Introduction Aptitude tests have become a regular feature in the selection procedures of many employers, particularly the larger graduate recruiters in computing, finance, management training and the public sector.
Tests attempt to measure whether you have the specific abilities and intellectual capabilities required for the job they are not tests of general knowledge. The actual tests used by any employer will depend on the skills required to do the job, but the majority of tests in current use cover the areas of verbal, numerical and logical reasoning ability. (Aptitude tests should be clearly distinguished from personality assessments, which are used in order to determine your typical reactions and attitudes to a range of situations.) The first round of tests is usually online, often with a second round to be completed at an assessment centre.
For some frequently asked questions about psychometric and aptitude tests have a look at the following link: www.realisepotential.com/FAQTestTakers.html -
Preparing for aptitude tests It is not possible to revise for aptitude tests, but you can do some preparation, for example by completing practice tests, brushing up on your maths and doing logic puzzles. Such preparation should help you work quickly, familiarise you with the demands made by aptitude tests and improve your confidence in taking them.
Improving your score As you have to aim for a balance of speed and accuracy, evidence shows some practice of similar tests may improve your performance. Try to answer as many questions as possible. Not everyone completes the test in time so dont worry if you do not complete it and you are not always expected to finish the test anyway.
On-line practice tests Careers offer practice aptitude tests via our website. These give you the opportunity to practise graduate level tests and get feedback on your performance. These Profiling for Success tests are on www.york.ac.uk/careers/tests (York University log-in required) www.prospects.ac.uk/links/tests - general information and links to practice sites www.shldirect.com SHLs free examples of ability test questions, personality questionnaires and timed practice tests with feedback on how you compare to other applicants http://www.talentlens.co.uk/practice-aptitude for numerical reasoning and critical thinking tests www.markparkinson.co.uk/psychometric_links.htm - explanations about and links to practice tests www.kent.ac.uk/careers/psychotests.htm for a variety of practice tests http://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/psychometric-tests for advice and links to online tests www.numericalreasoningtest.org and www.verbalreasoningtest.org both give advice and tips, as well as practice tests www.testpartnership.com/numerical.html for tests on numerical, verbal and diagrammatic reasoning. www.gre.org practice for the American university entrance tests verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking and analytical skills http://europa.eu/epso/apply/sample_test/index_en.htm - EU Careers sample tests www.ets.org/ The Educational Testing Service gives access to practice questions for GMAT, GRE and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) http://careers.deloitte.com - click on University, then Apply now and Selection process for practice psychometric tests www.AssessmentDay.co.uk - tests for numerical, verbal and inductive reasoning tests and other useful advice. Also have a section on Situational Judgement tests www.assessmentcentrehq.com/ - explanations of a variety of tests and exercises www.practiceaptitudetests.com/psychometric-test/ includes practice tests and video tutorials www.psychometric-success.com practice tests and FAQs www.jobtestprep.co.uk/freeaptitude.aspx includes some free example tests and explanations of types of tests, including the Watson-Glaser test www.morrisby.com example practice questions covering a range of ability areas (not specifically aimed at graduate recruitment), click on Other products, fee payable http://practicetests.cubiks.com/ verbal, numerical and reasoning for business practice tests www.intelligencetest.com/ 10 minute IQ test with practice questions covering a range of aptitudes www.psychometricinstitute.co.uk some limited, free examples with information about tests in relation to different types of jobs www.pearsoned.co.uk/highereducation/booksby/robwilliams/ -the books Brilliant Numeracy Tests and Brilliant Verbal Reasoning Tests have companion websites offering free tests. http://www.graddiary.com/numeracy-tests/ - free practice numeracy tests from GradDiary.com
Reference Books and other information available in Careers Further information on the types of test mentioned above, together with additional examples of test material and a number of reference books may be found in our Job Hunting section of the Information Room.
These include: Psychometric Tests for Graduates Book of IQ Tests How to Pass Graduate Psychometric Tests How to Pass Numeracy Tests How to Pass Verbal Reasoning Tests How to Pass Advanced Verbal Reasoning Tests How to Pass Advanced Numeracy Tests How to Pass Professional Level Psychometric Tests Practise and Pass Professional Verbal Reasoning Tests Youre Hired! Psychometric Tests How to Pass the Civil Service Qualifying Tests
There are also some additional copies for loan in the University Library.
Please note: The websites listed here are not intended to represent a comprehensive list. Careers cannot be held responsible for the content of external websites.