These are now the pre-requisite of many application processes, irrespective of whether strong numerical skills are required. There are 3 main tests; numerical verbal and logical. The most common is numerical. Some employers also require you to sit verbal as well and others (fewer) require logical. They are not particularly easy and you should practice beforehand.
You can obtain practice tests HERE
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Numerical: generally there are c12 – 30 questions and you are given about 1 minute per question. They are always multi choice with 4 or 6 possible solutions to choose from.
“The incorrect choices are made up from common mistakes to the problem, in order to distract you from the correct answer. Consequently, make sure you are very careful with your working.”
Negative marketing is not normally employed. You can use a calculator. The questions themselves are not always difficult; the problem is the lack of time and the need to work very fast. It’s important not to get stuck on a question – if you cannot answer it, guess and move on. There is generally a mix of harder and easier questions. The tests require basic maths skills, percentages, ratio’s and the ability to analyse graphs.
You can get hold of numerical practice tests just like the ones using by employers here.
Verbal: Verbal reasoning tests are a form of aptitude test used by interviewers to find out how well a candidate can assess verbal logic. They are easier than the numerical tests but require you to be very precise. You are typically provided with a passage of information and required to evaluate a set of statements by selecting one of the following possible answers:
True – If the information given in the statement is given explicitly in the passage or you can correctly infer its content from the information provided. You must rely only on the information given in the passage.
False – If the statement explicitly states it is false or you can definitely infer this using only the information provided. Pay attention to words such as all/none/ always which apply to the whole group as opposed to few/some/many/most which means there maybe exceptions.
Cannot Say – If it is not obvious whether it is true or false. You may simply not have been given enough information
You are to assume that all the information in each of these written passages is true, and you should only use the information in each passage to work out your answer. Candidates should not use prior knowledge when answering verbal reasoning questions. It is best to read the questions first so when you are reading the passage you know what you are looking for.
Generally speaking you have about 2 minutes a question, however it’s important to work out your timing per question before hand.
You can get hold of Verbal practice tests just like the ones used by employers here.
Logic: These tests can vary but often are about patterns and numbers and choosing the missing one in a sequence. Generally speaking you will get less time per question than the numerical or verbal tests.
Practice the tests
Most employers use third parties to provide their online tests. The main companies in this field are:
- SHL (practiceshltests.com)
- PSL Kenexa (psl.com)
- Cubik (cubiks.com)
- GTI Online solutions
If you want tests that are specific for a particular organisation, click HERE. Jobstestprep, offers these, as well as many other generic ones.
As well as the above providers there are also other sites where you can practice these tests. Try:
- Assessmentday.co.uk
- Students.efinancialcareers.co.uk
- Graduatewings.co.uk
- Savilleconsulting.com
- Profilingforsuccess.com
- Braingradetest.com
- Drtest.co.uk
- Practiceaptitudetests.com
- Kent.ac.uk/careers/psychotests.htm
