Hello Jennifer,
Which aptitude tests do you have in mind?
Consolidating aptitude profiles from different tests that use varying norms and descriptive categories is indeed challenging. Typically, the procedure involves creating a composite profile by selecting the highest scores demonstrated. However, when tests use different percentiles and corresponding descriptors (e.g., one calling the 70th percentile “high average” and another calling it “average”), this creates discrepancies.
One way to address this is to focus on the underlying numerical values—such as percentiles—rather than relying on descriptive categories, which can vary from test to test. By using the raw percentile scores, you can normalize the data across different tests. For example, if one test places a score in the 70th percentile and calls it “high average” while another test calls the same score “average,” you can treat both as equivalent numerically (70th percentile) in your composite profile.
Another way (my preferred method) is choosing tests that have compatible scales and descriptors, such as the CareerScope and the CFIT (they both follow the GATB aptitude scale of 1 to 5 and descriptive labels).
I would appreciate any thoughts or strategies others use when faced with this issue!
