Administering the Beck Scales via telepractice
Beck Inventories include BDI-II, BAI, BHS, BSS and BYI-2
Click here for general information about telepractice from Pearson Clinical Assessment.
The telepractice information in this document is intended to support professionals in making informed, well-reasoned decisions around remote assessment. This information is not intended to be comprehensive regarding all considerations for assessment via telepractice. It should not be interpreted as a requirement or recommendation to conduct assessment via telepractice.
Professionals should remain mindful to:
- Follow professional best practice recommendations and respective ethical codes
- Follow telepractice regulations and legal requirements from federal, provincial and local authorities, licensing boards, professional liability insurance providers, and payors
- Develop competence with assessment via telepractice through activities such as practicing, studying, consulting with other professionals, and engaging in professional development.
Professionals should use their clinical judgment to determine if assessment via telepractice is appropriate for a particular examinee, referral question, and situation. There are circumstances where assessment via telepractice is not feasible and/or is contraindicated. Documentation of all considerations, procedures, and conclusions remains a professional responsibility.
Special recommendations for administering the Beck Scales via telepractice
Administering any of the Beck Scales in a telepractice context can be accomplished utilizing the On-Screen Administration (OSA) or Remote On-Screen Administration (R-OSA) function of Q-global® , Pearson’s secure online testing and scoring platform. Details regarding the system and how it is used are provided on the Q-global product page.
Conducting a valid assessment in a telepractice modality requires an understanding of the interplay of a number of complex issues. In addition to the general information on our telepractice overview page noted above, professionals should address five themes (Eichstadt et al. 2013) when planning for administering the Beck Scales via telepractice. For more information on the five themes, please visit our general telepractice web page.
Theme-specific information for forced-choice assessment administrations and the Beck Scales:
Selected research to date
Please refer to the following studies regarding the appropriateness of administering forced-choice assessments via computer or other electronic means.
Chuah et al (2006). Personality Assessment: Does the Medium Matter? No. Journal of Research in Personality, 40-4, 339-376.
Butcher, J., Perry, J., & Hahn, J. (2004). Computers in clinical assessment: Historical developments, present status, and future challenges. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 60, 331-345.
Pinsoneault, Terry B. (1996) Equivalency of computer-assisted and paper-and-pencil administered version of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2.Computers in Human Behavior, 12-2, 291-300.
Russell M. et al (2003). Computer-Based Testing and Validity: A Look Back and into the Future. Technology and Assessment Study Collaborative, Boston College
Studies supporting the equivalency of test scores when picture stimuli are displayed to the examinee in a printed manual versus a digital display on a computer screen (in-person administration):
Daniel, M. H., Wahlstrom, D., & Zhou, X. (2014). Equivalence of Q-interactive and paper administrations of language tasks: Selected CELF-5 tests. Q-interactive Technical Report 7. Bloomington, MN: Pearson.
Daniel, M. H. (2012a). Equivalence of Q-interactive administered cognitive tasks: WAIS–IV. Q-interactive Technical Report 1. Bloomington, MN: Pearson.
Daniel, M. H. (2012b). Equivalence of Q-interactive administered cognitive tasks: WISC–IV. Q-interactive Technical Report 2. Bloomington, MN: Pearson.
Conclusion
Provided that you have thoroughly considered and addressed all the factors and specific considerations listed above, the examiner should be prepared to observe and comment about the reliable and valid delivery of the test via remote delivery. Document in your report that the administration was completed by telepractice.
You may use the Beck Scales via telepractice without additional permission from Pearson in the following published context:
- Beck Scales On-Screen Administration (OSA) or Remote On-Screen Administration (ROSA) via Q-global [tests with OSA/ROSA options] 3/18/2020
Any other use of the Beck Scales via telepractice requires prior prior permission from Pearson.

A customer reflects on using Q-global digital stimulus books and manuals:
Q-Global has been a great solution for us. Managing testing materials between a variety of sites and districts could be very tricky. The online testing materials have completely resolved any access challenges we faced. Observing and recording the client's response through telepractice continues to require a good deal of coordination- particularly for pointing activities. However, the clinician being able to directly manage test stimuli and present them to the client through screen share technology makes that process much less cumbersome.
Thank you for being so proactive with making your tools accessible to telepractitioners!
Nate Cornish, MS, CCC-SLP
Clinical Director
VocoVision