PSI Exams: A Detailed Guide

When applying for roles within state regulatory agencies, industry trade groups, and medium and large-sized companies, you are likely to be required to take various tests and assessments. They may vary in format and content, but they are all designed to ensure that the best candidates are shortlisted and onboarded. 

One testing provider is PSI (Psychological Services, Inc.) who offers assessment services for numerous industries, including healthcare, public safety, real estate, and more. PSI exams are important as they ensure candidates meet the necessary qualifications and standards for their respective fields.

In this article, you will learn more about PSI Exams, how they’re scored, as well as tips for test day success.

What Are PSI Exams?

PSI was founded over 60 years ago and so has decades of experience in administering tests to corporations and professional associations. Their battery of exams are standardized tests developed to assess candidates’ knowledge, skills, and competencies required for specific professions. 

These exams are often required by state licensing boards and professional organizations.

PSI Exams are very highly regarded and trusted. They are known for maintaining professional standards and ensuring public safety.

The psychometric tests help employers and regulatory bodies determine whether candidates possess the requisite knowledge and abilities to perform effectively in their roles. They are a key part of the application process for many public service roles.

Types of PSI Exams

There are different exams for candidates to take depending on the role they are applying for.

Licensure Exams

PSI administers licensure exams for various professions, including nursing, real estate, and engineering.

In the field of nursing, there are PSI exams for certification by bodies such as the American Board of Neuroscience Nursing (ABNN), Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN), and Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC). Questions on nursing assessments tend to focus on correctly diagnosing illness and conditions.

PSI also provides exams for certification in real estate. These tests consist of two sections: National Portion and State Portion. You will first be required to answer questions on areas such as the nature of Real Property, Transferring a Title, and Financing. 

In the second section, you will need to demonstrate that you understand real estate in the state you wish to practice in. You will be asked questions on things like Fair Housing and Consumer Protection Laws, Property Taxes, and Landlord-Tenant laws.

In the field of engineering, PSI exams include the Pressure Systems Inspection & Testing Services and Plant testing.

Certification Exams

PSI certification exams evaluate candidates’ competencies in specialized areas. 

Some of the industries that require certification are information technology (IT), healthcare, and finance.

The IT exams are likely to feature questions on topics such as installing and configuring end-user devices and software, and connecting devices to networks.

To gain healthcare certification, PSI exams typically cover areas including duty of care, privacy and dignity, and safeguarding.

To pass a PSI finance exam, you will need to answer questions on concepts such as future value, dividends, and annuity.

Prometric Exams

Prometric is a test administrator similar to PSI. For some fields, exams are co-administered by the two providers. By collaborating to design and deliver tests, the organization can offer a wider range of assessments to candidates. 

Online Assessments

While many PSI exams are taken at test centers, there is the possibility for candidates to take certain PSI exams online. This remote option allows for flexibility in scheduling and location. 

For those taking PSI exams online, you must follow the technological requirements. PSI requests that you run a system check to ensure your device is compatible with the test. You must also verify your identity with the proctor before going on to take the test.

Example PSI Test Questions

PSI Exams cover a wide variety of industries and job roles, so example questions can vary significantly depending on the subject area.

Below are general example questions for two sections typically found in PSI Exams: General Knowledge/Reasoning and Industry-Specific Knowledge.

General Knowledge/Reasoning

Question 1:

What is the next number in the sequence:

2, 6, 12, 20, 30?

a) 36
b) 40
c) 42
d) 50

The correct answer is: c) 42

The pattern follows an increasing gap between consecutive numbers (4, 6, 8, 10, 12). Adding 12 to 30 gives 42.

Question 2:

A train travels 60 miles in 1 hour. How long will it take to travel 150 miles at the same speed?

a) 1.5 hours
b) 2 hours
c) 2.5 hours
d) 2.75 hours

The correct answer is: c) 2.5 hours

At a speed of 60 miles per hour, the train covers 150 miles in 2.5 hours.

Industry-Specific Knowledge (e.g., Real Estate)

Question 1:

What is the primary purpose of a property deed?

a) To serve as a contract between buyer and seller
b) To list the property’s previous owners
c) To transfer ownership of the property
d) To calculate property taxes

The correct answer is: c) To transfer ownership of the property

A deed is a legal document that officially transfers ownership of property from one person to another.

Question 2:

Which of the following is NOT typically considered a fixture in real estate?

a) Built-in cabinets
b) A chandelier
c) Area rugs
d) A ceiling fan

The correct answer is: c) Area rugs

Fixtures are items attached to the property, while an area rug is a movable object and not considered a fixture.

Situational Judgment

Question 1:

 You notice a coworker consistently arriving late to work. What is the most appropriate action to take?

a) Report them to your supervisor immediately.
b) Ignore the situation unless it affects your work.
c) Confront the coworker in front of others.
d) Privately discuss the issue with the coworker to understand the reason.

The correct answer is: d) Privately discuss the issue with the coworker to understand the reason.

It's best to handle workplace issues with discretion and empathy before escalating to a supervisor.

Question 2:

A customer complains about a product they purchased, saying it does not work as expected. 

What is the most professional way to respond?

a) Tell the customer it’s not your problem.
b) Suggest they read the instruction manual again.
c) Apologize for the inconvenience and offer to help resolve the issue.
d) Direct them to another employee.

The correct answer is: c) Apologize for the inconvenience and offer to help resolve the issue.

A professional response should aim to resolve the issue while maintaining customer satisfaction.

Structure and Content of PSI Tests 

Understanding the exam structure and content is a great way to prepare. Familiarizing yourself will allow you to spend more time on answering the questions on the real test.

Exam Format

The PSI test can consist of different question types. They may be multiple choice, scenario-based, or true/false. 

The number of questions on the test varies depending on the exam subject. For example, the PSI Insurance exam typically consists of 20 questions, whereas the Real Estate assessment can include up to 120.

When taking a PSI exam test, you will need to complete it within a set timeframe. Again, how long you are given to take the test is dependent on the type of exam. 

To give you an idea, the PSI Cosmetology exam takes 90 to 120 minutes to complete. The PSI Real Estate exam can take up to four hours to finish.

Subjects Covered

The subjects on the PSI exam test are carefully chosen for each subject area. You can expect to be asked questions that relate to your chosen profession. 

For example, nursing exams may focus on patient care and clinical practices, while real estate exams may cover property laws and regulations.

PSI Tests Scoring and Results

After you take your PSI test, your answers will be marked and calculated to provide you with a score. Depending on the program, you may receive a raw score or a scaled score.

Raw scores simply refer to how many questions you answered correctly. For example, if you achieve 75 correct answers out of a possible 100, your raw score is 75. 

Before taking the test, it is important to understand the passing score. If the minimum pass score is 70, you must correctly answer 70 or more questions to pass the exam and earn the credential.

Scaled scores have been converted from raw scores. 

Scaling test scores is the process of converting raw scores to a different scale. This type of score is used to demonstrate whether or not the candidate has met the expected standard, set by evaluating the average score for that test. Scaled scores allow the test provider to assess performance more fairly.

It is important that you understand the scoring criteria for your exam so you can aim to exceed the minimum pass mark.

The time in which you will receive your scores may vary depending on which certification you are testing for. The National Healthcare Association (NCA) makes results available within 48 hours, whereas candidates applying for certification from Skills for English must wait for up to 14 days.

Scores are typically available on your online candidate account, and you should receive an email to notify you when they are ready.

Preparation Tips for PSI Exams

Understand the Exam Requirements

Before applying to take your chosen PSI exam, it is crucial that you understand the test requirements. Some certifying bodies require you to hold specific qualifications or experience to take the exam.

Once you have successfully applied to take the exam, you should familiarize yourself with the content areas and the skills assessed. This will allow you to prepare effectively as you can develop a study plan based on the exam topics.

Use Official Study Materials

When preparing for your PSI exam, it is a good idea to use official study guides and PSI practice test resources provided by PSI or the respective licensing boards. 

These materials are specifically designed to align with the exam content and format so you can be assured that you are studying the correct content.

Develop a Study Plan

A great way to structure your test revision is by creating a study plan. Map out how long each day you can spend on study and allocate time for each subject area.

Think about which areas you need to work on the most and set realistic study goals for yourself. Make sure to regularly review your progress and track your new knowledge and skills.

Practice Time Management

As the PSI test will be timed, it is a good idea to take PSI practice exams against the clock. This will provide an insight into how many correct answers you can achieve in the set time. 

By improving your time management skills, you can go into the test feeling confident.

Seek Support and Resources

Preparing for your PSI exam can feel like a daunting prospect, so it is a good idea to join study groups or forums where you can engage with other candidates taking the same PSI exam. 

By networking with peers and sharing resources you can gain additional insights and motivation to succeed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of professions require PSI Exams?

Some of the professions that require a PSI Exam are real estate, nursing, and construction.

How can I register for a PSI Exam?

You can register for a PSI Exam on the PSI website.

Are there practice tests available for PSI Exams?

There are PSI practice tests available online.

What should I bring on the day of the exam?

On the day of your PSI exam, be sure to bring your valid ID. You should check the PSI website for details of what you can and can’t bring to the test.

How long does it take to receive results from PSI Exams?

Depending on the test subject, it can take up to 14 days to receive your PSI results.

Final Thoughts

The wide range of PSI Exams are an important part of the certification process for many professions. They ensure that candidates are adequately qualified for their respective fields.

For the best chance of success, be sure to prepare thoroughly using official study materials, such as PSI practice exams. It is important that you understand the exam structure and content so you can achieve a high score.

Remember that passing the PSI test is a vital step toward achieving professional licensure or certification, so your hard work will pay off.