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Pursuing Psychology Degrees
Learn how to become a psychometrician
Psychometricians specialize in the measurement of intangible psychological qualities such as knowledge, skills, intelligence, abilities, emotions and other attributes. A career as a psychometrician may be right for you if you enjoy psychology and have an interest in the application of quantitative measurement and statistics. Read on to learn about the education and experience you need to become a psychometrician and the ways you can apply your skills and expertise in this career.
What is a psychometrician?
A psychometrician is a highly trained professional in the science of psychological assessment and measurement. Their work involves designing, developing and validating tests, surveys and assessments for a wide range of objectives. Psychometricians work to ensure that tests are valid, reliable and fair so that the results measure what they intend.
“Psychometricians are concerned with the theory and technique of measurement. How can we do measurement in valid, statistically efficient and sound ways? There are a lot of statistics involved in this area because oftentimes we want to deal with latent constructs, things that we don’t directly observe,” says Ying (‘Alison’) Cheng, PhD, Professor, Department of Psychology at the University of Notre Dame and Secretary of the Psychometric Society.
“Psychometricians are concerned with the theory and technique of measurement. How can we do measurement in valid, statistically efficient and sound ways?”
Ying (‘Alison’) Cheng, PhD
Why pursue psychometrics?
Psychometrics has applications in a wide range of industries that include health, education and the social sciences. It can involve assessments that affect decisions on issues like certification, employment, university admissions and eligibility for services. By ensuring that these tests are valid, psychometricians have the potential to impact people in meaningful and life-changing ways.
“Psychometrics is a specialization that’s devoted to the testing and measurement of individuals and individual behavior. It’s an area that intersects between psychology, education and statistics,” says Cheng.
As an interdisciplinary science, psychometrics offers the chance to work across many scientific areas. It can involve collaborating with a wide range of subject-matter experts to affect the collection of many types of data. Ultimately, these results can help to advance research and other scientific endeavors.
“The fact that this is an interdisciplinary area is exciting because you get to use different skill sets and you get to collaborate and work with people with different substantive interests. For example, you can work with developmental psychologists, who are more interested in a developmental trajectory that will need longitudinal data modeling or time series analysis. Or you might work with a clinical psychologist who is concerned about how to best measure people with comorbidity and what is the most efficient way of getting an accurate measurement of a clinical population without overburdening them,” says Cheng.
Key steps to become a psychometrician
Earn a bachelor’s degree.
A bachelor’s degree in psychology, statistics, mathematics, engineering or a related field can help you form the foundation you need to become a psychometrician. Look for coursework in subjects that include college algebra, statistics and probability, trigonometry, differential equations and analysis. Seek out opportunities to participate in related research through internships and/or volunteer opportunities at this level.
Earn an advanced degree.
You will need a minimum of a master’s degree to work as a psychometrician. However, a doctorate degree is the educational credential that most psychometricians achieve and employers prefer. Most psychometricians have an advanced education in quantitative psychology, though a doctorate in statistics or other subjects that involve psychological measurement is also appropriate.
At this level of education, it is important to take advantage of internship opportunities. These experiences allow you to participate in the practical application of your academic knowledge. Workplace experiences can also help you make decisions about your interests and preferred work environments post-graduation.
Obtain a license or meet requirements to practice in your state.
Consult your state board of psychology to determine whether you need any formal license, registration, or other approval before working as a psychometrician. While this requirement is uncommon, working in certain roles or workplaces may impact the credentials you require.
Find employment as a psychometrist.
Consider your interests and preferred work environment when seeking your first job. Is there a certain specialty area you want to pursue? Where is the highest demand and opportunity for growth? Do you want to specialize in certain types of assessments?
Most psychometricians work in areas related to research, educational assessment and data analysis. Consult with mentors, professors and peers in professional organizations about the different types of opportunities for psychometricians in your area.
Pursue ways to keep your skills current and grow your career.
Consider joining the Psychometric Society or another group that caters to the interests of psychometricians to take advantage of professional and social resources for education and career growth. Participate in continuing education opportunities offered by professional organizations and academic institutions. This can help you keep your skills sharp and remain current on new and emerging topics in the profession.
Charting your educational course
There are many educational pathways to becoming a psychometrician. “Psychometrics is a very interdisciplinary area. Students who have gone through our program of training have come in with very different backgrounds that include psychology, statistics, math, engineering and education,” says Cheng.
Building the foundation: bachelor’s degree options
There are no psychometric programs at the undergraduate level. Instead, students typically build a foundation of skills and knowledge with a degree in related areas that include:
- Psychology
- Statistics
- Education
- Mathematics
- Engineering
Coursework should include extensive math and research topics such as:
- College algebra
- Statistics and probability
- Trigonometry
- Calculus I and II
- Linear algebra
- Differential equations
- Analysis
Mastering the craft: graduate degree considerations
You will need the minimum of a master’s degree to work as a psychometrician. However, it is more common for a psychometrician to have a PhD.
“A lot of psychometricians are trained in quantitative psychology programs. Students should look for a doctoral degree in quantitative psychology or a doctoral program that has the word ‘measurement’ in it. Sometimes these programs may be in the college of education, but those doctoral programs will specifically have words like measurement or statistics in them,” says Cheng.
At the master’s and doctorate level, psychometricians can pursue degree titles that include:
- Quantitative Psychology
- Psychology with a specialization in Quantitative/Psychometric Methods
- Quantitative Foundations of Educational Research
- Research, Educational Measurement and Psychometrics (REMP)
- Quantitative, Qualitative and Psychometric Methods
- Research, Evaluation, Measurement and Statistics
- Measurement, Evaluation, Statistics and Assessment (MESA)
- Assessment and Measurement
At this advanced level, coursework emphasizes the following topics:
- Research design
- Research methods
- Program evaluation models and techniques
- Item response theory
- Adaptive testing
- Educational measurement
- Foundations in education
- Applied statistics
Certification: Elevating your credentials
Certification is awarded by a professional industry trade group after you have met certain established requirements. These criteria may involve a level of education, a set number of professional hours worked, and/or passing an exam specific to the certification that is awarded. Earning certification is proof of your professional knowledge, skills and abilities in a defined profession.
The benefits of professional certification may include improved opportunities for employment and advancement. This type of credential can also help you convey your commitment to professional development and lifelong learning in your profession.
There is no professional certification specific to psychometricians. However, depending on your specific interests in the field of psychometrics, the following professional certification may be applicable:
ICE Certified Credentialing Professional (ICE-CCP)
Credentialing organization: Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE)
Purpose: Certification for professionals involved in the credentialing field including those involved in governance and resources, credentialing program operations and assessment development and validation.
Honing essential skills and qualities
In addition to having the appropriate educational background, psychometricians need specific skills and qualities to succeed in the profession.
Sharpening your psychological acumen
Psychometricians need a strong foundation in psychological principles. In this career, you will also have to maintain your expertise in a variety of assessment methods, psychometric principles and statistical analysis. These concepts are key to your ability to apply concepts such as percentages, means, medians, distributions, correlation and multiple regression in determining a test’s reliability and results. Generally, you must understand which statistical tools to use and be able to interpret the results.
Building bridges of communication
Psychometricians don’t work alone. Their work involves interdisciplinary collaboration that requires effective communication and interpersonal skills. As a psychometrician, you may collaborate with psychologists in other disciplines to determine the scope and purpose of the test. You may also work with subject matter experts and other stakeholders to identify the design, compile content and assess and improve results.
Embracing the analytical lens
Psychometricians must have strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Working in this role requires learning how to develop research designs and analysis strategies tailored to specific quantitative research questions.
Ensuring accuracy and meticulousness
One of the most important aspects of psychometrics involves precision and attention to detail. In maintaining these standards, you help to ensure that assessments are valid and reliable so that sound decisions can be made based on their outcomes. You also ensure that test takers are treated with fairness, transparency and free of bias so their results are a true reflection of the attribute being tested.
Gaining practical experience
Your education in psychometrics can extend beyond the classroom. You can gain experience and expand your perspective in the following ways:
Practicum and internship: Putting theory into practice
A practicum or internship can be a valuable experience at any point in your education. Depending on your educational pathway, you may be required to complete this type of experience as part of your degree curriculum.
Working as a psychometrician can involve a big transition as you move from the theoretical knowledge of the classroom to its applications in the real world. Whether you pursue these experiences for requirement or by choice, internships give you the chance to apply your academic knowledge in the workplace. A practicum or internship can also help you obtain key on-the-job training while also exploring different roles and work environments in the profession.
Mentorship and continuous learning
Mentorship from an experienced psychometrician can be an asset at any stage of your career. Mentors can provide guidance, support and instruction based on their knowledge, experience and expertise. Having access to their neutral perspective can be valuable as you navigate challenges and decisions through the course of your career.
Professional development is another way to expand your knowledge and skills beyond the classroom. Pursue options to participate in continuing education, professional organizations and industry conferences to stay current with trends and research. Making professional development a priority can also help you stay abreast of innovative advancements such as the use of web-based assessments.
Exploring diverse career paths
Psychometrist vs. psychometrician: what’s the difference?
Anyone outside the field of psychology may assume that the roles of a psychometrist and psychometrician are closely related. While both careers involve different aspects of assessment, they differ in their educational pathways, degree of workplace autonomy, and responsibilities.
A psychometrist is a professional with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology or a related field. Psychometrists administer and score the psychological and neuropsychological assessments developed by psychometricians.
Psychometricians are typically PhD-level professionals who specialize in test design and statistical analysis. Their focus is on developing psychological tests and ensuring they are valid and reliable.
“When compared to psychometrists, psychometricians are more concerned with the back end of testing. If you think about the difference between the performers on a stage versus the director of a musical, psychometricians are more like the director of the musical. We’re concerned with algorithms and statistical models, but may not be the actual administrator of a test or assessment,” says Cheng.
Beyond the clinic: A world of opportunities
As a psychometrician, you can pursue employment with a wide range of employers. While opportunities can vary based on your interests and geography, psychometricians often find employment in the following work environments:
- Departments of psychology or education in colleges and universities
- Educational assessment companies
- Government agencies such as a state department of education
- Research institutions
- Language assessment companies
- Professional certification and licensure boards
- Employment testing companies
- Academic institutions from K through college level
- Big tech companies (Google, Meta, etc.)
- Private practice/consultant
More often, the demand for psychometricians extends beyond traditional research organizations. “In recent years, I’ve seen an increasing number of students working in big tech as data scientists or in roles where their title may be something like quantitative social scientist. Their quantitative skills are in demand, so from that perspective, any areas that value the importance of quantitative skills are potential areas in which graduates can explore opportunities,” says Cheng.
Specialization: Tailoring your expertise
While psychometricians are trained in a wide range of assessment methodologies, it is possible to concentrate on one area of assessment. While the options to focus on one age, condition or industry are endless, some common areas of specialty include:
- Licensure and certification assessment
- Educational assessment
- Data analysis
- Employment/career assessment
- Aptitude testing
- Personality tests
Psychometrician salary and job outlook: A promising future
A psychometrician is a highly specialized, in-demand position. The salary you earn as a psychometrician can vary based on your education, the stats in which you practice, demand and work environment. While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not report salary data on psychometricians or quantitative psychologists, the median annual salary for the broad category of psychologists is $92,740. This category includes a wide range of salaries in which the median annual salary for the lowest 10% of psychologists is $52,430 and the highest 10% earned more than $151,880.
The BLS does provide data for related careers and median salaries compare as such:
With projected job growth of 6.1% through 2032, the demand for psychologists is promising. Its job outlook is twice the average projected growth rate for all occupations during that time.
While employment exists at the master’s level, having a related PhD may give you access to the most desirable opportunities as a psychometrician. “We very recently conducted a study looking at job ads that hire psychometricians and we found that the vast majority require a doctorate degree. Based on our analysis, the most frequent requirement or preference for a degree is a PhD, with the second most frequent being the master’s degree. From my experience, I think there are some opportunities for someone with a master’s degree to perhaps work under someone with a PhD and get training on the job,” says Cheng.
Navigating the licensing maze
Understanding state-specific requirements
Licensure regulations for psychometricians can vary by state. Contact your state board of psychology to learn about current educational and licensure requirements in the state in which you plan to practice.
Most states do not require that psychometricians obtain a license to practice. However, you may need a license based on your employer. For example, working in a public school system may require registration and/or licensure depending on your responsibilities.
Maintaining expertise: the importance of continuing education
Continuing education can involve seminars, conferences, courses, research and other forms of professional development and career enhancement. It may also be a requirement as proof of current skills and knowledge to maintain a license or professional certification.
Making a commitment to continuing education in psychometrics and quantitative psychology, whether by requirement or choice, can help you remain current with best practices and emerging research. It can also allow you to explore new interests and advance existing expertise to expand your knowledge and career opportunities.
Resources and additional support
Professional organizations: your network of support
Professional organizations can provide valuable resources whether you are a student, new hire or seasoned professional in the field of psychometrics. Joining a professional organization typically gives you access to member-only educational and social opportunities, including continuing education and job boards.
Professional organizations that address the interests of psychometricians include:
The Psychometric Society is an international organization devoted to the advancement of quantitative measurement practices in psychology, education and the social sciences. Membership is open to students and professionals worldwide.
American Psychology Association (APA)
The APA is the general worldwide membership organization for psychologists, other psychology professionals and psychology students from all specialties. The APA works to advance the profession of psychology by providing professional support, impacting public policy and laws and representing all psychologists on critical social issues.
American Psychological Association Division 5: Quantitative and Qualitative Methods: This professional organization focuses on the areas of evaluation, measurement, assessment, statistics, and qualitative inquiry. It is open to students and professionals in quantitative psychology and related areas.
Online communities and resources
Facebook:
APA Division 5: Quantitative and Qualitative Methods
LinkedIn:
APA Division 5: Quantitative and Qualitative Methods
Twitter:
APA Division 5: Quantitative and Qualitative Methods
YouTube:
APA Division 5: Quantitative and Qualitative Methods
Books and articles: Expanding your knowledge base
Psychometrika: The official journal of the Psychometric Society
Psychological Assessment: An APA journal that focuses on all aspects of clinical assessment
Applied Psychological Measurement: A journal that focuses on measurement disciplines and issues in the behavioral and social sciences
Stout, W. (2002). Psychometrics: From practice to theory and back. Psychometrika, 67(4), 485-518.
Next steps
Pursuing a career as a psychometrician allows you to combine psychological principles with quantitative assessment. Depending on your skills, training and interests, your work can involve formulating psychometric assessments, validating outcomes or researching new assessment techniques. At all stages, the opportunity to ensure the integrity and fairness of assessments can have an impact on the people whose lives are affected by the test results. Your work can also help businesses and government organizations formulate and improve policies and procedures.
“Many students who major in psychology may not be aware of this field. Some of them may be very strong in statistics, math or engineering. Or, they may have an interest in those areas but may not see themselves as having a career continuing in psychology. They can have an opportunity to do that in the field of quantitative psychology or psychometrics. This field is very reliant on statistical and mathematical skills. If they do see themselves being interested in those areas, they can combine their interests,” says Cheng.
Published: April 2, 2024
With professional insight from:
Professor, Department of Psychology at University of Notre Dame and Secretary of the Psychometric Society Psychometristss