Modern Occupational Skills Tests (MOST) Second Edition

Author(s): S F Blinkham, J Hall and R Wood

Publisher: ACER by arrangement with nferNelson 2004

Purpose: To assess critical skills for success in clerical work and other office/shop related positions

Employment Categories: Administrative staff, retail staff, supervisors, office personnel, junior management, store personnel

Candidates: 15+ years of age without post secondary education

Administration: 8-15 minutes per test – Individual and group

Scoring: By hand

Features:

• Australian adaptation of items
• Profile sheet allows quick examination of results

Content:

The MOST is a fast and reliable selection tool to be used when office based skills and aptitudes are required. The MOST consists of nine tests grouped into three levels of task complexity to cater for different literacy and numeracy requirements. Task specific tests have relevant exercises covering different types of jobs at varying levels of difficulty and no more than four tests are required for selecting candidates for a specific position.

Level 1

• Verbal Checking – ability to detect errors in text
• Numerical Checking – ability to detect errors in numerical data
• Filing – ability to put records in correct places

Level 2

• Numerical Awareness – arithmetical skills, both detection and correction of errors
• Spelling & Grammar – ability to detect errors of spelling and grammar in text
• Word Meanings – language comprehension and word choice

Level 3

• Numerical Estimation – ability to make quick and rough approximations to complex calculations
• Technical Checking – ability to detect errors when information has changed from one format to another
• Decision Making – ability to understand and apply rules, regulations and criteria in choosing between options
• Verbal checking – speed and accuracy in checking a variety of hand written and printed material

The MOST is ideal for assessing a wide range of individuals without qualifications to Year 12 and can be used as part of career development programs.

Norms are available for financial services applications, clerical staff, police force, first line manager applicants, trainee fire fighters, Years 11 – 13 and university students.

The Test Packs include ten Test Booklets. The Administration Packs include an Administration Guide, one Score Key, Test Booklet, one Task Inventory and one Administrators Test Record.