What does the WCS test for, and how does it help with vocational assessment?

Who may purchase the WCS?

Who is responsible for the administration of the WCS?

How long does the WCS take, and what is the test like?

What if the client is not familiar with computers?

What if the client's first language is not English?

Who can take the WCS?

What type of computer do I need? Does the WCS require special software or hardware?

How long does it take to get test results and reports?

Who has access to test records?

Does the WCS provide a diagnosis?

Can a client's IQ be determined from WCS test results?

What support materials are available?

For general FAQs about HeadMinder tests, click here.

What does the WCS test for, and how does it help with vocational assessment?
The WCS tests neurocognitive functions such as memory and attention, assesses reading skills, collects information about self-confidence and vocational interests, and includes an optional mental status examination. Using specialized statistics, the WCS longitudinally measures significant change in neurocognitive functioning of clients receiving social, educational, or mental health services and interventions.

Who may purchase the WCS?
To purchase the WCS, you must provide verification of appropriate licensure or accreditation by your state and/or authorization by an employer, such as a hospital, research laboratory, school, or government agency. Each purchaser must designate a responsible individual with the appropriate credentials to oversee the proper use of the WCS.

Examples of responsible individuals may include: licensed professionals with a master's-level degree or higher in psychology, education, or social work (or the equivalent in a related field with relevant training); other educational/health professionals authorized by their organization to conduct research or to assess vocational potential in individuals with known or suspected cognitive problems.

Who is responsible for the administration of the WCS?
The client's provider is ultimately responsible for the administration and interpretation of the WCS. A client's provider is the person responsible for that client's care and who requested the client take the WCS.

A provider may be the client's psychologist or vocational counselor or other professional authorized by his or her organization to assess vocational potential. Providers may administer the test personally or assign another person to supervise the test administration.

How long does the WCS take, and what is the test like?
The test should take approximately 30 minutes. The WCS includes a two-part questionnaire. The first part, which includes questions about the client's background, pertinent medical history, and interpersonal skills, is filled out by the clinician. In the second part, the client rates his/her level of self-confidence and answers questions about computer familiarity. Following the questionnaire is a series of computerized subtests that measure attention and working memory, learning capacity, and motor speed. At the clinician's discretion, an optional mental status examination may be added to the WCS.

What if the client is not familiar with computers?
The WCS was designed to minimize the need for computer experience/familiarity. Typing skills are not required. Most responses to neurocognitive subtests are recorded using the spacebar or number keys. In addition, the WCS questionnaire requires clients to answer questions about their familiarity with a computer keyboard, mouse, and other electronic devices. A client's scores may be statistically adjusted for lack of computer familiarity.

What if the client's first language is not English?
Most neurocognitive subtests are nonverbal, and online test instructions can be made available in a number of languages.

Who can take the WCS?
The WCS is appropriate for clients aged 18 to 85.

What type of computer do I need? Does the WCS require special software or hardware?
The WCS can be taken from any PC with an Internet connection and an up-to-date version of Microsoft® Internet Explorer and Adobe® Flash® player. If your computer does not have these, a notice on the login page will alert you and direct you to a site where you can download them for free. There is no special software or hardware to buy or install.

How long does it take to get test results and reports?
Results and reports are available instantly.

Who has access to test records?
HeadMinder does not provide clients with direct access to test results, because all HeadMinder tests must be interpreted by a provider with appropriate education, training, and experience in the relevant area of assessment.

As a registered provider with a secure password, you will have access to the test results of the clients under your care. Further access to test results can be customized to match the records management policies of your organization.

For more information, see the Test Taker Privacy Policy.

Does the WCS provide a diagnosis?
The WCS does not provide a diagnosis. WCS test results provide assistance with assessment and monitoring of a client's cognitive-vocational profile, but they must be interpreted by a qualified vocational-assessment professional.

Can a client's IQ be determined from WCS test results?
HeadMinder does not collect IQ scores. No one can make an inference regarding a client's IQ based on the results of the WCS.

What support materials are available?
Support materials include a step-by-step Administrator's Manual on how to navigate the system and administer tests; a comprehensive Professional Manual with test specifications, reliability and validity evidence, normative data, scoring procedures, and guidelines for interpretation of test scores; and a Mental Status Examination Professional Manual for use when administering the optional mental status examination as part of a WCS report.

Using your secure password, you may access the support documents at any time from your online administration pages. Documents may also be printed out for your records.