What is the difference between aptitude and work style assessments?

January 14th, 2010

An aptitude test is a standardized test measuring specific intellectual capabilities such as ability to read, calculate numbers, check for errors, use logic to solve problems or to apply rules to fault find where a problem exists. Aptitude tests can be simple or difficult depending upon the level of intellectual capability being measured. Aptitude tests have right and wrong answers. People often associate aptitude tests with IQ or intellectual capability.

A work style assessment is a standardized questionnaire asking people to rate their preferred work style or behavior. With eTalentTraks, we ask people to rate their work behaviors that are most like them (talent), as well as selecting behaviors which they are least likely to want to do. These styles of behaviors are rated or linked to work based competencies such as being Reliable (commitment to organization), Quick Learning (absorbing new information rapidly), Team Work (working in teams, under pressure, adapting to change) and Results Driven (quality results, conscientious, drive and ambition).

Unlike an aptitude test, there are no right or wrong answers or different levels of difficulty – only more or less appropriate styles given requirements of a particular job or situation (e.g., it is not important if a bus boy is persuasive or not to be effective at his or her job, but it is important for a sales person to be persuasive). People often associate work style assessments with EQ or emotional intelligence, since it addresses people’s behavior or how we interact with one another.

Many assessment batteries include both aptitude and work style assessments, but only if job relevant. For instance, a cashiers’ job may require a person to read and understand a training manual, perform quick but simple numerical calculations when giving change, present a friendly and helpful demeanor when interacting with customers, and be dependable in terms of getting to work on time and not abusing break time. An aptitude test may be used to measure reading ability (for reading training manual) and arithmetic ability (for making change). A work style assessment may be used to measure Engaging (being friendly), Attentive (helpful & caring), and Reliable (conscientious & punctual). The rationale is that job applicants who, on the average, demonstrate both job relevant aptitudes and work styles are a better “match” for the job and are ultimately better performers.

Prepared by:

H. Gregory Calvert, MS, SPHR

President – The Performance Group, LLC

www.tpgf.com