The test requires only clerical supervision 
 to administer. Each problem has a time 
 estimate associated with it to assist the 
 candidate manage his/her time. The 
 candidate is provided with more than 
 enough time to solve the seven problems. 
 The test is self-instructive for the candidate, 
 who is given a maximum of three hours to 
 complete the test (most individuals complete 
 the exam in approximately two hours). The 
 candidate must not communicate with any 
 person during the test, or be given the 
 opportunity to make a photocopy of the test. 

 All work should be done in the test book, in 
 pencil. Please do not provide scrap paper.

 An educational institution may retest an 
 applicant who has taken the test previously, 
 but we suggest at least a three-month waiting 
 period.

 The I-PAT functions independently of 
 programming language and computer 
 hardware knowledge. It answers the
 question, "How good a programmer/ analyst 
 is this candidate likely to be and why?" It 
 consists of seven problems that simulate 
 on-the-job assignments required of most 
 programmer/analysts. The test questions 
 generally progress from easy to quite difficult 
 and effectively measure programming potential.

 The test measures the following job criteria:
 
 - Procedural ability:
   ability to recognize, and follow, detailed 
   procedures.
  
  - Procedure creation: 
    ability to create generalized procedures.
  
  - Ability to follow instructions precisely: 
   ability to recognize predefined symbols 
   and follow precise rules.

  - Data Manipulation:
   ability to evaluate complex instructions, 
   manipulate data, and utilize table look-up 
   to solve problems.
  
  - Ability to Generate Symbolic Instructions:
   ability to translate, or code, simple directives 
   into symbolic language instructions.
  
  - Accuracy:
   ability to solve progressively difficult 
   problems according to predefined technical 
   specifications.
  
  - Generate Logical Solutions
   ability to apply logic and reasoning for the 
   purpose of generating problem solutions.