Error Checking Tests

What is an error checking test?

An error checking test is a timed psychometric test that assesses a candidate’s ability to identify errors in data sets and evaluate the correctness of the information. They are often referred to as data checking tests, although they differ in difficulty.

Candidates are often required to complete error checking tests when applying for jobs that include administrative or operational tasks, where accurate spelling and maths can be important.

If you’re not applying for a job, an error checking test can be a useful tool to check your suitability for a role that includes attention to detail.

During an error checking test, you will be asked to compare a set of data with multiple choices related to the information provided. You will then have to identify the mistakes and choose the correct option. The difficulty is doing it while under a strict time frame, as the time you take completing the test will be part of your final score.

Is a data checking test the same thing?

Simply put, no — a data checking test is simpler, since it will ask you to check the accuracy of less information.

That said, you will usually find practice tests for both without much differentiation. If you prepare for error checking tests, that will improve your skills enough to be confident of passing a data checking test as well.

Why do employers use error checking tests?

As with many aptitude tests, employers use error checking tests to make sure they’re hiring a suitable candidate: in this case, one who is accurate and can spot mistakes.

You could be asked to take such a test in different stages of the hiring process: error checking tests can be used as a first screening or as an advanced test.

Error checking tests will assess your skills to notice (and correct) numerical or written errors in a short amount of time. That’s why these tests are mainly found in an application for administrative or operational roles: jobs that require high attention to detail and focus on the tasks at hand.

Other industries that could ask you to take an error checking test include:

• Hospitality
• Sales
• Marketing
• Education
• Customer Service

Common error checking test publishers

When preparing for any aptitude test, it’s important to be aware of the most common publishers, and to know in advance which type that employer uses.

In the case of error checking tests, these are:

• Saville Assessment. Formerly known as Saville Consulting, Saville Assessment is an international psychometric assessment business. Learn more about Saville tests here.
• Talent Q. Established by the co-founder of SHL tests, Talent Q offers psychometric training used mainly for managerial hires. Learn more about Talent Q tests here.

How to prepare for error checking tests

The difference between error checking tests and other psychometric tests is that they’re more about skills than technique. You don’t need to learn any new concepts to pass an error checking test, but it’s important to improve your ability to notice mistakes as quickly as possible.

You should be familiar with error checking tests before taking the actual assessment. To achieve this, research the test provider, the company you want to work for, and the skills needed for the role.

Practice tests will be very similar to the exam and are the best tool to achieve a good result. The more you practice, the more you will be comfortable with the test format.

Sit down at your desk, keep a timer at the ready and take note of all your mistakes and the difficulties you encounter, so you can focus on these.

You can find lots of information about error checking tests, including easy steps you can follow to prepare for the test. However, the most important thing you can do is practice as much as possible in an environment similar to the one you’ll be in during the exam.