BERGER APTITUDE FOR PROGRAMMING TEST (B-APT)

Description of the B-APT

The B-APT consists of three separate parts of ten problems each. It is designed so that even examinees with no programming background can understand the test's programming language and use it to solve the 30 problems. By the time the examinees reach the last part of the B-APT, they will have been taught to code, loop, increment and branch. Of at least equal importance, they will have had a number of opportunities to demonstrate their ability to analyse new problem requirements and find appropriate ways to meet them, using the given language rules.

Total administration time is 1 hour and 15 minutes. This includes time for tutorial instruction and practise items, and actual test taking time.

B-APT Score and Diagnostics

The B-APT was designed to measure the basic programming aptitudes: sequential logic; understanding and analysing program specifications; communicating via coded instructions with a computer; following language rules; attention to detail; and making conceptual leaps from language rules to solving new, increasingly complex problem requirements.

To take off points for "slip-of-the-pen" errors (such as misspelling a code word) would obscure the measurement of the essential aptitude. Therefore, a special scoring system was devised to excuse this type of error. The scoring also guides trained B-APT scorers to make objective judgements that will give full recognition and credit to unusual but correct solutions. When the logic, the use of the language rules, and the understanding of program specifications are correct, no points are subtracted for trivial errors made in haste. The selection of trainees capable of a high degree of productivity and excellence make the extra time, effort and cost to provide this kind of scoring very worthwhile.

Determining a Qualifying B-APT Score

Research studies of the B-APT have provided results in terms of the probability of success on the job. This probability increases significantly as the B-APT score increases. Several studies have shown that an examinee who scores 30 out of 30 has a greater than 95% probability of being at the top level of their training class. These data are in "Expectancy Charts" which show the probability of being in the top 50% of the population (with respect to future programming performance) for each B-APT score. The expectancy charts below reflect the results of studies conducted at AT&T and by the US Navy.

That B-APT scores have almost linear relationship to performance is again brought out in the figures above. In this study, sponsored by the U.S Navy, the probability of success increases steadily as the B-APT score interval increases. Below is a more detailed chart using statistical data from a sample of training classes. The graph shows the probabilities of being in the top 25% and the top 10% of a class for each of the 31 possible scores. B-APT clients have found these expectancy charts useful in making selection decisions.

That B-APT scores have almost linear relationship to performance is again brought out in the figures above. In this study, sponsored by the U.S Navy, the probability of success increases steadily as the B-APT score interval increases. Below is a more detailed chart using statistical data from a sample of training classes. The graph shows the probabilities of being in the top 25% and the top 10% of a class for each of the 31 possible scores. B-APT clients have found these expectancy charts useful in making selection decisions.

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