Aptitude tests are timed, multiple-choice assessments that employers use to compare candidates on a level footing. This guide covers the main types, how they are structured and scored, and how to prepare, with a free full-length test for every format on this site.
The main types of aptitude test
There are many ways to test aptitude. These are the formats employers set most often, and every one links to its free test.
- Numerical reasoning: how quickly and accurately you work with numbers, tables and charts.
- Verbal reasoning: comprehension of written passages, usually as true, false or cannot say questions.
- Diagrammatic reasoning: logical rules applied to sequences of shapes, under strict time pressure.
- Situational judgement: how you would respond to situations met in the workplace.
- E-tray exercise: an in-tray simulation that assesses how well you prioritise a number of tasks.
- Error checking: spotting errors and confirming the correctness of information.
- Personality tests: a series of questions that measure the breadth of personality traits.
- Cognitive ability: a measure of general intelligence that draws on several categories of aptitude.
- Spatial reasoning: mentally manipulating images and shapes.
How the tests are structured
No prior knowledge. Employers assume none, so everyone is treated equally and results are comparable.
Online or on paper. Tests are usually taken online, at a testing centre or at a company’s office.
Multiple choice and timed. Most tests are multiple choice, and you will typically have around 60 seconds per question.
Compared, not marked. Each result is expressed as a percentage and set against every other candidate who took the test.
How aptitude tests are scored
There is no passing score for most aptitude tests. Your result is calculated relative to other people applying for the same or similar roles, which is what lets an employer see how your aptitude compares with the rest of the field.
Occasionally a test uses negative marking, where an incorrect answer takes marks away. Find out whether yours does before you start.
How to prepare
Practise in advance. There is no substitute for it. Try as many questions as you can before your assessment, to learn which question types you tend to get wrong and the kind of response each one needs.
Prepare for the day. Get a good night’s sleep, arrive on time, listen to the instructions and ask if anything is unclear. You will normally be given rough paper for your workings.
Plan your time. Work out roughly how long you have per question before each test starts, and do not get stuck on one question. Try it rather than guess, and come back if there is time at the end.
Taking the test
- Divide your time per question as accurately as you can. It is typically 60 seconds each.
- Give the areas you find hardest the majority of your practice time.
- Do not simply guess. The more you have practised, the easier an educated guess becomes.
- Treat the test as a chance to demonstrate your ability and outcompete the other applicants, not as a chore.
- Your competitors will be fully prepared, so you must be too.
Five practice tips worth remembering
- Practise as many aptitude tests as you can beforehand.
- Note how much time you have and roughly how long to spend on each question.
- If you get stuck, do not let the clock run down. Move on, and pick up the marks on the next question.
- Use a good calculator and be familiar with it. The quicker you are with it, the higher you score.
- Get used to working on paper. A big A4 sheet gives you room for your workings.
