Overview

Elements represents a new generation of online assessments. Using Dynamic Assessment Technology (DAT), Elements can be deployed across all organisational levels which means there is no longer a need to carefully determine which test to use from a confusing array. Each test within the testing system (verbal, numerical and logical) is available in a number of languages and takes only 10-15 minutes to complete, half the time of traditional ability tests. The question content is relevant and contemporary and has easy to follow instructions and online help.

How does it work?

All candidates commence Elements at the same point, those who answer accurately are rapidly progressed to increasingly complex information and questions; those who take too long or answer incorrectly are presented with easier information and questions. Elements quickly adapts to the candidate and hones in on the individual’s own level of ability. This system offers considerable time efficiency compared with other assessments, whilst retaining high levels of psychometric rigour.

If a candidate completes Elements remotely, a subsequent shorter verification test can be administered under supervised conditions. Uniquely, the verification test is also adaptive and commences at an appropriate difficulty level given the performance in the unsupervised test. If performance across the two tests is not consistent a warning flag is given, guarding against cheating.

Faster selection decisions

Talent Q Assessment Systems, of which Elements is a part, includes smart recruitment functionality to help users make the hiring process more streamlined. Candidates can be evaluated and ranked against the requirements of the job using the Role Profiling Wizard. Candidates are assigned a fit rating against a pre-determined role profile, enabling easy ranking of candidates.

This smart recruitment functionality means that you can:

• Quickly identify the best ‘fit’ candidates for the role
• Apply an objective and consistent selection process for making selection decisions as job specific cut-offs can be applied using the Role Profiling Wizard
• Quickly eliminate those candidates who do not meet the requirements of the role, focusing time and effort on those who do.

Elements can be used in a number of ways:

• Better Recruitment Decisions – Elements can be used alongside other assessment data to enable more informed recruitment decisions.
• Identification of high potential – The dynamic nature of Elements enables respondents to show their full potential. Unlike traditional tests, where a test and norm group is selected for a particular role, candidates completing Elements are not constrained by the level of test selected; instead they progress through the Elements testing system according to their ability.

Comparison Groups

Talent Q’s dynamic model of assessment affords users a number of choices when selecting which ‘norm group’ to compare an individual’s performance with. Scores can be compared with a composite norm, graduate, professional and managerial norm or non-graduate norm, or all three if preferred.

Increasingly talent managers are using our composite norm as their preferred approach, allowing them to compare people across their organisations for applications such as high potential identification and succession planning.

Training Requirements

Elements is available to all those with the BPS Level A accreditation or equivalent. For those without this qualification Talent Q provides an innovative blended e-learning Assessing Ability in Organisations to equip the learner with the skills and knowledge necessary to select, deploy, analyse and feedback the Elements component of Talent Q Assessment Systems. For individuals who already have Level A or equivalent training we provide full exemption from our Ability Assessment training. Simply contact us to arrange this.

The blended format of e-learning, telephone tutorials and a final classroom teaching and assessment session allows the learner to complete their training in a modular and self-paced manner, removing the requirement for time spent out of the working environment. In-house options are also available.

• Fair – Test difficulty is not assumed on the basis of an individual’s education or work experience. Elements dynamically adapts to the ability of candidates as they progress through the test, allowing all candidates, irrespective of educational or employment background to demonstrate ability and potential.
• Assesses potential – Candidates have the opportunity to answer questions across a broad range of difficulty levels, rather than a restricted set, enabling all candidates to demonstrate their full ability and potential.
• One testing system – No need to identify the most suitable test for a given role or to maintain a large suite of ability tests; Elements is one comprehensive testing system, suitable for all.
• Fast – Takes less than half the completion time of traditional ability tests, with no compromise on scientific rigour.
• Multiple use – Test data can be re-used and interrogated for multiple purposes using different benchmarks e.g. succession planning.
• Verified – Elements can be completed remotely in conjunction with a subsequent short dynamic verification test of between 6-8 minutes, which commences just below the level of complexity the candidate achieved remotely.
• Secure – The dynamic nature of Elements means that individuals are only presented with questions according to their ability, reducing the chances that questions and correct answers can be published, unlike fixed format or simple item bank tests. Questions are also randomised, reducing the chance that any two candidates will receive the same test.
• International – Elements (verbal, numerical and logical) is currently available in 16 languages, with many more to follow, making it an ideal choice for those conducting global assessment programmes.