Aptitude and Psychometric Tests: How to Prepare and Pass

Many employers now test candidates before the interview. Banks and graduate trainee programmes often use online aptitude tests, NGOs use written tests and technical exercises, and some public bodies use written examinations for large recruitments. Doing well can move you from hundreds of applicants to a short list of a few dozen.

The main types of tests

Numerical reasoning

Questions based on tables, charts and short calculations: percentages, ratios, averages, currency conversions and percentage change. You usually have a calculator but little time.

Verbal reasoning

You read a short passage and decide whether statements are true, false or "cannot say" based only on the passage. The trick is to use only the information given, not your own knowledge.

Logical, abstract or diagrammatic reasoning

Patterns of shapes or sequences where you find the next item or the rule. These test how you solve unfamiliar problems.

Situational judgement tests

Workplace scenarios with several possible responses; you choose the most and least effective. They measure judgement and how well your approach fits the role.

Personality questionnaires

Statements you agree or disagree with. There are no right answers, and the results are compared with the profile of the role.

Technical and job-specific tests

Excel exercises for finance and data roles, coding tests for developers, writing tasks for communications roles, or written exams on your field.

How to prepare

1. Find out which test you will take. The invitation email often names the test type or provider. Search for that provider's practice tests.
2. Practise under time pressure. Speed matters as much as accuracy. Use free practice tests and time yourself.
3. Revise basic maths. Percentages, percentage change, ratios, fractions and reading charts cover most numerical questions.
4. Read the role description. For situational judgement tests, think about what the employer values: customer focus, integrity, teamwork.
5. For technical tests, revise the core skills listed in the advert, such as Excel formulas and pivot tables, or the programming language named.

On test day

• Use a laptop if possible, with a stable internet connection and a backup (mobile data). Charge everything.
• Find a quiet place where you will not be interrupted for the full test time.
• Read the instructions carefully, including whether wrong answers lose marks.
• Do not get stuck. If a question takes too long, make your best guess and move on (unless wrong answers are penalised).
• Have a calculator, pen and paper ready for numerical tests, if allowed.
• Answer personality questionnaires honestly. Trying to guess the "right" answer often produces inconsistent results.

Take the test yourself

Have the test done by you, not by a friend or a paid "helper". Many employers retest shortlisted candidates in person or ask about the results at interview, and cheating can get you disqualified or dismissed later.

Watch out for "test fee" scams

A genuine employer does not ask you to pay to take its aptitude test. Fraudsters sometimes send fake "assessment" invitations and ask for a fee to unlock the test or the results. If you are asked to pay, it is a scam. See our 12 signs of a fake job advert.

Passed the test? Get ready for the next stage with 15 common interview questions and how to answer them.