KPMG is a multinational professional services firm. Recognised as one of the Big Four, KPMG provides tax, audit and advisory services worldwide and employs over 200,000 people. Roles at KPMG are highly sought after, and understanding the application process (including the importance of the various assessments) will help you to be more prepared.
KPMG’s current UK graduate process includes two online assessments, a video interview and an in-person Launch Pad. Other programmes have separate guidance, so check the route for your application.
Use the current graduate route below. Apprenticeships and other programmes have their own application guidance.
Skills, reasoning and recorded interview responses
KPMG’s current graduate guide lists two online assessments, a video interview with six questions and an in-person Launch Pad. It suggests about 60 minutes for the assessments, 40 minutes for the video interview and half a day for Launch Pad. Follow the invitation for deadlines and individual task limits.
Process sources checked 11 September 2026 · Your invitation takes priority for role and location details.
Work through the combined effect of headcount and salary increases. This is our independent numerical reasoning practice, not a KPMG assessment item.
Practise with our independent preparation tests, then review the working behind each answer.
There are several routes into employment with KPMG, depending on your level of education and experience.
For those who are looking to learn while they earn, KPMG offers apprenticeships. These are available in Audit, Business Services and with the Digital Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship.
Discovery Work Experience offers an insight into the roles at KPMG for those looking for some direction in their future.
If you are an undergraduate, roles at KPMG might include the One Year Business Placement (as part of your degree), as well as insight and vacation programmes.
The graduate scheme offered by KPMG is the most popular route to employment for potential candidates. You can choose from the following business areas:
If you are already an experienced professional in accounting services that has key competencies, you can apply for roles in the major business areas, or become part of the contractor team.
KPMG publishes a structured application process for its UK graduate programmes. Other programmes have their own guidance.
To start with, you need to fill in an online application form with some basic details about you, your education and your experience.
If your online application is accepted, you will then take a series of online aptitude tests, combining situational judgement tests, numerical tests and verbal tests, as well as behavioural tests. Each online assessment needs to be passed for you to be invited to the next stage, with clearly defined timescales.
The final stage of the process to get your dream job is a full assessment day – known as the Launch Pad – which is currently an in-person event.
Throughout the recruitment process, it is important to bear in mind the 11 Key Behavioural Qualities that KPMG seeks in all its employees, and make sure you are demonstrating them wherever you can. There’s more detail on these at the end of this article.
The online application is much like any other; you need to provide personal details, contact information and your education and experience. Check the current vacancy for its academic and eligibility requirements.
There is space for you to provide details of any mitigating circumstances that might mean you haven’t reached the academic qualifications necessary, and these will be taken into account.
You are also able to record any relevant work experience or previous professional qualifications that might support your application.
The application form is assessed against the entry criteria before any progression through the process. You can only apply once every application cycle (usually once a year).
Be thorough and take your time. Answer accurately and with integrity, so that you can demonstrate your suitability for the role and make it simple for the recruitment team to put you through to the next round.
KPMG’s current graduate process includes two online assessments. The skills assessment presents scenarios and asks candidates to rank how they would think, feel or respond. Use the practice assessment linked from KPMG’s application guide and follow the deadline in your invitation.
For broader preparation, our numerical reasoning practice can help you get comfortable working with business data.
Successful candidates may be invited to record answers to six questions about their skills, experience and career motivations. The current guide suggests allowing about 40 minutes.
The recruiters want to see you answering confidently, looking at the camera rather than notes, and demonstrating your knowledge and opinions clearly.
KPMG describes Launch Pad as an in-person event with activities, assessments and a final interview. Its guide suggests allowing half a day. You will also have the chance to meet colleagues and learn more about the firm.
You can prepare with our assessment centre guide. Use your invitation for the tasks and timings on the day.
Keep these 11 characteristics in mind throughout the recruitment process, and use them to structure your responses:
Career Motivation
Why did you choose to apply for KPMG in particular? What role do you want to perform, in what programme and in what sector? The recruiters want to see that you have done your research, you understand KPMG and the way the business works – and that you want a career with them.
Drive Quality
Employees at KPMG are always expected to achieve exceptional results using their initiative and personal drive – for partners and for customers.
Demonstrate Integrity
All employees are expected to support an ethical environment, value rules and act in accordance with regulations. Decisions need to be made with integrity in mind.
Critical Thinker
You will be given the autonomy to make your own decisions, so it is important that you can critically evaluate and interpret information to drive your next move.
Resilient Performer
Throughout your life, both professionally and personally, you will have challenges that need to be overcome. To be successful at KPMG, it is not about avoiding challenges, but rather how you react to perform at your best.
Leverage Technology
Technology changes quickly, and at KPMG employees are expected to embrace what is new, and be knowledgeable about the latest disruptors.
Communicate Effectively
Passionate and professional communication is at the heart of KPMG. Positive lasting impressions are made with colleagues and customers through effective communication.
Foster Innovation
A career at KPMG is an environment of increasing change, so applicants and employees need to be comfortable with uncertainty and able to be flexible in their approach to new tasks. Innovation and initiative helps change be positive.
Credible Connector
If you thrive on teamwork, know how to build deep relationships and enjoy discussing ideas, then you are a credible communicator – and exactly what KPMG wants to see in their employees.
Show Curiosity
KPMG is a company that wants employees to have the drive to develop. It provides the tools to help you grow in your role; all you need to do is provide the curiosity and willingness to learn.
Purposeful Collaborator
Every single employee has a unique perspective, and the diversity that can be found in thought and experience will deliver great results if collaboration is purposeful.
What candidates ask us most often
The KPMG tests can be challenging as they are designed to measure a variety of skills and aptitudes relevant to the job. However, with thorough preparation and practice, they are very manageable.
The best way to prepare for KPMG tests is through thorough practice and familiarization with the types of questions you’ll face. Practice Aptitude Tests offers a range of practice tests that mimic the actual assessments you’ll encounter.
The recruitment process at KPMG can vary in length, but typically the entire journey from application to offer can take a few months, with assessment days usually occurring between October and December.
KPMG’s core values include integrity, excellence, courage, together, for better. These principles guide how KPMG professionals engage with each other, their clients, and their communities.
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KPMG is a trademark of its respective owner. Practice Aptitude Tests is not affiliated with KPMG and our practice tests are not endorsed by them. Visit KPMG careers.
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