Psychological assessment is not a quick process, nor is it an immediate solution to an individual's problems. It typically entails more than taking a single test, but will almost certainly include some type of psychological test, be it a verbal exchange in which the assessor is seeking particular criteria to diagnose a condition, or a written evaluation. To properly administer a psychological assessment, the assessor must be sure that the subject is offering truthful and valid responses. Using the results, the assessor can determine an action plan for the subject.

The primary function of psychological assessment tests is to utilize multiple measures to collect data and determine a person's psychological needs. A test is typically complemented by other information, such as physical health history, mental health history, a list of symptoms, interviews and checklists of traits. Psychological assessment tests may be used to diagnose a condition, to determine a disability, to inform treatment or to evaluate the affects of a course of treatment.

Psychologists use various psychological assessment tests. Diagnostic evaluations are used to determine normal and abnormal behavioral traits. Forensic evaluations may include extensive observations and interviews. Neuropsychological evaluations assess a patient's neuropsychological functioning, and may be done in conjunction with an MRI or a CAT scan. Educational evaluations address the intellectual capabilities of a patient. Vocational evaluations are used for career testing and employment counseling.

While psychological assessment tests vary, they share common features. Clinical interviews are a primary source of assessment, and often includes a mental status examination that determines a patient's typical thought process, emotions and communication capabilities. Most assessment includes questions to determine personality type, while more intensive examinations of personality are addressed in projective personality tests. Some tests also measure aptitude and cognitive functioning.

For those interested in seeing an actual psychological assessment test, ordering a copy from a test publisher is the best option. The standard assessments are not available to read online because the test questions are copyrighted. It should also be noted that most mental health professionals frown on patients reading or doing the tests in advance, because it could skew the results. The major test publishers include AGS Publishing, Consulting Psychologists Press, Institute for Personality and Ability Testing, Multi-Health Systems, NCS Pearson, Nichols and Molinder, Psychological Assessment Resources and The Psychological Corporation.

The go-to guide for graduate students and others fascinated by psychological assessment testing is "Handbook of Psychological Assessment" by Gary Groth-Marnat and J. Wiley. The book offers a detailed review of the most commonly administered assessments. It offers a condensed version of test manuals and a guide for determining which test is most appropriate in specific situations. Among the tests discussed are the Wechsler Intelligence Scales, the Thematic Apperception Test, Bender-Gestalt, Rorschach (the classic ink blot test), Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory and the California Psychological Inventory.