Numerous studies have demonstrated that cognitive ability tests are one of the strongest predictors of employment outcomes across occupations. As jobs become more complex, the importance of cognitive ability increases.

The verbal reasoning test measures the ability to think and reason with words and to read and understand textual information. It supports the ability to communicate effectively using written and oral information, and a range of related competencies. Numerical reasoning measures the understanding of mathematical processes. These may involve both abstract and concrete numeric problems, and a range of related competencies. When these two test scores are averaged, this score provides a reliable measure of the general mental abilities that are typically required in work environment (composite score).

The most reputable test, and the international industry gold standard for assessing the Big Five, is the NEO-PI-R. The extensive body of research published in leading academic journals underpins its quality. Other versions of the NEO currently lack satisfactory research backing.

The NEO-PI-R not only measures these Big Five traits; it also breaks each trait down into six sub-traits. Taken together, the five traits and thirty sub-traits facilitate a comprehensive and detailed assessment of adult personality. These traits and sub-traits are:

• Emotionality: Anxiety, anger, depression, self-consciousness, impulsiveness, vulnerability
• Extraversion: Warmth, gregariousness, assertiveness, activity, excitement seeking, positive emotions.
• Openness: Fantasy, aesthetics, feelings, actions, ideas, values
• Agreeableness: Trust, straightforwardness, altruism, compliance, modesty, tender-mindedness
• Conscientiousness: Competence, order, dutifulness, achievement striving, self-discipline, deliberation

Counter Productive Work Behaviour

• Overall Counter Productivity
• Interpersonal Deviance
• Organisational Deviance
• Expressed Anger Behaviours

Work Interfering Behaviours

• Procrastination
• Work Avoidance
• Turnover

Risk and Safety

• Negative Risk
• Workplace Accident Risk

The report is entirely based on research and the database that provides the basis for this report is continually updated and weightings modified as new research comes to hand. Where possible correlations from the most recent meta-analyses are used.

Scores on a range of personality traits are analyzed to provide an individual ranking of risk taking and safety tendencies (where this is relevant to the position). This ranking system is based on research findings (published in highly regarded academic journals), and extensive clinical experience.

The risk taking profile provided differentiates between positive and negative risk taking tendencies. An individual with a high level of positive risk taking tendencies needs novelty and excitement; however they plan carefully how they manage risks (e.g. successful entrepreneurs). Individuals with a high level of negative risk taking tendencies are more likely than most to engage in negative risky behaviour (e.g., alcohol and drug abuse, and illegal or illicit behaviours).