(1) Commercial Tests. These tests are only available from a test publisher, although it is sometimes possible to find them published in a journal or a report. If you intend to administer the test as part of your research, you will need to purchase all the copies you will need from the publisher. It is often necessary to provide your credentials to the test publisher indicating that you are qualified to administer the test and interpret its results.
(2) Unpublished Tests. These are tests that are not available commercially and can often be found in the journal literature or other publications. If you plan to use an unpublished test in your research, you should obtain permission from the test's author in writing.
Tips for finding the contact information of test authors:
(1) If the test recently appeared in a journal article or other publication, use the author contact information in the paper. If the article is not recent and the contact information is no longer accurate, search PsycINFO for recent articles by the author. Contact information will be available in the full PsycINFO record.
(2) Try consulting the ORCID directory. If these options fail, try searching for the author using your favorite web search engine.
(3) If all your attempts fail, request permission from the journal or publication in which the test appeared.