Qualification Levels and Requirements

Effective January 1, 2007 - Qualification Levels and Requirements

Pearson is committed to maintaining professional standards in testing as presented in the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing published by the American Educational Research Association (AERA), American Psychological Association (APA), and the National Council on Measurement in Education (NCME). 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 “test 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 test user. Each test manual will provide additional detail on administration, scoring and/or interpretation requirements and options for the particular test.

You will note that the way we label our qualification levels has recently changed. However, the specific training and degree requirements associated with these levels have stayed the same. So, you are still qualified to purchase the same tests you have always been qualified to purchase.

We accept orders from individuals when a Qualification Form has been submitted and accepted. All Pearson tests are classified by a user qualification code. See the specific test descriptions in the catalog or on the web for these qualification levels.

LEVEL 1
User has completed training in measurement, guidance, or an appropriate related discipline or has equivalent supervised experience in test administration and interpretation. Other professional degrees and certifications may also be considered.

LEVEL 2
User has completed a bachelor's degree program that included (a) coursework in principles of measurement and in the administration and interpretation of tests, and (b) formal training in the content area of the test (e.g., achievement, speech and language, or motor skills). If these qualifications have not been met, Users must provide proof that they have been granted the right to administer tests at this level in their jurisdiction. Level 2 purchases can also select tests from qualification Level 1.

LEVEL 3
User has a licensure to practice psychology independently, or User is a full member of the American Psychological Association (APA) or the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) — (member number required), or User has completed a doctoral (or in some cases master's) degree program in one of the fields of study indicated for the test that included training (through coursework and supervised practical experience) in the administration and interpretation of clinical instruments. If neither of these qualifications are met, Users must provide proof that they have been granted the right to administer tests at this level in their jurisdiction. Level 3 purchasers can also select tests from Levels 1, 2 and M.

LEVEL M
Level M purchasers must provide credentials indicating: a specialized degree in the healthcare field and accompanying licensure or certification, OR proof that they have been granted the right to administer tests at this level in their jurisdiction. Level M purchasers can also select tests from Qualification Levels 1 & 2.

A qualification form is not needed for all tests in Levels 1 and 2 and for the BASC, KABC, KAIT, Mullen, and Vineland test families in Level 3 for:

Approved or accredited schools or colleges and government agencies that submit orders on, or whose orders are accompanied by, official purchase order, or with purchase order number indicated on official academic or institutional letterhead
Graduate students with signed approval of department head and accompanied by remittance on official academic letterhead

In addition, a qualification form is not needed for Level 1 and 2 tests only for:

Members of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) - member number required
Orders on institutional or academic letterhead from teachers with signed approval of administrator

Confused about your new qualification level with Pearson?

If you were qualified with Pearson at an:

A-level… you are now qualified at level 3
B-level… you are now qualified at level 2
C-level… you are now qualified at level 1

If you were qualified with AGS at an:

A-level… you are now qualified at level 1
B-level… you are now qualified at level 2
C-level… you are now qualified at level 3

Still confused? Please call our Client Relations department for assistance at 800.627.7271.