Free aptitude test tips and free aptitude test practice

Welcome to our free resources: aptitude test practice and aptitude test tips. All of our psychometric test practice resources are free! This page focuses on aptitude test tips.

Our Aptitude Test Tips

Maths Test Tips / Numeracy Test tips

Although you may not finish the test, the best strategy is to answer as many questions as you can in the time available.

Before deciding upon your final answer, you may be able to rule out one or two of the multiple choice questions as incorrect.
Read each question and review each chart very carefully – taking one chart and its associated questions at a time. Only start looking at the answer options once you have done this.
Ensure that you are aware of the units of measurement that each question is referring to.
Each question is worth the same so don’t spend too long on a single question. Remember that you may find subsequent questions easier to answer and that if there is time at the end of the test you can return to any unfinished questions.
Work efficiently, but do not rush. Although you may not finish the test, the best strategy is to answer as many questions as you can in the time available.
Remember to only use the information that is provided in the charts and not any of your own background knowledge.
Round up any decimal points and any pence (whilst taking account of any specific instructions provided).

Introduction to Numerical Reasoning

Numerical reasoning ability links to job performance, which is why numerical reasoning tests are now used as part of the selection criteria for certain professions and postgraduate degree courses in which it is essential to work effectively with numerical reasoning information. Many medium-sized and large employers also make extensive use of ability tests – such as numerical reasoning tests – as part of their standard recruitment and promotion processes.

Why test numerical reasoning?

A well-designed numerical reasoning test is a reliable and consistent means of assessing the skills required for effective performance in that working environment. Ability tests allow employers and university admissions offices to assess a large number of applicants for competitive positions in a standardised way. This standardisation makes the process much fairer than relying upon old-fashioned, unstructured interviews where every applicant would be asked different questions. Even if you don’t like the idea of being tested on your numerical reasoning skills, at least you know that it is fair since everyone has to do the same test!

Numerical reasoning test design

We are specialists in psychometric test design. In particular aptitude test design:

Verbal reasoning test design.
Numerical reasoning test design.
Abstract reasoning test design.

Numerical Reasoning Tests need to accommodate the very wide difference in mathematical ability from school leavers to senior managers. Correspondingly there is a range of increasingly difficult Numerical Reasoning Tests from the basic Numeracy Tests (which only require mathematical knowledge of the 4 basic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) to the most complex and numerical reasoning involved in the interpretation of complex statitistical data.

Our numerical reasoning test book

When are Numerical reasoning tests used?

Many medium-sized and large companies now use Numerical Reasoning Tests as part of their standard recruitment processes. A standardised Numerical Reasoning Test gives everyone the same numerical reasoning questions.

In fact, everyone uses numerical reasoning skills in daily life – from checking their change in a shop to calculating how long a journey will take. Many different jobs require an ability to work confidently with numbers in order to carry out a range of responsibilities effectively. This could involve anything from interpreting production quotas to carrying out technical work that relies upon detailed calculations. Whereas an accountant will have demonstrated his or her numerical reasoning abilities in the process of acquiring a professional qualification, other career paths depend on numerical reasoning tests to measure applicants’ skill in this area.

Numerical reasoning test intro

A numerical reasoning test is a type of ability test, sometimes referred to as a psychometric or aptitude test. It is designed to measure specific numerical reasoning abilities relevant for success in a particular course, profession or job. Numerical reasoning tests are an objective and accurate means of assessing a candidate’s potential effectiveness whenever there is a numerical reasoning component to a particular job role or course. At the more advanced numerical reasoning level, these more advanced numerical reasoning abilities are measured:

Interpreting stats.
Analysing complex maths in graphs, pie-charts and tables.
Using financial data correctly.

Numerical reasoning test for employees The employers who use these numerical reasoning assessments mainly evaluates how much snug you’re with numbers, basic mathematical functions and analyzing information underneath a substantial time pressure. It is no surprise, that corporation and organizations who take a look at their candidates with numerical reasoning tests typically place confidence in giant numbers and information.

Levels of numerical reasoning skills

These tests are challenging for college students who have a mathematical background, therefore it is no surprise this could be a real problem for students who spent much of their time at the university reading or writing, instead of really tackling with huge numbers and solving various formulas.

Answering numerical reasoning tests

Numerical reasoning tests also come in the form of multiple choice questions. The answers, in contrast to with verbal reasoning tests, are going to be definite. That doesn’t mean it will be easier and this becomes the point of pressure and it is also the reason why the candidates find them so challenging. Usually, candidates are provided with a variety of questions in accordance with the rule of one question = one minute. Certain numerical reasoning tests have a repeated pattern and this gives you an idea on how to prepare for it. The common topics that you can prepare for include fractions, ratio and proportion, profit and loss, estimations, percentages, data analysis and graphical interpretation. So, ensure that you practice these portions thoroughly and make yourself comfortable with the different types of questions in these areas.

Aptitude Test practice

Numerical reasoning practice test tips

There are always some tips that you can utilize while preparing for your numerical reasoning assessment which are as follows. These tips will easily help you to get through the numerical reasoning assessment easily.

Whether you would like to sharpen your number skills or learn everything from the beginning, taking some of the mock tests can help you to improve more. It would not turn you into an excellent mathematician in just one day; however, it will certainly improve your performance to a great extent. It will also prevent you from having too many sleepless nights before the assessment day by rising your accuracy, speed and confidence as well. And you may honestly want a good night’s sleep.
Don’t spend too much time on one question. Get a rough calculation of what proportion of time you have got per question before you begin every check and try maintaining those timings. If it feels that it is getting tough, keep going anyway, keeping in mind the fact that the best and easiest questions are yet to come.

More numeracy test tips

While you are practising for the test, try doing it in the same way in which you’ll be sitting your real numerical reasoning assessment. Take your seat in a quiet surrounding with as less distraction as possible at a table. This will increase your focus and also make silence less intimidating and let you practice more thoroughly.
The numerical reasoning assessment will definitely not kill you but try to figure out the areas that you are getting wrong most of the time and practice those areas thoroughly. Focusing on those problems will help you to improve your overall test.
Thus, following these tips can be really helpful during the day of your numerical reasoning assessment. Do not stress. So, the type of job position you are applying for doesn’t matter, as it can be an investment bank, consultancy firm or the position of a manager, it is compulsory for you to take the numerical reasoning test.

More Aptitude Test Tips

Practice can benefit both the beginner and the more experienced test-taker. There are many psychometric test types for which you may wish to practice. So it’s important to practice on psychometric practice tests which are as close as possible to your actual test format. The specific nature of the tests varies, with verbal and numerical reasoning tests as a common feature. Review the Answer Options Narrowing down the number of answer options is a good strategy. Review the answer options. Mentally remove any that are of the wrong magnitude. Ensure that your answer always remains within the range of the remaining answer options.

Our Aptitude test-taking strategies

If not then you must have the wrong method of calculation and will need to rethink your calculation.
What about ehen your answer is close to one of the answer options? Then you’ve most likely made one (or more!) errors in your calculation.
If you get an answer equal to one of the answer options then don’t assume that it’s the correct answer.

Check Question Context Numerical reasoning questions often involve financial figures or other sales data commonly used at work, such as sales figures. Also, remember your answer needs to be realistic.

So, if you are being asked to total a company’s sales figures try to picture the magnitude of the answer. Familiarise Yourself With All Data Presented Resist diving straight in to answering questions. Review each table and graph that is presented to you. Make sure that you know the range of information sources being made available.

Passing pre-employment tests

How you perform matters. Nearly 90% of companies said they would reject candidates if the test showed them to be deficient in basic skills, according to a survey by the American Management Association.

Companies use pre-employment tests to identify which candidates are most likely to perform well on the job, potentially saving time and cost in the recruitment process and decreasing employee turnover.

Aptitude Tests

Aptitude tests are more general and are used to evaluate an applicant’s ability to learn new skills and indicate how they may react to different situations once hired.

How to do well on numerical reasoning tests

The general advice given is typically that some focussed test practice will improve your score. Unfortunately, there aren’t any quick wins for being good at Maths.

Give your “first response”. Don’t second guess what is being looked for since “faking” and lying are easily picked up.
As a timed test you need to average around one minute per question. Work briskly but accurately.
Each question counts the same so pick off the easy ones first and don’t waste your test time on the most difficult questions.
Practise some of the most common numerical test types at the main test publisher websites. For this reason alone, we strongly advise practising sample questions. For example, from Kenexa-IBM, TalentQ and SHL sites. Always ensure that you are comfortable using data tables, interpreting graphs and manipulating large financial figures.

How to do well on verbal reasoning tests

These come in many different types of format. There is a traditional comprehension format. This is to have a short text passage followed by a series of questions. On facts, opinions, conclusions from the passage content. Remember to:

Carefully read each question. Often questions hinge on 1-2 key words so you must take more care to interpret these accurately.
If questioned whether something “always” applies whilst the passage states that it is “sometimes” the case, then this is a false interpretation.
Scan the passage initially, then to read it in more detail.
Efficiently answer questions. For example, by roughly recalling where to find the answer in the passage.

Introduction to abstract reasoning tests

Abstract reasoning tests ask you to look for the changing pattern(s) in the “pictures”.
Questions become more difficult as you must spot two or three changes in any of the features shown.
Once you know one of the feature changes, check each answer option to discount any in conflict with it.
The easier questions typically at the start of the test, will involve one change in colour, position, size etc of the figures shown.
You can find more detailed advice in our non verbal reasoning test article for City Kids online magazine.

Practice School aptitude Tests

Aptitude test practice

Our Practice Aptitude Test Books

Passing Verbal Reasoning practice test book. This is regularly featured in Amazon’s top ten study guide.
Plus, our Numeracy Test Practice book, which reached Number One when the publisher Pearson offered it for free (throughout the UK’s first 2020 lockdown)
Infact, our Numerical Reasoning Test Practice book reached Number One when the publisher Pearson offered it for free (throughout the UK’s first 2020/21 lockdowns) .

Free Aptitude Test Practice

Firstly, our recommended Literacy test Practice.
Secondly,some useful numeracy test practice. and numeracy test tips.
Thirdly, our popular SHL test practice.
Fourth our critical reasoning test practice / critical thinking skills tests.
Then next our Situational judgement test practice.
And some UCAT test practice 2021.
Then next our Non-verbal reasoning test tips.
And also our English Comprehension tips.
Then next, our Critical Numerical Reasoning Test Practice.
And finally our verbal reasoning test tips.

Manager Verbal Reasoning Test

Most graduate management schemes require some level of verbal reasoning.
Typically, true/False/Cannot Say items.
With 4-5 questions per 1-2 paragraphs of text.
Verbal reasoning test text can be sector-specific.

Graduate Critical Verbal Reasoning Test

– Having critical verbal reasoning is a useful differentiator.
– A critical verbal reasoning test differentiates from the high levels of competition for numerical and verbal reasoning graduate aptitude tests.

– For example, the law entrance format (the LNAT).

Graduate Abstract Reasoning Test

Graduates have a broad range of aptitude.
Abstract reasoning is difficult to practice for.
Abstract reasoning tests are used by the most selective recruiters.

Verbal reasoning test practice for Managerial roles

Most managers will need to use higher levels of verbal reasoning when reading or preparing reports. They need to be able to adapt their spoken and written communication style to the situation, whether addressing their subordinates or customers/ clients. Other company reporting procedures, such as appraisals, also require clearly written documentation.

Senior managers and directors will need to use the highest levels of verbal reasoning skills when analysing company reports, dealing with compliance issues and statutory obligations. Here there is a need for concise and accurate communication.

Verbal reasoning test practice for Customer service roles

Effective oral communication is the key to handling customer queries or sales calls. Talking to customers on the phone or face to face demands a flexible communication style. For example, telesales personnel would be expected to respond differently to a customer who was complaining than to one who was a prospective sale. Persuasive presentation skills also rely upon a solid foundation of verbal reasoning skills.

Verbal reasoning test practice for PA or administrative roles

A PA’s responsibilities typically include written correspondence. For example, letters and emails, which need to use an appropriate tone and level for the intended audience. Administrative roles also need to check written documents. Also, to file these accurately. Plus, to keep on top of plans and procedures that have been agreed orally or in writing.

Verbal reasoning practice tests – Sales roles

Effective oral communication is the key to converting sales call prospects. In particular, sales roles in call centres which require an even more fluent style of communication style.

Aptitude test tips