Speed & Accuracy

The Speed & Accuracy Was Formerly A Part of The Differential Aptitude Tests Next Generation (DAT NextGen) And Is New As of 2027.

Help your organization move faster, focus better, and deliver with precision.

The Speed & Accuracy assessment (formerly a core module of the Differential Aptitude Tests™ – Next Generation) is an ultra-rapid, online cognitive test designed to measure an individual’s processing speed, attention to detail, and clerical precision. Taking only about 3 minutes to complete, this 15-item unproctored test uses computer-adaptive testing technology to gauge how efficiently a person can scan, interpret, and organize information without compromising on correctness under time constraints or when facing repetitive, high-volume workloads.

In today’s high-paced work environment, success depends on how quickly and accurately people process information. From making decisions under pressure to managing repetitive tasks with consistency, these skills are critical to productivity and quality.

Trusted since 1947 to predict performance the Differential Aptitude Test (DAT)™, now Speed & Accuracy, helps you identify individuals who can work efficiently without compromising precision. Built on proven cognitive science and delivered through adaptive testing, it gives you clear, reliable insight to make confident hiring and development decisions.

Primary Use: Selection and Development
Assessment Type: Cognitive: General Mental Ability (GMA) through the measurement of speed and accuracy ability
Job Level: Entry level through to managerial job roles
Job Type: Any role requiring individuals to have strong processing speed skills
Number of Items: 15
Estimated Time: 3 minutes (untimed)
Administration Format: Unproctored
Norms: General population, Education-level norms, Role‑ and industry‑based norms (where available)

Available Languages

• English (US & UK)
• French

What does the Speed & Accuracy measure?

1. Processing Speed – How quickly an individual can scan, interpret, and respond to information.
2. Attention to Detail – The ability to identify small differences, errors, or inconsistencies with precision.
3. Accuracy Under Pressure – Maintaining high levels of correctness even when working quickly or under time constraints.
4. Sustained Focus – Staying concentrated over time to complete repetitive or detail-oriented tasks effectively.
5. Information Processing Efficiency – Quickly organizing and comparing information to make sound decisions.
6. Workplace Readiness for High-Volume Tasks – The ability to perform reliably in roles that demand speed, consistency, and minimal errors.

Benefits

• Short – Approximately 3 minutes to complete
• Measures processing speed and accuracy, key predictors of performance in fast-paced roles
• Highly reliable, predictive scores grounded in decades of research
• Engaging experience that keeps test takers focused and motivated
• Supports confident hiring and development decisions across a wide range of roles

What It’s Best Used For

• Screening for high-volume, data-heavy roles: Vetting candidates from entry-level to managerial positions who must manage repetitive data entry, clerical tracking, or high-volume administrative tasks with high consistency.
• Evaluating attention to detail: Identifying individuals who can systematically spot minor mistakes, typos, or inconsistencies in text and numeric data sets.
• Testing resilience and accuracy under pressure: Predicting which applicants can work efficiently and maintain a high level of correctness in fast-paced operational settings.
• Unproctored remote screening: Running swift, secure remote pre-screens for off-site applicants using a randomized question bank that protects test integrity without a physical monitor.
• Predicting performance stability: Measuring a worker’s capacity for sustained focus over prolonged periods to avoid burnout or error accumulation during critical tasks.

See The Other Differential Aptitude Tests™ – Next Generation Replacement Titles

© Pearson Canada Assessment, Inc.