I like how the response is timed and doesn't give you the answers like a real practice test. I wish there were more free pratcice tests though.
BKSB Maths & English Tests
SHL’s Maths and English Tests are tests most often used by employers and recruiters in the UK and Australia. This set of tests is used to assess how strong candidates are in the key areas of maths, English, and information and communication technology.
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Types of questions on the BKSB tests
Initial Assessment
The initial assessment determines each candidate’s strengths in English and maths.
The test is taken online and assesses your core skills as you work through the questions at your own pace.
20 minutes is the average completion time for the test, but there’s no set time limit.
The test marks each candidate as they progress through the questions, and at the end, you’ll be given a score based on how well you’ve done. This will then be used to place you at the correct level for the upcoming diagnostic assessment.
It’s important to prepare as best you can before the test to give yourself the best possible chance of success and to be placed at a level that’s reflective of your skills and strengths.
Diagnostic Assessment
Just as with the initial assessment, the diagnostic assessment is taken online.
It’s not time, which gives you the chance to work through the material at your own pace.
The difficulty level is set by how well you did on the initial assessment. The better your first mark, the more challenging the questions will be. This ensures that candidates are working at the right level for them as they take the BKSB tests.
Once you’ve completed the test, you’ll be given an individual learning plan that shows you how you did on the test, and where your strengths and weaknesses lie. The report is designed to help you improve, and will suggest ways to strengthen certain areas of understanding.
You’ll also be presented with your overall mark.
BKSB Maths Test Format
Maths is considered an essential subject, with most jobs requiring individuals to have reached a certain standard before they’ll be eligible to be hired.
The BKSB maths test is designed to help candidates achieve the marks they need in the subject through an alternative test to the ones offered on the national curriculum.
The basic mathematical principles covered are addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication. As well as more complex topics such as percentages, ratios, fractions, and decimals.
Candidates will also be given questions asking them to showcase their knowledge of numerals and numbers written as words.
The test can be taken online, or on paper, and calculators are not allowed.
As with both the initial assessments, the test isn’t timed. This means you can take your time on each question to feel confident with each answer you give, before moving onto the next one.
There are two possible BKSB maths level tests. One which is below GCSE standard, and one which is the equivalent of GCSE level 1-4.
Unlike with the initial assessments, you won’t get your mark instantly as it’ll either be graded by an examiner at the test center, or an external organization.
BKSB Maths Example Questions
Here is an example of the type of question you may see on the BKSB maths test:
Adam owns a selection of golf balls. 3/8 out of the balls are green, and the rest are white.
What is the ratio of green to white balls?
a) 3:5
b) 3:8
c) 5:8
d) 8:5
The correct answer is: a) 3:5. There are three green balls and five white balls.
BKSB English Test Format
The BKSB English test is designed to assess an individual’s grammar, spelling, sentence structure, and comprehension.
Comprehension is assessed by supplying passages of text and asking candidates to read through them, before answering multiple-choice questions on the passage. As well as your overall reading skills, this section looks at how well you can separate fact from inference.
You’ll also be asked to select misspelled words from a list and given an exercise that examines your overall writing skills.
Just like the other BKSB tests, it’s not timed, which allows you to work through the questions at your own pace and ensure you’re comfortable with the answers you’ve given before you move onto the next question.
At the end of the test, whether you’ve done the test online or on paper, it’ll be taken and marked. You won’t receive your score instantly, but you won’t have too long to wait.
BKSB English Example Questions
Here is an example of the type of question you might see on the BKSB English test.
Which is the correct word to complete the sentence?
The ____________ workers were dirty and tired and expressed their displeasure to the boss.
a) Happy
b) Excited
c) Disgruntled
d) Optimistic
The correct answer is c) Disgruntled. Disgruntled means angry or dissatisfied.
I’ve practiced hundreds of numerical questions and still have plenty more to try.Ellen used Practice Aptitude Tests to prepare for her upcoming interview at HSBC. Start your success story
BKSB Maths & English Tests FAQs
What are BKSB tests used for?
BKSB tests are used to help people get the required marks to be accepted onto a course, apprenticeship, programme, or job.
In the UK, the BKSB can be taken if your GCSE marks aren’t up to the required standards and you need to obtain a different qualification to progress your education or career aspirations.
What happens if I fail a BKSB test?
You technically can’t fail as there isn’t a definitive pass mark. However, you may fail to achieve the results needed to get you onto your desired course or programme. If this happens you can retake the test.
What mark do I need to pass a BKSB test?
There is no set pass mark for the BKSB tests. However, you may be required to achieve certain marks to get on to your preferred course, apprenticeship, or job role.
In this way, it’s up to each candidate to determine the minimum mark they’ll need to achieve.
How difficult are the BKSB tests?
The BKSB tests are designed to be challenging but achievable.
Those who have prepared for the test should be able to achieve marks that they’re proud of, and that help them progress to the next stage of their education or career.
BKSB Maths & English Tests Tips
1Practice past tests
There is no substitute for practicing when it comes to taking a test like the BKSB.
Taking past tests is a really good way to familiarize yourself with the type of questions you might be asked and the way the test runs, and it also helps to build up your confidence and accuracy.
When you take a practice test, always make sure you do so in exam conditions, and that you review your score at the end to see if you have any areas you need to improve on.
2Strengthen your weaker areas
It’s easy to get better at the things you’re already good at. The real challenge is making improvements in your weaker areas.
The best way to assess where any areas of concern are is to take a few practice tests and review your results, and any answers you didn’t get right. You might be able to identify a pattern here, such as not quite understanding ratios, or failing to select the correct spelling more than once.
Once you know the areas you need to work on you can focus more time and energy here. As well as reviewing your understanding and taking more practice tests, you can also ask for support from someone else, devise a study plan, and go back to square one to ensure you understand the basics.
3Make it fun
If you’re struggling to take in some of the subjects you’re revising, or you want a break from working on a screen, think about how you can make learning a bit more interesting.
Certain computer games, sudokus or crosswords, everyday mental maths, and reading challenges set by a friend or family member can help you to learn without even realizing you’re doing it.
4Ask for help
If you’re struggling with any of the subjects covered on the test, or just want advice about the tests in general, make sure you ask for help.
Whether it’s a teacher, friend, or family member, or even someone that’s taken the test before, it can help to get a different perspective and share any worries you may have.
5Take regular breaks
Revising is hard work and the best way to learn is to ensure you have regular breaks and time away from what you’re working on.
Make sure you’re getting plenty of exercise and fresh air, drinking lots of water, and getting the sleep you need to ensure you’re attacking the practice and preparation as best you can. Try scheduling rewards or fun activities too as an incentive to get your work done.
Try BKSB Maths & English Tests for Free
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Numerical Reasoning 01
20 Questions|20 Minutes
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Numerical Reasoning 02
20 Questions|20 Minutes
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Numerical Reasoning 03
20 Questions|20 Minutes
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Reviews of our Numerical Reasoning tests
What our customers say about our Numerical Reasoning tests
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Gabbie Ratajczak
Canada
June 27, 2023
Timed response
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Christian Westermann
Germany
June 21, 2023
Very good tests that will challenge your analytical skills
If you don't look at charts every day this will definitely challenge you. Also very realistic test if you want to prepare for an assessment test for marketers, SEO's, etc.
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Patanjali
India
June 21, 2023
Mindblowing
It was nice experience as i have gone through any such test after a very long break. It is very genuine and calculative. Thanks
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aschinea 288
Spain
June 14, 2023
My ability with maths & statistics
Challenging test, which requires decent ability of reading graphs and it applies to real-world problems.
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Hema Hema
India
June 13, 2023
It was helpful
I liked that the questions were according to interview standards. It allowed me to understand my weakness of time management and I will work towards it.
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Eddie Abasta
United States of America
June 12, 2023
Brush up on your Math
If you are going to take a cognitive math skills test, brush up and be prepared. it's hard to perform calculations when you know you are on a timeline. I would rather take my time and think through the calculations than to rush and risk providing incorrect data!
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Mercy Mlelemba
Malawi
June 12, 2023
So tough
Since it's my first time taking this aptitude I am still finding it difficult but I will get used as I go by!
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Lilian Mburu
Kenya
June 08, 2023
First test
Questions were easy to read but had good twists to help you think and diagrams are well done and legible.
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Musa Mangwani
South Africa
June 08, 2023
Manage your time well
The graphics were interactive and informative but not knowing how many questions you are facing is an obstacle
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Ahmed Al Balushi
Oman
June 06, 2023
Recommended test
The test is great and having plenty of question but there if question type scenarios added would be even better.