Professional Practice

Psychometric assessment in South Africa is a regulated professional activity. Psychology professionals involved in assessment practice are expected to work within recognised ethical, legal, and professional standards. The overview below provides guidance on important aspects of professional test use. For the most current guidance, psychology professionals should refer directly to the HPCSA at www.hpcsa.co.za.

In June 2019, the Professional Board for Psychology updated the mandate of its Psychometrics Committee, shifting its focus from test certification to test classification. When the Committee classifies a test, it needs to answer one question: does this test measure a psychological construct? If it does, it is added to the HPCSA's published list of psychological tests/psychometric instruments and may only be used by a registered Psychologist, Psychometrist or Registered Counsellor. Classification says nothing about whether a test complies with the Employment Equity Act or meets any other standard beyond this.

Regulation 993 identifies the types of constructs that fall within the psychological domain, including intellectual ability, aptitude, interests, personality, temperament, emotional functioning, neuropsychological functioning, and mental functioning. Assessments used for personnel selection and career-related decisions are also included. Importantly, a measure does not need to appear on the HPCSA's classified list to be regulated. If it assesses a psychological construct, its use may still constitute a psychological act, regardless of whether it has been formally classified. The published list is therefore a useful reference, but not the sole determinant of whether a measure falls within the regulatory framework.

Psychologists may use psychological tests within the areas in which they have received appropriate training. Psychometrists have a similarly broad scope of practice, excluding projective measures, neuropsychological tests, and assessments intended to diagnose psychopathology. Registered Counsellors work within a more limited scope, using approved measures primarily for screening purposes and referring clients for more comprehensive assessment where necessary. It is also important to note that South African legislation does not recognise a separate category of "test administrator". Outside of the recognised professional registration categories, there is no formal provision for unregistered individuals to independently conduct psychological testing.

Regulation R717 Annexure 12 allows a registered psychology professional to delegate certain routine administrative or procedural aspects of test administration to a suitably trained employee, provided the registered professional retains full responsibility for the assessment process. This may include activities such as scoring assessments that can be scored in a standardised, computerised, or purely administrative manner.

The registered professional remains responsible for ensuring that delegated responsibilities are appropriate to the individual's education, training, and experience, and that the work is performed competently and ethically. The psychology professional must also ensure that professional objectivity is not compromised.

Importantly, many aspects of assessment remain the responsibility of the registered professional. Establishing a professional relationship, obtaining informed consent, and observing behaviour during the assessment process are all considered professional acts that cannot simply be delegated. Behavioural observations form an important part of the overall assessment picture and cannot be recreated afterwards.

Technology has made remote assessment more accessible, and video conferencing tools can support the establishment of a professional relationship. However, the use of technology does not remove the requirement for that relationship to exist. Sending a test link without prior professional engagement may not meet expected professional standards. Regulation R717 permits automated scoring and interpretation, but responsibility for the appropriate use of these systems remains with the registered professional. Remote and unsupervised assessment may also introduce additional considerations relating to informed consent, identity verification, and professional accountability.

Ultimately, psychological assessment remains a professional activity. While technology and delegation can support the process, accountability for ethical and professional practice continues to rest with the registered professional.