Qualifications policy
Pearson is committed to maintaining professional standards in testing. A central principle of professional test use is that individuals should use only those tests for which they have the appropriate training and expertise. Pearson supports this principle by stating qualifications for the use of particular tests and selling tests to individuals who provide credentials that meet those qualifications. The policies that Pearson uses to comply with professional testing practices are described below.
The "Qualified User" is the individual who assumes responsibility for all aspects of appropriate test use, including administration, scoring, interpretation, and application of results. Some tests may be administered or scored by individuals with less training, as long as they are under the supervision of a Qualified User. To assist the qualified user, each test manual will provide additional detail on administration, scoring and/or interpretation requirements and options for the particular test.
We only accept orders identifying a Qualified User who is registered on our website. Prior to 5th November 2021 this information may have been submitted via an online form. All new submissions must be done through the creation of a website account and adding qualification details to their website account.
Qualification Requirements
Level A
There are no special qualifications to purchase these products.
Level B
Tests may be purchased by individuals with:
A master's degree in psychology, education, speech language therapy, occupational therapy, social work, counselling, or in a field closely related to the intended use of the assessment, and formal training in the ethical administration, scoring, and interpretation of clinical assessments.
OR
- Certification by or full active membership in a professional organisation (such as RCOT, RCSLT, BMA, RCN, RCPsych, SASC) that requires training and experience in the relevant area of assessment.
OR
- A degree or licence to practice in the healthcare or allied healthcare field.
OR
- Formal, supervised mental health, speech/language, occupational therapy, social work, counselling, and/or educational training specific to assessing children, or in infant and child development, and formal training in the ethical administration, scoring, and interpretation of clinical assessments.
OR
- Work for an accredited institution
Level C
Tests with a C qualification require a high-level of expertise in test interpretation, and can be purchased by individuals with:
- A doctorate degree in psychology, education, or a closely related field with formal training in the ethical administration, scoring, and interpretation of clinical assessments related to the intended use of the assessment.
OR
- Licensure or certification to practice in a field related to the purchase.
OR
- Certification by or full active membership in a professional organisation (such as BPS, ACP-UK, AEP, BNS) that requires training and experience in the relevant area of assessment.