the BPS Directory of Chartered Psychologists for psychologists offering test development services.
Enter the words 'test development' in the box marked 'What is the issue?' and a list of psychologists offering this service will display.
Find a Chartered Psychologist to assist with test development
Contact us
If you have any queries please contact the Psychological Testing Centre.
Testing people with disabilities
Estimates suggest that some 16% of the working age population in the UK have a disability.
Therefore, when assessing people for employment using psychometric tests, there's a growing likelihood that an individual with a disability will be one of the applicants.
In this situation, it's imperative that the user balances proper standardised test administration with the need for effective assessment of someone with a disability and the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.
This requires knowledge of relevant disability issues, knowledge of testing, appropriate testing policy, procedures and processes and a flexible approach.
It's not necessary for a test user to be an expert in all these areas as long as correct processes are in place for accessing appropriate expertise if and when it's needed.
This requires some preparation when an assessment process is set up. This should cover the following areas:
- Ensure that test policy covers reasonable adjustments to testing processes for candidates with a disability
- Provide appropriate training for all test users and other recruiters
Test procedures
Make sure test procedures are appropriate and particularly that:
- Candidates with a disability know who to contact regarding requests for reasonable adjustments
- Test administrators know what to do when a request for adjustments is received
- Provide a list of contact details for relevant experts, advisors, special equipment etc.
With these in place, the test user should be able to deal effectively with requests for adjustments as and when they occur.
Getting advice
There are many sources of advice and information available concerning disability generally and test use for people with disabilities. More information about testing people with disabilities can be found on the Guidelines on testing and test use page of this website.
Most test publishers provide advice on adapting their tests and some can also provide alternative format materials (e.g. tests in Braille). Many will provide free guidelines on the subject. There are organisations that provide information and support for people with specific disabilities as well as organisations that deal with more general disability issues, or specialise in employment issues.
They're often good sources of information on obtaining equipment or specialists such as sign language interpreters. There're a number of psychologists with expertise in testing and disability who can provide advice and consultancy in general testing matters and with specific candidates. Please see the BPS Directory of Chartered Psychologists.
Find out more
Contact us
If you have any queries, please contact the Customer Support Team.
Taking a test as part of employment
Can an employee be made to take a test by a consultant working for the employee's company? Does the employee have the right to refuse to take a test? What rights does an employer have to discipline an employee who refuses? Is an employee entitled to feedback if the outcome of the test is likely to affect their career/employment?
It would be inappropriate for this website to provide legal advice, therefore for definitive information about employment law, you should consult a legal expert.
In general, what an employer can ask of an employee is determined by the contract of employment, although a contract cannot usually overrule legal rights and requirements under employment law.
You should have received a written copy of your contract and any staff handbook of company policies and procedures.
It would usually be expected that an employee complies with the employer's procedures such as staff appraisal and development. Refusal could therefore invoke the disciplinary procedure.
Resolving concerns
If you have concerns that the testing is being used unfairly - particularly in making important decisions such as redundancy or promotion - you may be able to take a legal challenge through an employment tribunal.
If you have concerns about the way tests are being used in your organisation, you should try to discuss these with your manager, someone from the HR department, or the external consultant.
Whenever you're asked to complete a test or questionnaire, you should receive a clear explanation of what the test is, why it is being used and what will happen with the results.
You can search the Register of Qualifications in Test Use (RQTU) to see whether the person administering the tests has an appropriate qualification.
A Chartered Psychologist could provide advice on whether the particular tests and the way they are being used are appropriate. This site provides reviews of many different tests, although these are written for qualified test users and do require some technical knowledge to fully understand.
It's always good practice in any testing procedure to provide participants with feedback on their results.
Where these are held on file, you can make a subject access request under the Data Protection Act to see the results if your employer refuses to provide feedback on request.
Contact us
If you have any queries, please contact the Customer Support Team.