DAT Next Generation

Assess general cognitive ability using cutting edge adaptive test technology

Learn more

Differential Aptitude Tests™ or DAT™ is a gold-standard suite of assessments measuring cognitive abilities in a number of different areas. This latest edition, DAT™ Next Generation combines cutting-edge Computerised Adaptive Testing technology or CAT to offer five new DAT tests in a number of languages.

Compared with traditional fixed form tests CAT presents a modern method of delivering item-banked tests to job applicants or students with many benefits over previous version.

What are Differential Aptitude Tests used for?

Launched in 1947 initially to support career guidance and vocational counselling in students, DAT’s use has since extended to measure an individual’s level of general and a number specific mental abilities that are required for success in many job roles and training courses. The increased usage of ability tests in these areas is supported by in–depth research showing that tests of mental ability are highly predictive of performance.

Required Training

Get in touch

If you would like to learn more about how the DAT NG test can benefit your organisation, please contact us using the form below.

What does the next generation Differential Aptitude Test measure?

Each DAT™ Next Generation sub-test contains only 15 items & measures the following:

Verbal Analogies

Measures verbal reasoning by the relationships between pairs of words.

Numerical Calculations

Measures addition, subtraction, division, percentages, algebra and, multiplication.

Numerical Sequences

Measures problem solving abilities with numbers.

Abstract Reasoning

Looks at ability to see sequences in shapes and patterns.

Space Relations

The ability to visualise 2D shapes in 3D.

Product Information

Adaptive	Improves candidate experience - difficulty varies according to ability
Use	Talent identification, apprenticeships, career guidance, higher education
Format	15 items, untimed, unsupervised
Languages	English, French, Dutch, Spanish
Price	Available on request

Resources

What is the format of the next generation DAT test?

Shorter test – 15 item
More reliable scores
Better test taker experience and increased motivation
Items presented at ability level of test taker
One test – suitable for a wide range of ability levels.

Required training

A range of cognitive abilities

Covers a wide range of different cognitive abilities which are related to different areas of employment and training, giving Career counsellors, recruiters and educators a suite of modern tests to measure on.

Reliable and objective

Adaptive tests make it possible to use just one test to assess a diverse pool of individuals with differing abilities along the performance spectrum. They also offer more reliable scores over conventional tests, ensuring objectivity and fairness for everyone.

CAT technology

Computerised Adaptive Testing technology or CAT presents items that adapt to the ability level of each test taker. Adaptive tests allow higher ability test takers to demonstrate their skill whilst those with a lower ability find the test more motivating.

Shorter testing time

Each test has only 15 items making the test shorter than previous versions and offering a more enjoyable candidate experience. For supervised testing this can mean financial benefits, as testing venues, supervisors and administrators need to be booked for shorter periods. For unsupervised testing, test-takers are less likely to become distracted or lose focus while completing the test.

Increased motivation

Because of the better experience, there is likely an increase in examinee motivation. Examinees with lower levels of ability feel better, whilst those with higher levels feel challenged. Both will try harder than with a conventional test.

Get in touch

Item banking

As the test items are selected from a large bank, they do not become over-exposed. There is little benefit to test-takers sharing the items as each one will receive a different set of items. This maintains the integrity of the test. Item-banking is especially important for tests completed in an unsupervised environment

About TalentLens

Our Team. Your Service

TalentLens is part of Pearson PLC, the world’s learning company and global market leader in assessments. We are an international talent assessment business. Using psychometric tests to help organisations select and develop top performers and high potential.

Supported by over 70 years of research, our psychometric tests, such as the Watson Glaser test, are used by hundreds of companies around the world for their employee recruitment and development projects. As experts from the business world, our primary objective is to provide you with ongoing assistance to review your practices, understand and define your needs, and support you in choosing and using our assessment solutions.

We can support you with:

choosing the relevant training required.
the administrative and technical procedures.
the development and implementation of customised services to meet your HR needs.
administering tests from our dedicated online test platform.
understanding the results of candidates, and making well-supported hiring decisions.

GET IN TOUCH

FAQs

What does DAT™ Next Generation measure?

The Differential Aptitude Tests, or DAT for short, are a battery of tests designed to assess the levels of a number of cognitive abilities and aptitudes.

Measuring these cognitive abilities can give an indication of an individual’s aptitudes across a wide range of occupations. In addition to this, the DAT tests are also used to predict success in training programs and are good overall predictors of performance in many job roles.

DAT Next Generation (Next Gen or NG) is the latest version containing the five most popular sub-tests:

Verbal Analogies measures the ability to reason with concepts framed in written words.
Numerical Calculations measures the ability to carry out arithmetic computation and reason with numerical data.
Numerical Sequences measures inductive reasoning using numerical content and elementary arithmetic.
Abstract Reasoning measures the ability to solve unfamiliar problems and learn new things quickly.
Space Relations measures levels of spatial awareness and the ability to visualise a threedimensional object or diagram from a twodimensional one.

N.B. The previous DAT editions contained a test of mechanical reasoning. This test has been replaced by the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test (BMCT-II), which measures the same construct and is equivalent in terms of level of difficulty. BMCT-II is item-banked but it is not adaptive.

Why is there a new edition of DAT?

Since its launch in the 1940s, there have been a number of language adaptations and revisions to the DAT. The most recent versions, however, are over ten years old and there is inconsistency in terms of test length and content in various language versions. This new adaptation gives a consistent test that can be used across different languages.

DAT is being increasingly used as an online screener of cognitive abilities in a recruitment context. The current versions are all fixed test forms, meaning
that each test-taker receives the same set of items. Over time, the same few items have become overexposed.

With DAT NG, items are drawn from a large bank, ensuring that that the chances of two test-takers receiving the same set of items is minimal, but the tests are nevertheless equivalent in terms of difficulty. Item-banking reduces the chances of
items being over-exposed or people sharing items with others.

DAT NG has a more sophisticated scoring system than previous versions. The test is scored using computer adaptive testing (CAT). CAT works by tailoring the difficulty of items to a test-taker, meaning that those who answer the items correctly will receive more difficult ones. This can offer a more positive test-taker experience.

DAT NG is suitable for online completion in both an unsupervised (unproctored) and supervised environment, such as assessment or development centres.

Why are we using computer adaptive testing?

Compared with traditional fixed form tests (like the current DAT versions) scored using classical test theory, computerised adaptive testing (CAT) presents a modern method of delivering tests to job applicants or students. One of the key features of CAT is that the difficulty of items presented to each test-taker is tailored to their level of ability, meaning that those who answer the items correctly will receive more difficult ones. Despite this, it is possible to compare test scores.

How can we ensure that the randomly generated adaptive tests are equivalent in terms of difficulty and item content?

Each item is coded by difficulty on a finely incremented scale. Upon test completion, the test-taker is assigned a theta score. Somebody answering 15 difficult questions will receive a different theta score to someone answering 15 easy items.

CAT is a further adaptation to item-banking, presenting items to suit the response of the test taker. If the responder answers an item correctly, the next item will be harder and vice versa.

Our studies have shown that a reliable score can be obtained with 15 items. Therefore, the tests are set to a fixed length of 15 items.

What research is there to demonstrate that the new and old tests are equivalent?

Comparison: DAT PCA Verbal Reasoning vs. DAT Next Gen: Verbal Analogies

Correlation coefficient: 0.82

Comparison: DAT PCA Numerical Reasoning vs. DAT Next Gen: Numerical Calculations

Correlation coefficient: 0.64

Comparison: DAT PCA Abstract Reasoning vs. DAT Next Gen: Abstract Reasoning

Correlation coefficient: 0.64

Comparison: DAT PCA Space Relations vs. DAT Next Gen: Space Relations

Correlation coefficient: Coming soon

Comparison: DAT PCA Mechanical Reasoning vs BMCT-II

Correlation coefficient: 0.81

Comparison: DAT Next Gen: Numerical Sequences vs GAT (SHL test)

Correlation coefficient: 0.54

How long does it take to complete the test?

Each test contains only 15 items. When 15 items have been answered the test finishes. If a candidate chooses not to answer 15 items, they will not obtain a score.

All DAT NG tests are untimed, and in our studies the average time taken for someone to complete 15 questions is 12 minutes.

What reports are available?

Profile reports containing an overall percentile score (against the chosen norm group) is presented. In addition the T-score, STANINE score, and STEN score are reported in the Additional Technical Information section of the candidate’s Profile Report.

Each test-taker receives a raw theta score, which is converted to a standardised score for interpretation purposes, and shown in the report. Theta scores are available in the platform dashboard.

As everyone must complete 15 items, and items carrying different weighting in terms of difficulty, the number of items answered correctly is of little value when comparing scores

Can DAT be completed on a mobile phone or tablet?

We recommend that the DAT Next Gen be completed on a desktop or laptop computer with a dependable internet connection.

Can DAT be linked to an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?

Generally the test can be linked, but contact us for further information.

What is happening to the previous DAT versions?

Previous DAT versions will still be available in certain languages for existing clients, but should only ever be used for proctored/supervised administration or for development purposes. You should contact your local TalentLens office or representative for advice. We strongly advise customers to adopt the new tests at their earliest possible convenience.

DAT Next Generation