In order to turn the numerical results of a test into clear, written text, the VTS lets you take the test results and use them in your own Word template, a Word report. This template can be created for tests and test battery evaluations (BATEVA). A Word report enables you to generate individually tailored, text‑based summaries of test results, aligned with specific requirements, target groups, and corporate design. It combines flexible, modular text blocks with adaptable graphical elements to deliver personalized, interpretable, and presentation‑ready output.
Creating a Word report
A Word report in the VTS is based on a customizable template in .docx-format. At certain points in this text, the system can automatically insert individual information such as test person data, test results, or predefined text modules. Placeholders are used in the areas where content is meant to be inserted. These placeholders are always written in square brackets and must begin with [var…]. When the report is generated, the VTS automatically replaces each placeholder with the appropriate value.
There are predefined placeholders for basic test person information, such as the current date, the test date, the test duration, name, age, gender, and additional database fields. For example, [varFullName] automatically inserts “Last name, First name,” while [varAge] inserts the test taker’s age in years and months.
In addition to personal data, you can insert raw test scores, such as processing time, the number of correct answers, or the number of incorrect answers. These values have fixed placeholders, such as [varCA] or [varNA].
Many tests also provide norm-referenced scores, which show how a person’s performance compares to a reference group. To insert norm-referenced scores, the placeholder must include the norm scale, the variable code, and the norm sample code. For example, [varPR-NA/1000] inserts the percentile rank for the variable “Numerical Ability” using the reference sample with the code 1000. The hyphen and slash must always be included exactly as shown, if a specific norm is to be used. Different norm scales (such as percentile rank, T-score, Z-score, IQ, Stanine, Sten, or C11) and various norm sample codes are available. These sample codes can be found in the Results management. The variable names can be found in the default Word report templates.
Some test variables also provide parameters, which can be inserted by adding PAR- before the variable code—for example, [varPAR-RA]. These parameters are only available for selected variables.
Instead of inserting a variable value directly, you can also use text modules that change depending on the value of a variable. This is done using a special placeholder format in which you specify one or more conditions and define what text should be output in each case. The system checks the value of the variable and selects the matching text. If none of the conditions fit, the text after “else:” is used. Conditions can include equals, less than, greater than, ranges, lists of values, or even comparisons between variables. This allows you to create dynamic, conditional text—for example, using a participant’s sex to automatically select the correct form of address (“Mr” or “Ms”).
You can also nest placeholders inside one another, meaning a text module can itself contain other placeholders or conditions. This allows for very complex logic when needed.
Beyond text and numerical values, the template can also include graphic objects, such as result tables, profiles, item protocols, or variable comments. These placeholders begin with [obj…]. When the report is generated, the system replaces them with the corresponding graphic elements. For norm-based graphics, the norm sample code can be added—for example, [objPROFILE/1000]. Graphic objects can also be used within conditional text modules.
Some customized test-evalations (BATEVA) may have calculated additional variables. These can be used by referencing their corresponding indices, e.g., [var1].
Default Word report templates
For many tests and test sets, VTS already has Word reports available. It also provides example templates that show how to use the different report features, such as variables, text blocks, tables, and profile charts.
You can create these example templates by going to Settings → Word report templates. There you can create a new template for a test or test battery evaluation (BATEVA).
Once the example template has been created and downloaded, you can edit it as you wish. To save your changes, go back to the same test or test battery in the Word report templates tab and click Overwrite on the template you want to update.
For reports that include graphic objects, it is recommended to use Microsoft Word 2003 or later, since older versions may display these graphics incorrectly.
Placeholder syntax
The following section explains the possible syntax elements you can use in Word reports. These elements define how data, text blocks, tables, and profiles are inserted into the report.
1. Basic placeholder structure
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All placeholders are enclosed in [ … ]
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Variable placeholders begin with [var…]
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Object placeholders begin with [obj…]
2. Simple Variable Insertion
2.1 Test person data
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[varFullName] -
[varName] -
[varFirstName] -
[varAge] -
[varBirthDate] -
[varDate] -
[varSex] -
[varEdLevel] -
[varTestduration] -
[varClientID] -
[varScoringCode] -
[varSUBJECTFIELD01]…[varSUBJECTFIELD32]
2.2 Raw test scores - (Test / BATEVA dependent)
e.g. INT (Inventory for testing cognitive capabilities):
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[varCA] → Cognitive Ability -
[varNA] → Numerical Ability -
[varRA] → Reasoning Ability
These depend on the test or test battery evaluation BATEVA. Check the specific codes in the default Word report template.
3. Norm value syntax
General structure:
[var<NORM>-<VARIABLE>/<SAMPLE>]
Examples:
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Tests:
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[varPR-RA/1000] -
[varT-NA]
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Test battery scorings:
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[varPR-1/1000] -
[varT-2]
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Components:
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NORM: PR, T, Z, IQ, SN, ST, C11
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VARIABLE: e.g., RA (Reasoning Ability), NA (Numerical Ability), Indices (1,2,300,…)
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Note: Indices are only relevant for test battery evaluation. (BATEVA)
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SAMPLE: codes like 1000, 1001, 2000, etc.
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Note: Sample codes can be found in the results management.
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4. Parameter syntax
General structure:
[varPAR-<VARIABLE>]
Example:
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[varPAR-RA] -
[varPAR-1]
5. Conditional text (text modules)
5.1 Basic structure
[var<CODE> <OPERATOR> <VALUE> : <Text> | <OPERATOR> <VALUE> ... | else: <Text>]
5.2 Comparison operators
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=(equal) -
<(less than) -
>(greater than) -
<=(equal or less than) -
>=(equal or greater than) -
<>(not equal)
5.3 Range syntax
[var<CODE>=10_20: <Text>]
5.4 List of values
[var<CODE>=1,3,5: <Text>]
5.5 Multiple variables (OR-combinations)
[varX=0,varY=0: <Text>]
5.6 Variable-to-variable comparison
[varB>varA: <Text>]
5.7 Nested conditions
[varA>varB: [varA>varC: <Text1> | else: <Text2>] | else: <Text3>]
6. Graphic object syntax
6.1 Basic objects
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[objRESULTTABLE] -
[objPROFILE] -
[objITEMPROTOCOL] -
[objVARCOMMENTS]
Depending on the test or test battery these can vary.
6.2 Normed graphic objects
[objPROFILE/1000]
6.3 Graphic objects in conditions
[varX<>"--": [objPROFILE/1000] | else: <Text>]
Importing a Word report
After creating a Word report you want to import it into the VTS, matching it to the correct Test/BATEVA.
If you have created a Word report from scratch, or used an example template as a starting point, you can import it into the VTS. To do this, go to Settings → Word report templates and select the test or BATEVA the report belongs to. Create a new Word report template there, if you haven’t done so already.
After the template has been created, click Overwrite on that template to upload your finished Word file.
Editing a Word report
If there are any changes that have to be done, you will need to edit the Word report.
To edit an existing Word report, first download the report file from the Word report templates tab. After making your changes in Word, return to Settings → Word report templates tab, and navigate to the correct test or BATEVA. Click Overwrite on the corresponding template to upload your updated file.