Clerical and Administrative assessments are a commonly used method to test an individual's ability to perform relevant clerical and admin tasks. These assessments are frequently used in the pre-employment stage and are used to measure a candidate's performance and ability to perform tasks such as typing, data entry, numerical reasoning and critical thinking.

As of recently, these admin aptitude tests have been fundamental for employers to test whether job applicants have the essential skills and knowledge to be successful in clerical and admin positions. It is not uncommon for organisations to request applicants complete clerical and admin assessments and pass with a certain score before an official offer of employment is provided.

Different aptitude tests measure different skills and traits, such as concentration, accuracy, comprehension, and more. Each test is designed to measure specific skills and traits, such as using correct vocabulary and proofreading.

Clerical and admin tests are less complex than managerial and professional assessments. However, this form of assessment is equally as important and should not be overlooked during the hiring process. Some widely accepted types of admin assessments include:

1. Word usage tests
2. Basic numeracy skills tests
3. Error checking proficiency tests

It is important that employers utilise appropriate clerical assessments to determine a candidate's suitability. Each test has its own strengths in its ability to measure an applicant's skillset and whether there is an alignment between the applicant and the jobs themselves.

The use and deployment of clerical ability tests range from one organisation to another, and are determined by the positions they are trying to fill.

If your organisation is looking to fill positions such as general office clerks, payroll clerks in finance or any role that requires administrative skillsets then clerical ability assessments might be right for you. These tests play a vital role in the pre-screening stage of the hiring process as they give an indication of what sort of roles a candidate might be better suited for, and can help employers sift out candidates that don’t display the desired attributes.

In fact, clerical & administrative exams are commonly implemented during the recruitment process as they are generally designed to be relatively straightforward and easy to administer. They can successfully measure a job applicant's accuracy and speed when working through specifically designed tasks. This can give a hiring manager insight into the characteristics of a candidate that can’t be displayed during a traditional interview.

Administration and secretarial assessment tests tend to be fairly straightforward in general. In order to pass these types of tests, a candidate will need to demonstrate scrutiny, accurate spelling, attention to detail and the ability to work quickly. It is crucial that you understand what to expect before taking these types of tests so that you can provide an accurate reflection of your abilities as a candidate.

Here at eras, we have some tips to help you prepare for your next clerical aptitude test:

• First understand what type of test you’ll be sitting - are you being tested on your handling of text and attention to detail or mental calculation ability?
• Have a thorough read of the job description - what skills or technical abilities are they asking for? This could highlight what you might be tested on.
• Practice - the best way to prepare for any aptitude test is to practise, often taking multiple mock tests can highlight clerical skills to focus on and highlight where you can improve.

Making sure you’re fully prepared before taking a clerical and admin assessment is the best way to increase your chances of successfully passing.

Continuity and smooth operations are crucial in corporate environments. This is why business support positions are highly sought after roles with a high level of responsibility. During the hiring process, an employer may opt to use clerical and administrative assessments to verify the suitability of candidates that will eventually play a vital role in their business operations.

If your organisation operates within industries such as corporate, education, manufacturing, medicine and many others, then you may benefit from using admin aptitude testing to find the correct candidates for your business support roles. These tests can assess a wide range of skills like accuracy and speed, time management and efficiency in an objective, non-biased way.

Ultimately, clerical aptitude assessments can benefit your business in making informed choices during the hiring process and increase the chances of finding a suitable candidate for open positions. If this sounds like something your business needs, why not contact us today? We’ll work to meet your specific business requirements and help find the right aptitude tests for you.