Taking the tests if you have a disability Psychometric and aptitude tests

If you have declared disabilities, don’t be afraid to ask for reasonable adjustments if you think your performance may be affected. Employers are required to make reasonable adjustments to the selection process, under the Equality Act 2010.

Speak to a member of the recruitment team directly to discuss your needs as soon as you receive an invitation to an assessment centre. For example, it's often possible to allow applicants with dyslexia additional time for tests. Other assessment formats could also include an alternative to multiple choice.

It can be difficult to know what to ask for, so here are some ideas. Not all disabilities are covered, so if you would like to discuss your individual needs, contact the careers team.

Autism / Asperger’s

• Will a private room and personal invigilator help? If so, let the employer know.
• Will you feel more comfortable if the recruiters are briefed – if so let the employer know.

Chronic pain

• Will you need a supportive chair?
• Will you need breaks?

Mental health issues / Tourette's syndrome

• Would you prefer individual assessment?
• Would you like time allowed for breaks if the need arises?

Visual impairment

Written tests

Good lighting is important.

Which of these would be right for you?

• large print version of questions and answer sheet
• question and answer sheets scanned into computer, so you can read from an adjusted computer screen
• Braille version
• audio version
• someone reading the questions and writing down your answers (known as amanuensis).

All these have time implications, so will need more time.

Online tests

• Ensure alternative formats are available including charts and graphs; tables; video images.
• Document format compatible with screen reader.
• Web pages still navigable when enlarged.
• Font size is able to be changed.
• Colour contrast strong.
• Time restricted answers may mean you need longer.

Hearing impairment

Written tests

• Little or no adjustment needed for written tests.
• Main issue test administration.
• May need interpreter who can sign, if can't lip read.
• Good written instructions don't always suffice, so if this doesn't work for you – say.
• If you can't speak fluently, ask for pen and paper to write down any questions you may have about administration of test and for administrator to write replies.
• If you were deaf from birth, remind the employer that your first language is BSL and English is your second language.

Group testing

• Have clear view of administrator.
• Interpreter next to you.
• Where possible, better for administration to be one to one.
• Group exercises, role plays etc. often problematic, if you feel you'll have trouble identifying who is speaking and what is being said etc., tell the employer beforehand.

Online tests

• Ensure transcripts for audio content.
• If your first language is BSL, you may need more time to absorb instructions.

Motor impairment

Written tests

• Ask for the access and equipment you need.
• Will you need room for a wheel chair or adjustments to heights/angles of tables, chairs etc.?
• If you need specialised equipment / computer programs, you'll need power supply and web access etc.
• If you find turning pages difficult, you may have device to help with this – take it with you and let employer know.
• Multiple choice – if you can't make a small circle to show correct answer, ask to give answer in another format e.g. computer, or telling a scribe who will write for you.
• If fatigue is an issue, ask for time adjustments to be made.

Online tests

You may wish to consider asking if the following will be part of the online test and discuss this with the employer:

• Will there be time restricted answers – as you may need longer?
• Will it include websites which have no keyboard options for mouse use?

Dyslexia

Written tests

• If you find it easier to follow instructions verbally, rather than in writing, tell the employer.
• If you need more time – ask beforehand.

Online tests

• Will there be time restricted answers – as you may need longer?
• Will you be able to use a screen reader?

Speech impairment

You may not feel comfortable with asking questions about test administration in front of a group. If so, ask the employer to ask you on one to one basis.