Information on how Clevry ability tests are scored
Sten Scores
When a candidate completes an ability test, their total score on that test is displayed as a number from 1-10 known as a 'sten score'. This ensures results are standardised for easy comparisons between candidates.
Norm-Referenced Scoring
Assessments on Clevry use norm referenced scoring. This means that candidates’ scores are compared to a diverse group of individuals who have completed the same assessments in the past. We, therefore, report a sten score which has been standardised to show a candidate’s ability compared to a group of others. This is important for accurate interpretation of results.
For example, if you assess two candidates and one achieves a raw score of 14/15 and the other 12/15, it appears as if the first candidate has scored much better on the assessment, getting 13% more of the questions correct. However, if by looking at the norm group, we know that the average score on the assessment is actually 4/15 then both of these candidates have performed outstandingly and it would be reductive to compare them on such a small difference in score. Sten scores already take this comparison into account meaning that they aid more accurate interpretation.
Each ability test has its own norm group, as each assessment contains a different set of questions. This means that the make-up of each norm group will be slightly different even between assessments within the same test series (i.e. Essential, Enhanced, or Expert). You can find out more information about norm groups and scoring from the introduction of reports themselves, or in ‘The Science’ section of our Knowledge Base.
For test security purposes, we cannot share the correct answers of the assessment whether for your own knowledge or to share with candidates.
What Results Mean
Ability tests measure candidates’ maximum performance of ability. The results from our ability tests show us how a candidate has performed in comparison to a diverse group of previous test takers. This allows us to interpret the results in terms of what is typical within a given group, rather than just how many questions a candidate has gotten right. Each report contains details of the norm group candidates have been compared to. Take a look at our ‘How to Read and Interpret Reports’ guide for more information on interpretation of results.
For each individual ability test, it is important to understand what each assessment is measuring in order to accurately interpret the results. The assessment summaries in our 'What ability tests do Clevry offer' article describe what each assessment is measuring.
Test Verification
Once candidates have completed an ability test, you can request they complete a verification test to measure the extent to which their scores are similar to their first completion of the assessment. This can be used if you suspect some aspect of cheating or collusion, or simply would prefer to measure the candidate’s ability twice to gather more information. Verification tests are a shorter version of the original test the candidate completed using different questions. The results of this are presented in the ability test report alongside other ability test results.
Last Updated: January 2024