Testing time is an important part of test selection. Test administration time is a real concern to evaluators, assessors and screeners. However, the topic is more comprehensive than it initially appears. There are several facets to "testing time" that warrant consideration.

Test administration time incorporates the time it takes clients to complete a test. Easily understood instructions, a low reading level (5^th to 6^th grade), test length (number of items), and test presentation mode (paper-pencil, computer monitor or human voice audio) influence administration time. Most Risk & Needs tests take, on average, 30± minutes to complete and vary around 150 items. Exceptions include the Sexual Adjustment Inventory (60 minutes) and the Prison Inmate Inventory (50 minutes) because of their areas of inquiry, number of scales (measures) and length.

Test scoring, interpretation and report printing is another important factor to be considered when discussing "testing time." All Risk & Needs tests are automated (computer scored) and their "scoring, interpretation and report printing time" is completed within 2½ minutes. Short Form test versions score faster than the standard (and longer) tests. Now let’s look at that 2½ minutes more closely. Test data input from an answer sheet into the computer takes on average 50± seconds, scoring and interpretation 20± seconds, report printing 60± seconds. Automated (optical scanner) scoring and report printing is faster. And taking the test on the computer monitor represents a faster scoring and report printing time.

Diskette and CD life span are set at 13 months. All Risk & Needs test diskettes are programmed to expire at the completion of 13 months. This expiration date insures that test users are using current Risk & Needs scoring methodology. Proprietary software informs test users when the 11^th, 12^th and 13^th month have elapsed. On an annual basis each tests expanding database is researched. When scoring updates are made they are promptly reflected in tests administered in the field. Risk & Needs wants its test users to only use current and accurate testing methodology. Diskettes and CD’s are replaced on a 13 month cycle. Unused tests are credited to client accounts when these updations occur.

Diskette or CD orders are processed swiftly. Orders can be submitted by mail, telephone, fax or e-mail. Orders received by two o’clock are filled and put in the return mail the day they are received. Orders received after 2:00 p.m. are filled and returned in the next day’s mail. If a test user needs new diskettes the next day, the order is overnighted (at the users expense) so it will be delivered the next day.