Ethical Code of the Psychologist: Psychological Evaluation and Assessment

Psychologists are prohibited from selecting, applying, or interpreting a psychological test without a specific justification. Selection cannot be done "just because."
All instruments and techniques must be strictly appropriate for the specific objective of the evaluation.
Conclusions derived from an assessment must be based on information that is sufficient, current, and pertinent to the case.
The use of obsolete or inadequate tests is strictly forbidden. The psychologist must prioritize current instruments that align with the assessment goal.
A test should never be chosen simply because the psychologist is familiar with it, because it is the only one available, or because it has "always been used" in a specific setting.

When creating, adapting, or researching a psychological test, psychologists must utilize rigorous scientific methods and incorporate the most up-to-date knowledge available.
Before the application and interpretation of any test, it is mandatory to verify that the instrument possesses documented evidence of:
- Reliability.
- Validity.
- Appropriate norms.
Psychologists must maintain a thorough understanding of the specific limitations of any instrument they employ.
If providing a test, scoring system, or software program to another professional, the psychologist is responsible for providing a clear explanation of its purpose, interpretation guidelines, and psychometric characteristics. All automated systems used must be scientifically reliable.

Psychologists must verify that a test is appropriate for the specific population being evaluated.
The mere existence of a test or its translation into Spanish is insufficient to justify its use for all populations.
Assessment results must be understood as being influenced by the specific characteristics of the individual, including:
- Age.
- Language.
- Cultural context.
- Nationality.
- Socioeconomic level.
- Disability status.
When evaluating members of indigenous peoples or other distinct cultural groups, psychologists must employ instruments adapted to those specific cultural and contextual characteristics.
There is no assumption of universal validity; an instrument designed for a specific population should not be assumed to be valid or applicable to a population with different cultural traits.

The interpretation of test results must never be a purely automatic process.
Interpretation requires a simultaneous consideration of the test factors and the specific characteristics of the person that might affect the outcomes.
If there is any doubt regarding the precision or accuracy of the results, the psychologist must state this clearly in their findings.
Even when using computers, digital platforms, or automated programs for scoring and interpretation, the psychologist retains full professional responsibility for the use of the test. They must critically analyze whether sufficient evidence exists to support the automated conclusions.

Psychological tests must only be utilized by individuals who have the necessary preparation for application, scoring, and interpretation.
Psychology students are permitted to learn the use of these instruments, but this must occur strictly under the supervision of a trained and qualified professional.

When evaluations are conducted via the internet, telephone, or other automated mediums, the psychologist must acknowledge that these modalities can impact the precision of results.
The person being evaluated must be explicitly informed about the potential impact of these communication mediums on the assessment's accuracy.
Psychologists have a duty to protect the confidentiality and identity of individuals when utilizing digital or automated assessment platforms.

Psychologists are responsible for protecting psychological instruments that are restricted for professional use.
Access to restricted instruments must be prevented for individuals who are not properly trained or qualified.
Psychologists must safeguard the integrity of tests to ensure that content, specific answers, or potential results are not improperly disclosed.
It is an ethical obligation to teach students that the incorrect use or inappropriate sharing of psychological instruments constitutes an ethical violation.