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GUIDE
1
Rationale
The use of ability tests in the technical and engineering sectors of the economy is well
established, SHLs Technical Test Battery (TTB) has, over the past 10 years, been
extensively used in this area especially in the selection of craft and technician apprentices.
Increasingly, however, the demands of companies in the high technology sector have come
to the fore including those involved in electronics, process control systems and computer
software and hardware. To help meet this need SHL has developed a new series of tests
particularly suited to this sector, the Applied Technology Series (ATS).
Applications
The tests in this series should find application in the selection of qualified school leavers or
work experienced personnel moving into the applied or high technology areas such as:
research technicians
ATS M&U
In the Following Instructions test (VTS1), an emphasis is placed on assessing the ability to
follow written instructions in realistic and practical settings. In the Numerical Estimation test
(NTS2), the focus is on the ability to quickly estimate calculations and have a feel for the
scale of numbers. The Mechanical Comprehension test (MTS3) is designed to assess an
understanding of mechanical principles (in very much he same way as the MT4 test from the
TTB, does).
The last three tests, Fault Finding (FTS4), Spatial Checking (STS5) and Diagrammatic
Thinking (DTS6) are designed to assess very directly the kind of abilities used by people
working in new technology areas. In Fault Finding the aim is to identify faults in logical
systems given a particular result, whereas in Diagrammatic Thinking, the aim is to accurately
follow a symbol through a flowchart given a range of basic instructions. Spatial Checking
assesses the ability to locate differences (errors) in designs or patterns rotated or reversed in
two or three dimensions, a skill relevant to, say, computer aided design.
Relationship of ATS to the TTB
A number of the tests in the ATS measure abilities similar to those already assessed by the
TTB. For example, one would expect significant overlaps between NTS2 and NT2 or MTS3
and MT4. The tests in the ATS have not, however, been designed to replace or supersede
established tests in the TTB. Rather the emphasis has been on the expansion of choice for
users in terms of different levels and forms of tests and more relevant settings of test items.
The TTB will continue to be supplied, supported and maintained by SHL.
Administration
Administration of the ATS tests is a straightforward procedure through the use of separate
administration instruction cards. The total testing time for this series is 1 hour and 40
minutes. With administration and example questions it would take a little over 2 hours for all
six tests to be completed. These tests can, however, be used either singly or in combination
to establish a profile of an individuals abilities depending on the skills required for a particular
job.
Scoring
The tests in this series can be scored either by hand or machine. All the tests are multiplechoice, and paper and pencil in format. The multiple-choice format and special answer
sheets permit quick scoring using plastic answer key overlays. In addition, the tests can be
scored using the NCS Sentry 3000, a portable desk-top document reader. Machine scoring
is particularly effective where a large number of applicants need to be tested. (Please
contact the SHL Computer Services Section for further information.)
Technical support
The Applied Technology Series is supported by SHLs full research and development
programme, and test users are regularly updated with the most recent norms and validation
studies from a range of organisations. Norms for particular organisations can be provided on
receipt of raw scores (and basic bio-data), and test users are encouraged to send data to us.
Advice or assistance with job analysis and validation studies is also available. This is
important when questions of test relevance and justification need to be addressed,
particularly in areas involving equal opportunity.
ATS M&U
Distribution controls
These tests are not freely available to the general public, but are distributed under strict
control to suitably trained and qualified test users. SHL runs suitable courses in occupational
testing to standards laid down by international psychological associations.
No. of items
Following instructions
Numerical Estimation
Mechanical Comprehension
Fault Finding
Spatial Checking
Diagrammatic Thinking
VTS1
NTS2
MTS3
FTS4
STS5
DTS6
36
40
36
36
40
36
Time limit
20 mins
10 mins
15 mins
20 mins
15 mins
20 mins
ATS M&U
The topics covered include operating instructions and procedures associated with a wide
range of equipment and technology, just the kind of materials to be found in technical
manuals or system guides. No prior knowledge of technical words or jargon is assumed and
so applicants with little or no technical background can be assessed.
This ability is relevant to a wide range of technical work, particularly that involving written
documentation for the installation and maintenance of systems and also in the training of
technical personnel.
The level of verbal aptitude measured by this test is probably higher than that measured by
VT1 (from the TTB) and more equivalent to that measured by VT5 (also from the TTB). The
test is most suitable for candidates with some basic educational attainments (GCSEs or
CSEs), although it could be used for those without any attainments. The test can also be
used for candidates with some work experience. A-level or graduate applicants will probably
find this test insufficiently stretching.
Time Limit:
20 mins
Number of items:
Range:
36
REMEMBER
Always make sure that the number of the question corresponds with the number on
your answer sheet.
If you are not sure of an answer, mark your best choice but avoid wild guessing.
ATS M&U
EXAMPLES
When making the water pipe connections, the safety valve, but not the motor, should
be firmly held while the compression nuts are tightened sufficiently to provide a watertight seal. Excessive force should be avoided. The safety valve can be mounted in
any position between the upright and the horizontal, but must not be installed pointing
downward.
The Auto-Manual Lever must be in the AUTO position before electrical power is
switched ON.
1.
2.
3.
The motor
The water pipe
The safety Valve
Cannot say
In which position should the Auto Manual Lever be before electrical power is switched
off?
A
B
C
D
Manual
Horizontal
Auto
Cannot say
ATS M&U
10 mins
Number of items:
Range:
40
ATS M&U
REMEMBER
Always make sure that the number of the question corresponds with the number on
your answer sheet.
If you are not sure of an answer, mark your best choice but avoid wild guessing.
EXAMPLES
1) 23 + 59
A
94
B
82
C
102
D
62
E
71
2) 19 x 13
A
280
B
180
C
250
D
310
E
220
3) 52% of 400
A
190
B
310
C
330
D
290
E
210
4) 471 136
A
335
B
229
C
363
D
305
E
275
A
60
B
96
C
42
D
83
E
102
5)
/3 of 248
ATS M&U
15 mins
Number of items:
Range:
36
ATS M&U
REMEMBER
Always make sure that the number of the question corresponds with the number on
your answer sheet.
If you are not sure of an answer, mark your best choice but avoid wild guessing.
EXAMPLES
ATS M&U
20 mins
Number of items:
Range:
36
those which produce different colours (red, orange, yellow and green)
those which allow only certain combinations of colours to pass through, and
The colours shown in the large circle on the right indicate the result of a particular sequence.
A complete listing of the components and what they do is shown on a Component Card
which is folded inside the back cover. (See page 83.)
Open this out and look at it now.
ATS M&U
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You will see that each component has a different effect on the sequence depending on
whether it is working or not. It is equally important to know what a component does in
EITHER of these circumstances.
Each problem is made up of a sequence, one of whose components is not working. Your
task is to identify which one of the marked components is not working and to indicate this by
fully blackening the appropriate circle on the answer sheet.
REMEMBER
Always make sure that the number of the question corresponds with the number on
your answer sheet.
If you are not sure of an answer, mark your best choice but avoid wild guessing.
ATS M&U
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EXAMPLES
Identify which of the components is NOT working and indicate your answer by fully
blackening the appropriate circle in the section marked EXAMPLES on side B of the answer
sheet.
ATS M&U
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15 minutes
Number of items:
Range:
40
ATS M&U
13
REMEMBER
Always make sure that the number of the question corresponds with the number on
your answer sheet.
If you are not sure of an answer, mark your best choice but avoid wild guessing.
ATS M&U
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ATS M&U
15
20 mins
Number of items:
Range:
36
SHAPE
SIZE
SIZE
COLOUR
COLOUR
Process box
Test box
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You will see that every box in the diagram is divided into three layers. The top layer relates
to the shape of the development figure (circle or square), the middle layer relates to the size
(large or small) and the bottom layer relates to the colour (red or yellow).
The function of each of these boxes is described on a separate Information Card folded
inside the back cover. The complete list of figures is also shown. (See page 87.)
Open this out and look at it now.
REMEMBER
Always make sure that the number of the question corresponds with the number on
your answer sheet.
If you are not sure of an answer, mark your best choice but avoid wild guessing.
ATS M&U
17
EXAMPLES
In each case, identify the finishing figure and indicate your answers by fully blackening the
appropriate circle or circles in the section marked EXAMPLES on side B of the answer
sheet.
ATS M&U
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