The aptitude level is a result of the median between the respective test levels, considered
as an interval scale. The level of an aptitude also represents the performance interval and
not a discrete punctual quota. In the BTPAC tests the 5 class normalized scale was used.
To build the standards the following steps were taken:
- ordering of scores from the highest to the lowest;
- establishing the frequency of each score;
- establishing the cumulating frequency;
- calculating the percentage of each scale;
- creating links between the score and the percentage of the cumulated
frequency.
The five steps in the scale also designate performance intervals. Since they are ordered,
the dispersion within an interval is low and the difference between intervals is constant,
that is 1δ. Intervals the performance levels roughly represent a scale of intervals on which
arithmetic operations can be performed.
Target population
BTPAC can be applied to people aged between 12 and 50 years. BTPAC standards are
gender-specific and distributed in four age intervals: 12-15; 16-18; 19-29 and over 30 (it
finally comprises a minimum number per test of more than 1000 persons).
Examples, case studies, exercises
Although aptitudes are not the only factor involved in professional performance, the
chance of success is the highest in those professions for which the aptitude requirements
are met. In the Romanian Occupational Profiles (PO) practically every occupation has a
certain aptitude profile, expressed on five levels (1 – very poor, 2 – poor, 3 – medium, 4 –
good, 5 – very good). BTPAC helps establish the level for each aptitude, according to the
performances in the corresponding test, also on five levels or normalized classes.
Therefore, it can be checked whether the aptitude profiles of the individual and of the
profession match. According to the difference between the two profiles it can be seen to
what extent a person is suitable for a profession or group of professions in view of his or
her aptitudes.