What is a Cappfinity numerical reasoning test?

Sometimes referred to as the Capp Assessment, the Cappfinity numerical reasoning test is used as a pre-employment screening assessment by companies such as Nestle, Aviva and Microsoft, to determine whether your numerical skills are up to scratch.

Focused more on data than mathematical principles, the test will pose a number of questions in table or graph form which are designed to see how well you can analyze the data in front of you to answer questions and form logical conclusions.

There are three different styles of question on the test:

  1. Multiple choice — you select the correct answer from a list of possible options.
  2. Ranked questions — put the answers in a specific order.
  3. Free form questions — write down the answer you believe to be correct, with no prompts.

The test is adaptive, which means the better you perform, the harder your questions will become. This ensures every candidate is working at the right level for them and reaching the heights of their potential.

Unlike most tests, the Cappfinity numerical reasoning test is not timed. However, although the test is not timed, the length of time you take answering each question will be combined with your overall mark (based on how many questions you got right) to form your final score. So it is still important to move through the test at pace.

Example numerical reasoning questions

Here is an example of the kind of question you might see on the Cappfinity numerical reasoning test.

A party of four adults flying from Edinburgh to the Isle of Man and back have decided to take up a promotional offer of 80% off their return flights, and invited one friend along with them. How much of the cost of their airfare has been saved by taking up the offer, despite paying for an extra person, expressed as a percentage of the original fare?

  • a) 16.67%
  • b) 20%
  • c) 22.5%
  • d) 25%
  • e) 33.33%

The correct answer is d) 25%.

Tip 1: Practice

It sounds simple, but it’s essential. Practicing past tests so you’re really familiar with the question style, format and things you need to know is essential. It will help you hone your accuracy, build on your speed and feel much more confident than you would otherwise on the day.

Tip 2: Get used to exam conditions

It’s essential that you practice tests in exam style conditions to get used to it. Make sure you’re in a quiet room free from noise and distractions, don’t look up any answers and keep a clock to hand so you can see how long the test took you.

At the end, review your score and see which areas you need to work harder on. This will help you target your revision so you’re making the best use of your time.

Tip 3: Don’t just sit at your desk

Cappfinity numerical reasoning test

Although taking past Cappfinity tests is the best way to familiarize yourself with the style and format of the questions, there are many ways to vary your revision and have fun while you’re preparing for the big test.

Why not ask a friend to set you a data challenge, find a math-based computer game, try puzzle books out, or incorporate the skills you’re working on into everyday situations like paying a bill. You’ll still be learning, but by varying how you learn you’re likely to reap even more rewards.

Tip 4: Look after yourself

Preparing for an important test can be stressful and tiring, which is why it’s so important to look after yourself. Try to take regular screen breaks, eat a healthy diet, get lots of fresh air and set yourself up for a good night’s sleep.

Practice is important, but so is taking a break. A healthy balance is the best way to achieve success on the Cappfinity test.

Tip 5: Try and ignore the clock

The Cappfinity test is difficult as although it’s not technically timed, you do still need to work through it at pace as your overall timing will form part of your score.

That being said, accuracy is always the most important thing to focus on. So try and ignore the clock and focus on answering the questions correctly. If you’ve put in the required practice and preparation, you’ll have gotten much quicker.

Tip 6: Make an educated guess if you need to

Where it’s a free-form answer or multiple choice, an educated guess is better than leaving a question blank (unless a test is being negatively marked).

To make an educated guess you must first discount any answers you know to be incorrect. Then, look at what you’re left with and read the question again. Can you identify any information that makes the right answer more obvious? Whether you can or not, it’s important to get an answer down before moving on.

Tip 7: Look out for misleading questions

Questions on the Cappfinity test are often worded in a way designed to confuse or trip you up. Which is why reading everything carefully and ensuring you understand what’s being asked of you is so important.

And don’t feel like you can only read the question once. Sometimes, referring back to it a few times can help everything sink in better.

Tip 8: Write things down

Cappfinity numerical reasoning tip

It can be hard to keep lots of information in your head. So don’t be afraid to scribble notes or calculations down if they help you arrive at the correct answer faster.

Doing this can help you, and won’t negatively affect your score.

Tip 9: Get prepared the day before

Avoid last-minute panic that might have a knock-on effect on your test performance and make sure you’re prepared for everything the day before.

This includes laying anything you need out so it’s ready for you, trying to have an early night, and making sure you know exactly where and how you’re taking the test so you’re not late and don’t have any connection issues.

Tip 10: Just do your best

If you’ve followed these top 10 tips and practiced lots, you know you’ve done everything you can to get the best possible score on the Cappfinity test.

If you don’t get the required marks, it might just mean it wasn’t the right opportunity or time for you. But you shouldn’t be discouraged from trying again if you’re able to.