Psychological Services Bureau Tests
The Psychological Services Bureau (PSB) creates tests specifically for those applying for health care programs at the college level. PSB tests provide college officials with information about incoming students, such as their abilities, skills, and knowledge. This information is then used to determine which students fit the criteria of a specific nursing school or other related healthcare program.
There are four types of PSB tests: Aptitude for Practical Nursing Exam, Health Occupations Aptitude Exam, Reading Comprehension Exam, and Registered Nurse School Aptitude Exam. The Aptitude for Practical Nursing Exam addresses the requirements for a vocational or practical nursing program.
This PSB test consists of five areas, each representing skills and knowledge that are important in the healthcare field.
- The first part, academic aptitude, assesses your ability to complete work of an academic nature and tests your verbal, arithmetic, and non-verbal abilities.
- The second section, spelling, assesses your ability to produce error-free written communications.
- The third part, natural sciences, measures your knowledge of health, safety, biology, and chemistry at a basic level.
- The fourth part assesses your judgment and comprehension in practical nursing situations.
- The final part of this PSB test is a vocational adjustment index that assesses your personality and lifestyle, which includes opinions, feelings, and characteristics that may not be suitable for prospective nurses.
The Health Occupations Aptitude Exam PSB test is similar to the Aptitude for Practical Nursing Exam in that the test consists of the same content and areas for assessment. It is, however, more general and focuses on all healthcare professions, not just nursing. This test also judges your readiness and ability to successfully complete a healthcare program. The Registered Nurse School Aptitude Exam covers the same areas as the two previously-mentioned tests. This PSB test is used for applicants to nursing programs. Although most commonly used to assess academic readiness, it can also be useful for curriculum planning, counseling, and placement. Another type of PSB test offered is the Reading Comprehension Exam that tests your ability to understand what you have read. How a student scores on this PSB tests helps teachers understand how a particular student learns and helps predicts a student’s ability to learn in various situations. Because many bright students tend to struggle due of poor reading comprehension skills, the results of this PSB test can give a student help, such as remediation or counseling, if needed.
The PSB tests are administered at various colleges and testing centers throughout the United States. You will need to check with your college or testing center to determine how to register for the test you need to take. The testing site determines the PSB test fee, and it can range from $20-$40.
On the day of your PSB test, you will need to arrive at the testing center early to sign in. Be prepared to present your photo ID and receipt. You will be given two hours and 30 minutes to complete the PSB test.
You will be given the results of your PSB test shortly after completing the test. Whether or not you pass depends on the school where you are applying. Most schools require you to score in the top 25th percentile. If you did not pass the PSB test or do as well as you would have liked, you must wait 30 days to retake it. You will need to re-register and pay the fee again. You can only take the PSB test twice.
Last Updated: 04/24/2012