Choose Your Weapon

Remember that not all employee evaluation tests are suitable for hiring. (Myers-Briggs, we're talking to you.) Here are 10 extensively validated, highly respected tests that are.

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Cognitive Tests

1. Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal
   This test has legions of fans, including JCPenney, Coors, and government intelligence agencies. It measures problem-solving skills, creativity, and other factors with 40 rather difficult questions. It should not be used for entry-level positions but is great for management and higher. For sample questions, see "Let's Turn the Tables".

   $10 to $20 per test (prices for this and most assessments vary depending on the volume ordered) at assesstalent.com or 800-211-8378
   

2. Wesman Personnel Classification
   A combination of verbal and numerical questions used by Bayer and Valtera, among other companies. It's meant primarily for hiring into decision-making roles; it is predictive of on-the-job performance and the ability to learn.

   $7 to $15 at assesstalent.com or 800-211-8378
   

3. Multidimensional Aptitude Battery--II
   A recent test, created in 1998, with 303 questions; applicants are given 100 minutes. It measures general mental ability: the ability to reason, plan, and solve problems. It's suited for technical and professional/managerial jobs.

   $190 for a 25-test kit at sigmaassessmentsystems.com or 800-265-1285
   

4. Wonderlic Personnel Test
   An old classic, created in 1937. It takes 12 minutes, and the 120 million people who have taken the test include most NFL players--the league uses it to assess college recruits. However, this is best for entry- to midlevel jobs, as the questions are quite simple.

   $10 at wonderlic.com or 800-323-3742
   

Personality Tests

5. NEO Personality Inventory--Revised
   NEO measures respondents on five scales: neuroticism, extroversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. It is appropriate for everyone from salesmen to executives to security guards.

   $245 for a kit including 25 tests at parinc.com or 800-331-8378
   

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