Concentration Test in 2024

What Is a Concentration Test?

A concentration test is a type of timed psychometric screening assessment which is used by employers as part of an interview process to look at a candidate's ability to work systematically and carefully, with high levels of concentration for an extended period.

It works like a concentration check where employers have a way on how to test the attention span attention span of their applicants.

When Are You Likely to Encounter a Concentration Test in 2024?

In a working environment where there are potential safety risks, concentration is vital.

This is why some employers will require potential employees to undertake a series of concentration tests, such as a train driver DOT test, SCAAT test, and group bourdon tests.

Suppose the position you have applied for requires competencies in repetitive actions and high concentration levels, especially in a potentially hazardous environment.

In that case, employers may choose to use different types of tests, such as this.

The results of a focus test such as this help businesses to make sure that they choose a candidate capable of meeting their requirements.

What Does a Concentration Test Assess?

Many things are considered when an employer looks at the result of a concentration or focus test.

Three of the most common skills which employers are looking for in a potential employee are:

• Level of alertness – The primary aim of a concentration test is to measure a candidate's ability to remain alert, even when performing repetitive and potentially boring tasks

• Assessment skills – A candidate's ability to assess problems is vital to them being able to find solutions. A focus test will look at how well individuals can solve the questions they are given. They may include logical reasoning and numerical reasoning tests.

• Organizational skills – Having a high level of organizational skills would usually indicate an ability to concentrate for longer periods

What Types of Concentration Tests Are There?

The most common focus tests for individuals to be asked to take are the Group Bourdon and SCAAT tests.

Group Bourdon Tests

This test can be administered in both an electronic and paper format.

You may be able to find out which version you are taking ahead of the assessment, which will help you to prepare for it.

During the assessment, you will be shown five tables or charts, which are typically 25 x 21. These will either have letters or dots in a variety of groupings.

You will be asked to find specific sets of groupings within those charts. These will usually be in groups of four.

The aim is to mark each of the groupings that you have been asked for within the time limit.

The time limit for this assessment is 10 minutes, so you will essentially have two minutes to find all of the required groupings on each chart.

SCAAT Tests

The SCAAT test is one of the world's leading assessments when it comes to needing to evaluate concentration.

Because of this, it tends to be more widely used by transport companies.

During this assessment, you will be given three sets of exercises to complete. Each of these sections will then be split into three individual sheets of questions.

Candidates are given one minute to complete each sheet. This focus test is often completed electronically, and the sheets will automatically move on when your time is up.

Set 1: In a similar way to the Group Bourdon test, you will be required to find a specific symbol within a page of shapes or letters. This has been described as finding a needle in a haystack. There will be one symbol to find per sheet.

Set 2: The second stage of the test moves things up a notch. Rather than finding one symbol, candidates are now required to find two symbols within the same time frame.

Set 3: The final stage of the assessment means that you will need to find a specified symbol as in the previous sections. In addition to this, you will need to find a changing shape within each line of symbol.

It is not expected that candidates should finish the whole assessment. But it is important to complete as many questions as you can.

miniSCAAT

This particular focus test is a smaller and shorter version of the main SCAAT test. It is typically used as a pre-shift test for employees to make sure they are able to operate safely during their working hours.

It can also be used as part of a recruitment process to weed out any candidates who are likely to struggle with the full test.

Concentration Test - Example Questions (2024)

Example One: Group Bourdon

This is a reduced-size chart, but it will give you some idea of what to expect during the Group Bourdon test. This is also similar to the style of question which you will find during the first stage of the SCAAT test.

Example Two: Group Bourdon Test

This is a reduced-size chart, but it will give you some idea of what to expect during the Group Bourdon test. This is also similar to the style of question which you will find during the first stage of the SCAAT test.

Example Three: SCAAT – Second Stage

Final Thoughts

Concentration is vital in some lines of work where it can mean the difference between being able to operate safely or not.

Avoid letting your nerves get the better of you by researching the assessment you are being asked to take and practicing ahead of time.

This will enable your natural focusing skills to be shown to the best of your ability.