The Use of Psychometrists in Clinical Neuropsychology: History, Current Status, and Future Directions

Abstract

In recent years, the National Academy of Neuropsychology and other professional neuropsychological organizations have published a number of articles and position papers regarding the use, education, and training of psychometrists ("technicians"). Although these documents provide guidelines for the suggested qualifications and training procedures of psychometrists, none make any mention of the need for a standardized credentialing process, which is commonly required of technicians in similar fields, especially in medical settings. Given the recent changes in current procedural Terminology codes used to bill for neuropsychological services and the interpretation of legislation disallowing the use of psychometrists in New York, the need for a standard credential for psychometrists is apparent. This article will review the history and current use of psychometrists in clinical neuropsychology and highlight the need and rationale for the credentialing of psychometrists.

Does Size Really Matter? Contributions to the Debate on Short Versus Long Neuropsychology Assessments

“…As the use of testing assistants has increased in the USA, so has the need for ongoing consistency and regulation of the qualifications and technical skills to better guide what constitutes an appropriately skilled testing assistant suitable to administer neuropsychological assessments (Malek‐Ahmadi, Erickson, Puente, Pliskin, & Rock, ). A recent legal case in the USA saw the National Academy of Neuropsychology mount an argument in favour of the use of testing assistants and stated that the use of such assistants by neuropsychologists is comparable to the use of electrocardiogram technicians in cardiology, with the results interpreted by physicians (Ball & Peck, , in Malek‐Ahmadi et al., ). In 2006, the US National Academy of Neuropsychology released an official statement supporting the use of testing assistants by neuropsychologists as it “contributes to the standardised and accurate assessment of neurocognitive functions” (Puente, Adams, Barr & Bush, p. 838).…”

National Association of Psychometrists: 2015 professional practices and salary survey of U.S. and Canadian psychometrists

“…Psychometrists working under the supervision of licensed clinical psychologists is a practice that dates back to the early 1900s. It was during that time American Psychologist Carl E. Seashore pointed out a need for technicians, and delineated what is known today as the active role of psychometrists: a subordinate to clinical psychologists (Malek-Ahmadi, Erickson, Puente, Pliskin, & Rock, 2012). Subsequently, from the 1930s to the present, psychometrists have been employed with the tasks of administering and scoring neuropsychological and cognitive assessments under the supervision of clinical neuropsychologists (Axelrod et al, 2000;Malek-Ahmadi et al, 2012).…”

“…It was during that time American Psychologist Carl E. Seashore pointed out a need for technicians, and delineated what is known today as the active role of psychometrists: a subordinate to clinical psychologists (Malek-Ahmadi, Erickson, Puente, Pliskin, & Rock, 2012). Subsequently, from the 1930s to the present, psychometrists have been employed with the tasks of administering and scoring neuropsychological and cognitive assessments under the supervision of clinical neuropsychologists (Axelrod et al, 2000;Malek-Ahmadi et al, 2012). According to the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (1999), it is acceptable and widespread practice to use individuals trained in the standardized administration and scoring of neuropsychological tests.…”

“…At the national level, there are no educational or licensure requirements for psychometrists in the United States. However, some states such as New York, Arkansas, and North Carolina (Malek-Ahmadi et al, 2012) do require psychometrists to meet a minimal set of criteria that are consistent with those proposed by the major neuropsychological professional organizations (American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology, 1999; Puente et al, 2006). Psychometrists generally have a bachelor's or master's degree in psychology and must work under the supervision of a licensed psychologist, as the licensed psychologist is responsible for the assessment.…”

“…Malek- Ahmadi et al (2012) extensively outlined the education and training of psychometrists and a lack of formalized procedures. Novice psychometrists are trained by first reading test manuals, observing an experienced psychometrist, and then administering tests to the experienced psychometrist and less impaired patients before being deemed competent to practice.…”