The Caliper test is a scientific pre-employment assessment used to predict the performance of a potential employee. The Caliper assessment measures a person’s motivations and personality characteristics to help predict their performance in a specific role.
The Caliper test (also known as the Caliper profile is unique in that it can be used in all stages of the employee lifecycle. This includes hiring, promotions, team building, and planning for the future.
Companies rely on tests like the Caliper assessment because it costs them less to use a tool and hire the right person the first time than make a bad hiring decision.
Even though this assessment is not a pass/fail test, it is quite in-depth, and the results can determine if you get the desired job. Taking the time to prepare properly will set you up for success.
Summary: Learn more about the Caliper assessment and what is included on this test. Take our free personality test if you are looking for a similar personality exam.
Our Recommended Caliper Prep Course
If you are serious about preparing for your Caliper test, try our recommended Caliper prep course.
Caliper Assessment Study Resources
To prepare for the Caliper assessment, you will need first to be clear about the job you are seeking. This means knowing exactly what your prospective employer is looking for in an ideal candidate. Knowing the details will help you determine what traits you should demonstrate.
When giving the Caliper test, an employer is looking for three things:
- Will this candidate fit in with our companies’ culture?
- Is this candidate serious about this role?
- What are the candidates’ priorities?
The next best thing you can do to prepare for the Caliper assessment is to practice answering the type of questions that will be on the exam.
While the results of this assessment may be the deciding factor in getting the job, this is not a test. There are no wrong answers or pass-fail results so try to be as stress-free as possible while taking the assessment.
If your employer is giving a test with right or wrong answers, it is most likely the Wonderlic test.
| Resource | Notes | Provider |
| Caliper Prep Course | A Caliper prep resource to help you become more familiar with the actual exam. | JobTestPrep |
| Caliper Profile Overview | Become more familiar with the potential Caliper profiles you will be assigned. | Official Caliper Site |
Caliper Test Outline
The Caliper personality test consists of 112 questions which are presented in five sections as well as an Abstract Reasoning portion. This exam will measure 22 total attributes that have been proven to be predictive of success in the workplace.
The exam takes 75 to 90 minutes to complete but is not a timed exam. This exam will help provide insights into someone’s potential for specific jobs or tasks within an organization.
The questions on the Caliper profile range from choosing the options that best describe you to puzzles and problem-solving scenarios.
There are 2 parts of the Caliper test:
- Personality Portion
- Cognitive Portion
To help you better prepare, let’s look at each section of the test and the type of questions you can expect to find in each section.
Personality Portion
This section tests the characteristics of your personality and includes three different types of questions.
- Most to Least– For most to least questions, you will get four statements. From those statements, you will have to choose the one that most reflects your beliefs, and the one that least reflects your belief.
- Agree or Disagree – You will get a single statement. You will either agree or disagree with what the statement describes.
- Degrees of Agreement – You will be given a statement and asked to rank from 1-5 how strongly you agree or disagree. 1 being strongly disagree, and 5 being strongly agree.
Example Questions from Personality Portion
Cognitive Portion
This section will test your ability to determine patterns and rules from specific scenarios. It consists four different types of questions.
- Figural Analogies – You will be given two shapes that have something in common. You will then be given a single shape and need to choose what shape has the same common relationship to the single shape as the two shapes shown in the example.
- Figural Matrices – You will be given rows or columns of a matrix and asked to choose the shape or pattern that comes next in the series.
- Figural Series – You will be given several shapes that follow a logical rule. You will need to determine what the rule is and choose the next shape in the series.
- Number Series – You will get a sequence of numbers that follow a mathematical rule. You will need to determine what the mathematical rule is and choose the next number in the sequence.
Example Questions from Cognitive Portion
If you want more practice with similar questions, consider taking our free IQ test.
Our Recommended Caliper Prep Course
If you are serious about preparing for your Caliper test, try our recommended Caliper prep course.
Caliper Profile Overview
The Caliper profile measures 22 attributes that have been proven to be successful in the workplace. These 22 attributes are grouped into 4 competency categories:
- Leadership/Persuasiveness – This is defined by your ability to lead others. This trait will be particularly important in supervisor and management roles.
- Problem Solving and Decision Making – This skill determines how well you build and maintain relationships with others. This trait is important in roles that deal directly with the customer. Some examples include customer service representatives and sales professionals.
- Interpersonal/Service Orientation – How quickly and efficiently can you solve a problem? This skill is desirable in a wide range of positions but is particularly important in leadership roles.
- Personal Organization and Time Management – How well can you organize yourself and manage the tasks required for the job. This skill set is incredibly important for administrative and leadership roles.
There are specific traits that are provided that provide further insight into those 4 categories above.
| Competency Categories | Example Traits |
| Leadership/Persuasiveness | Assertiveness Aggressiveness Ego-Driven Ego-Strength Energy Level-Headedness |
| Problem Solving and Decision Making | Abstract Reasoning Ability Flexibility Idea Orientation Openness |
| Interpersonal/Service Orientation | Accommodation Empathy Gregariousness Skepticism Sociability |
| Personal Organization and Time Management | External Structure Cautiousness Risk Taking Self-Structure Thoroughness Urgency |
Please note that a high trait score may not be “good” while a low trait score may not be “bad”. It will depend on the specific job and what the employer is looking for. Read more below on Caliper scores for more information.
Caliper Scores
Once you complete the Caliper assessment, your results will be compared against the Caliper norm group job models and given an overall fit score. Essentially, your score is being compared with scores of people who are currently in that job and are successful.
The scores range from 1-99. The higher the score, the better fit you are predicted to be for the role. If you score:
- 1-39: Your personality characteristics and motivations are not in line with the position. This indicates you will need extensive training to perform the duties required.
- 40-59: Your personality characteristics and motivations are somewhat aligned with the role. This means you may be a good fit after some training.
- 60-99: Your personality characteristics and motivations are an excellent fit for the position, and you will likely thrive within this role.
Your results go directly to your prospective employer. This in-depth comparison and score allow the employer to quickly see how well you will be able to fulfill a particular job’s duties.
After assessing how well you will fit in a particular role, an employer can also use the Caliper assessment data to support you in certain areas and help you develop new skills that allow you to excel in your new role.
You will not personally receive a copy of the in-depth Caliper profile. It will be up to your potential employer to share any results with you.
Caliper Assessment FAQs
Is the Caliper assessment reliable?
Yes! The Caliper Assessment has been scientifically validated for use in roles ranging from entry-level to senior leaders. It has also been administered and validated in many different industries, from Pharmaceuticals to professional sports.
With over 4.5 Million Assessments given, the results have been proven reliable time and time again.
The Validity Coefficient ranges from .29 – .39. This range meets or exceeds industry standards making it one of the best options on the market.
Is the Caliper assessment legal under the equal opportunity employment act?
Yes! The Caliper Assessment was developed under the U.S. Department of Labor guidelines and the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology regulations.
The Caliper Assessment also meets all of the requirements for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
What if I need more time to take the assessment?
It is recommended that you complete the assessment in one sitting. That being said, there is no proctor and no time limit, so you can take as much time as you need. Considering the assessment’s nature, you can stop and return later if the situation warrants the need.
Can the Caliper assessment be used with current employees?
Yes! The data collected on candidates is helpful in the hiring process and in understanding how to meet your employees’ needs.
Understanding all employees’ behavior profiles will help an employer provide the coaching and training that will be the most beneficial.
The Caliper Assessment is also a great tool to determine the best way to manage and lead a team.
