MeSA Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How does the MeSA different from the Trail Making Test?

    Please refer to the Twelve Key Features of the MeSA page.

  2. What kind of reports are in the MeSA-AE and IE and what do they include?

    There are many reports to choose from. Please refer to this page for samples

  3. Can you explain how to include the MeSA-AE test in an IVA-2 Clinical Report?

    Sure, please refer to this page for detailed instructions.

  4. What is the difference between the Data Analyses and the Reports?

    The Data Analyses provide a review of the test findings in graph/chart format. The Reports are a written interpretation of the test findings, which can be edited in the software’s built-in word processor.

  5. What is the clinical usefulness of the MeSA tests, and how do I use the test to help me in my diagnostic decision-making process?

    Health care providers are often faced with challenges in accurately identifying and objectively measuring the symptoms of ADHD and other cognitive impairments. The diagnostic process requires clinicians to proceed step-by-step in evaluating a number of factors in their diagnostic decision making process. The MeSA tests compliment the IVA-2 reports and can help identify and clarify problems related to executive functioning which may interact with an individual’s visual inattention or other ADHD symptoms. While the IVA-2 test by itself cannot be used to rule in or out any specific diagnosis, the use of the MeSA tests may help to clarify cases when executive functioning deficits are the primary problem and not ADHD symptomatology per se. In these cases the additional clinical data provided by the MeSA Asist tests can be helpful as part of a comprehensive evaluation.

    It is recognized in the American Psychological Association Recommended Diagnostic Guidelines that no test definitively confirms or refutes the diagnosis of any psychological disorder. Any clinical diagnosis of ADHD or any other disorder always requires a health care professional’s clinical determination based on his extensive overall evaluation. However, while the diagnosis of ADHD does not require the use of a specific psychological assessment, clinicians often prefer to utilize various tests, including both the IVA-2 and MeSA-AE or IE, to provide data to help support their comprehensive clinical evaluation.

    The MeSA Standard, Detailed, and Comprehensive reports are provided primarily to help the examiner summarize and interpret the test scores. These reports are intended to be used secondarily to help guide the clinician in understanding possible causal factors for the client’s problems. By itself, the MeSA tests can only provide data along with suggestions to help guide the examiner in the interpretation of its scale scores.

  6. How do I purchase additional test administrations?

    We have made this as simple as possible. You can purchase additional test administrations from within the MeSA software. Please visit this page for details.

  7. Is it possible to export and de-identify a record?

    Yes, please visit this page for details.

  8. How does the MeSA-AE handle malingering?

    Please visit here for details.

  9. Where do I find the MeSA manual?

    Once you are on the main menu in either the MeSA-AE or IE test, there is a green “Help” button at the bottom of the screen. Clicking that will lead you to the full, built-in software manual, which can be printed to PDF or as a hard copy.

  10. How do I contact technical support if I have an issue?

    You can contact Tech Support directly from your MeSA software with the built-in support ticket system. Instructions on using the system can be found here.

  11. How were each of the MeSA Scales constructed (i.e., Attention Control, Cognitive Flexibility and Executive Control)?

    Click on the green Help button from within the MeSA software Main Screen and the Test Manual can be reviewed. This manual has a chapter titled, “Test Content and Construction.” This chapter provides a highly detailed description of the MeSA test scales’ construction. The normative means and standard deviations for all the scales are provided in the Help file titled, “MeSA-AE/IE Test Norms.”  The MeSA-AE test validity issues are reviewed here and for the MeSA-IE click here.

  12. How would someone compare scales on the MeSA with other psychological test measures?

    We recommend that you use the MeSA-AE or IE Researcher’s Kit to export the test data. The Researcher’s Kit provides an Excel compatible or statistical compatible data export of all the test data and includes both standard scores and raw data variables. The PDF export is not designed for this type of export and would most likely involve manual data entry and detailed verification for accuracy.  The Researcher’s Kit is a one-time investment and is automatically renewed at no additional cost as long as the MeSA license is maintained.

  13. Do insurance companies provide payment for the MeSA testing?

    The MeSA test would be described in any psychological evaluation test battery for billing purposes as the Trail Making Test (MeSA version). The test results for adults are interpreted based on a normative data set based on over 6,000 individuals divided into relevant age groups and corrected for educational level. Generally, this test which measures executive functioning would be included within a comprehensive psychological or neuropsychological evaluation as one test included in a test battery. Insurance approval would typically be based for the time required to administer and interpret the overall test battery and the clinical necessity of testing for a specific client.  The MeSA test uses the exact same format, test administration procedures and scoring criteria as the Trail Making Test and, thus, is a version of this established test. Its value for examiners is in that it provides help in facilitating the test administration, scoring and interpretation of the Trail Making Test, particularly when used in conjunction with the IVA-2, IVA-QS or IVA-AE2.

Normative Age Ranges

MeSA-IE ages 8 - 14

MeSA-AE ages 15 - 89

Getting Started

Try the software

View pricing / Purchase

Purchase Tests in MeSA

Qualification Form

MeSA FAQ

MeSA Research

2019 Test Billing Codes

Test Features

Executive Control Quotient

MeSA & Malingering

12 Key Features

Reports & Data Analysis

HIPAA Compliance

All of BrainTrain’s test products are HIPAA compliant. Databases are always encrypted, and users can also add their own password protection. In addition, for clinic and hospital settings, a test administrator can be set up. All important test activities are logged. Individual test records can easily be de-identified as needed. No test data are saved offsite or on the internet; the test database is encrypted on your PC system.

De-Identify Records

Remote Testing

Need to Test Remotely?
You have the freedom to administer the MeSA-AE or IE tests at multiple locations without any additional costs using your own iPad. The MeSA remote testing feature allows you to administer and score a test using your iPad to guide you by pre-printing the test forms needed. Test data are automatically uploaded back to your PC and are accessible only from your “master” MeSA Assist station license. Data are securely encrypted, and no PHI is stored on your iPad or online.

Here’s how it works: from your PC where the MeSA app is installed, you can select the option to “Assign Remote Testing Code” and generate codes for MeSA Assist test remote administrations. Next, you need to install the MeSA-AE or MeSA-IE app (available on the iTunes store) on your iPad. You can then enter these codes on the IOS app on your iPad to administer those tests in a different location. The iPad functions to help guide you in administering and scoring the test and no external mouse is needed. Once you have administered a test, the data will automatically upload back to your MeSA PC in the office. More information on setup of the Remote Test iPad can be found on our Support site

Technical Information

Test Qualifications

Please note that in accordance with the Standards for Educational and Psychological Tests, psychological testing software is available only to professionals who meet Level B psychological testing guidelines. To use MeSA, you must meet the following minimum criteria:

  • Certification by or full active membership in a professional organization (ASHA, AOTA, APA, AERA, ACA, AMA, NASP, NAN, INS) that requires training and experience in a relevant area of assessment.

    • OR
  • A master’s degree in psychology, education, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, social work, or in a field closely related to the intended use of the assessment, and formal training in the ethical administration, scoring, and interpretation of clinical assessments.

    • BrainTrain requires verification of your qualifications for purchase of and psychological tests.


    System Requirements

    Your computer must meet the following system requirements to use the testing system.

  • Pentium IV 2.0 GHz or faster processor
  • 1 GB free hard drive space
  • 2 GB of RAM or more
  • Windows 10 / Windows 11
  • DirectX 10 Compatible Video Card
  • CD/DVD ROM
  • 256 MB video memory
  • Color monitor
  • Sound card
  • External speakers or headphones
  • USB Mouse required
  • Internet access is required for activation and updates.


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