Competence, Assessment, and Test Security
Competence
Practice only within the boundaries of education, training, supervised experience, and current competence. Maintain competence through continuing education and consultation. New specialties, populations, or assessment instruments require training before use; if unable, refer.
Assessment standards
Select instruments with evidence of validity and reliability for the client's population and purpose. Obtain informed consent, explain the purpose and limits, consider language, culture, disability, and norms, and avoid high-stakes conclusions based on a single score. Report results in understandable language.
Test security
Protect copyrighted test items, manuals, and protocols. Do not reproduce items in reports or emails. Release raw test data only to qualified professionals or as required by law; otherwise provide a summary. Store protocols securely.
Worked example
An attorney sends a subpoena for all test questions and raw protocols. The psychologist should not release copyrighted items; instead, provide the report and offer to release raw data to a qualified psychologist or under a protective order. Assert test security and seek legal advice.
Traps
Using outdated norms; testing without consent; emailing protocols; interpreting a test outside one's training; letting an unlicensed assistant interpret scores.