Information about ITC
What is the International Test Commission?
The ITC is an “Association of national psychological associations, test commissions, publishers and other organizations committed to promoting effective testing and assessment policies and to the proper development, evaluation and uses of educational and psychological instruments.” (ITC Directory, 2001).
The architect of the ITC was Jean Cardinet, who worked on its formation from the mid sixties until 1972. The ITC was formally established in 1978 under its first president Ype Poortinga. The ITC currently has 24 Full Members (national professional psychological associations), 51 Affiliate Members (other test commissions, publishers and research organization involved in testing) and over 50 Individual Members (individuals working or with an interest in tests and testing). Its current membership covers most of the Western and Eastern European Countries and North America, as well as some countries in the Middle and Far East, South America and Africa.
It is affiliated to the International Association of Applied Psychology (IAAP) and the International Union of Psychological Science (IUPsyS).
Why does it exist?
The ITC exists to serve the needs of an increasingly globalized community. Testing and tests not longer sit within the confines of single countries. Through the ITC the communities of researchers, developers, publishers, users and other stakeholder can come together to address issues of international significance.
It is because of this role that the ITC emphasizes the importance of being an organization whose voting members are themselves organizations. They are the key bodies responsible for tests and testing issues within their own countries.
What does the ITC do?
The ITC initiates and manages international projects relating to testing issues. Recent projects have included one on test adaptation guidelines and one on test use.
It publishes a 6-monthly Newsletter and its official journal is the International Journal of Testing (published by Taylor & Francis).
The ITC has organized a number of major international conferences and holds regular symposia on testing and test issues at international conferences.
How is it operated?
The ITC is run by a Council. The Council consists of an Executive (President, President-elect, Treasurer and Secretary), the past-President, three elected members, two co-opted members, the editors of the Newsletter and Journal, and representatives of the IAAP and IUPsyS.
The elected members and the Executive are appointed by the General Meeting of the ITC. This meets every two years. Full members of the ITC and Affiliate members are eligible to vote in elections. Individual members may not. Further details can be found in the ITC Constitution and ITC Bye-Laws .
How is it funded?
The ITC operates on a very small budget. None of it the Council members are paid for serving the ITC. The ITC relies wholly on membership subscriptions to cover the costs of the Newsletter and Journal subscriptions, and minor costs associated with arranging annual meetings, postage, website costs and so on.
The activities we organize (projects, conferences, symposia, publications etc.) are all self-funding.
The ITC is registered as a not-for-profit organization in the USA.
How do I become a member?
You can join as an individual or as a corporate body. Corporate membership is in two categories: Full and Affiliate. For details of membership and how to join go to the Membership page on this website.
How do I get involved in the work of the ITC?
There are a number of ways you can be involved. As a member - either individual or through an organization, you will be kept in touch with ongoing projects and events and be in a position to contribute to these. We are always looking for people who have an interest in international matters and the relevant expertise and experience.
Anyone may stand for election to the Council or the Executive. The Constitution and Bye-Laws contain more details on the procedures for doing this.
The ITC is as strong as its members. We have been fortunate indeed to have attracted so many eminent and industrious people to serve as officers of the Commission in the past. We hope to continue doing so in the future.
Where do I go to get more information?
If you cannot find what you need on this website, then contact one of the Executive members of the Council directly.
