Psychometrician

A psychometrician is a person who practices the science of measurement, or psychometrics. The term psychometrics refers to the measurement of an individual's psychological attributes, including the knowledge, skills, and abilities a professional might need to work in a particular job or profession. Also, psychometricians write exams such as the MCAT, LSAT, GMAT, SAT, ACT, and Advance Placement test.

Low-end Salary: 
$50,000/yr
Median Salary: 
$59,440/yr
High-end Salary: 
$200,000/yr
Education: 

The minimum requirements for the position of a psychometrician are a Master’s degree in educational measurement, industrial/organizational psychology, mathematics, or related area with relevant experience and training. A Ph.D. in a relevant field is highly desirable.

Math Required: 

Statistics and Probability
College Algebra
Trigonometry
Calculus I and II
Linear Algebra
Differential Equations
Analysis

When Math Is Used: 

Psychometricians use the concepts of percentages, means, medians, distributions, correlation, and multiple regressions in their careers.

Potential Employers: 

Typically, many psychometricians work for testing organizations. They initially determine the abilities, skills and knowledge needed to do the job and create the specifications of the test. They then write test questions and determine the passing score. They may also perform data analyses on the test results as well as conducting validity and reliability studies. College Board, the company that writes the SAT and Advance Placement tests, employ psychometricians.

Facts: 

There is a great demand for psychometricians. "It's a good day to be a psychometrician," Gary Cook, an education researcher at the University of Wisconsin, said. "There's a limited set of people who are qualified."

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Quote Of The Day

"Students often ask me what to take in school… my answer?... follow your natural interests, but take lots of math!"

— Thomas E. Dunham

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Figures represent salary potential.

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