The Use of Testing Technicians: Critical Issues for Professional Psychology

Abstract

The controversial practice of using unlicensed individuals to administered psychological tests has been questioned by some psychologists, professional organizations, state and provincial boards of psychology, state governments, departments of education, and third-party health care providers. This article provides an overview of the ethical, legal, and technical issues surrounding the controversy. On the basis of a review of these issues, recommendations are offered that are directed toward state and provincial boards of psychology, developers and publishers of psychological tests, and licensed psychologists. Davidson, 1997;Evers, 1996;Fremer, 1996). Specifically, test misuse and user qualifications have become important concerns for many professional groups and practitioners (Fremer, 1996;Merenda, 1997;Moreland, Eyde, Robertson, Primoff, & Most, 1995;Turner, DeMers, Fox, & Reed, 2001;Watkins & Campbell, 1990). Many fear that allowing inadequately trained individuals to administer psychological tests may harm the public and damage the reputation of the psychologists and other trained professionals who use these instruments (Turner et al., 2001).The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of pertinent standards and guidelines regarding proper test use and user qualifications, with specific attention given to the controversial practice of using testing technicians to administer and score restricted psychological tests. Pertinent standards and guidelines are addressed as well as ethical, legal, and technical issues related to the use of testing technicians by professional psychologists. On the basis of a review of these issues, recommendations are offered that are directed toward state and provincial boards of psychology, developers and publishers of psychological tests, and licensed psychologists. BACKGROUND AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT

The Use of Psychometrists in Clinical Neuropsychology: History, Current Status, and Future Directions

“…Furthermore, when a test is standardized by graduate-level administrators, psychological technicians without the same education could lower the validity and reliability of the test results. Finally, it is unknown if psychological technicians are aware of the importance of building and maintaining rapport with clients throughout testing, as well as how to interpret certain key behaviors in children, such as attention to tasks, frustration tolerance, and reflectivity (Hall, Howerton, & Bolin, 2005). However, the supervising psychologist is ultimately responsible for ensuring that these and other clinical skills are properly taught to and utilized by psychometrists.…”

“…According to DeLuca (1989), psychological technicians are used worldwide to administer and score psychological tests. However, Hall et al (2005) found that the use of technicians outside of the United States was unclear. They also conducted literature searches on PsycINFO and ERIC databases and yielded little published information on the use of technicians in other countries.…”

“…However, psychologists who use psychological technicians are required to inform clients that an unlicensed person will be administering the tests. In addition, psychologists should discuss the technician's qualifications, function, and role with patients prior to testing (Hall et al, 2005). Psychometrists usually receive on-the-job training by a neuropsychologist or an experienced psychometrist.…”

Practical and ethical assessment issues in rural, impoverished, and managed care settings.

“…Increased collaboration between psychologists, test developers, and test publishers is warranted to increase the accessibility of the most updated tests in low-income areas. Also, test corporations, as well as test developers, must consider and publish the minimum examiner qualifications necessary for test administration, which should reflect those of the examiners in the standardization process (Hall et al, 2005). These stated qualifications must then be enforced to prevent unqualified users from purchasing and using restricted instruments.…”

“…Although they must be trained and supervised by a qualified psychologist, this will likely be more cost-effective than having the psychologist perform all the assessment functions. See Hall, Howerton, and Bolin (2005) for a description of the ethical and legal issues related to using testing technicians, as this practice is still considered controversial.Work with other clinics or practices in the area to make sure that someone with assessment skills is available. This may require a practitioner to rotate locations on a daily or weekly basis.Whenever possible, refer clients to other practitioners who are qualified to handle the assessment.Consider the costs and benefits of having practitioners obtain more training in assessment.…”