Psychometric tests measure both cognitive ability and mental agility. Different tests evaluate specific skills, such as comprehension, arithmetic ability or a candidate's approach and attitude. They commonly focus less upon knowledge and more on problem-solving ability and accuracy under pressure.
The tests are designed to reveal if prospective candidates have the traits sought for the job role in question. They allow employers to judge how a candidate will handle routine tasks, interact with co-workers and cope in stressful situations. The measurements provided by psychometric tests are considered to give a strong indication of a candidate's potential to excel.