Frequently Asked Questions

The Science Behind Nova

  • Big Five Model (Five Factor Model) for personality (with local adaptation: 15 traits, 30 subtraits)
  • Modern Cognitive Ability Theory (Verbal, Numerical, Abstract)
  • Item Response Theory (IRT) & Adaptive Testing
  • Nova40 Competency Architecture (40 competencies, 5 clusters, aligned with Vision 2030)
  • Personality: 15 main traits, 30 subtraits (e.g., complex thinking, innovation, agility, collaboration, leadership, emotional intelligence)
  • Cognitive Abilities: Verbal, numerical, and abstract reasoning
  • Behavioral Competencies: 40 competencies (e.g., strategic thinking, change management, digital intelligence, inclusive leadership, integrity)
  • Emotional Intelligence, Motivation, Situational Judgment (SJT), 360-degree feedback
  • Local validation studies on Saudi and GCC samples
  • Advanced statistical analysis (IRT, CTT, cultural/linguistic bias analysis)
  • Independent expert review (GCC and European psychometricians)
  • Yes. GCC-specific norms and benchmarks are available, with global comparators as needed
  • British Psychological Society (BPS)
  • American Psychological Association (APA)
  • ISO standards for privacy and data security
  • Full compliance with local regulations (PDPL in Saudi Arabia)
  • Yes. Technical manuals and published research are available (on request or as part of support materials)

Reports & Outputs

  • Individual reports: personality, cognitive, competency, emotional intelligence, role fit, leadership, team
  • Group reports: team summaries, analytics dashboard, candidate comparisons
  • 360-degree feedback reports: by rater group (manager, peer, direct report)
  • Yes, all reports are available in both Arabic and English
  • Trait and competency scores (Sten/Percentile)
  • Fit scores for role matching
  • Personalized development tips
  • Normative comparisons (GCC/global)
  • Gap analysis and training recommendations
  • Yes, sample reports are available (see presentations or upon request)

Use Cases & Solutions

  • Hiring & selection
  • Leadership development
  • Succession planning
  • Team development
  • Graduate programs and internships
  • Local case studies available (e.g., Nova in government hiring, major Saudi corporations)
  • Tangible results: reduced turnover, improved hiring quality, faster recruitment cycles
  • Supports Saudization and human capital development
  • Aligns competencies with Vision 2030 requirements
  • Drives innovation and digital leadership
  • Provides modern assessment tools for public/private sector transformation
  • Is there a practitioner guide or certification program?
  • Practitioner guide available
  • Certification program for professionals (launching soon)

Legal & Compliance

  • Full compliance with Saudi Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL)
  • Clear privacy policy published on the website and platform
  • Data hosted in Saudi Arabia (or as per client requirements)
  • Data encrypted in transit and at rest
  • Strict access controls and regular security audits
  • Data retained as per client agreement, typically 3–5 years, with deletion on request