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Infor
mation about the Health Occupations Aptitude Test
Part 1 – Academic Aptitude (105 questions: 45 minutes)
Academic aptitude as measured by the total (combined subtests), might be thought of as a type of
ability to learn. The test content is specifically adapted for appraising the combination of innate and
acquired abilities that are needed for the work of an academic nature. The academic aptitude total
emphasizes familiar experiences and concepts while requiring careful reasoning and the capacity to
comprehend and draw conclusions.
Verbal: the verbal aspect consists of vocabulary-related test questions. Empirical evidence has
shown this type of test item to be highly related to academic success.
Arithmetic: the numerical aspect consists of the items drawing largely from arithmetic. To some
degree, it involves skill with arithmetical concepts along with the computational speed. The content of
the numerical items is that to which practically all eighth grade students have been exposed.
Nonverbal: the nonverbal aspect consists of test items calling for a comprehension of form
relationships. Measurement is in terms of the ability to manipulate “things” mentally, to reason out
differences in pictured objects, and to deal with concrete materials through visualization. Recognition
of relationships and of differences has been shown by research to be basic to learning aptitude.
Part 2 – Spelling (65 questions: 15 minutes)
The spelling test measures skill with a tool essential to written expression or communication. It also
reflects educations achievement in basic tools of learning.
Part 3 – Reading Comprehension (50 questions: 35 minutes)
This test measures the ability to understand direct statements, interpret written expression, see the
authors intent, observe organization of ideas, and to extract information from written material with
respect to ideas and purposes; thus read and comprehend what is read.
Part 4 – Information in the Natural Sciences (95 questions: 30 minutes)
Measurement with this test concerns accumulation of information in the natural sciences, i.e., biology,
chemistry, health, safety, etc., at a fundamental level. The relationship of knowledge in the area of
natural sciences to the course of study of the allied health educational is an obvious one.
Part 5 – Vocational Adjustment Index (95 questions: 15 minutes) The person’s characteristic life
style is reflected in his or her distinctive educational and occupational adjustment. Feelings, attitudes,
opinions, and other personality characteristics and behavioral traits, which may be quite acceptable in
many situations, may not be those desirable for the prospective healthcare professional either as a
student or a practitioner.