Error Checking Tests

An error checking assessment is a timed test that evaluates individuals' ability to spot errors in data sets or paragraphs of text.

This is a popular test used by employers to ensure that those they recruit demonstrate the necessary attention to detail when dealing with all types of written documentation.

Spotting errors is a responsibility in many roles such as data entry, administrative positions, accounting, or roles within retail, where an error in the information can have wide-reaching consequences for an organisation.

Other jobs where you may need to complete an error-checking test include marketing, sales, or customer service roles.

Most of the questions on an error checking test are designed to evaluate your basic grammar and punctuation skills, as well as your data entry and formatting abilities.

However, different tests may include different question types. Some may ask you to identify errors in a sentence, while others may require you to correct mistakes in a table or spreadsheet.

Others may ask you to verify the accuracy of information entered into a form. No matter what the specific questions are, though, the goal is always to assess your ability to detect and correct errors quickly and accurately.

The format of these tests can vary depending on the publisher, but most include a time limit for completing the test.

Each question is worth a specific number of points. You will want to make sure that you do not spend too much time on any one question, as this will reduce your overall score.

The most common format is multiple-choice, where test takers are given a series of questions and must choose the correct answer from a list of possible answers.

Some tests also include fill-in-the-blank questions, where test takers must type in the correct answer.

Another type of question that may be used on an error checking aptitude test is a True or False question.

Error checking tests are a commonplace part of the hiring process for many employers. They can help employers determine if an applicant is capable of performing the essential functions of the job.

By screening potential employees for accuracy with these types of tests, employers can minimize the chances of making a hiring mistake that could prove costly down the road.

Additionally, many companies see accurate data entry as a key component of their business, and thus require potential employees to pass an error checking test as part of the screening process.

1. Familiarise yourself with the format

Given that error checking tests are comprised of several different question formats, becoming familiar with the format and the style of questioning means that you can easily understand the question when put in a timed, pressurised situation.

2. Practice identifying errors in sentences

The purpose of an error checking test is to evaluate individuals on their attention to detail and accuracy. Identifying errors in sentences means sharpening your selective focus skills and accuracy, which is of benefit when you come to take the actual test.

3. Practice taking timed tests

Error checking tests are timed tests. Practicing under timed conditions means that you become accustomed to the stress you will feel when taking the test, enabling you to control how you react under this pressure. It also means you can use any strategies to help you keep calm when taking the test.

4. Try eliminating answers

If you're still not sure how to answer a question, try eliminating answers until you're left with only one option

Marks can only be given for correct answers, so if you are unsure of which multiple-choice answer is correct, make things easier for yourself by eliminating answers rather than focusing on selecting the correct answer from the whole list. Working with a shorter list of possible answers lets you concentrate on the correct one.

5. Get plenty of rest before the test

To perform to the best of your ability, get a good night's sleep the night before the test and ensure you are well rested, have eaten, and are hydrated. Doing so enables you to focus on the questions in the test and allows your natural ability to shine.

To ensure that all aspects of an individual's attention to detail when working with written information are assessed, error checking tests consist of several different question formats. These include:

Fill in the blank questions

• Questions presented with multiple-choice answers
• Questions that require individuals to identify the error in a sentence

Examples of question types that may be included in an error checking test include:

Are all the words spelt correctly?

With this question format, individuals are presented with tables of written information. They are required to identify any words within the sentences that are misspelled.

For example:

Below is a list of the best places to live in the world. Which words are misspelled?

• Australia
• South Africa
• Cannada
• New Zealand
• United Kindom

Answer: 3 & 5