--- title: "Overt vs Covert Testing: Which Works? | VantagePoint | CPI Omaha" description: "Compare overt and covert pre-employment testing methods. Learn why the APA considers overt testing the most powerful approach for identifying risk." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "VantagePoint | CPI Omaha", "legalName": "VantagePoint, Inc.", "url": "https://vantagepointcpi.com", "logo": "https://vantagepointcpi.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo.png", "image": "https://vantagepointcpi.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo.png", "description": "Family-owned human resource consulting firm in Omaha, NE. Member and owner of Career Partners International. 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Not all pre-hire assessments are created equal. Some are easy to fake. Here's why the testing methodology matters as much as the test itself, and why we use overt testing. [Call (402) 391-2128](tel:+1-402-391-2128)[Schedule Consultation](/contact) There are two fundamental approaches to pre-hire assessment: covert testing and overt testing. Understanding the difference matters because the wrong approach gives you data that looks useful but doesn't actually predict job performance. Covert tests try to measure traits indirectly. They ask questions designed to assess personality, integrity, or cognitive ability without the candidate knowing exactly what's being measured. The problem: covert tests are relatively easy to fake. Candidates figure out the "right" answers and game the system. Research shows that faking on covert assessments is widespread and significantly reduces their predictive validity. Overt tests are direct. They tell the candidate exactly what's being measured and ask straightforward questions. The American Psychological Association considers overt testing the most powerful method for identifying high-risk, counterproductive behaviors. Because the questions are transparent, the response patterns that indicate risk are much harder to fake. Candidates who try to manipulate overt tests are identified by built-in validity scales. VantagePoint uses overt testing in our candidate assessment programs. About 25% of candidates tested don't qualify. That's a significant number of potential bad hires identified before they cost your organization time and money. Our tools have over 30 years of independent validation and meet EEOC, APA, and Federal Uniform Guidelines. Call [(402) 391-2128](tel:+1-402-391-2128) to see how overt testing works in practice. ## Frequently Asked Questions Can candidates cheat on overt tests? + Are overt tests legal for hiring? + ← Back to all talent acquisition services [View All Talent Acquisition](/talent-acquisition) ![VantagePoint | CPI Omaha career consulting team](/assets/tommy-maryellen-3-Cy3jeP4-.jpg) ## Ready to Solve Your Toughest People Challenges? Let's start a conversation about what your organization needs. [Call (402) 391-2128](tel:+1-402-391-2128) [![VantagePoint | CPI Omaha Logo](/assets/vp-logo-Cfozg_75.png)](/) A member and owner of [Career Partners International](https://cpiworld.com/), providing the industry's best value in outplacement, career management, retirement transition, and executive coaching since 1994. 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